Now
in our 63rd year the King & His Court and NABCA
in preparation for the 2009 Stars & Stripes - Come Home Safe
Tour are bringing together like-minded organizations who will
join with us to help bring a positive, community based, family
oriented event to American’s and their families in selected
markets across the country. The tour, commencing summer, 2009
will travel to selected communities large and small and end with
travels planned to benefit our troops overseas.
Outfitted in the trademark red, white and blue uniforms, and still
taking the field as a 4-man team; pitcher, catcher, first baseman
and shortstop, the King and His Court, which remain America’s
#1 family softball entertainment will thrill crowds with stunt
pitches, feats of athletic talent and crowd pleasing comedic routines
that stir laughter from young and old. Playing local all-star
teams of dignitaries, firefighters, police, radio and television
personalities even the high school baseball coach (they’ll
go easy on him), the event is one that will remain as a conversation
highlight throughout the communities for months to follow.
A “Salute to the Troops” segment
including the We Want You Safe At Home banner will precede
each game including honor guard, recognitions and presentations
to veterans and active service, families of those serving, wives,
husbands, sons and daughters mothers and fathers. All will be
honored at this very special time with recognitions to and from
military commanders, political representatives and other local
dignitaries. Local military veterans will be chosen and recognized
as honorary KHC team co-captains. Patriotic music will be part
of each games opening ceremonies with the goal to incorporate
local children as part of a special patriotic musical salute.
Our troops will be home soon and we must help them heal the wounds
of war, some will be visible and some will reside within their
thoughts and emotions. The tour will help to let all involved
know that we appreciate the sacrifices all have given –
both those serving abroad and the families left behind.
The “We Want You Safe At Home” banner
began appropriately enough on the 4th of July 2007 at a King &
His Court benefit game in the Detroit area. The original 5’
by 7’ banner was made available to fans to sign and throughout
its travels included messages from athletes and Hollywood celebrities.
It was then sent to Iraq with Operation Gratitude’s 250,00th
care package. That original banner now hangs in Al Faz Palace
Saddam Hussein’s’ former residence. During tour hiatus
periods, the banners traveled to softball venues in Southern California
and most notably to the US Marine Corps Annual Boot Camp Day in
San Diego. The remaining two original banners were presented during
Operation Gratitude’s 300,000th care package ceremonies
on December 15, 2007. Both banners were shipped and have been
presented to the troops serving in Iraq.
This year’s benefit tour will incorporate an expanded “We
Want You Safe At Home” banner campaign that will also
include a searchable database and website (www.comehomesafe.org)
for ease in finding locations of signatures and dedications for
our service men and women.
The Eddie Feigner Commitment to Excellence Award
is also a very important part of our tour, not everyone has the
calling to serve their country in the military some offer their
service by dedicating their lives to helping others. We want to
recognize the volunteer efforts of individuals in tour stop communities
and to let them know that their support is greatly needed and
appreciated. Eddie Feigner, the King & His Court founder was
a passionate supporter of those who gave of their time and talents
to helping others and it is with this continued vision that the
Eddie Feigner Commitment to Excellence award will be presented
to a deserving individual in each tour stop community who has
touched the lives of individuals by their dedication to helping
make a difference.
During an intermission of each game and from home plate a presentation
will be made to each community award winner who will be presented
the Eddie Feigner Commitment to Excellence Award plaque. A listing
of each recipient will be posted on the King & His Court website.
Youth Pitching & Hitting Clinics by the
King & His Court have been conducted over 2,947 pitching and
hitting clinics for boys and girls around the globe. For many
around the world who have participated in the clinics and attended
the games it was life impacting. The opportunity to rub shoulders
with celebrity athletes, to gain grounded advice on bettering
themselves athletically and to participate in a positive learning
experience has been the summer highlights for tens of thousands
of boys and girls. In keeping with this year’s tour theme
of showing our support to the families of those serving our country
a special invitation will be extended to all boys and girls whose
parents are currently serving our country to attend the clinics
and the following benefit game by the King & His Court as
our special guests.
VIP Meet & Greet & Special Community Appearances
will also be a part of every tour stop. From visiting with sick
children in local hospitals and sharing an autographed ball or
cap to a special after game meet and greet for all in attendance
where autographs, photos and special stories can be shared. The
give back factor by the team and support staff will be a strong
part of each tour stop.
If you would like to submit your community for consideration for
a tour stop with the 2009 Stars & Stripes – Come Home
Safe tour please email tour2009@kingandhiscourt.org.
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