CONTACT: Meggan Kerber
Chief Development Officer
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County
610-373-1314 ext. 215
September 22, 2009
OLIVET BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RECEIVES GRANT FROM
THE BASEBALL TOMORROW FUND
Reading, PA– Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County announced it was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $29,250 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The grant will support the Olivet Boys & Girls Club baseball program by providing a new outfield and irrigation system at Gordon Hoodak Stadium located at Lauer’s Park Elementary School.
With the installation of Gordon Hoodak Stadium in 2005 by Baseballtown Charities, the implementation of Boys & Girls Club programs and the commitment of the school district a sense of community pride and spirit has been rebuilding in the neighborhood. Noted as the “field of dreams”, the baseball program has brought together community groups, volunteers, parents, families and youth. The renovations to the field will provide a new outfield playing surface for youth to learn the game, practice skills and play in the Rookie League.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game,” said Jeffrey Palmer, President and CEO. The grant will help us to provide a safer playing field for our kids.
“The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates Olivet Boys & Girls Club commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program.” added Cathy Bradley, Executive Director or the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club and Baseballtown Charities have partnered together to raise the additional $40,000 match to complete the baseball field renovations. Gifts can be made to Baseballtown Charities by calling 610-375-8469 ext. 200.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2009, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses.
Since its formation by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded over 400 grants totaling almost $16 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Approximately 180,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by the fund. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receives approximately 500 applications each year and awards grants on a quarterly basis after a selective review process. For more information, visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com.
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