Many other improvement projects had to be deferred due to the missing funds. Painting at both complexes including fences and buildings, realignment of the outfield fence on the Tee-Ball Field, correcting a flooding problem in the 3rd base dugout on the Tee-Ball Field, reseeding of both fields at the Minor Complex, new nets for the batting cages at the Major Field and new doors on the Auxiliary Building at the Major Field to house our new lawnmower.
“Thank you” to the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders for providing the Grant for field improvements. This grant was awarded before the theft was discovered and certainly saved the league from incurring serious debt and perhaps losing our 2008 season.
The Gloucester City Business Association became a major player in our recovery by immediately spreading word to their members and initiating new sponsor requests advertising signs and many donations.
We are very grateful for the organization’s quick response with assistance. Mr. Bill Dilks presented our league with a very generous donation in addition to forwarding proceeds from his “Citizens of the Year Dinner.”
Mr. Dilks was certainly our “Citizen of the Year.” A very big “thank you” to Jim and Daria Giles of Westbrook Lanes for hosting a Bowling Fundraiser for the league that the very successful and a great time!
Also, a big thanks to the police and fire organizations, for donating the proceeds from their annual “touch” football game to our league this year.
Mr. Walt Yarson, proprietor of Sal & Pat’s has been a long time supporter of our league and he made several generous donations in various ways this year. We all love you, Walt.
Jamco-Heating & Air Conditioning Co. and the entire Green family also showed generous support for the kids. Thanks Mike, Linda and the guys. Mike (Kenrod) Kenney deserves a big thanks for his support, as do Barron’s Ironworks, Ferry Fence, and Pedrick Construction for all of their assistance and cooperation during the year.
There are many, many others to thank especially all of our sponsors, ad sign and banner purchasers, anonymous doners, Bowie Johnson and the Street Department men for all of their help and Mayor James and Council for their support.
The most heartening “thank you” goes out to the entire citizenry of Gloucester City who showed their support for our organization by making the 2008 city wide collection the largest in our 56 year history!
There were other individuals and organizations that offered help if needed but due to all the generous assistance we received we felt it unnecessary to take advantage of those offers.
We are very grateful to everyone who provided or offered help in anyway.
We are currently preparing for the 2009 season while continuing to review and adjust our procedures where needed to better protect all of the assets of the organization.
Weekly Treasurer’s Reports, external C.P.A. audits and the purchase of theft insurance through Little League International are just a few of the steps already implemented. Monthly restitution payments are current and being closely monitored.
Our Little League Charter, which includes our insurance, has already been paid for this season. We are currently inspecting our equipment for all playing levels and are prepared to repair or replace any equipment not meeting safety standards.
As registration and sponsor revenues begin to come in we will continue to work to improve the fields and complete some of the projects that had to be put on hold.
2009 is going to be a very successful year thanks to a little help from our friends. Thank you!
Our sincere gratitude,
Gloucester City Little League
