The Palestine Herald, Palestine, Texas

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August 2, 2012

Softball tournament to benefit injured deputy

By JUSTIN RAINS Palestine Herald-Press

PALESTINE — In his job, Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Lawrence gave back to his community. In his time of need, that same community continues to give back to him.

Less than a month after raising more than $2,000 through a benefit at Mazzio’s, friends of Lawrence are once again trying to raise money for his medical bills, this time with a benefit softball tournament set for Saturday at the Palestine Youth Athletic Association (PYAA) complex.

“(The sheriff’s department) takes care of us, (so) it’s just fitting to give back to them,” said Sergio Jimenez, who is organizing the tournament. “It’d be unfair for them to put their lives on the line and us not give back.”

Lawrence suffered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, broken jaw and cracked pelvis, in a June 2 wreck on U.S. 287 South, just inside the Palestine city limits.

After spending several weeks in a Tyler hospital following the wreck, Lawrence spent a week in a Houston rehabilitation facility and another two at a rehab facility in Tyler before coming home.

The 12-team softball tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the PYAA complex, with Lawrence set to throw out the event’s first pitch.

Jimenez said Lawrence is expected to stay at the event for as long as he can Saturday.

Organizers have already raised $1,200 with the registration of the tournament’s 12 t teams, including squads from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Walmart distribution center, a local softball league at the Y and more.

Water — which has been donated by both Walmart and Kim’s Convenience stores — will be on sale as well at the event, with all proceeds going to Lawrence and his family.

Jimenez said organizers are still trying to round up donations for the concession stands, and he was expecting to talk to local churches this week.

The goal for Saturday, Jimenez said, is to top the $2,735 raised last month during the Mazzio’s benefit.

“We’re trying to top that,” Jimenez said.

A benefit concert, called “Rock for Hunter” also is currently being organized. The concert is set for Aug. 18 at the Palestine Civic Center, with the bands Red Letter, Adrenaline and Alex Smith and the Bigsbys already confirmed to play.

Backseat Molly also was asked to play, but it is unknown if it can after most of the band’s equipment was stolen recently at a show.

For more information on either benefit for Lawrence, contact Jimenez at 903-948-2926.

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