Speaker: Nate Lawes
How would a $5,000 grant improve your program?
Nate Lawes: Hello, I'm Nate Lawes, President of Johannesburg- Lewiston Little League. Coming from a very small community of just over 3000 people. You could imagine my surprise when I received a call from Amanda saying we were one of three nominated for this grant. I was reminded of just how strong and passionate my community, family and friends are when it comes to giving back to our kids. On average, our league provides baseball and softball activities for 175 boys and girls. We have three field locations being Charlton Township Park in Johannesburg, Buttles Park and Bingham Park in Lewiston. We like many other small towns struggle with financial and travel obligations that larger cities don't necessarily have. Lower registration numbers mean lower number of teams, which also means that we're not playing at one facility. We travel up to an hour away, which also adds to the cost to families for things like gas and food. Not to mention having to leave work early to attend those games and practices. Our average yearly gross revenue is around $16,000. These funds are used to purchase things like new equipment, provide field maintenance, insurance and uniforms. Annual spending equates to basically breaking even. We also only have roughly 20 to 30 businesses to solicit donations from and with multiple other JL athletics year round. Each season, we are limited to how many donations we actually receive. We also take into consideration that families may struggle to make ends meet. So we have one of the lowest registration fees of $40 to $50 a player. And we always allow kids to play regardless of the ability to pay or not. Receiving this grant would help us energize an existing project at the Charlton Township field in Otsego County. Revitalizing this field with upgrades include our upgraded dugouts, a stairwell for an announcing booth, scoreboard installation, permanent out field fence, fixing the infield and outfield to provide a level playing surface, a concession stand capability, new bleacher seats for fans. Which would ultimately create a softball facility that would provide a great player and fan experience in our small town. We will be using existing donations, general funds, along with this grant to hopefully complete the project in the summer of 2025. Our mission is simple by providing an opportunity for kids to rise to the challenge through exercise and discipline to become a better version of themselves, both on and off the field. Our coaches and board members all strive to provide tools and instruction that help each child learn the game we all call America's pastime. With practices, games and clinics we try to instill that with the teamwork of others, setting goals for the team and themselves, then striving to put in the work and do their very best they can eventually see success, not only in the ball field but in life, my board and I would like to thank everyone that has already voted to get us to this point. And I hope this video for Johannesburg- Lewiston Little League will earn your vote at the event. We look forward to meeting you to answer any further questions you may have about our organization. Thank you again Otsego Community Foundation for this great event and even greater opportunity. And as we like to say, it's always a great day to be a cardinal. Thank you.