Refinery softball tournament raises thousands for local United Way

Community News

Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Foundation
Marshall Tyson from the United Way of Northeast Kentucky (left) with Marathon Petroleum employees Sheila Fraley, Amber Hudson and Ben Tibbitts at the charity softball tournament.
  • Marathon Petroleum’s refinery in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, raised close to $4,000 for the United Way of Northeast Kentucky at a refinery-sponsored softball tournament.
  • Made up of employees, contractors and members of the business community, the fundraiser is the second refinery-sponsored event this year to benefit the local United Way.
  • In May of this year, the refinery’s annual golf tournament raised over $115,000 for the nonprofit, which services five counties in Northeast Kentucky.

Not long after its annual golf tournament in May of this year raised over $115,000 for the United Way of Northeast Kentucky (UWNEK), Marathon Petroleum’s refinery in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, raised almost $4,000 more for the nonprofit at a September softball tournament.

With picture-perfect weather, the charity softball tournament was attended by well over 100 people.

The fundraiser was sponsored by Marathon Petroleum and brought together employees, contractors and members of the local business community to form nine softball teams to compete in the tournament.

“Every little bit helps, and with incredible partners like Marathon Petroleum, we are making a big difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Marshall Tyson, Executive Director at the UWNEK. “The team at Marathon is always looking for new and creative ways to support our programs, and their support goes a long way.”

The all-day tournament was staffed by more than two dozen volunteers. Marathon Petroleum’s Kenova terminal team came out on top, topping the refinery’s Electric Shop in the final game.

Catlettsburg Refining Softball Tournament benefiting the United Way of Northeast Kentucky, held at Boyd County Cal Ripken Fields on September 16, 2023.

“It was such a fun day getting everyone together for such a good cause,” said Sheila Fraley, Advanced ESG and Stakeholder Engagement Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “We’re more like one big family here, the greater community included, and that’s why we so often come together for events like this that support organizations like the United Way. It’s a win-win!”

The dollars raised during the two fundraising events this year will support United Way’s 211 Call Center, Born Learning Academy, Relatives as Parents Program, and their new Bridgebuilder Program that enlists youth in volunteer opportunities to unite their communities.