Late Tara Barker to Be Honored at Sept. 14 Fundraiser

Tara Barker lost her 17-month battle with colon cancer on August 6 at age 29. But the Richard Stockton College Hall of Fame softball player's former teammates are planning a charity fundraiser in her honor 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Tailgaters in Galloway Township (337 W. White Horse Pike).

Anybody is invited, and a $20 donation includes roast beef, pasta, soft drinks and draft beer. There will also be raffle opportunities available. The Stockton Softball Alumni are organizing the event.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Email or visit the Facebook event page for more information.

Proceeds will benefit a trust fund set up in Barker’s name by her parents that will establish permanent "Tara Barker" memorials and scholarships at her high school and at Stockton. 

Friends and family say that from the day of her birth until the very end of her life, Barker was rarely without a smile on her face. She was a leader, whether on the softball field or in her profession as a physical therapist. 

Barker attended Stockton to study physical therapy and play softball. She received her undergraduate degree in 2006, and, in 2008, was the first student ever awarded a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Stockton College. 

As an undergraduate, she was a pitcher and first baseman on the Osprey softball team.  Her record-breaking softball career resulted in her induction into the Richard Stockton College Athletic Hall of Fame — with induction ceremonies scheduled for October 4, 2013.