By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
ENCINITAS, CALIF. – Twenty young men originally from Rumson, Fair Haven, and Little Silver trekked to California earlier this month to continue a 13-year charitable tradition that began on a Rumson front lawn.
The annual Alter Stickball Tournament found a new venue at Encinitas Community Park when one of its founders, Rumson’s Kevin “Pookie” Alter, was stationed nearby after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015. His older brother Matthew, who now lives and works in New York City, originally had the idea for the event. Both are graduates of Rumson-Fair Haven High School.
The friends they made in school, playing sports and through family ties made up the first four-person teams in Rumson. A majority continue to participate, traveling from other states where they now live and work.
Monmouth County natives on the field May 12 comprised five teams this year, pitted against another four teams of Alter’s fellow military personnel, including his boss at the Supply Response Division at Marine Aviation Logistics based in San Diego. Prior to the first pitch, a disabled veteran was invited to address the assemblage. The daylong double elimination tourney raised over $20,000.
“We all support the cause,” said Jack Wise, formerly of Rumson, who now lives and works in Chicago. “It means a lot to us because Kevin is in the military. That makes us more invested. Because we are scattered all over the country now, it’s a chance to get together. I make it a priority no matter how busy I am.”
Each team donates $200 to participate. Many original donors continue to contribute, despite the event now taking place 3,000 miles away. Kevin and Matthew’s parents, John and Janet Alter, attend and provide additional support, as do relatives and friends. This year, a cousin from Texas, a Marine stationed in Arizona, happened to be taking a course in San Diego and made a surprise appearance. Another cousin from Colts Neck who now resides in Los Angeles made the trip with his parents who flew in from New Jersey.
Funds raised each year are donated to Homes for Our Troops, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds new custom homes for severely injured veterans where the veteran chooses to live, providing ongoing support afterward. The organization is a top-rated military charity by Charity Navigator, Charity Watch and Guidestar, and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. 2nd Lt. Kevin Alter recently participated in two of the organization’s construction projects.
“Vets who were stationed in San Diego like to return to the area and live,” he said. “It’s amazing what happens when the home is completed. They do it like the reveals on ‘Extreme Home Makeover.’ The builders line the driveway with American flags and motorcycles lead the vet in.”
As this year’s tournament wound down, the group gathered for their annual commemorative photo and heartfelt thanks from the Alters. “You all know why we’re here,” Kevin Alter told the group as they erupted into applause and cheers.
“Having so many friends and family travel to the stickball tournament shows they are extremely supportive; they take it very seriously,” said Matthew Alter. “We continue to get new teams every year. That support has opened up windows to new opportunities from a donation standpoint. It makes us a bigger organization, which is incredible.”
The tournament’s future location is uncertain. Days after the event, Kevin moved on to a new assignment in Northern California. Participants pledged to make the event anytime and anywhere the Alters hold it. A military team from San Diego won the grand prize of bragging rights this year.
Kevin, a local basketball standout, led RFH to its first Shore Conference Tournament final in 2011. He was unanimously selected as captain of the U.S. Naval Academy basketball team in his senior year by his teammates. Upon graduation, Kevin won several awards for his leadership and charity work. As one of 10 college students out of 158 nominees to the 2015 National Association of Basketball Coaches All-state Good Works Team, he earned a trip to the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament with a guest – his older brother Matthew.
For more information about Homes for Our Troops, visit hfotusa.org.
