OKLAHOMA CITY – The Mid-America Christian University softball team and Campus Activities Board will host a "Home Run Derby" fundraising event, with proceeds to benefit the families of the four North Central Texas College softball players who lost their lives in the tragic accident on September 26.

On behalf of the MACU softball team, Seniors Kenna McCoy and Jackie Hilterbran and Juniors Tiffany Holt and Taylor Green released a joint statement emphasizing the importance of reaching out.

"We empathize with the victims' families and all of the North Central Texas College community. As a team, we felt that we needed to ban together our softball community, collaborate efforts and help these families in their time of need."

The MACU softball team members are challenging local high schools to send their best hitters to compete, as well as city and/or private softball leagues with high school age-level members.

The event will be Wednesday, October 8, at 4:30 p.m., MACU Softball field, 3500 S.W. 119th Street in Oklahoma City. Admission is free and donations are requested.

To be a Home Run Derby participant, contact Meaghan Crump, MACU Student Life, (405) 692-3284. Participant fee is $10, with the winner receiving a prize. The Derby will be tournament style.