Battle of the Badges Benefit for Pacific Cancer Foundation

Go Pink 2015 players. Image courtesy Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.

Members of the Maui Police Department, Maui Fire Department, and state Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting, will face off in a long awaited re-match softball tournament to benefit the Pacific Cancer Foundation on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the game starts at 6 p.m. at the Ichiro Iron Meahara Baseball Stadium in Wailuku.

There will be a selection of local food vendors on hand during the event.

Entry is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 12 and under, and FREE if you show up with your 2016 pink MPD, MFD, ARFF, or County of Maui Pinktober T-shirt.

Battle of the Badges 2016 event flyer.

Last year the firefighters from MFD and state ARFF won the game, but organizers say the MPD is ready to make a run for home with the winning trophy.

“We would like to congratulate the firefighters in advance on this year’s game, coming in second isn’t so bad,” Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said jokingly. On a more serious note he said, “We would like to encourage all families to come and join the fun for this important cause. We need events like these to keep our Maui ʻohana strong. This would be a great opportunity for visitors too, to see our true community, and how we come together as one.”

The Maui Fire Department, Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting, and the Maui Police Department have each designed special logos and are printing Pinktober T-shirts while engaging in a friendly competition to see which department can sell the most shirts to benefit the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

T-shirts are available for purchase for $20 at local fire houses, the airport, Maui Police Department and the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

The shirts will also be available at the entrance to the game. If you show up with this year’s MFD, MPD, or ARFF T-shirt, you can get into the game for FREE and support a great cause. Proceeds from all T-shirt sales directly support Maui’s cancer community.

“Last year we got lucky, and we hope to continue that luck this year,” said Maui Fire Chief Jeff Murray with a smile. “We are ready to play some real ball this year,” said Chief Murray with a laugh. “It really is good fun, and we love getting on the field with MPD. We are all one team for the Pacific Cancer Foundation.”

PCF provides several needed support services in Maui County, such as patient navigation, nutritional support, transportation, wellness classes, and support groups for the entire family.  “There is such a great need for what we offer. We want to be able to reach all of our Maui community when they need us,” said Nancy LaJoy, Executive Director of Pacific Cancer Foundation, “This event really helps get the word out that we are here to help, and the funds go directly to help families who have been touched by cancer. We are so grateful.”

For more information, contact the Pacific Cancer Foundation at (808) 242-7661 or visit their website. The Pacific Cancer Foundation is a 501-C- 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access, knowledge and support to all those whose lives have been touched by cancer in Maui County. All services are provided free of charge and all funds raised stay right here in Maui County.