Fundraiser planned for upgrades, upkeep of Catholic schools’ sports equipment
By Eric A Thomas
The success of any athletic program depends on great coaching, a strong roster of team members and quality equipment. One local program is holding a fundraiser dinner for upkeep and replacement of equipment.
On Saturday, April 13 from 5-6:30 p.m., there will be a pork steak dinner, auction (both live and silent), and a raffle to benefit Routt Catholic High School and Our Saviour School. This proceeds from this benefit will specifically go to improvements on the schools’ batting cage and their baseball and softball fields. The dinner will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 320 E. State St. in Jacksonville.
Tickets for the benefit will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids. If preferred, kids can request a hamburger instead of the pork steak. The rest of the dinner will include a baked potato, green beans and coleslaw.
Authenticated signed jerseys, photos and baseballs are among some of the donated items available through the memorabilia sports auction. Also available are golf passes and a golf bag among other items. An autographed jersey from Adam Wainwright is a raffle item. Tickets for the raffle are $5 for one or $10 for three. The drawing for the jersey will take place that night but the winner does not need to be present.
Serving as auctioneer will be Colleen Doyle, a Routt graduate and staff member at Notre Dame University. “In addition to Doyle, there are many volunteers who make this annual event a success,” remarked Jerry McGinnis, overall event organizer. “I want to thank everyone that has donated items for the auction plus everyone involved that makes this event worthwhile.”
Ryan Turner serves as the head baseball coach for RCHS. “Our baseball program has been truly blessed by Jerry and his hard work organizing this fundraiser,” Turner commented. “He and his team have created an environment that we get tons of work in when the weather is suspect or when we want to focus on hitting alone.” The funds raised also help provide for needs at the alumni field and help them to afford some perks for the boys that play in the program. The batting cage is used by both schools as well as other schools from the surrounding area.
McGinnis is an alum of the school and a KofC member. He has been organizing this event annually for the last several years. “If anyone wishes to donate an item to be auctioned off, please contact me and we will make the needed arrangements,” concluded McGinnis. To donate an item or for any additional information, call McGinnis at 217-473-0309.
