About the jolly Tournament

J Elmer Stoltzfus ("Jolly") was a son, a brother, and a friend.  He was one who always took the time to make others feel loved and appreciated.  He spent years serving as a volunteer with the local fire department in the community where he was born and raised, and was the kind of man who gained respect from his peers wherever he went.  If you were fortunate enough to have an encounter with him, his contagious laugh and bright smile would never fail to brighten your day.  

He also loved softball.   He spent years playing in local leagues in Lancaster PA and also played travel ball with a tournament team.  He was well-recognized as one of the best pitchers in the sport and was a fierce competitor.  Over the years, he interacted with hundreds, probably thousands, of other softball players, umpires, and fans of the sport, and was admired and loved by many. 

On August 10, 2021, "Jolly" was tragically killed in a construction accident.  His family, friends, and the softball community were devastated.  We have peace in knowing that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and we know that we will see Him again when we, too, pass on into eternity.  Whether it was through his business, the church he attended, or on the softball field, "Jolly" touched the lives of so many. 

This tournament was started in an effort to keep his memory and legacy alive.  All of the funds raised at this event will be given back to the community he so loved. 

Here are some quotes from those who knew him, shared at the Memorial Service following his death:

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“The softball community lost a tremendous player and an even greater personality this week.”

“Lancaster Softball lost their starting pitcher on Tuesday, but more than a pitcher, I lost a nephew and a great friend.”

“Jolly, I think we all know how he played. He wanted to win, he wanted to beat you. But the things that stuck out to me over the years, he came to my daughters softball games, he came to my dad’s viewing. That’s the type of guy he was. And he cared about the young guys. Theres different guys came to me the past several weeks, said that when they were 16, 17, 18, Jolly would come up and help them. That’s just how he was. He didn’t let the game get bigger than him.”

“He cared about relationships. All you young guys out there, that’s why we play this game. If you wanna know what the game is truly all about, just reminisce over what he did the last 20 years. He was what it truly was about. He played the game right, he played it with passion, he played it with heart like I never seen anybody.”

“This community, it meant the world to Jolly. Its where he found his competitiveness, his free spirit to just go out and do what he loves to do.” 

“One thing I always took from him, no matter where he was, he was never too good to go say hi to somebody, no matter what class of player it was, no matter what person, even the children, he had the time and he took the time to acknowledge them. And we sometimes don’t think that matters, but to Jolly, that meant the world.” 

The fundraiser this year is for Widowhood Support Network (WSN).

Mission Statement:

 The mission of the Widowhood Support Network is to provide comprehensive financial support and construction aid, to widows, empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. Our organization is committed to alleviating the financial burdens that widows often encounter. Through strategic partnerships and resource mobilization, we aim to secure financial resources and construction expertise to help widows address immediate financial hardships. Our mission is driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief in the inherent strength and resilience of widows. By providing a lifeline of financial support and practical construction aid, we strive to uplift widows, restore their financial stability, and empower them to embrace a future filled with hope and opportunity.