Challenger Baseball: Making Young People and their Parents Proud

Molthen-Bell's Pam Bierbach helps make sure children with unique challenges get to make plays -- and memories -- to last them a lifetime. 

Sharing the unique qualities and friendships of being on a team, bonding around the challenges of the sport, and making memories that will serve them as they grow up. 

It’s no secret that children with disabilities often face barriers to participating in organized team sports.  These young people -- and in many respects their parents as well -- typically miss out on experiences and lifelong friendships that other sports families may take for granted. 

The realization occurred to Molthen-Bell administrator, Pam Bierbach, who found an avenue to support young people through Challenger Baseball.

“They have eight games over the course of the summer. They each get a 'helper' to guide them around the bases, bat, throw and so on. It is the most amazing thing to watch,” Bierbach said. 

Challenger Baseball brings America's national pastime to willing participants, no matter their limitations. These leagues, forged through the partnerships with local Little League organizations, are making the aspirations of special needs children a reality.

Bierbach added that parents of participants are given the chance to see their kids race down a field, catch a ball, and be a part of a team, something that otherwise seems impossible for many of these children. 

“Not only is Challenger Baseball offering confidence to these incredibly determined young kids,” Bierbach said. “It provides huge amounts of hope and pride for their parents, too.”

The Challenger program is special. Each game is adapted to levels of skills, adding to the inclusion, which is the most important part. The program also offers children the chance to walk onto a playing field on the biggest stage,  Major League Baseball right here in Milwaukee.

Challenger ball player from team Molthen-Bell walks onto the Milwaukee Brewers' baseball field at Miller Park.

Seeing the positive impact Challenger Baseball has on the members of her community, Bierbach encouraged  Molthen-Bell  to sponsor a team, which afforded them matching jerseys and a season’s supply of baseballs.

With this season coming to a close, Bierbach looks forward to partnering with the organization again. In her words, “Just to see the look on their parents' faces when they make a play.”

By Stacy Smith, Licensed Funeral Director August 17, 2026
At Molthen-Bell Funeral Home, supporting our community means honoring the people who have dedicated their lives to serving others. This summer, we were proud to continue one of our favorite annual traditions by welcoming local veterans and their families to our fourth annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner. Approximately 30 guests joined us at the funeral home for an evening centered on good food, music, conversation and, most importantly, gratitude. An Evening Dedicated to Our Veterans Our Veterans Appreciation Dinner began four years ago with a simple purpose: to give back to the veterans, military members, and families who have sacrificed so much for our country and our communities. Each year, we have been grateful to welcome veterans and their loved ones through our doors, not during a time of loss, but for an opportunity to gather, connect and celebrate their service. Members of the Molthen-Bell team, including Nick Schilling, Lisa Comp Manley, Samantha Carlos, Israel Willingham, Amber Wallermann and Bryce Vuckovich, were honored to spend the evening with our guests and hear their stories. While this year's attendance was smaller than in previous years, likely due in part to an air quality advisory related to area fires, the evening was no less meaningful. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who was able to join us. An Unexpected Honor One moment from this year's dinner made the evening particularly special. During the event, representatives from American Legion Post 27 in South Milwaukee surprised our team by presenting Molthen-Bell Funeral Home with a plaque recognizing our support and generosity toward local veterans. We had no idea the recognition was coming, which made the moment even more meaningful. To be recognized by the very people we gathered to honor was incredibly humbling. We are deeply grateful to American Legion Post 27 for this unexpected honor and, even more so, for the opportunity to continue supporting the veterans in our community. A Tradition We Are Proud to Continue Over the past four years, the Veterans Appreciation Dinner has become much more than an annual event for our team. It is a tradition that reflects what Molthen-Bell Funeral Home believes community service should be about: showing up, building relationships, and expressing gratitude to those who have given so much. The feedback we receive each year from veterans and their families reminds us why we continue to host this gathering. Hearing that our guests feel appreciated and valued makes every moment worthwhile. We are already looking forward to welcoming our veterans and their families back next year.  To all veterans, active-duty military members, and military families: thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the example you set for our community. It is our privilege to honor you.
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