In an inspiring display of unity and community support, Reps. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) organized a bipartisan softball game that not only brought lawmakers from both sides of the aisle together, but also benefited a local charity.

The game took place at the scenic Lansing Lugnuts baseball stadium on Wednesday evening, just down the street from the state Capitol, drawing a diverse crowd of legislators, staff, and community members. The Lansing City Rescue Mission was the selected charity this year.

“Yesterday’s big winners are bipartisanship and the Lansing City Rescue Mission,” said Kunse. “In a time when it can seem like division dominates the headlines, it’s encouraging to see colleagues from different parties come together for a common goal: supporting our capital city. We’ve shown that we can find common ground, not only on the softball field, but also in our dedication to helping those less fortunate.”

Rep. Kunse extended his appreciation to all participants, supporters and volunteers who made the event possible.

“The game was a blast,” Kunse said. “But much more importantly, we raised over $20,000 for the Lansing City Rescue Mission, which provides food, shelter, clothing and hope throughout the downtown area. We were also able to help generate significant awareness for the organization’s mission. I am encouraged by the participation on both sides of the aisle, and I plan to promote this as an annual event going forward.”

Kunse hopes the bipartisan softball game will serve as a strong example of the benefits of cooperation in the political arena while also underscoring the importance of supporting local charities.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Reps. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) organized a bipartisan softball game that took place on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball stadium in downtown Lansing. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle took part in the event which raised over $20,000 for the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, a local charity that provides food, shelter, clothing and hope throughout the capital city.

Pictured are both teams on home plate, and Reps. Farhat (left) and Kunse (second to the left), along with staff, providing the City Rescue Mission of Lansing the proceeds from the event.