Submitted photo The Humboldt softball team poses with their wristbands in support of teammate Ashlyn Clark earlier this season. Clark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last month.

HUMBOLDT — One night without worries. One night surrounded by family and friends.

Thursday is Ashlyn’s Night at the Ballpark.

The Humboldt softball team is celebrating their senior outfielder, Ashlyn Clark, and the Wildcats are doing it big here this evening.

On May 8, Clark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Tonight in Humboldt, all money raised will go to the Clark family to help cover medical expenses in her cancer fight.

“It’s going to be a very emotional night,” Ashlyn said. “To see everyone there who has been supporting me throughout this whole process will be absoultely amazing.”

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Humboldt softball diamond.

“A doctor at Mayo prayed with us after an appointment we had. He noticed that Ash and I were both wearing crosses on our necklaces and asked if we would pray with him,” Ashlyn’s mother, Kristi Clark, said. “A piece of his prayer was about Ashlyn having a ripple effect in our community. Her love and faith in Jesus Christ would make an impact with people she knows and people that she will get to know.

“At the time we didn’t exactly know what that meant, but we now have a complete understanding of his message. The town of Humboldt and the surrounding communities are witnessing what Ashlyn’s love for God can do. It’s bringing people together in such a beautiful way.”

The voice of the Hawkeyes, Gary Dolphin, will be the announcer for the evening.

Abbey Harklau, a family friend and former Humboldt softball player herself under head coach Doug Van Pelt, has been a driving force behind the benefit.

“Ashlyn is not only a standout athlete for Humboldt, but she is truly a beautiful soul,” Harklau said. “Ashlyn’s tenacity to go through chemo treatments and still continue to play the game she loves is so amazing.

“Ashlyn gives our community so much inspiration, and now, it’s our turn to show Ashlyn how much we love and support her.”

The night will be highlighted by a “celebrity” slow-pitch softball game between Iowa State and Iowa alumni at 7 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., a roster spot for the teams will be auctioned off.

The players will have an autograph session from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and game introductions will be at 6:45 p.m.

Items will be auctioned off at each half-inning.

Playing for the Cyclones will be Joel Lanning, Ben Bruns, Lane Danielsen, Greg Schoon and more. Hawkeye roster spots will be filled by Chad Greenway, Brad Banks, Kyle McCann, Bruce Nelson and Tyler Nielsen, among others.

After the game, there will be a “pie in the face” of Humboldt assistant coach Erica Post and a “crack an yoked or un-yoked egg” on head coach Doug Van Pelt.

“The great part about the story is that she was knocked down and has chosen to get back up and continue what she wants to do,” Van Pelt said. “Ashlyn is a remarkable story. She has been doing great things for this school since day one.

“She has such a positive attitude. The girls have looked up to her — especially now, with what she has been facing.”

There will also be a dunk tank featuring Humboldt coaches, a home run derby contest, and temporary Humboldt Wildcat face tattoos. A bouncy house, radar gun pitching, crazy hair, a Sno-Cone machine and a cotton candy machine will also be offered.

A free-will donation dinner is available at the concession stand.

If inclement weather hits, the fundraiser will be moved to the Nielsen Family Recreation Center. A decision will be announced on Thursday once the forecast has been determined.

Overflow parking will be at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. A shuttle bus will be available to bring people to the fundraiser from the church.

Humboldt residents are encouraged to consider car pooling.