MONROE – People chipped in money. Businesses sent out checks. Children gave away coin jars.
And now a dream is turning into a reality.
Crews started clearing an empty lot where the Monroe Miracle League wants to build a new ball field. The baseball group for children with disabilities has spent about four years raising money and planning for the $1 million project, said Ric Carlson, the league’s director.
The league has raised about $200,000 for the project, which was enough to break ground at the city-owned lot, Carlson said.
“It’s exciting to see some improvements at the site,” he said this week.
The league has a long way to go to complete the project, but it is hopeful, Carlson said. The groundbreaking occurred after the league was presented with $10,000 from Farmers Insurance Group.
Jason Petty of Monroe won the money for the league in a contest, without telling anybody he’d entered the group. His act of kindness surprised players and supporters of the league. Their story was featured in The Herald on Oct. 9.
The league has since received more donations, including $1,000 from a business, Carlson said.
“It’s great to see a pay-it-forward thing,” Carlson said.
Petty became a supporter of the league after he and his wife, Sally, watched one of the league’s games by chance several years ago.
Petty said he was excited about the turn of events, and “glad to see things move forward.”
The league’s new season will start in late spring, Carlson said. The new field likely won’t be complete by then.
Meanwhile, the Monroe Rotary Club, the league’s sponsor and operator, is trying to team up with a local YMCA to expand the league’s operation and membership, Carlson said.
The league has asked Petty whether he wants to serve as a base coach or buddy for players, he said.
“Absolutely, whenever they need me,” he said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
The Monroe Miracle League, a baseball group for children with disabilities, wants to build a ball field on a city-owned parcel. The group has raised about $200,000 for the $1 million project.
Donations can be sent to the Rotary Club of Monroe Foundation, P.O. Box 293, Monroe, WA 98272. For more information, go to www.monroemiracles.org or contact Sue Skillen at 360-794-7977 or sue.skillen@comcast.net.
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