McVicker tournament raises over $5,000 for Jessica Scharp

Brandon’s Buds team.

SCOTTVILLE — The fourth annual Pay it Forward Brandon McVicker Softball Tournament was held over the weekend at MacPhail Field. This year, the tournament raised over $5,000 to help Jessica Scharp.

“A young lady who is a hero in my eyes,” said Bobbi McVicker, mother of Brandon McVicker, whom the tournament is named after. “She was there comforting and supporting me when I was going through cancer myself.  Jessica is battling her second time with cancer.  She has done many fundraisers herself for cancer.  She just walked in September for breast cancer.  And she helps run the Stomp of Cancer in the winter.”

Jessica and Max Scharp

Brandon McVicker died of cancer four years ago.

“Four years ago we were starting our stay at Spectrum hospital in Grand Rapids,” Bobbi said. “Our outcome was not as we had prayed for.  We learned during that time what true love and support really was.  An amazing community, friends and family stepped up and helped us through a very difficult time.  

“Thank you just doesn’t seem to say it enough how much we appreciate all the help, from the donations to the teams playing.  As we started the first game off and continued to play through the day, we asked the players and the spectators to remember that probably everyone one there had been touched by cancer.  It’s not about whose name gets on the trophy it is about working together and paying it forward.  I know that Brandon would have been right there playing with us.”

Funds can still be donated to Jessica at:

www.gofundme.com/jessicascharp.

“The tournament is achieved by many hands,” Bobbi said. “We do have such an amazing community.  From food donations, to raffle items, a yard sale, home run derby, 50/50 raffle, bake sale, and t-shirts.  Ten teams played for us.  And Lakeshore Farms was our winner.  We will be doing this again next year as we have been able to do it the same weekend every year so far.  We are so touched by the support of our friends, family and community.  A huge thank you to everyone who helped raises this money for Jessica this year.”