An anonymous donor has pledged a matching gift of $10,000 to the Let’s Play Ball campaign, which aims to provide new sports balls for children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. The donor’s offer is contingent upon readers of the Press-Telegram and the Grunion Gazette matching the initial amount. If successful, the total contribution would amount to $20,000, potentially funding the purchase of approximately 1,000 sports balls for youth participating in the club’s athletic programs.
Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, expressed gratitude for the donor’s generosity. “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 sports balls for kids, benefiting both the Long Beach and LA Harbor clubs.
Community Efforts to Meet the Goal
The initiative aims to gather 5,000 sports balls in total, with 2,500 designated for each club. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of community support in achieving this goal, stating, “We’re calling on our amazing supporters to help us reach our goal to help as many kids as possible in all of our programs.”
The anonymous donor expressed optimism regarding community engagement, highlighting the positive impact of 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!” the donor remarked.
This matching gift is intended not only to bring joy during the holidays but also to encourage healthy activities for children throughout the upcoming year. Rodriguez noted, “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 that the donations are vital for sustaining programs that benefit local youth.
Upcoming Fundraisers and Donation Options
One young participant, Miguel, aged 11, expressed excitement about the campaign, stating, “Now, we will be able to play more soccer. We need a lot of balls when everyone wants to play.” The Boys & Girls Clubs offer various sports, including basketball, soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, dodgeball, and kickball.
On December 9, 2023, John Morris, operator of the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant in Long Beach, will host his annual toy and ball fundraiser luncheon. Morris invites patrons to donate unwrapped toys or sports balls valued at $20 or more, offering a complimentary buffet lunch in return. “The need is so great,” Morris remarked. “Kids are our future, and we need to do anything and everything we can to help them.”
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made at various locations in the Long Beach area, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach main office and participating Big 5 Sporting Goods stores. The latter is offering a 25% discount on regularly priced sports balls for donations made to the campaign.
Online donations are also welcome through the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list, accessible at bgclub.org/Joy. For further inquiries, individuals can contact Kari Cho, Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, at [email protected] or call 562-595-5945.
Efforts to support the Let’s Play Ball campaign are crucial for ensuring that children have the opportunity to engage in physical activities and develop essential life skills through sports. The community’s response can make a significant difference in the lives of young people in the area during this holiday season and beyond.
