Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Chelsea Eshpeter to share the story behind Swinging for the STARS, an annual charity slow-pitch tournament held in Strome, Alberta in support of STARS Air Ambulance.
Chelsea reflects on how the event began in memory of her father, Grant Eshpeter, who passed away in 2021 from an esophageal bleed, and how a family's loss grew into a community tradition that continues to bring people together for a life-saving cause.
The conversation explores the importance of STARS to rural Alberta, the incredible volunteer and community support behind the event, and what it means to honour Grant's legacy through a weekend of baseball, fundraising and giving back.
The 2026 tournament raised an incredible $31,028.50 for STARS Air Ambulance, and plans are already underway for next year's event on May 29–30, 2027.
Congratulations also go out to Chelsea, who was recently nominated for a National Philanthropy Day Award in recognition of her dedication and leadership through Swinging for the STARS.
Watch more Flagstaff County Podcast episodes:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa1ovI8UBoIhZF98RmhZ4-KZKpz2_W5l5
Learn more about Flagstaff County:
flagstaff.ca
In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Chelsea Eshpeter to share the story behind Swinging for the STARS, an annual charity slow-pitch tournament held in Strome, Alberta in support of STARS Air Ambulance.
Chelsea reflects on how the event began in memory of her father, Grant Eshpeter, who passed away in 2021 from an esophageal bleed, and how a family's loss grew into a community tradition that continues to bring people together for a life-saving cause.
The conversation explores the importance of STARS to rural Alberta, the incredible volunteer and community support behind the event, and what it means to honour Grant's legacy through a weekend of baseball, fundraising and giving back.
The 2026 tournament raised an incredible $31,028.50 for STARS Air Ambulance, and plans are already underway for next year's event on May 29–30, 2027.
Congratulations also go out to Chelsea, who was recently nominated for a National Philanthropy Day Award in recognition of her dedication and leadership through Swinging for the STARS.
Watch more Flagstaff County Podcast episodes:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa1ovI8UBoIhZF98RmhZ4-KZKpz2_W5l5
Learn more about Flagstaff County:
flagstaff.ca
