Range Resources and City Mission Hit a Homerun On a warm summer evening in late July, two softball teams took to the field in North Strabane Park. One team wore navy, the other light gray. The level of experience on both teams varied. Each was stacked with a few big hitters, and a few great fielders along with several players who hadn't touched a bat or glove in years. But what some may have lacked in skill, they made up for in heart-as Range Resources employees took on the City Mission Sluggers in a game that ultimately led to a win neither team was expecting. President and CEO of City Mission Dean Gartland has devotecd decades of his life to helping the homeless. He was on the field that night to cheer for both teams. "Our residents loved being able to get out and participate in something like this, and it was a real demonstration of Range's commitment to the community. This was a powerful event for our residents." As Gartland explains it, the men and women who seek shelter and support at the City Mission are homeless. "Some have been referred to us from various drug and alcohol treatment centers, some hav been staying with friends but now have no place to go, others have literally been living on the streets.Their stories differ, but what they all have in common when they get to City Mission is a need for shelter, safety, and an opportunity to turn their lives around." Range Resources employees take on the City Mission Sluggers in a charity softball game at North Strabane Park food Gartland says an event like the softball game becomes part of that opportunity."When you have a company like Range Resources put together an event like this, it's incredibly important. Our residents are people who have often q die, whether I make it or don't? And something as simple as this o even cares if I live or softball game was a real demonstration to them that people do care The employees of Range Resources care. They showed our residents that they do matter to the communit George is a resident at the Mission who says the game taught him something new about himself. "lt meant a lot to me. 'm a recovering addict, and I didn't know l could have fun being sober. But I reallyfrom City Mission in that way. So much so that became equals, and life's hardships were set enjoyed the game, and it helped me realize that I truly can have fun a number of our employees stayed after the without using a chemical. aside for a few simple hours where the only sounds that mattered were the crack of a bat meeting ball, the thwack of a ball meeting glove,the good-natured ribbing of a friendhy competition, cheers from the stands, and the slap of high-fives amid murmured "goocd games" as the evening came to an end. official game was over, and kept playing with the residents! They were there until it got dark out. And I think that's pretty special and hopes the community Brian also played for the City Mission. can learn from his team. There are a lot of preconceived notions .They just kept playing about who a homeless person is. We wanted to show the team from Range Resources who we are and how we all come together to form Washington County Commissioner Diana an eclectic family. Because that's what makes City Mission so special Irey Vaughan was also at the game."I was We're a family. The residents have been walking up to honored to be asked to throw the first pitch. Range is a generous corporate neighbor who isethanking me for letting them play." says choosing to invest in a non-profit that is having a huge impact on our community, they have a 69% success rate. Range and the City Mission are both examples of excellence in their fields! the money and made it happen.And we are so Laural Ziemba played on the Range team, and helped to organize the softball game. "City Mission is a really special organization. We Gartland. "And I keep saying, thank Range Resources. They're the ones that came up with the idea, set it all up. got the shirts, raised spent time with them last Thanksgiving as Range empl volunteered to serve meals there. After that experience, we wanted to do something more. thankful to Range Resources for giving us this Like other Range employees on the field that night, Ziemba says she felt inspired after the game.There's something special about The official game ended with a score of 14-8. with the team from Range racking up the most being on a ballfield in the summer. It's quintessential Americana, anruns. But the win wasn't found in the score, raised as a result of the event. The win was on the field, where two very different teams Sponsored content brought or even in the check for over $5,500 in fund I think it takes you back to your childhood.And for the two hours or so that you're on the field, you can put any troubles you have aside, and just play ball. We were so glad to connect with the team Range Resources