The game was kickball, not baseball, but it was still a hit for Rosewood Services Inc. More than 80 staff, clients, volunteers and fans participated in the evening event June 17, held at Great Bend Middle School. The inaugural event focuses on camaraderie through competition, and was organized by Rosewood employees Amanda Fellers and Erika Julian, explained Activity Coordinator Jennifer Stoddard.
"We started residential teams a few months ago," Stoddard said. "All through the departments we have been having contests since that time to help with team building and camaraderie. We’ve had contests in attendance and creative fund raisers to name a few."
For the kickball tourney, three residential managers each put together a team comprising their own staff and clients. Andrea Ehrlich, Heidi Freeman, and Mallory Osuwah all fielded a team of around 20 players. Team Andrea headed the Residential Rockers, Team Heidi managed the Rare Jewel, and Team Mallory led Mal’s Gals. Each team decorated their own shirts for the evening, adding to the festive competition.
On the field, the Residential Rockers were the winners, capturing both of their games in the round robin event. Rare Jewel went 1-1 on the night, winning a close contest with Mal’s Gals, which was decided by two runs. Each game lasted 35 minutes.
While each team showed an obvious desire to win the competition, the atmosphere for the nearly 60 competitors and others involved and in attendance was more about having fun. There were many shared laughs and many high fives that kept coming all evening long.
Awards were given at the end of the evening with three team awards and three individual awards. Best Team Spirit went to the Residential Rockers and Best Team Participation went to the Rare Jewels. Mal’s Gals won the Best Team Uniform.
Individually, Josh Trimmer won the Client MVP award with Evelyn Kasper captured the Staff MVP. Best leader was awarded to Charles Bortz.
In addition to the many competitors a handful of others aided in the event. Umpiring the contest was a pair of volunteers in Rick Julian and Josh Fellers. The duo shared many light moments with the competitors throughout the evening.
Five judges from Rosewood collaborated to determine the award winners and were also very active throughout the event with the teams. The judges were Stoddard, Activities Coordinator; Amanda Fellers, Director of Residential Services; Erika Julian, Senior Manager; Melonie Myers, Director of Human Resources; and Anna Hammond, Assistant Director of Human Resources.
Also in attendance were around 20 fans and family members to help make the evening a huge success. Stoddard said the event would become an annual affair.
"Everyone had a blast and it was amazing to see how well everyone worked together to have a great time," Stoddard said. "It’s true that if you’re going to work hard you’ve got to play hard, too."
