A generous anonymous 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 contribution comes with a challenge: the donor hopes that readers of the Press-Telegram and its sister publication, the Grunion Gazette, will match this amount, potentially bringing the total to $20,000. If matched, funds would be utilized to purchase approximately 1,000 balls for youth participating in the clubs’ athletic programs.
Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs, expressed gratitude for the donor’s support. “We are so grateful that our Santa has stepped forward with this generous matching gift,” he stated. “Every contribution we get brings us one step closer to doubling this wonderful gift.”
Campaign Goals and Community Involvement
The Let’s Play Ball campaign is an annual initiative that collects sports balls for children. This year, the goal is to gather 5,000 balls, with 2,500 designated for the Long Beach clubs and 2,500 for the LA Harbor clubs. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of community contributions in reaching this goal. “We’re calling on our amazing supporters to once again help us help as many kids as possible in all of our programs,” he said.
The anonymous donor expressed optimism that the community will respond positively. His intention is to encourage others to contribute, making a significant impact on children who might not receive many gifts during the holiday season. “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.
Moreover, he noted that this matching donation would not only enhance holiday joy but also promote physical activity for children in the coming year. Rodriguez highlighted that new sports balls are essential for the clubs’ programs, facilitating daily play and structured leagues. “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 added. “These donations keep our programs running all year and mean a lot to the kids who count on us.”
Upcoming Fundraising Events
As part of the fundraising efforts, John Morris, operator of the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant, will host an annual toy and ball fundraiser luncheon on December 9, 2023. He encourages attendees to bring unwrapped balls or toys valued at $20 each 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 is not only about collecting sports equipment; it also fosters community spirit and encourages involvement from local businesses. Interested individuals can contribute by dropping off sports balls at various locations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach’s main office, located at 3635 Long Beach Blvd8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Additionally, participating businesses, such as Big 5 Sporting Goods, are offering 25% off any regularly priced sports balls purchased for donation.
For those unable to donate physical items, monetary contributions are welcome. Donations can also be made through the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list at bgclub.org/Joy. For more information, Kari Cho, Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, can be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling 562-595-5945.
As the campaign progresses, both the Boys & Girls Clubs and the community remain hopeful that the spirit of giving will prevail, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play and grow through sports.
