Poway Heroes softball game returns on Friday night

The 11th annual Poway Heroes Softball Game is returning on Friday evening with some new additions to the lineup.

The deputies at the Poway Sheriff’s Station will be joining the game for the first time, in addition to the Poway firefighters who have participated since the game’s inception, according to Tony Rubino, who is organizing the event.

Rubino is president of the North County Special Needs Foundation and coaches the Poway Padres, a Special Olympics softball team. The Poway Padres won gold medals at a recent tournament in Perris and silver medals during the Special Olympics Regional Tournament in Rancho Bernardo this past Saturday.

Joining the Poway Padres, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies on the field at Poway Sportsplex USA will be San Diego Team 18U Vargas, a local girls travel softball team with members who attend Poway High, Rubino said. Umpiring the game will be Poway Mayor Steve Vaus and members of the City Council.

“The theme this year is ‘Bringing the community together,’” Rubino said.

He added that the game is “so much fun” and that momentum has grown over the years due to community support.

Friday’s game will start at 7 p.m., with pre-game ceremonies set for 6:40 p.m. Tickets sold at the gate are $3, which can be redeemed for $3 in concession items during the game. Sportsplex USA Poway is at 12349 Mclevers Court.

Since this is a fundraiser benefiting the Poway Padres and San Diego Team 18U Vargas, there will also be opportunity drawings and a silent auction.

People do not need to be present at the game to win something in the opportunity drawing, Rubino said. For a $20 donation, green drawing ticket buyers have the option for a three-night stay at a mountain lakefront home on Metcalf Bay for up to seven guests valued at $2,800.

Those who opt for their $20 to go toward a gold ticket can choose the destination for their two-night Grand Getaway stay through Grand Pacific Resorts. The prize is valued at $1,000.

They can also opt for their $20 to be for five tickets in the gift card and lotto basket (valued at over $485) or five tickets toward the Taste of Poway basket (gift cards to local Poway businesses) valued at $562.

Those not attending the game can buy their drawing tickets by contacting John and Lisa Lingham at The Original Pancake House, 14905 Pomerado Road in Poway. They can be purchased via cash or Venmo. For the Venmo option, send money to @john-lingham. His last four digits are 5554. Ticket buyers need to specify which opportunity drawings they are entering.

As for the silent auction, which closes at 8 p.m., up for bid is a personalized autographed Hank Aaron Louisville Slugger that is valued at $2,000. The starting bid is $750 and bids will be accepted in $100 increments.