The 2008 WAC Champion Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters softball team will host a charity game on April 11 to benefit the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) of North Louisiana.

LA Tech will host the nationally-ranked Fresno State Bulldogs in a 3 p.m. Western Athletic Conference doubleheader as the contests will be used to raise awareness and money to help fight domestic violence.

The charity event will be used as an outreach opportunity and to help educate people on the seriousness and prevalence of domestic abuse in our society. It will also serve to inform the public about the many programs and services that DART provides.

Both the Lady Techsters and Fresno State will recognize the victims of domestic abuse by wearing specially-made uniforms that will include purple, DART’s signature color.

Tech head coach Sarah Dawson said that she is proud of her team’s yearly involvement with DART and wants the charity event to shed light on what is one of the biggest issues across the country.

“Nightly events in the news continue to bring to light the prevalence of domestic violence,” said Tech head coach Sarah Dawson. “We hope that these fundraising efforts will make a difference in educating our campus and our community. Awareness is the first step in helping fight domestic violence. Our program is proud to support DART, an organization that has been a much-needed safe haven to area families.”

In order to ensure the success of this event, the Lady Techsters are asking for donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout northern Louisiana. These donations can be monetary, merchandise, services, gift certificates, or any other items of value. The items will be raffled off during the game and all donations are tax-deductible.

“We are looking to alumni and local businesses for donations for raffle prizes that will be auctioned off throughout the double header,” says senior outfielder Emma Barnes. “All monetary donations will go directly to DART to fund their kids’ summer camp programs. Every little bit will help make this event a success.”

Donations can be made by contacting the Lady Techster softball office at (318) 257-3016 and monetary donations can be made online at www.latechalumni.org/dart.

Written by Dave Guerin