Kappa Kappa Gamma will hold its annual Gland Slam Tournament Saturday to benefit the Youth and Shelter Services of Ames.

Softball games begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Iowa State south softball diamonds.

There is an entry fee of $25 per team. Trophies will be awarded to first, second- and third-placing teams.

Despite their unsuccessful attempt last year to raise money through the tournament, the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma, 120 Lynn Ave., are hopeful that this year will be profitable.

“Last year was the first year we worked with YSS,” said philanthropy chairwoman Kari Berghoefer, junior in journalism and mass communication. “This year, all proceeds will go to YSS.”

Thirteen teams participated in the tournament last year, raising about $325, but tournament expenses such as advertising costs, trophies, food, T-shirts and softballs, equaled the proceeds gained.

“They didn’t raise enough money last year to give us, but they tried,” said Deb Knapp, community resource specialist for YSS.

YSS offers services and programs in chemical dependency, foster care and adoption, mentoring, counseling, residential care and shelter care to persons of all ages.

“Right now, one of our big needs is recruitment of foster care families, so that is what the money will go towards,” she said.

Kappa Kappa Gamma President Kate Kjergaard said even though the tournament didn’t raise any money last year, it gave the sorority members an opportunity to start a relationship with YSS.

“We had Deb Knapp come in and talk to members, and she also gave us handouts to pass out the day of the tournament to participants, so that the education goes further than just the house,” said Kjergaard, senior in journalism and mass communication. “We spent less this year, so hopefully we’ll have more to donate.”

To help Kappa Kappa Gamma with expenses, several local businesses will be providing lunch for the participants. Breakfast will be provided by the sorority.

To enter, sign up at the Kappa Kappa Gamma House.