10th annual 'Papa Hops' charity softball tournament kicks off on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO - On Chicago's South Side, a fierce and friendly softball showdown drew thousands of spectators on Friday and it was all for a good cause. 

The 10th Annual "Papa Hops" 16-Inch Softball Tournament was held at Kennedy Park, featuring 32 teams that came together for one goal.

The event is hosted by the Tom Hopkins Foundation, which raises money for local youth athletics and families affected by cancer.

Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $850,000, benefiting athletic departments at 10 Catholic grade schools and helping more than 75 area families, including assistance with the costs of medical bills during cancer treatment.

The tournament began in 2014 after a South Side family lost their loved one, Tom Hopkins, to skin cancer.

Hopkins’ children organized the event to keep his legacy alive. Now held each summer, the tournament honors his memory and brings the community together.

"It’s truly incredible and it speaks volumes of the neighborhood and community that we live in, when people are down and people are in need, it's a community that comes together to support one another and pick each other up," said Liam Hopkins, president & co-founder of the Tom Hopkins Foundation. "It's everyone's favorite night of the summer and they have it on the calendar a year in advance, and it's truly humbling to be able to be a part of it – to pay forward that kindness that was shown to our family, and to help other people and other families in need, so we're grateful."

First-round games began at 4 p.m. Friday across three parks: Kennedy, Mount Greenwood, and Beverly. As the competition began heating up, all games beginning at 7 p.m. were played at Kennedy Park, where the championship game was also held.

The event was free to attend, and featured activities for the entire family.

"We have many kids' games going on. The White Sox come out here with a speed pitch, we have a bunch of different face painters, and the CPD Mounted Unit will be out here for the kids, and then on top of that, delicious food and merchandise we sell. We’ve got some good softball going on," said Hopkins.

This year, Hopkins said they are striving to push their total fundraising amount past $1 million.

"This is our 10th year and in the past 9.5 years, we’ve raised over $850,000 and we are on track to raise over $1 million after today’s tournament," said Hopkins.

For more information about the tournament or to donate to the Tom Hopkins Foundation, click HERE.