MIRACLE LEAGUE OF MANASOTA ANNOUNCES WINNER OF NEW BMW
The Miracle League of Manasota is proud to announce that Jean Pennekamp, a local resident and active Miracle League volunteer, was the lucky winner of the 2012 “Miracles and Martinis” car raffle. She will have the choice of a brand-new 2012 BMW X3 or 328 Convertible. The raffle party was held Saturday night, March 31, at Polo Grill & Bar in Lakewood Ranch. With a maximum of 1000 tickets available, tickets were sold for $100 each. The winning ticket was drawn by a BMW of Sarasota official on hand for the special event. Due to an illness, Jean was not present for the drawing but was immediately notified by telephone. This was the second “Miracles and Martinis” event for The Miracle League and proceeds will go towards the Miracle League Field that services both Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For the Miracle League players, their excitement has been through the roof as the 2012 spring season started several weeks ago.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Miracle League of Manasota and the children and adults with disabilities that we serve, thank you for your participation in our car raffle. Your participation at the early stages in development of this wonderful organization is critical to our future. The kids are currently enjoying their first season of Miracle League baseball and with your help we will reach our goal of completing the entire baseball complex within the next year. Because of your support, we are creating an environment where self esteem can flourish,” remarked Bob Mitchell, President of The Miracle League of Manasota.
It's More Than a Game, It's a Miracle!
The Miracle League of Manasota is an affiliate of the National Miracle League Association, joining more than 200 communities around the world that are providing opportunities for disabled children to play baseball. Since its founding in 1998, more than 220 specially surfaced fields have been built or are under construction. Miracle Leagues serve more than 200,000 youngsters with special needs.
The complete complex will include a custom-designed field with a cushioned rubberized turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts, handicapped accessible concession stand and restrooms, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to special needs players. The Miracle League of Manasota has adopted the Miracle League rules that every player bats once each inning, all base runners are safe, every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run), able bodied community children and volunteers serve as 'buddies' to assist the players, and each team and each player wins every game.
Our Spring Season began March 17, 2012. The Miracle League will continue to reach out to invite children with disabilities to play baseball through the county recreation programs, disability support groups and servicing agencies, the schools, existing baseball programs and the media. The Miracle League will make dreams come true for so many youngsters who have been denied the chance to participate in a team sport. Despite infirmities, Miracle League players will beg their families to get them to every game. The thrill of playing, the cheers from the stands, the self esteem and the friendships they develop will make the Miracle League field an oasis for disabled children, miles away from their everyday battles.
Help Build a Dream
The Miracle League of Manasota is seeking $500,000 to complete the baseball complex and create an endowment to ensure the long term viability of the League. We are looking for partners in the community to join us in this important effort to provide every child with special needs in Sarasota and Manatee counties a chance to play baseball. For more information on how you can help, please take a look at our Get Involved section for information on donating or volunteering.
If you were to see them play, you would call it a miracle
