News Summary
The Miracle League of Florence County reached a milestone with its 10th Annual Oyster Roast, drawing over 1,351 attendees and announcing plans for a new ballfield. The fundraising event featured 100 bushels of oysters, live music, and generous donations from local food vendors, all contributing to the growth of opportunities for athletes with disabilities. The league is set to build a second ballfield at Greenwood Athletic Park, ensuring an even brighter future for inclusive baseball in the community.
Miracle League of Florence County Hits a Milestone at the 10th Annual Oyster Roast
Florence County is buzzing with excitement as the Miracle League marked a decade of delicious oyster roasts and incredible community support at their annual fundraiser held at the East Carolina Fairgrounds. This year was especially significant, not just for the scrumptious feast that drew in over 1,351 attendees but also for the big announcement about the future of baseball for local children and adults with disabilities.
A Shellfish Affair
It’s hard to believe that just ten years ago, this oyster roast served only 20 bushels to a gathering of about 150 folks. Fast forward to this year’s event, where 100 bushels of oysters were devoured, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of community. The crowd enjoyed the soulful sounds of the Jeb Mac Band, who kept spirits high, while local food trucks like Dem Boyz Cooking and D’s Mini Donuts contributed to the feast and generously donated part of their earnings back to the league.
Growing for Good
As the festivities unfolded, board member Vickie Elliott highlighted the many improvements made this year. Attendees enjoyed an earlier start time, which allowed them to dive into the festivities sooner, and more serving lines ensured no one had to stand in long queues waiting for those delicious oysters. The success of the event didn’t just satiate appetites; it played a crucial part in helping the Miracle League raise funds to enhance their facilities.
New Diamonds in the Rough
The most exciting news from the evening was the announcement that the Miracle League will be building a second ballfield at the Greenwood Athletic Park on Pamplico Highway. This new addition is a game-changer, promising to accommodate a growing number of participants. Currently, the league supports over 160 players and has expanded from just 4 teams in its first season to an impressive lineup of 810 teams today. This second field means more opportunities for kids and adults with disabilities to get out on the diamond and have fun.
Serving Up a Great Experience
In tandem with the ballfield plans, the league is also working on creating a larger concession stand to cater to the needs of players and fans alike. Kevin Elliott mentioned that plans for this new concession stand are in the works and will be drafted by an architect before the groundbreaking begins.
Inclusive Play for All
The Miracle League has always stood out for its commitment to creating a supportive environment for athletes of all abilities. The games—held in both the spring and fall—take place on a specially designed rubber-surface field that ensures players with physical disabilities can partake in the joy of baseball. Each player is paired with an “on-field buddy” to assist them, making every game a truly inclusive experience.
A Joyful Celebration
As the evening wound down, the festivities culminated with the crowd singing and dancing to a raucous rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by the Jeb Mac Band, leaving everyone in high spirits. With plans for expansion and an unwavering community support, the Miracle League of Florence County is not just hitting home runs; it’s building a brighter future for its cherished athletes.
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Additional Resources
- SC Now: Miracle League Oyster Roast Fundraiser
- WPDE: Second Miracle League Baseball Field
- WAFF: Fostering Community with Miracle Field
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Miracle League
- Google Search: Miracle League
