BENTON HARBOR — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) and GateWay Services will team up again for the Play for GateWay Softball Tournament.

UFCU recently presented GateWay with a donation renewing the credit union’s platinum-level sponsorship. United holds the distinction of being the only platinum-level sponsor in the tournament’s 30-year history.

“On behalf of GateWay program participants, staff and board of directors, I want to thank United Federal Credit Union,” said Executive Director Tim Smith. “Because we are a non-profit organization we operate on a very thin margin, so the support we get from United is truly a gift. Their commitment to making the community strong makes a real difference to organizations like GateWay.”

GateWay is private nonprofit rehabilitation organization that provides habilitation and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities, disadvantages and special needs.

GateWay helps people of all ages achieve their potential through therapeutic services, vocational opportunities, training, community life skills and other supports.

The 12-game softball tournament is GateWay’s main fundraiser each year. Proceeds will be used to pay for the installation of an elevator at GateWay headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

“The funds raised during the softball tournament are instrumental in helping Gateway offer the support they provide in our community,” said Zach Book, UFCU branch manager in Berrien Springs. “We are proud to play a part in fulfilling their mission.”

The tournament takes place on July 29-31 at Plannger’s Field in Benton Township.

It will feature corporate teams from across southwest Michigan, including UFCU. The games provide fun for the whole family and are completely unpredictable because anything goes — for the right price.

For a few extra donation dollars, umpires can be bribed to bend the rules and opposing players can be forced to run the bases wearing props like diving fins and hula skirts, or use alternate batting equipment like plastic rakes and tiki torches.