Capital Campaign Update and Plans For Randolph Park

 

Please read the following special message from MPTLL League President, Rich Little....


Dear MPTLL Parent, Coach, Sponsor and/or Volunteer,

I am sending you this message to update you on our progress towards finalizing our Capital Campaign, and to let your know of an opportunity we have to receive a $200,000 matching gift. 

As an update, we have made significant progress because of the willingness of many people to give back to the League.  To date, we have accomplished the following:

     1)    We have surpassed the $525,000 mark in total pledged donations

     2)    Largely because of the strength of the donations we have received so far, we have successfully secured an additional 10 year term of the Priority Use Agreement with Mecklenburg County and our partners at Park & Rec.  The new term will dovetail into the existing term which expires December 31^st, 2016.  We now have Randolph Park (and our other off site practice locations) under contract through the end of 2026.

     3)    Once we complete the Capital Campaign, we will be strategically positioned to go back to Park & Rec/Meck County and negotiate to add several decades to the Agreement beyond 2026. 

  

     4)    We have had Randolph Park surveyed in preparation for the construction projects.

     5)    We have had meetings with architects and a construction company to start the process of narrowing in on the actual costs of the projects we would like to complete.

     6)     Based on the conversations we have had so far, the cost to complete everything we want to do will be approximately $1.5 million.  This amount includes the covered seating, press box, dugouts, new backstop, bathrooms and concession stand for the New Field.  The cost estimate also includes the construction of a large building that will house an Indoor Teaching Center, and storage for the League’s equipment (i.e. a new Boyd’s Building).  The $1.5 million price tag also covers a fairly significant enhancement to the entrance of the park coming in from the main parking lot next to the soccer field.   The target number should also include enough money to build ground level, basic press boxes for several fields, including Kiser/Chapman. 

     7)    Depending on where we stand with money raised on November 15^th, 2015, we may find that we are not able to do everything we want to do as one big project.  If that is the case we will prioritize the components of the plan and look to complete the projects using a phased approach.

As mentioned, we have a very special, time sensitive opportunity to receive a matching gift of $200,000.   I mentioned the date November 15^th, 2015 in point #7 above because one of our Capital Campaign supporters has made a generous offer over and above his current donation.  He has committed to match all new pledges up to $200,000 received between now and November 15^th.   So, if we are able to raise the full $200,000, that amount will turn into $400,000 because of the matching gift.  We have 3 weeks to make sure that we maximize this awesome opportunity.  If we can get to the full match, AND if we can close at least one of the naming rights opportunities we have, we will be in a position to complete most if not all of our grand plan.

And that’s where I need your help.  I am writing to ask you to consider making a pledge to the Capital Campaign.  You have the option of spreading the payments out over 5 years.  You can go online and make a donation on the website using a credit card at  www.mptll.org – the link to the Capital Campaign is under About MPTLL – then click the Donate icon on the right hand side of the page. Alternatively, send me an email to the address below and request a pledge card to be sent to you.   (Thank you to those of you who have already stepped up and made a 2^nd donation!)

In addition to making a pledge, you can also help by reaching out to someone you know who has fond memories of MPTLL or who is currently enjoying their experience and ask them to join you in supporting the campaign.  Most people are glad to give to a worthy cause, but they must first know about it, and in most cases they need to be asked.  Just think of the impact we can make if everyone receiving this email is able to convince one additional person to give to the Campaign.  You can also forward a name or names to me so that I can contact them on your behalf, although I don’t think that that will be as effective as you contacting them directly.  The reality is that your contact to them will be more personal.  I am however happy to reach out to anyone you feel is a potential candidate.

We believe that the capital improvements outlined above have something for everyone at MPTLL.  The indoor teaching center will be used by softball and baseball teams, Challenge and All Star teams, and our 13-16 year old teams playing for Myers Park Academy and Jr Little League.  We will also hold free and paid player clinics, coaching clinics, have a winter workout program and provide private lessons.  The covered seating complex will be a great place to hold Opening Day and Closing Day Ceremonies, as well as be a first class field for regular season and tournament games for baseball players ages 9-12.  We will all be proud of an upgraded “front door” entrance area to the Park, which will also include a better drop/off and pick/up area for the kids coming to and leaving the field.  And finally, press boxes for our primary softball and baseball fields will add a new level of excitement to our games.  

Please join me in supporting this exciting plan, and please act before November 15^th so that we will be able to take full advantage of the matching gift.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

 

Rich Little

President

Myers Park Trinity Little League

mptllpres@gmail.com

Keep Battling, Adam

We have a parent and coach in our league who has taken a turn for the worse. He has been fighting cancer valiantly for two years. He is a great guy and has a nice family, like we all do. But he has been battling for two years, although holding his head high with a smile on his face. I tell my players, "Keep your head up." Adam Schmitz has done that.

I've spent time with Adam and his son at the batting cages. Adam watches closely as his son hits ball after ball, making an adjustment here and there. Adam's eyes are bright and wide. He soaks it all in, loving every minute of it - just as he does any time he's at the park, either watching Zeke play or just talking to friends. He has the perspective on life that allows him to take in and appreciate his experiences. He wants more knowledge, more friends, more swings, more time.

Adam loves to talk and he is a good listener too. We discuss hitting and pitching, Majors and Minors, McGwire and Sosa, the Mets and Yankees, dogs and cats, whatever. We want to talk for longer, but I can't match his enthusiasm. And it's getting dark and the lights aren't coming on.

It's hard to know that someone like Adam with so much goodness in his heart and so much enthusiasm for life is struggling. It doesn't seem fair. But he is battling. That's another thing I tell my players: "Keep battling. Battle to the very end. No matter the outcome, you'll be proud that you did." Adam Schmitz has done that. He will continue to do it. And we are all proud.

Adam's family needs our help. Myers Park Trinity is a larger family of sorts. We support our own when they need us. If you would like to help the Schmitz family, please go to the following link and show your support. Show them how much we all appreciate Adam. Please visit:

The Adam Schmitz Cancer Fund

MP 12's Car Wash Fundraiser

The Myers Park Trinity Little League 11-12-year-old NC State Champs will host a car wash fundraiser on Tuesday (7/30) from 6:30-8:00 pm at the MPTLL fields at Randolph Park (101 Billingsley Rd). Proceeds will help cover travel expenses for players in need of financial assistance during the team's trip to Warner Robins, GA for the Southeast Regional Little League Tournament.  The 12's will leave early Thursday morning for Georgia, where they will play 3 games of a pool play format on Friday, Saturday and Monday, before the consolation and medal rounds begin.

Please come out to the fields on Tuesday night and help support the 12's. The team will be washing cars and accepting donations of any amount. You can also make a contribution online via the MPTLL store. All donations are tax deductible.

MP 11's Head to the Southeast Regionals

The Myers Park Trinity LL 10-11-year-old All-Star team has earned a trip to the Southeast Regional Tournament of State Champions in Greenville, NC. The team leaves on Friday morning and will stay at the tournament for at least three games. The TOSC website is here. They have a write-up about MPTLL and Charlotte here. And the TOSC has it's own Facebook and Twitter pages.

Many thanks to all the great sponsors and families that have contributed to the all-star travel fund! If you'd like to join in the effort of sending our boys to Greenville, you can leave a donation via credit card by using the MPTLL store. You can also mail a check payable to MPTLL at P.O. Box 11556, Charlotte, NC 28220. Please note in the memo line item that the donation is for "All Star Travel". No amount is too small to support our players and remember your donation is tax deductible since MPTLL is a 501c3 non-profit organization. As always Myers Park appreciates the tremendous support from our families and wonderful sponsors.

 

Cooperstown Team Fundraiser

Stop by the table set up at the center of the park on Wednesday night to support the MP Cooperstown team fundraiser. They are selling entries for a "golf ball drop" that will take place on Closing Day, June 1st. All of the balls purchased will be loaded into a container, which will be raised above the outfield at closing ceremonies. The balls will be dropped at once over a golf cup cut into the field.

Closest to the pin wins up to $3,000. Furthest from the pin wins up to $400. Entries / golf balls cost $20 each. If less than 1,000 balls are sold, prizes will be 15% and 4% of the total proceeds respectively. The balance of the proceeds after payouts will help fund the MP team's trip to Cooperstown Dreams Park for a week of tournament baseball against 100 other 12U teams from around the country.

So stop by on Wednesday and support the team.

Concessions Duty

Like prepping the fields and cheering at games, concession stand duty is another essential way we support our children and our league. It is a fun and gratifying community service for all. Team moms will be reaching out via email to fill spots for each team.  Teams are assigned a specific week and they will need one adult for each night during that week.  We need your help so please volunteer.  Below is a schedule of when teams are responsible for coverage. Thanks to Kaaren Schultz for her hard work and dedication at the concession stand.

Week 2 - April 20, 23, 24          BS, NL2

Week 3 - April 27, 30, May 1     CH, NL3, AL4, AL8

Week 4 - May 4, 7, 8                CC, NL4, AL5, AL9

Week 5 - May 11, 14, 15           T, NL5, AL6, AL10

Week 6 - May 18, 21, 22           CP, NL6, AL7, AL11

Week 7 - May 23, 24, 28           AB, NL7, NL9, AL12, AL14

Week 8 - May 25, 26, 27           TBD, TBD, TBD

Week 9 - May 29, 30, 31, 6/1     RB, NL8, NL10, AL1, AL13

MPTLL Capital Campaign Video To Be Shown Saturday

Sunday was Opening Day, but due to time constraints, Opening Ceremonies will take place this Saturday, April 13 at MPTLL's Randolph Park at 10:30 am. Join us for our annual celebration of Little League Baseball and Myers Park Trinity. A full day of games will immediately follow the ceremony.

Also, there will be a very special presentation:  The MPTLL Capital Campaign video will be shown at the park under a tent on a wide screen TV, running on a continuous loop throughout the day. It is a relatively brief, but very well done documentary about Myers Park Trinity produced by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. For the first time, you will see what our facilities could look like after a successful Capital Campaign. It is quite impressive, and exciting. You will probably recognize some familiar faces from among the MPTLL family of players, coaches, parents and other volunteers talking in the video about why Myers Park is a so special to them.

So join us for Opening Ceremonies and come check out the Capital Campaign video. This is a big time in the life of Myers Park Trinity. Be part of it.

MPTLL Store is Open for Business

Myers Park Trinity now has its own online store. Thanks to Rex and Tammy Brietz, the league is currently offering an assortment of products on its website: t-shirts, sweatshirts, wind shirts, hats, car decals, etc.

The MPTLL Store has both league and team gear, so check it out and show your pride.

Consider a Tax Deductible Contribution to MPTLL

Three days remain to make tax deductible contributions in 2010. If you or your company is looking for a qualified organization for tax write-offs, consider Myers Park Trinity Little League this year. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and therefore financial contributions are tax deductible.

There is a need at Myers Park Trinity. Each year, spring and fall, the league provides opportunities for many underprivileged children to play baseball or softball at little or no cost. That's uniforms, practice gear and all that goes with being on a team for several dozen kids that would not be able to play if not for the league's scholarship program. No one has been or ever will be turned away because of an inability to pay. For more information, go to the MPTLL website.

Also to consider - the league is expanding and there are significant costs associated, especially due to the necessary maintenance of our now 10 fields plus satellite practice locations. Two fields are currently under construction and need financial backing.

So consider making a contribution to Myers Park Trinity. I will be writing my own check to the league today for 10% of all lesson profits. I encourage you to spread the word about this to others - send this post to those who might be interested. The league address is: MPTLL, P.O. Box 11556, Charlotte, NC 28220.