Rallying for Dean

By: Laurel Myers - Sudbury Northern Life Staff

 | Feb 06, 2013 - 1:36 PM
André Corriveau slides into third base during the fourth annual Sno-Pitch Tournament held at the Terry Fox field over the weekend. Photo by Darren Bomhower.

André Corriveau slides into third base during the fourth annual Sno-Pitch Tournament held at the Terry Fox field over the weekend. Photo by Darren Bomhower.

The Bottom Feeders co-ed slo-pitch team was down a man at the fourth annual Sno-Pitch Tournament, held Feb. 2-3 at the Terry Fox Sports Complex. Although their longtime teammate, Dean Robineau, was unable to be out on the field with them, he was still in their minds and hearts.

Robineau, 35, was recently diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

His teammates were quick to step up to the plate to help out him and his family in any way they could.

"He's a close friend and a really nice guy," Dave Shelsted said. "He's always helped us out any time we've had a need and to do something back for Dean is something we all really wanted to do. We're having a fundraiser to help with his family expenses as he goes through this challenging time."

Throughout the tournament, which drew out 13 teams, members of the Bottom Feeders set up a canteen, offering chili, hotdogs, beverages and snacks, and organized a raffle, with all proceeds going toward the Robineau family.

"We're a close team and all the guys wanted to do something for Dean," Clinton Webb said. "We've been playing together for over 10 years."

Webb described Robineau as "a gentle giant."

"Dean's tough but he has a big heart," he said. "He's a really good guy."

When Webb approached Shawn Bomhower, the tournament convenor, about using the weekend to raise funds for Robineau, Bomhower didn't hesitate to say yes.

"I played ball with Dean years ago, so I was happy to be able to help out in some way," Bomhower said.

On top of the canteen and raffle, some teams donated a portion of their winnings to the fundraiser. In total, $2,082 was raised.

A letter, from Robineau, his partner and their one-year-old daughter, was posted on the raffle table.

"We would like to thank everyone for the support in helping our family in the time of need," the letter stated. "The encouragement that we receive daily from all has given us that extra WTF (win the fight) attitude.

"Thank you to the organizers and players who have come out to support our family. Words cannot express to all of you how much this means to us."

Webb said the fundraiser was a success, but the Bottom Feeders are still missing their teammate.

"We hope to see Dean on the ball field soon," Shelsted said.
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