NILES, Ohio – Robert Lucarell, a Brookfield resident living with Crohn’s disease, is the force behind the inaugural Rallying for Robert Celebrity Softball Game, set for Aug. 16 at Eastwood Field.
The event, created to raise awareness and support for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, began with a personal logo and evolved into a large-scale fundraiser.
Local boxing legends Kelly Pavlik and Ray Mancini will serve as celebrity team managers, lending their support to the cause. Pavlik described Lucarell as “a fighter” and emphasized the importance of raising awareness.
Lucarell said the event is not just about him, but about helping others living with inflammatory bowel disease.
The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will include appearances by local celebrities, community members and individuals living with IBD. A Mahoning Valley Scrappers game against the State College Spikes will follow at 7:05 p.m., and a live performance by the Youngstown-based pop/rock band Potentia will round out the evening.
Tickets can be purchased at MVScrappers.com.