Last minute gift takes Special Olympics benefit over $60,000

A last minute gift from a man in the bleachers watching Sunday's close of the fourth annual Special Olympics benefit softball tournament took the money raised from the weekend girls' fast-pitch softball tournament to over $60,000.

Tournament founder Bill Asbury announced that at the end of the day tournament sponsorships, registration fees, concessions, shirt sales and raffles had raised $59,543 by tournament's end.

So close to $60,000 a man whose name was not immediately available told Asbury he would write a chick for $457 to make up the difference.

Asbury said the president of the Illinois Special Olympics asked him what the association could contribute to next year's event. Asbury suggested big screen projector to post messages, schedules, advisories and "thank you" on.

The president said it would be in place for next year's tournament.

Teams want to return for the 2014 tournament and plans are already being formulated for next year.

Asbury extended his profound appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors and participants for a successful tournament.