Press
CU SoCal donates $3,500 and ‘pitches’ in to help oc Miracle League
ANAHEIM, CA (June 15, 2015) — It was a perfect day for baseball, and on Sunday June 14, 2015, 50 athletes with disabilities took to the fields at Pioneer Park in Anaheim for the final day of the OC Miracle League season.
While friends and family members cheered from the stands, more than 60 Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) employees hosted family fun activities, barbequed, and raffled gift baskets on the sidelines. The Anaheim Police Department and Fire Department were also on site for attendees to tour vehicles and interact with their local heroes.
After one hour of playing ball, the day’s events culminated with a closing ceremony where each athlete received a participation trophy and the OC Miracle League was presented with a check for $3,500 from CU SoCal Helping Hands, CU SoCal’s employee-inspired charity. The OC Miracle League also received more than $500 from the funds raised from the donated raffle prizes. The athletes who play in the Miracle League were present to help accept the money that will help their dreams of playing baseball come true again next season.
“The OC Miracle League is a dynamic and inspiring organization that helps to build better lives for so many. It’s an honor to support them while putting the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ into action,” stated Dave Gunderson, CU SoCal President/CEO.
“It’s a privilege to be able to participate in the 2015 OC Miracle League closing ceremonies and to be among so many others who share a passion for the game,” stated Michelle Cummings, CU SoCal Helping Hands Board Member. “While all of the athletes have some type of mental or physical challenge, through the OC Miracle League their challenge is turned into an opportunity to be a part of a team, make new friends, and experience the joy of baseball.”
“We are deeply touched by the generous donation and support of CU SoCal,” stated Steel Morris, OC Miracle League President and League Director. “It is the support of local sponsors who make this league possible for us each season.”
Thanks to donations, all athletes play for free. The athletes will take the field again in September for the fall season.
About CU SoCal Helping Hands
Founded in 1997 by CU SoCal employees, the vision of CU SoCal Helping Hands is to provide Southern California’s underprivileged and impoverished families with the basic necessities of life, treating them with dignity and respect. Our program provides food, clothing, and financial assistance to families in need, and supports other charitable organizations in Southern California. For more information, visit CUSoCal.org/CUSoCal-Helping-Hands, or call 866 CU SoCal (866.287.6225) toll-free.
About Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal)
Founded in 1954 as Whittier Area Schools Federal Credit Union, CU SoCal has a five-star financial rating from BauerFinancial, a nationally recognized independent research firm. Today, CU SoCal has more than $970 million in assets and is dedicated to Building Better Lives for the community and its 77,000 Member-Owners through World-Class Service, competitive products, and convenience. Membership is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange County, Los Angeles County, as well as Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Pomona and San Bernardino. For more information, visit www.CUSoCal.org.
About OC Miracle League
The Miracle League of Orange County is a non-profit organization that provides children with developmental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. The Miracle League of Orange County plays baseball on a specially built, fully ADA adaptable synthetic turf field, safe for participants in wheelchairs and/or participants who use walkers. The field was donated to the Miracle League of Orange County by the Angel’s Baseball Foundation and Major League Baseball in 2010. We play in Anaheim at Pioneer Park, 2565 E. Underhill, Anaheim, CA.