The generosity of one local business is helping provide a brighter future for teens in Warren County.Last year Vikky Moore and her colleagues at Great Clips in Warrenton hosted a charity softball tournament. In deciding what organization to benefit, they chose Jordan’s Place, a safe spot for teens to hang out, socialize and play games.“We really liked what Jordan’s Place is doing with the youth in the community,” said Moore. “With the youth being our future, we wanted to help with them. We feel it’s the best one in our community that deals with the youth.”Following a successful debut event, Moore and her fellow volunteers were excited about the $2,927 they had earned through team admissions and raffles.“Jordan’s Place was so grateful that we decided to continue using them,” said Moore, who was more experienced and aggressive in planning this year’s event.She corralled 14 teams for the event, drawing competitors from suburban St. Louis, including Belleville, Ill., St. Charles and Wentzville, as well as locals. Teams paid $150 to enter the double elimination tournament held last Saturday at the Warrenton Athletic Complex.As the final tallies were figured, Moore was moved with the outpouring of support. This year’s event raised $6,000 through entry fees, sponsorships and raffles.“I was in shock and awe that everybody cared as much as we did to help us make that money, all while having a good time,” said Moore.Jordan’s Place co-founder Kelli Clodfelter participated on one of the teams and was ecstatic at the results.“We are just so overwhelmed by the love and support that was shown,” said Clodfelter.Among the items raffled were Luke Bryan concert tickets, along with tickets and memorabilia donated by the St. Louis Cardinals.For a second straight year, The Great Bambinos took home the tournament title, with McGruder Construction finishing second.“They played with all of their emotions,” said Moore. “It was like pins and needles watching the last two games.”She says the intent is to keep the tournament going for as long as the community supports it.

Participants in a benefit softball tournament held July 21 at the Warrenton Athletic Complex look over the raffle items available under the pavilion. The event, organized by Great Clips, helped raise $6,000 for Jordan's Place Teen Hangout. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Rich Black tosses a pitch during a benefit softball tournament held July 21 to raise funds for Jordan's Place Teen Hangout. The event, organized by Great Clips, helped to raise $6,000 for the facility, which is moving to a new location. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe