A fun-filled event raised some serious money for the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday.

The 10th annual Franklin Township Girls Old Timers Softball Game was held at Christman Field and raised $3,376, which will be utilized by the fire company toward a new pumper that the fire company has ordered.

Although labeled “Old Timers,” the game consisted of two teams of girls ranging in age from late teen to ladies in their 30s. The participants were divided into two teams, “home” and “away.”

There were no specific distinctions regarding team inclusion, with friends becoming rivals by being on the opposite teams.

During the game there was a little bit of smack talk but always accompanied with a laugh. There was a sense of competitiveness but also consideration. There was a lot of laughter.

But at the end, there seemed to be some good-natured confusion over the score with both teams declaring victory.

Home plate umpire Jim Snyder settled it, saying, “There was only one winner today and that was the fire company.”

The Old Timers Game is organized by a group of five coaches and former coaches of softball in Franklin Township, with no affiliation to any organization.

The organizers are Donald Rehrig, Jeff Smith, Ted Garrison, Tiffany Snyder and Krista Rehrig.

Rehrig said every year a different organization is selected to receive the proceeds. He said the money raised on Saturday brings the 10-year total raised by the Old Timers Games is $27,711.

Franklin Township Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Lilly, who is nearing his 50th year with the Franklin Township Fire Company, said the money will go towards buying $1.3 million, Rosenbauer pumper. He said the fire company anticipates delivery of the pumper in early 2026.

Lilly was afforded the honors of throwing out the first pitch.

Fire Chief Lynn Diehl, a member of the fire company since 1977, was also on hand.

The fire company had a firetruck on the premises and members assisted with a Chinese auction and manning the refreshment stand.

Members of the “home” softball team were Alexis Amari, Maggie Pagotto, Sam Haberman, Krista Rehrig, Dezarae Ahner, Lisa Schaeffer, Addison Chavanic, Ashley Helmer, Kaitlin Beers and Amanda Loudon,

“Away” team members were Shana Gibson, Lauren Brown, Kristy Spairana, Tiffany Snyder, Jill Shellhammer, Angie Stehle, Ashley Kosciolek, Brandy Christiansen and Sara Yeager.

The game began with the “home” team taking a big lead thanks in part to an early two-run triple by Chavanic. Later, in the second inning, Loudon sent a three-run homer over the center field fence.

There was one other home run hit in the game.

Eventually the “away” team battled back.

Rehrig praised everyone involved in the game, saying it appears everybody had “a good time.” He said several participants told him they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

There was also “a great turnout” of spectators, Rehrig said. “And this all came together in one day,” although the committee began planning it in March.

“We have a good time with it,” Rehrig said of the Old Timers Game. “We had new girls come out who never played before.” Of course, there also were plenty of veteran players.

Adding to the success was the ideal weather with temperatures in the upper 70s under mostly sunny skies.

Besides Smith, another umpire was Brian Kurtz.

Damian Walck sang the national anthem.

Cliff Eckhart of the Blue Mountain Community Church offered the opening prayer.