Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
A saying that has stood true over time is, “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, but you grow old because you stop playing.” The Craig County Recreation and Conservation Association’s Field of Dreams CCR&CA-FOD is continuing to boost that saying by example.
Many ‘older’ members in Craig are working diligently to bring a ‘dream’ to pass by completing the Field of Dreams for the younger generation to be able to enjoy their outdoor sports. Still, it has proven to be a continued project that has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete.
They have recently completed the third ball field. “Thanks to Gary Wright and Adams Construction Co., the grading of the fourth field and the complex perimeter is now finished,” Deborah Snead shared. Snead is an Advisor of the CCR&CA. “We will be hydro seeding this area and getting all the fields in shape for spring practice.”
Funding is needed in order to construct dugouts, a very large backstop and a control fence for the fourth field. Craig Botetourt Electric Coop generously donated funding for providing electricity into the complex. “We will still need funds for water and septic,” Snead said. “This infrastructure is expensive, and essential to get done prior to constructing the concession stand and bathrooms.”
It has been no secret in Craig that with no sports complex previously, the kids, coaches and parents have been publicly appreciative in having a place they can be proud of to practice and play ball as well as host other communities and their events. “It’s a source of community pride and a boost to the County’s economy when we have so many families visit during games,” Snead added.
On March 15, The Foundation for Roanoke Valley is sponsoring their annual fundraising initiative for non-profits called Roanoke Valley Gives. “It is one day of giving for area non-profits and the CCRCA-Field of Dreams is proudly participating again,” Deborah Snead shared.
Snead, Advisor of the CCR&CA, encourages people and businesses to take a moment and participate in this avenue of giving. “Last year was the first year that the Foundation for Roanoke Valley created the Roanoke Valley Gives project to assist area non-profits with fund raising,” she shared. “It’s quite a process for small organizations with no real staff, but I wanted FOD to be a part of this Valley wide program and have the County be proud of us!” This will be the second year they have participated.
Roanoke Valley Gives is a 24-hour online event to raise money for over 100 area non-profit organizations. They invite people to “give where you live” and all donations made on the website are tax deductible.
“Your support will ensure that our children have a place to experience the joy of playing sports and being part of a team,” Snead said. “We need you to be part of our team also and forward this message to family, friends, groups and social media to multiply our numbers.”
Other avenues of Fundraising are being used to accelerate the final needs of the FOD:
* GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/CraigFieldofDreams) Anyone is welcome to use it; however, they do take a percentage of your funds donated.
* A new website (www.craigcountyrca.com) where you are directed where to send donations.
* A Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CraigCoRec) which lists the Treasurer for sending funds.
To donate for the one day on March 15, please visit: Craig Field of Dreams at https://rvgives.givebig.org/c/rvgives/a/CraigCoRec. All donations will go to The Field of Dreams.
Those wishing to make a direct contribution and become a Friend of the Field can make checks payable to: Craig Recreation and Conservation Association and mail to Field of Dreams (FOD) Treasurer, JoAnna Hutchison at P.O. Box 371, New Castle, VA 24127.
The Craig Recreation and Conservation Association organizes and carries out all the youth league sports, who practice and play on the complex, but there are also other organizations and individuals that use the complex for special events. “The Benefit Tournament organized by Jefferson Lee last summer was a wonderful example of how the FOD can be used to benefit the community!” Snead said. “However, anyone wishing to have an event at the FOD is welcome to contact us.”
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