Wednesday, January 21, 2004
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Wednesday, January 21, 2004 |
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Field of Hope now depends on you By JOHN MUNFORD If our community doesn’t raise $106,000 in the next few weeks for the Fayette Field of Hope, we will have missed an incredible opportunity. A prominent person — a VERY prominent person — is tentatively scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the field April 17. I can’t tell you much about this person for scheduling reasons, but he has ties to Major League Baseball and national government affairs. But that person’s visit to Fayette County is in danger, because organizers are worried it might take longer to finish the fund-raising, putting opening day in jeopardy. All the remaining bills need to be paid up front, so if there’s no money, the field won’t be finished in time. If opening day is postponed, I can almost guarantee you this prominent Very Special Guest will be unable to fit Peachtree City back onto his schedule in the near future. So get in gear, everybody. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Write your checks to Fayette Field of Hope and send it to the Bank of Georgia at 100 Westpark Dr., Peachtree City, GA 30269. Contributions are tax-deductible since the Field of Hope is a 501(c)3, and if you want a receipt mailed back to you, please enclose your mailing address with that request. A host of local businesses have donated significant in-kind services and products, but the cash is specifically needed now to pay the last-minute bills to finish the project, according to Maj. Nick Harris, who has helped spearhead the plan. I know, you’re dying to know who the Very Special Guest is. Before you flood my e-mail box, I’m not gonna tell you. Even if you guess it right ... unless you cough up the $106,000 yourself. Then I might be obligated to clue you in. For those of you who are unaware, the Fayette Field of Hope is a specially-designed baseball field under construction at the “South 74” baseball and soccer complex in Peachtree City. The field will feature a rubberized surface so players in walkers and wheelchairs can join other more-able bodied players in a sport I hold near and dear to my heart. This has been a four-year labor of love for the Field of Hope board of directors, and suffice it to say they’d hate to postpone opening day. “The players are really anticipating being able to play on that field for opening day,” Harris said. “They’ve waited long enough. It’s time to seal the deal and finish this up.” The field will be home to the Peachtree City Challenger League, with plans to serve players from eight counties including Fayette. The field will also allow the city to host Challenger League and Little League tournaments. I know, times are tough. But with just a little sacrifice, you could be a minor player in helping finish the Field of Hope. Instead of ordering a pizza, make sandwiches at home and pass along the $15 or more you’d save. Skip a movie, and pass along that savings. Hold off on sending a political contribution to your favorite presidential candidate. This money will help us out in your back yard. Better yet, ask your friends to help out. There’s success in numbers. And if you’ve got connections to someone or a company looking to make a splash charity-wise, this is a great opportunity for them. Have them call Harris at 770-486-9277 or Jim Daughtry at the Bank of Georgia at 770-631-9488. Every little bit counts. It’s an investment in these kids, and if you don’t believe me pay a visit when they get to play on Opening Day. Their smiles will speak for themselves. Locally, a number of businesses have stepped forward to make the Field of Hope a reality. McDonald’s gave $60,000, followed by $30,000 from Fayette-Coweta EMC and $24,000 from the Delta Pilots Association. Some of the larger in-kind donations include Brent Scarbrough and Company, for grading the lot and sewer work; Group VI is managing the project for free; K&R Plumbing Service has chipped in all the plumbing work gratis; country radio station Kicks 101.5 held two fund-raisers to chip in $50,000. The question is, Now can we count on you? The sooner the better. Thanks in advance. And put April 17 on your calendar. I promise it’ll be worth your while.
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