Softball tourney in Florence rescheduled for May

The Eighth Annual Michelle Gallagher Co-Ed Softball Tournament  has been rescheduled for May after adverse field conditions due to  weather caused the event to be postponed on March 16.

The tournament will now take place on Saturday, May 4. It is set to be held at Heritage Park, 600 N. Main St.

Due to the change, the tournament has extended its registration, allowing more teams to play. Registration will close at midnight on Friday, April 26. The fee is $225.  To register, email Cathy Santos  at catgthang01@yahoo.com.

The tournament is hosted by the nonprofit Michelle Gallagher Memorial Foundation, which raises thousands of dollars each year in scholarships for young athletes. In 2023,  the foundation donated $3,000 to the town on Florence to support youth scholarships and cover recreation costs for Florence youngsters under age 18. The tournament will benefit the foundation.

Gallagher was a Florence native who died in 2014. She spent her career working at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office but also took time to coach Little League for 10 years and was an All Stars coach for six years. She also coached the Florence High School junior varsity basketball team with her sister.

Tournament attendees  will be able to purchase raffle tickets to win prizes that include a Samsung 55-inch Smart TV, XBOX Series S, a Samsung Galaxy tablet, Grizzly Ice Chest, kids electric scooter, and more. Tickets cost $5 each or three for $10.

A  balloon release in honor of Gallagher is scheduled, as well.

Those interested in purchasing raffle tickets can contact Denise Smith at 480-213-8350.