Community Corner

Softball Tournament Fundraiser for Murrays Nets $5K

Organizers aim to host another softball fundraiser in Rohnert Park this September, and annually after that to help raise money to light the crosswalk where Calli Murray, 2, was killed Dec. 1.

While the city of Rohnert Park has contended that the crosswalk at the intersection of City Center Drive and Medical Center Way , and recently made including striping in new crosswalks where Calli Murray by a driver texting and driving — a band of Rohnert Park citizens is vying to make the intersection even safer, and soon.

Danielle Chamberlain and Darrel Cattani, whose softball tournament and fundraiser at Magnolia Park netted $5,000 Saturday for the Murray family, said their goal is to make the softball tournament an annual event.

"We want to host a co-ed tournament this September, and repeat it every year," Cattani said. "Our goal is to raise enough money to put a lit crosswalk out there — there's been so much demand."

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A reported that at least 75 pedestrian crossings or intersections citywide require safety improvements.

Chamberlain and Cattani didn't know what they were getting into three months ago, when they decided to start raising money and getting sponsorships from area businesses in an attempt to raise money for the Murray family. But, two months in, more people started donating, and the idea grew.

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"The volunteers and donors were so amazing," Chamberlain said Saturday. "We couldn't have done it without them — some of the people we didn't even know, they just showed up to help or donated without being asked."

Cattani and Chamberlain, who didn't know the Murrays when they decided to organize the fundraiser, said just getting to know Jeff and Ling, and seeing their reaction to the event, was enough.

"Initially when we were thinking about starting the tournament, we were thinking more if we made a certain amount of money it would be a success," Cattani and Chamberlain said. "But after talking with Jeff Murray over the last few months, having that friendship and all the people, different companies and sponsors give made this happen. Even if we didn’t make money at all, it would have been a success."

Ten teams competed Saturday at Magnolia Park in Rohnert Park for the Murray fundraiser. 

West Sonoma County, or WSC, placed first; the Outlaws from Lake County placed second and Mancave Mafia from San Mateo came in third.

Cattani and Chamberlain have set up a Facebook page via Paypal to donate to the Murrays. Click here for more information. If you're interested in donating or helping out in another way, contact the fundraisers by calling 707-478-0665 or 707-349-0836. Questions? Email Angela Hart at angela.hart@patch.com or call 707-239-9418.

Stay tuned to Rohnert Park Patch for updates on ongoing community events. We believe it's the people who give and serve who make the biggest difference! At Patch, we're so committed to giving back, that reporters even volunteer in our communities. Have a fundraiser or good cause that needs help? Shout it out in the comments below, we promise we'll listen.

Sponsors include: The Rohnert Park Public Safety Officer's Association, Altec Industries, Ledson Winery and Vineyards, Play It Again Sports, the Press Democrat, Rohnert Park Patch, Porter Street Barbecue, Ace Shirt and Cap Printing, the San Francisco Giants, the Golden State Warriors, ManCave Memorabilia, Merus Winery, Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc., Double Decker Lanes, Lucky's, Costco, Kodiac Jacks Restaurant & Bar, Safeway, Lagunitas Brewery Company, Bella Mia Handbags, Sift Cupcake and Dessert Bar, Ulia's Delicatessen, Grocery Outlet, Raley's, Round Table Pizza, Jubilee Jumps and Ohh La Loft.


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