Hero Night: Franklin Middle School Dodgeball Tournament

On Friday, April 5th, 2024, Franklin Middle School is hosting “Hero Night” or First Responders’ Night as part of its 11th Annual Dodgeball Tournament!

If you would like more information or have questions, please contact Joseph Kish at 630-682-2283 or by email at Joseph.Kish@CUSD200.org.

The theme of the 2024 event is “Lasting Legacies: Compassion, Character, and Community”, a slogan that aims to raise awareness and funds for several charities. With that theme in mind, the 2024 tournament will equally benefit the following charities and organizations: Cammy Can & The International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Project Fire Buddies, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), and Franklin Middle School.

The Streamwood Fire Department will be defending their previous two championships, in 2022 and 2023, and attempting an unprecedented “3-Peat”.

Proceeds raised in memory of Cammy Can will be donated to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Cammy was born with Rett syndrome and she left a profound global legacy with her CAN-do-motto. Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, confined her to a wheelchair and robbed her of physical abilities and speech. Cammy passed away in December 2023 at the age of 14, but her legacy, smile and CAN-do-spirit will live on forever. Project Fire Buddies is a charitable organization with the mission of bringing joy and support to children battling serious illnesses. This charity has its roots in the Chicagoland area and there are several chapters dedicated to helping kids and families who are in the midst of battling serious illnesses. WDSRA is an organization with a mission of providing community-based social and recreational programs for individuals of all ages with special needs. WDSRA offers assistance to any individual with a disability who registers for a park district program within any of their member districts. WDSRA programs are designed to mirror traditional park district programs and offer a wide variety of activities ranging from Special Olympics to adaptive sports, social clubs, camps, community trips and more.

Once again, this event will be taking place at the Wheaton Park District Central Athletic Center. It is a great venue and provides plenty of room. As done in the past, teams may also use this event to raise funds for a cause of their choice. Please contact Joseph Kish if you would like more information on this “win-win” option. The Hoffman Estates FD and Oswego FPD have had success with this option in the past. They will be limiting the event to 50 teams this year to make for a more enjoyable experience.

When: Friday, April 5th at 6:15 pm.

Where: Wheaton Park District Central Athletic Center, 603 South Main Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187

Cost: $20 per participant

Format: Pool play followed by a knock-out tournament

Team size: Minimum of SIX players on a team, although most teams carry a roster of extra players

If you would like more information or have questions, please contact Joseph Kish at 630-682-2283 or by email at

Joseph.Kish@CUSD200.org.

Thank you for your consideration and support!