Garrettsville – Months ago I challenged the James A. Garfield students to take an active part in a fundraising effort to kick off renovations to the schools’ athletic facilities. Our students accepted the challenge with great fervor, and I am proud to report that the “Challenge Raffle” winner was drawn at noon on Friday, May 30th by Mayor Rick Patrick in the James A. Garfield Board Office. The winner of the $1,000 grand prize was Stephanie Kristoff. The winning ticket was sold to her by her son, kindergartner AJ Kristoff.
On behalf of the James A. Garfield Schools I would like to congratulate Mrs. Kristoff and thank everyone who sold and purchased tickets for the raffle. I would also like to thank Mrs. Sherry Jones for organizing this successful effort. Without her passion, organization and impeccable record-keeping we never would have been able to experience such success.
The final breakdown for the raffle is as follows:
Total Sales: $28,260.00
Expenses: $6,041.86
Net Profit: $22,218.14
It is important to note that $4,173.14 of the expenses went directly back to the kids in the form of t-shirts, gift cards and a skating party at Roller Hutt. These rewards kept the excitement and motivation going throughout the raffle.
With the funds collected, improvements will be made to the stadium this summer to make play safer for our athletes. As you drive by the stadium you will begin to see the following work taking place:
Phase 1 – Safety of players and fans – Total Cost: $17,938.57
? Replace wood posts and ropes with four foot safety fencing ($6,438.57)
? Install new goal posts ($0 – donated by G-Men Foundation)
? Stabilize visitor bleachers with a permanent concrete pad ($11,500)
? Move field away from home bleachers by 10 feet ($0)
The remaining $4,279.57 will be deposited to the JAG All Sports Booster account and used for Phase 2, which will focus on the spectator experience. The next steps for the project are outlined by the following Phases:
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
This is just the beginning of the work that needs to be done. Our athletic facilities are tired and need attention. It is inspiring to see so many individuals working together toward the goal of making them safer and more enjoyable for our students and spectators.
As always, if you have any questions, please call me directly in the office (330.527.4336) or on my cell (216.534.7413).
