Chapel Hill Review

Members of the North Carolina baseball, softball, and men's and women's lacrosse teams gathered at Kenan Stadium on Tuesday night for the fourth annual "Lax Ball Heel-O-Ween" fundraiser. The event aimed to raise funds for the UNC Children's Hospital.

Over its four-year history, the event has raised more than $10,000 for UNC Children's. It also provides local children with an opportunity to dress up and trick-or-treat around the stadium with student-athletes who are not participating in the game.

This year marked a change in venue as the game was held at Kenan Stadium for the first time. Previously, it had been played at Boshamer Stadium and Anderson Stadium.

"We started this four years ago and my vision was just this, for student-athletes to be a part of something special," said men's lacrosse head coach Joe Breschi. "It's a really cool opportunity for us to do some giving while getting to enjoy some time together."

The event featured a hybrid game called "Lax Ball," combining elements of baseball and softball. One team consisted of players from the softball and men's lacrosse teams, while players from women's lacrosse and baseball formed the other team. The softball and men's lacrosse team won 13-4, thanks to impressive performances by both athletes and costumed kids.

"It's an awesome event and we love getting to be a part of it every year," said junior pitcher Kyle Percival from the baseball team. "We all know someone who has been affected by cancer so any chance we have to help out is great."

Dr. Patrick Thompson, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at UNC, addressed how funds raised would benefit patients at UNC Children's Hospital. He expressed gratitude towards all student-athletes involved.

"I just want to say thank you," Dr. Thompson told attendees. "I'm just grateful for everything you do... You touch our patients in a way that I can't and provide healing in a way that we can't."

For those unable to attend but interested in contributing, donations can still be made online.