Easter Seals Big Winner at Battle of the Badges

The 2015 Battle of the Badges: The Fight for Autism event Saturday was an overwhelming success.

Police officers and firefighters from 11 area agencies – 24 fighters – took to the ring Saturday in 12 bouts to raise money for Easter Seals autism services. Each fight was three, two-minute rounds; some of which ended in clear TKO decisions, others that required the judges’ point totals to choose, and one that ended in a draw.

The clear winner of the night, though, was Easter Seals and the families the organization helps navigate the waters of autism. In 2014, donations – tickets sales, raffle tickets, silent auction bids and cash – totaled $28,000. Event organizers Saturday said the 2015 Battle not only met that total but surpassed it.

“We’re hoping for $50,000,” a volunteer was overhead saying.

An exact amount won’t be known for weeks, but organizers plan to present a check to Easter Seals in the coming weeks during a Mount Pleasant Village Board meeting.