A very special event is returning to Danville Stadium this Saturday. A little over a year ago was the inaugural Chris Oberheim Memorial Softball Game, in honor of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim; who lost his life in line of duty in the Spring of 2021. Saturday’s 2nd annual event is a fundraiser for Peacemaker Project 703, which is named after Officer Oberheim’s badge number. Amber Oberheim says creating this organization in memory of her husband has involved a lot of work and a lot of organizing. One of the causes they are supporting is the comfort dog program Paws and Stripes, based in Brevard County, Florida. Dogs from the local shelter are trained by program educated inmates at the county jail to become Law Enforcement & Multidiscipline Crimes Against Persons Therapy Dogs.
Amber Oberheim says, she’d love to see this program in Central Illinois as well.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I think it’s a “win-win-win.” It saves the dogs’ lives, basically; and puts them through training and gives them purpose. The inmates at the jail are able to learn skills ,and interact with the dogs as well. And the officers or First Responders are able to adopt them, and put them to work. And if you’ve ever seen a therapy dog at work, it’s pretty amazing.
Amber’s family currently has their own therapy dog from this program, who often pays visits to local schools with a police officer.
Peacemaker Project 703 is also looking to raise funds for numerous Officer Wellness programs, such as the National Law Enforcement Survival Summit next month in Terre Haute. A portion of this Saturday’s proceeds will be going to the Survivor Resource Center, getting ready for their own Dancing for the Stars promotion for their cause of helping children, adolescents, and adults victimized by sexual abuse. Amber says, this is a perfect fit for the 703 mission.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: That is definitely one of those things that I would say parallels our mission, and the things that God is really kind of putting in front of us in terms of what I feel like we are being led to do. And a lot of that has to do with mental health, and folks that are surviving traumatic events.
This Saturday’s softball event at Danville Stadium will again feature a Danville Police Department team; along with the two departments Officer Oberheim served with: Champaign and Decatur. Amber Oberheim says the winner of this year’s round robin tournament will receive a new traveling trophy. Gates open at 3 PM Saturday at Danville Stadium. Program begins at 4:30, first pitch at 5 PM. Admission is free, with donations accepted at the door.
