A benefactor has pledged a generous $10,000 to the **Let’s Play Ball** campaign, aimed at providing sports balls for children at the **Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach**. This donation comes with a challenge: community members are invited to match the amount, potentially doubling the total to $20,000 for purchasing approximately 1,000 balls for local youth sports programs.
According to **Don Rodriguez**, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the campaign’s success hinges on community support. “We are so grateful that our Santa has stepped forward with this generous matching gift,” Rodriguez expressed. “Every contribution we get brings us one step closer to doubling this wonderful gift.”
The **Let’s Play Ball** campaign, a collaborative effort between the **Press-Telegram** and the **Grunion Gazette**, aims to collect the equivalent of 5,000 balls, with half designated for the Long Beach clubs and the other half for the **Boys & Girls Clubs of LA Harbor**. Currently, the initiative still needs significant contributions to reach its ambitious target.
Rodriguez emphasized the impact of donations, stating that new sports equipment is vital for fostering active lifestyles among club members. “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 explained.
The anonymous donor expressed hope that his challenge would inspire others. “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 noted. His donation is exclusively earmarked for the Long Beach clubs, making community participation in the matching challenge essential for maximizing this opportunity.
In another related effort, on December 9, 2023, **John Morris**, operator of the **Boathouse on the Bay** restaurant in Long Beach, will host an annual fundraiser luncheon. Morris encourages attendees to donate unwrapped toys or sports balls valued at $20 each. In return, he will offer a complimentary buffet lunch as a thank you for their generosity. “The need is so great,” Morris remarked. “Kids are our future, and we need to do anything and everything we can to help them.”
The **Let’s Play Ball** campaign also allows for donations through various local businesses and organizations. Donors can contribute at several locations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach main office, **Big 5 Sporting Goods**, and numerous restaurants. **Big 5** is providing a 25% discount on any regularly priced sports balls purchased for donation.
For those wishing to contribute, the Boys & Girls Clubs have set up an Amazon wish list, which can be accessed online. More information can be obtained by contacting **Kari Cho**, Vice President of Marketing and Development, via email at [email protected] or by calling 562-595-5945.
The community’s involvement in this campaign is crucial. As Rodriguez noted, “Thank you for giving these kids a chance to play and grow.” The ultimate goal is to ensure that young athletes like Miguel, an enthusiastic 11-year-old club member, can enjoy sports with adequate equipment. “Now, we will be able to play more soccer,” he said, highlighting the necessity of having enough balls for everyone to participate.
As the holiday season approaches, the urgency to rally support grows, aiming to foster joy and healthy activities for children in Long Beach and beyond.
