YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The fifth annual Justin R. House Memorial Softball Tournament went to bat for the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
Friends and family of Justin R. House presented a check for $8,000 to the rescue mission Sept. 25. The funds were raised during the softball tournament, which was held July 12 in Liberty Township.
The tournament honors the life and legacy of House, a former firefighter and U.S. airman whose life was lost to suicide. What began as a way to remember House has grown into a community event that supports mental health awareness and local organizations.
Partial proceeds from the tournament benefit the rescue mission, which provides shelter, meals and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness. The event also supports Stop Soldier Suicide, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing military suicide.
“I am so thankful for this partnership with Justin’s family and friends on so many levels,” said Crystal Eckman, mission ambassador at the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. “They all have such kind hearts and are so giving of themselves for the sake of Justin and those in need here in the community. It is an honor to walk alongside them and see their kindness and how hard they work and how the community supports them. It is amazing.”
Pictured at top: Lou Rivera, Amanda Bryant, Michael Bryant and Justin House’s parents, Teresa and Robert House.