Softball fundraiser aims to help Fordyce mass shooting victims and their families | KLRT

FORDYCE, Ark.- Fordyce residents are looking to bring people together for a good cause after a devastating mass shooting last Friday.

“You kind of think about every tragedy, whether it's minor or major, Fordyce always comes together to support each other,” Cassidy Kelly said.

After a mass shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store on Friday, the town of Fordyce needed something to give it hope.

Fordyce residents Cassidy Kelly and Kevin Archer are collaborating to create a co-ed softball tournament for adults to honor and help the victims' families and survivors. The tournament will take place on July 20.

“Proceeds from this tournament will go to FBT (Fordyce Bank & Trust), the fund they created for the families and victims,” Archer said.

Many spend long hours at the Fordyce ballfields watching their children, friends and family play ball. This is what sparked the idea for Kelly and Archer. They both coached and played ball and now play on a co-ed softball team.

Bobby McGehee is helping them in the tournament and said he never imagined a mass shooting would impact the town he grew up in.

McGhee grew up in Fordyce and never imagined a mass shooting would affect his hometown.

“There aren’t really any words that can really be put to the events of Friday,” McGhee said. “What happened on Friday was, you know, senseless and selfish.”

McGhee said no one can set a timetable for grieving, but he hopes this tournament can provide an evening where people can come out, feel safe and ease their minds, with each swing helping to heal the town of Fordyce.

“There will be a lot of security and it will be a family event,” Archer said.

Those interested in registering for the tournament are asked to form a team and contact Cassidy Kelly at 870-687-1026 or Kevin Archer at 870-250-0312. The registration fee is $225 per team. All players must be over 16 years old.

You will find more information about the tournament in a Facebook post made by Kelly.