MIAMI, Fla. — Elsanor resident Aiden Macks swung for the fences and hit pay dirt earlier this month raising more than $5,000 to purchase a handicap van for a local teenager.

Macks, a 12-year-old sixth grader at St. Patrick School in Robertsdale, the son of Chad and Raina Macks of Elsanor, participated in the Power Showcase, held Dec. 28-Jan. 2 at Marlins Park in Miami.

On Tuesday, Dec. 29, he participated in the event’s annual homerun derby and while he fell short of his goal of hitting 50 homeruns, he managed to hit the most homeruns overall in the competition with 36.

He also hit the most consecutive homeruns with nine, beating the old record of six and finished second overall, hitting 23 homeruns in the final round, just one shy of the winner, who had 24.

Macks would go on to be named Offensive MVP for the tournament.  In the process, he raised $5,500 toward the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle for 17-year-old Rydarian White, a student at Mary G. Montgomery High School, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 8.

 “We were allowed to choose a person we wanted to represent,” he said in an interview before leaving for Miami in December. He was put in contact with White through local television personality and Bay Minette native Chasity Byrd.

The Macks family is currently looking for a used van to purchase of White. If you can help, call Chad Macks at 251-747-3356.

The showcase featured 170 of the world’s best players representing over 20 countries. Macks is the only participant from this area invited to the event.

Macks is a member of Team Elite, coached by Derrick Englebert, and the West Florida Hammerheads, coached by Phil Hiatt. Both teams are based out of Pensacola, Florida.

According to a press release, players were selected by Power Showcase based on their abilities, power, scout references and high school and showcase tournament performance. Macks said he was selected for the showcase after being seen by a scout during tryouts for the U.S. Junior Olympic Team.

The event featured instruction from Major League coaches, Macks said. In addition to the homerun derby, Macks also participated in the Future Stars All-American game in an East versus West matchup.

You can check out the event on the Power Showcase Channel at powershowcase.com.