FCFP to Grant $300,000 to Little League Baseball
Monday, February 18, 2013
February 15, 2013 press relese
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is proud to grant $300,000 to Little League Baseball (Little League) through the Williamsport Lycoming Impact Fund. Since its creation in 2002, the Impact Fund has granted $1,225,000. The Fund was established to accumulate unrestricted funds for programs and projects with a high community impact.
The grant from FCFP will be used to create a Little League Museum Viewing Plaza in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 2011, the Little League International Board of Directors authorized a $4 million renovation to the Little League Museum, the first such renovation since the museum opened in 1982. As part of the project, the Directors approved construction of a viewing plaza, which will be situated in the east end of the museum parking lot along Route 15.
The Plaza, which will be a miniature baseball diamond composed of pavers, will permit Little League and other community organizations to use the venue and provide a breathtaking view of Howard J. Lamade Stadium. It is anticipated the Plaza will become a tourist destination not only for Little League but also for Williamsport and the surrounding area. The Plaza will be a focal point for school tours of all ages and is set to open in June 2013.
“This Plaza will offer a picturesque backdrop of the Little League complex that has come to symbolize our region and will be a beautiful setting for families, visitors, businesses and organizations to gather in celebration of our collective communities. The Foundation is proud to partner with Little League in appreciation for their continued contributions in Lycoming County and beyond,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, FCFP President & CEO.
Little League and FCFP have been partnering for more than 50 years. FCFP has provided over one million dollars in financial support to Little League. In 1958, FCFP (formerly known as the Williamsport Foundation) provided $35,000 for the acquisition of the original plot of land at the Little League International complex in South Williamsport. A grant of $150,000 helped Little League build the original Museum in 1982. When the Little League World Series extended to sixteen teams, FCFP provided $700,000 to expand the program and international facilities. FCFP also administers four funds that generate annual support to benefit Little League programs.
“We are grateful to the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for its significant support of this project,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “The FCFP has proved to be one of the greatest friends of Little League for more than a half-century. We are pleased to once again partner with such an outstanding organization in our ongoing mutual efforts to serve our community.”
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania works regionally and locally to bring together people, partners and places to grow local giving and investment, strengthen area organizations and results, and take on the critical issues and efforts needed to build vibrant communities and a thriving north central Pennsylvania region. FCFP serves the Danville area, Union County, Williamsport, and Lycoming County to create powerful communities, through passionate giving.
This artist’s rendering, provided by Museum designer/architect Cambridge 7 Associates of Cambridge, Mass., shows how the new Plaza will be situated, overlooking Howard J. Lamade Stadium. The “World of Little League” will be open to the public on June 15, 2013.