A secret donor has pledged $10,000 to the Let’s Play Ball campaign, aimed at providing new sports balls for children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. This generous offer, however, comes with a stipulation: local readers of the Press-Telegram and its sister publication, the Grunion Gazette, must match the initial donation. If successful, this could result in a total of $20,000 to purchase approximately 1,000 balls for youth involved in athletic programs.
According to Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, this matching initiative is a significant opportunity. “We are so grateful that our Santa has stepped forward with this generous matching gift,” Rodriguez stated. “Every contribution we get brings us one step closer to doubling this wonderful gift.” The Let’s Play Ball campaign is an annual effort designed to collect as many sports balls as possible for children, with a target of collecting the equivalent of 5,000 balls for both the Long Beach and LA Harbor clubs.
The campaign is a joint effort between the Press-Telegram, Daily Breeze, and their weekly sister publications. Rodriguez emphasized the urgency of the initiative, calling upon community members to support the cause. “We’re calling on our amazing supporters to once again help us reach our goal to help as many kids as possible in all of our programs,” he said.
The anonymous donor expressed optimism that community members would step up to match the contribution. His donation is specifically allocated for the Long Beach clubs. “The holidays are a time of giving, and what could be more rewarding than providing kids, who may not get many presents, with a brand new ball to brighten up their holiday!” he remarked. This matching gift not only aims to spread holiday cheer but also promotes healthy physical activity for children in the new year.
Rodriguez further explained the importance of the ball drive, noting that new balls are crucial for the success of various sports programs. “New balls mean our members can play every day, whether it’s a pickup game in the gym or games in a full league season,” he said. “These donations keep our programs running all year, and they mean a lot to the kids who count on us.”
One young participant, Miguel, aged 11, shared his excitement about the ball drive. “Now, we will be able to play more soccer,” he said. “We need a lot of balls when everyone wants to play.” The Boys & Girls Clubs offer a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, dodgeball, and kickball.
In support of the campaign, John Morris, operator of the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant, is hosting an annual toy and ball fundraiser luncheon on December 9, 2023. Morris encourages attendees to donate unwrapped toys or balls valued at $20 or more in exchange for a complimentary buffet lunch. “The need is so great,” Morris stated. “Kids are our future, and we need to do anything and everything we can to help them.”
The Let’s Play Ball campaign aims to benefit both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor. Donations can be made at various locations, including the main office of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Big 5 Sporting Goods stores, and several local restaurants. Big 5 is offering a 25% discount on any regularly priced sports balls purchased for donation.
For those wishing to contribute online, donations can also be made through the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list. Additional information is available by contacting Kari Cho, Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, at [email protected] or by calling 562-595-5945.
Community members are encouraged to support this initiative to ensure that children have the opportunity to play and grow through sports. The Let’s Play Ball campaign represents a collective effort to uplift the youth and foster a spirit of giving during this holiday season and beyond.
