Fundraiser dinner will help dreams come true
| Wednesday, Jan 11 2012 04:43 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Jan 17 2012 07:29 AM
League of Dreams Gala Dinner and Auction
When: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 20
Where: Garces High School, Monsignor Leddy Hall, 2800 Loma Linda Drive
Tickets: $125; $200 per couple; sponsorship packages available
Information: ourleagueofdreams.com or 377-1700
The League of Dreams Gala Dinner and Auction, taking place Jan. 20 at Garces Memorial High, gives hope to children with disabilities who often find themselves sitting on the bench instead of out in the field participating in sports.
The gala will feature an evening of food provided by Luigi's, music by Good Question and a live auction, all aimed at raising funds for the League of Dreams, a program that gives kids with disabilities the chance to participate in baseball and basketball. League coordinator Nathan Gutierrez said that if all goes well, families that may not be able to afford the sports program will have a shot at getting their kids involved.
"We want every child to be able to play in the league without having to worry about paying a registration fee. All of the money we raise will go toward paying those fees, and what's left over will help expand the program."
Gutierrez knows firsthand the benefits of team sports for kids with disabilities. He was born with spina bifida and has spent his life in a wheelchair. But, thanks to a small group of determined parents, he was able to get in on the action two decades ago when organizations like the League of Dreams didn't exist.
"I thought it was really cool. I grew up loving sports, and that was the connection that my dad and I always had. You learn so much from sports. You learn about sportsmanship, working as a team, you make a lot of friends. It's an important part of growing up."
The League of Dreams was organized by Tim Terrio, president and CEO of Terrio Fitness, who kicked off the project in 2007. With Terrio Fitness, League of Dreams works with pediatric occupational therapists to coordinate the players, evaluate them and put them in the divisions that are right for their skill level.
In just a few years the organization has grown by leaps and bounds. More than120 children are participating, and a new baseball diamond specifically for the League of Dreams is close to completion. The diamond, located at Fruitvale-Norris Park, is much like a regular baseball field, with a few adjustments made for league participants.
"It's made with padded rubber like you see in gymnasiums or at parks. It's painted just like a baseball diamond, with green for grass and brown for dirt. We have bleachers and two dugouts that are wheelchair accessible."
Gutierrez said the diamond has been years in the making but will be ready in time for the baseball season to kick off in mid-March.
"We have scholarships available, so there are some kids who have had their registration fees taken care of. But there are families out there that haven't been able to participate because they can't afford it. We don't want that to happen anymore."
The League of Dreams has some heavy hitters on its side, including Chicago White Sox third baseman Brent Morel, a Bakersfield native who has made the League of Dreams his official charity. Morel, who will attend the gala, is also behind the push to make joining the league as affordable as possible.
"When Brent came on, he wanted to make sure that no one had to pay to participate. He really wanted to see those fees taken care of."
With Morel on their side, Gutierrez looks forward to what the league can do with money raised at the gala.
"We have some cool things to auction off -- actual physical items -- and then we have 'experience' type things. But it will be good. I don't want to give away the surprises."
