According to the Center for Disease Control, one in five children have a disability. Many of these disabilities include difficulties with how a child plays, learns, speaks, and acts or how the child handles their emotions. Easterseals MORC addressed the growing need for disability services by launching a new adaptive baseball field located in Lake Orion that provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to play baseball, understand their emotions and improve their motor skills. While the results are priceless, the cost to sustain the program is great. Recently, Easterseals MORC received a $50,000, one-year grant from the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund to support the first fiscal year of program operations for Easterseals Miracle League of North Oakland.
The funding will allow Easterseals MORC to enhance the program by implementing a league manager, purchasing much-needed equipment, and launching a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a concession stand to improve the experience for the players, their families, the volunteers and the community.
“When our son first came into our lives, we knew he would change the world for the better and bring out the best in everyone. He is so kind, caring, innocent, and joyful. Our big concern was being able to live in a community that would support his needs,” says John Byrne, chairman of the annual Miracle League of North Oakland golf outing and parent of Miracle League player.“We are so pleased to say we have found success and could not be happier. He is 9 years old and we are happy to say that his dream of being a ball player has come true!
“This grant will do amazing things for our new field. With over 400 players involved in our Southfield league, we are certain that this new league will provide equal opportunities in northern Oakland County,” says Steve Peck, Director of Easterseals Miracle League. “The funds will be used to provide the necessary items for our current players while paving the road for enhancements such as a new concession building, which we are currently raising funds for.”
“We are thankful to the DADA for this grant and we know that it will change the lives of players, their families, and the community,” says Brent Wirth, President and CEO of Easterseals MORC. “Their dedication to enhancing the community makes us proud to have them as investors in our mission.”
