BlumShapiro, the largest regional accounting, tax, and business advisory firm in New England with a new location at One Capital Way in Cranston, held its second annual Softball Showdown this past weekend at Brayton Park in Cranston to benefit Best Buddies of Rhode Island.

Participants were invited to join in a fun weekend of slow-pitch softball to benefit a great cause. It was an all-ages, co-ed, all-abilities softball tournament with a 20-team max.

“We could not be prouder to support Best Buddies of Rhode Island – an organization that makes such a valuable difference to our community’s youth,” said Gregory Cabral, managing partner of BlumShapiro’s Rhode Island office. “We enjoyed seeing our families, friends, and neighbors in Cranston for a full day of family fun.”

Each participating team was joined on the field by one of Best Buddies’ High School Friendship Chapters, and the tournament’s rules give special advantages to teams who reached certain fundraising milestones. Last year’s tournament raised more than $30,000 for the organization, and BlumShapiro hoped to exceed that amount this year.

“This type of fun, interactive event is exactly in line with our mission at Best Buddies, and we are very grateful for BlumShapiro’s support,” said Matthew Netto, director of Best Buddies of Rhode Island. “Our Buddy Pairs always look forward to taking the field with our sponsors, and we always look forward to a fun, successful day.”

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While tournament games were played, guests and spectators had have the opportunity to mingle with business leaders from across the state, enjoy various games and activities – such as dunk tank, touch-a-truck, face painting, and music – or simply sit back with a hot dog and enjoy fun and competitive softball.

Participating teams included BlumShapiro, NBC 10, iHeartRadio, Pawtucket Credit Union, Cranston Police Department, Duffy & Shanley, The Thirsty Beaver, FM Global, Lincoln Little League, The Procaccianti Group, and Dimeo Construction. Each team had a Best Buddy participant.

The winner of the Softball Showdown this year was the team from The Thirsty Beaver, led by co-owner Edward Brady.

Brady also held a post-game party at The Thirsty Beaver on Atwood Avenue in Cranston.