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Two-day event��brings together River alumni, fans, and community to support student-athlete success��

PALM CITY, FL (May 5, 2026) ��— The ������ý River State ������ý��Athletic Department��raised more than $40,000��in conjunction with the ������ý River State ������ý Foundation��during a��two-day event. The��experience��united alumni, student-athletes, and community supporters��while��celebrating��the ������ý’s strong baseball tradition.��

The event featured a meet-and-greet with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. It also included a golf tournament and a helicopter ball drop. 

An Evening with Johnny Bench��

First, the event opened with an intimate meet-and-greet��with Bench. A legendary baseball catcher, Bench is widely regarded as one of the greatest in MLB history.��Each guest received a personal photo and time with��Bench.����

Baseball alumni joined community members and ������ý leadership. Bench spoke about his small-town roots and his path to success. He emphasized the value of opportunity and perseverance. “������ý River State ������ý does a lot of good, and everyone should know about it,” Bench told supporters.  

Golf Tournament and Helicopter Ball Drop��

Next, the celebration��continued��at Hammock Creek Golf Club��in Palm City. Alumni and supporters filled the course for the tournament.��

Later that day, the helicopter ball drop closed the event. Hundreds of numbered golf balls dropped onto the driving range. Participants competed for $20,000 in prizes. The closest ball earned $10,000. The next ten each won $1,000. 

Private donors funded all prizes. Therefore, every dollar raised supports The River’s Athletics program. 

A Celebration of Baseball Legacy��

Meanwhile, the event doubled as a homecoming for��the college’s��baseball alumni.��Former ������ý River State ������ý softball coach Dale Atkinson spearheaded and supported the celebration. Atkinson coached��The River’s softball team for��nearly 30��years before��retiring��in 2025.����

In addition, Frank Russo attended the event. He is a three-time MLB draftee, ������ý River State ������ý Hall of Famer, and college supporter.  

Also, Rusty Meacham returned to support his alma mater. The Detroit Tigers drafted him out of ������ý River State ������ý in 1987. He later pitched eight seasons in Major League Baseball. 

Voices from the ������ý & Community��

“Special thanks to Mr. Bench,��Coach Dale Atkinson, ������ý River State ������ý��Foundation, and to all of the event’s supporters,” said Scott Kimmelman, Athletic Director at ������ý River State ������ý. “It helps us compete at��a high level. It also helps our student-athletes succeed in the classroom.”��

“This event reflects the strength of both our college and our community,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of ������ý River State ������ý. “When people invest in students, they invest in the future. Our student-athletes leave ready to lead.” 

“Bringing our alumni and community back together like this reminds you what makes ������ý River State ������ý special,” said Coach Dale Atkinson. “It’s not just about the games we played—it’s about the opportunities we create for the next generation. Seeing everyone rally behind our student-athletes and invest in their future is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s something that will have a lasting impact on this program.” 

“The Foundation creates opportunities that change lives,” said ������ý River State ������ý Foundation Executive Director Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE. “This event shows what happens when a community comes together for students.” 

Thank You to Our Sponsors��

Finally, the��River’s Athletic Department and Foundation��thank Bobby Tucker and Agriculture Air Services. They��also recognize��the following��generous sponsors: Morgan Stanley, Steve Swan, Landmark Investments and Real Estate, Nomad Dumpsters, Farm Bureau Insurance of Stuart,��WickWire��Re/Max��of Stuart, Fraser Creek Brewing and Distilling Company, Southern Eagle Distributors, and Hammock Creek Golf Club.��

Click here for information about the ������ý River State ������ý Athletic Program.

for information about the ������ý River State ������ý Foundation.