News
Reds Community Fund finds ways to help
New fields created and renovated thanks to team's efforts
Paul Janish poses for a picture with some Little Leaguers. (Reds)
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
11/25/09 4:00 PM EST
CINCINNATI -- A slow economy has not slowed the Reds Community Fund from doing its work in 2009.
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Donations still flowed in, and goodwill went back out and reached children in numerous communities in the area.
"For a rough economy, it was a very exciting year," said Charley Frank, the executive director of the Reds Community Fund. "When we compare us to other nonprofit organizations, we feel fortunate to have held the line. We received support from the top on down." In 2009, the RCF brought in $1.3 million through its events, fundraisers and personal and corporate donations. After overhead spending, about $1.1 million of that was invested directly back into the community to give more kids access to baseball, softball and social programs. The RCF underwrote the expenses for 325 baseball and softball teams. Approximately 30,000 kids played on teams supported by the fund or on fields that were refurbished through the Field Renovation Program. That's a lot to be thankful for as the holiday season approaches. "The critical thing to us is the economy didn't prohibit us going where we wanted to go," Frank said. "We didn't have to cut back on the number of teams we supported. Maybe, we had to give a little less." The RCF didn't have to say no, because several Reds players said yes to giving back. A number of players who signed with Cincinnati as free agents or players who returned with new contracts donated a percentage of their earnings to the Reds Community Fund. They include former Red Jerry Hairston Jr., David Weathers, Mike Lincoln and Willy Taveras. "[The] credit goes to [general manager] Walt Jocketty, [assistant GM] Bob Miller and [owner/CEO] Bob Castellini, because not one player the last two offseasons that were signed or re-signed didn't make a contribution to the RCF," Frank said. "We are enormously committed that the players get a great experience when they donate so they can see these donations come to life." The RCF outreach programs include the Reds Rookie Success League, youth baseball funding, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, field renovations and the Match program. The Match program, which brings youth teams from the inner city and suburban areas together in home-and-home series of games, had 18 different neighborhoods participate this year with each game staffed by Community Fund members. "These were some incredible images and memories," Frank said. "Where else would kids from Forest Park, [Ohio], ever get down to Newport, [Ky.]? Both sides were treated with respect and kindness. It blossomed well beyond our wildest dreams. It's living, breathing diversity. The kids connect through the game and do social good." The Field Renovation Program helped repair more than 20 area youth fields this year, which brought the total to 254 fields renovated since the program's inception in 2006. In May alone, three fields were opened in the area, including Kevin C. Barnhill Field in Maineville, Ohio, Brandon Phillips Field at Clark Montessori High School in Winton Terrace, Ohio, and a new Miracle League Field at the Dunham Recreation Complex in the west side of Cincinnati, which was opened with the help of a $55,000 donation from pitcher Aaron Harang. Phase 2 of the Miracle League Field will begin construction in 2010 with the addition of a pavilion, restrooms, concessions, scoreboard and lighting. The field is wheelchair accessible and provides children with special needs a safe place to play. "They didn't miss one game because of rain this year," Frank said. "The year before, they were able to play only three times." In June during the weekend of the Civil Rights Game, about 2,000 children from the RBI and the Match programs took part in clinics in downtown Cincinnati's Fountain Square and participated in a parade that went down Vine Street to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Activities do not cease even when the Major League season is over. Earlier in November during a fundraiser at the Cincinnati Art Museum, a limited-edition print called Redsland Forever by local artist C.F. Payne helped raise $27,000 in one evening. Proceeds were split by the RCF and the museum. And ongoing now every other Wednesday night is the RCF-sponsored urban baseball training academy at Clark Montessori. About 40 urban fifth- and sixth-grade students who are serious about improving their baseball skills got coaching and instruction they normally wouldn't have been able to gain access to. And when there are more programs, youth teams and communities looking for baseball-themed activities, the RCF hopes to find them and find a way to help. "Our goal is not to have to say no to anybody," Frank said.Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
