BRAG receives grant from Baseball Tomorrow fund

BRIDGTON — The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group has announced that it was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The grant will support the Bridgton Community Recreation Complex and provide funding for the baseball and softball fields construction.

The recreation complex idea was first conceived over 10 years ago, to provide recreation opportunities for all ages in a modern and safe setting. The goal of BRAG has been to construct a facility that has the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Bridgton citizens for many years. Once completed, the complex will include two Cal Ripken baseball fields, one Babe Ruth baseball field and one softball field. There will be two soccer fields, basketball courts with shared Tennis surface, a playground and concessions stand. The group will seek funding for lights to accommodate evening activities. Like many rural towns, Bridgton has limited resources for organized recreation and its citizens overwhelmingly supported receiving the project upon its completion.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our program, but for the children who play the game,” said Bill Macdonald, BRAG President. These funds allow BRAG to design and construct top quality baseball and softball fields to meet the needs of the recreation programs.

“The Baseball Tomorrow Fund appreciates BRAG’s commitment to youth baseball and softball in its community. We are pleased to support the continued growth of this program,” added Cathy Bradley, Executive Director or the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.

Other major supporters of the project include the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation and the Town of Bridgton. The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group is still accepting in-kind and monetary contributions. Those interested in donating to the project may contact Bill Macdonald at 653-7676.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches' training material and other selected program expenses. Since its formation by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded over 400 grants totaling more than $16 million to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Approximately 180,000 youth players have benefited from programs and facilities supported by the fund. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receives approximately 500 applications each year and awards grants on a quarterly basis after a selective review process. For more information, visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com.

BRAG began in 1998 with the mission of building a state of the art, community recreation complex to benefit the families of Bridgton. Currently, over 100 children play baseball and softball on one town-owned field and two school fields. BRAG developed the Iron Kids competition, The Great Western 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and a One Pitch Softball Tournament. It is the goal of the organization to work closely with the Recreation Director, to attract baseball, basketball and soccer tournaments in order to keep the complex self sustaining. The BRAG board of directors wishes to thank everyone that has donated time and treasure to this magnificent project and asks for your continued support.