themya.org: MYA News
MYA receives grant from The Basball Tomorrow Fund
MANOR YOUTH ASSOCIATION RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE BASEBALL TOMORROW FUND Manor, Texas 7/27/09 – The Manor Youth Association (MYA) announced today that it was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $58,488.57 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The grant will support the renovations of the three MYA baseball/softball fields and provide funding for fencing, irrigation, dugouts, and other field materials. The MYA fields have been in need of repair for some time. The MYA will use the money to replace fencing and dugouts, add an irrigation system, restore the soil, and add new sod and seed. We want the kids in the MYA to have quality fields to play on. We believe that when we renovate the fields, we will increase participation and provide more opportunities for children in Manor and surrounding communities to have a positive, healthy activity. Lisa Williams, Vice-President and tee-ball coach of the MYA applied for the grant in April. “I played t-ball on the oldest field, and now, my son, Jackson plays tee-ball there.” Lisa says that the oldest field is over forty-years old. “My parents, brother, sister, and husband played there as well. There is history there, and I’m happy to be a part in the restoration of such an important community landmark.” “This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game,” said John Jonse, MYA’s President. “The new fencing and sod will really improve the look of the fields.” “The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates the MYA’s commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program.” added Cathy Bradley, Executive Director or the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. Other major supporters of the project include 84 Lumber, who previously donated $2000 worth of materials to replace the score booth on the softball field; Home Depot; Brannens, INC.; Manor Lions Club; Jonse Insurance Agency; and Curtis Griffin, CEO of the Jimmy Evans Company The MYA is still accepting in-kind and monetary contributions. Those interested in donating to the project may contact Lisa Williams at 512-825-4217. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2009, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses. Since its formation by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded over 400 grants totaling almost $16 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Approximately 180,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by the fund. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receives approximately 500 applications each year and awards grants on a quarterly basis after a selective review process. For more information, visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com. The MYA was formed in 1983 by individuals who care deeply about the youth of the Manor community. Since that time, unpaid volunteers have collectively worked tens of thousands of hours planning activities, building and maintaining facilities, and working directly with the children of our community. The organization acquired the softball field from Manor ISD, which as built over forty-years ago. MYA later added two more fields to accommodate a growing number of kids in the program. The MYA offers tee-ball, softball, and baseball to children ages 3-15 in Manor and the surrounding communities. Last spring, the organization boasted over 200 kids.
