Garrettsville – Last month I challenged the James A. Garfield Community to take an active part in a massive fundraising campaign to kick off renovations to the schools’ athletic facilities. I am proud to report that over the last month more than 325 of our students, parents, staff and community members have accepted the challenge! As of Monday, March 17, ticket sales total $19,660. This is a monumental start! In just one month we are nearly halfway to our annual minimum goal of $50,000. It is inspiring to see so many individuals working together toward the goal of making our facilities safer and more enjoyable for our students and fans.
There is still time!
Tickets will be on sale through April 30, 2014. Each $10 raffle ticket buys a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize as well as numerous coupons to local businesses. The winning ticket will be drawn at the School Board Office on Friday, May 30 at noon.
Community members wishing to purchase tickets or acquire tickets to sell can contact Ted Lysiak at 216.534.7413. Parents with children in grades K-6 can request additional tickets by sending a note with them to school, and students in grades 7-12 wishing to sell tickets should contact Jim Pfleger at 330.527.0039.
We cannot let up now. With six weeks to go in this first fundraising campaign, we are edging closer to making the first phase of our project a reality! I challenge all of us to keep the momentum going!
The complete renovation will take four phases to complete and will be completed as follows:
Phase 1 – Safety of players and fans
? Move field away from home bleachers by 10 feet
? Replace wood posts and ropes with four foot safety fencing
? Install new goal posts (donated by G-Men Foundation)
? Stabilize visitor bleachers with a permanent concrete pad
? Completion set for Fall 2014
Phase 2 – Spectator seating
? Purchase safety and ADA compliant aluminum bleachers
? Construct new press box
Phase 3 – Fan experience
? Construct new concession booths
? Construct permanent ADA compliant restrooms
Phase 4 – Scoreboard and track
? Construction of all-weather track
? Installation of new field scoreboards
I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported these efforts by selling or buying tickets. Your commitment to excellence is inspiring!
As always, if you have any questions, please call me directly in the office (330.527.4336) or on my cell (216.534.7413).
Students from the elementary, middle, intermediate, and high schools have been asked to sell raffle tickets. Pictured are those students who have (to date) met the challenge.
