Milan tournament raises over $32K for Walters family

(MILAN, Ind.) – The rain this past weekend didn’t hinder a youth tournament from raising a significant amount of funds for a local family. 

33-year-old Jordan and Sierra Walters were killed when a pickup crossed the centerline and struck their vehicle on State Road 350 on June 12. 

Their two sons were in the vehicle as the family was driving to a Milan 8U baseball game. Both kids were briefly hospitalized but survived.

Just days after the tragedy, Milan Summer League coaches organized a baseball and softball tournament to raise funds for the Walters family. 

The tournament included several divisions, along with raffles, meals, and kids activities. 

Organizers have announced that the tournament has raised more than $32,000 for the family. 

“From every donation, raffle ticket, meal purchased, sponsorship, volunteer, and every person who came out to support this special weekend, thank you. Your generosity has been nothing short of incredible,” organizers said. 

The tournament was made possible by numerous families and organizations that stepped up to help. 

They even got assistance from Lawrenceburg who provided supplies to get the fields back into playing condition following the rains. 

Some people that were heavily-involved in making it possible included the Fanning, Dameron, DeBolt, Walker, Strassell, Snyder families along with Zach Taylor and Ryan McAdams. The tournament also recognized Milan Youth Football for their involvement.

“Through rain delays, schedule changes, and countless challenges, they never stopped working to make sure the kids got to play,” they said. 

Some other communities who participated in the tournament included Manchester,  South Dearborn, Jac-Cen-Del, Batesville, Greensburg, Lawrenceburg, and Versailles. 

“A special thank you to Rising Sun, Jac-Cen-Del, Dillsboro, South Dearborn, Manchester, Batesville and Switzerland County for their individual generous donation and support of the Walters family,” they said. 

They added, “This tournament was successful because countless people stepped up in ways both big and small. Every act of kindness made a difference.”

The tournament will share a final fundraising total once all deposits have been made.