Hannah's benefit a smashing success
September 7, 2009 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release
Hannah Johnson and her family enjoyed an unforgettable night at City Stadium Sunday. Johnson, the 6-year-old daughter of Hillcats head groundskeeper/director of sales Darren Johnson, was diagnosed with leukemia in January. A benefit hosted by the Hillcats and the team's booster club on Sunday raised over $8,000 for Hannah's medical treatment.
With her father at her side, Johnson tossed out the first pitch prior to Sunday's Lynchburg-Salem game. Hannah's mother Suzanne and brother Trent were also on hand to support her along with numerous friends and family members.
"It was just tremendous (Sunday) night to see her excited and the smile on her face," Darren Johnson said.
Fans in attendance at Sunday's game bid on a wide variety of sports memorabilia items in a silent auction. The auction generated $1,500 and the sale of raffle tickets by the Booster Club netted $2,125. Numerous private contributions to the Hillcats accounted for an additional $4,250 and the Hillcats Booster Club also received private contributions, which are expected to boost the total above the $8,000 threshold.
"It just means a lot to us that people are helping us in so many different ways," said Darren Johnson. " Ever since we found out, our friends, our family, people from our church and the booster club have all helped out. Every need you can think of has been met."
Hillcats general manager Paul Sunwall was pleased with the outpouring of support from the team's fans and the Lynchburg community.
"The Lynchburg Hillcats are extremely grateful for the tremendous support shown in our efforts to raise funds for The Hannah Johnson Fund," said Sunwall. "We would like to thank everyone who contributed auction items, those who bid and won the auction items, and those who made cash donations."
Carolina League Stories from September 7, 2009
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- Morel powers Dash past Pelicans in regular season finale - Winston-Salem Dash
- Red Sox clinch playoff berth, Game 3 to be held in Salem Friday - Salem Red Sox
- Hannah's benefit a smashing success - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Salem tops Cats in series finale - Lynchburg Hillcats
- P-Nats Plate Eight Late to K.O. K-Tribe - Potomac Nationals
- Rocks Close Regular Season in Style with Win - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- K-Tribe Season Comes To An End With a 9-4 Loss at Potomac - Kinston Indians
- Keys Shutout in Finale - Frederick Keys
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
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