UNION — For those who want to help The Miracle League of Union County with the last leg of its fundraising goal, it’s time to walk, run or roll.
At the beginning of each school year, the Arthur State Bank Junior Board of Directors — made up of juniors and seniors of Union County High School — decides upon a particular cause for which to raise funds for the entire year. Board members say the decision became easy as students suggested various causes or attributes the cause should possess. One particular non-profit organization seemed to be the perfect one to assist — The Miracle League of Union County.
“A lot of people on the board are big fans of softball and baseball,” said board member Grant Osborne. “To see kids and adults with disabilities get to play is heartwarming.”
Board advisor Lori Dochterman pointed out that the Miracle League’s affiliation with the Wounded Warrior program and plans to host Wounded Warrior events on the Miracle League Field solidified members’ decision to raise funds for the organization. The Miracle League of Union County is currently $18,000 away from its $250,000 goal and the transformation of Field No. 1 at Timken Sports Complex into an official Miracle League field, which will include the installation of a completely flat, low-impact surface that will support any mobility aid including walkers and wheelchairs.
In November, Miracle League of Union County board chair Amy Austin visited with the Arthur State Bank Junior Board to help members better understand the purpose of the organization and the challenge to make the field a reality. The board then began selling Catch the Spirit Baseball Fields for $1 each, and the fields are still sold and displayed at all four Arthur State Bank branches as well as other businesses in town.
Board members began thinking of other ways to raise money for The Miracle League of Union County, which led to the creation of “The Miracle League 5K Walk, Run or Roll.”
Members explained that since the Miracle League is for those with disabilities — many of whom cannot walk or run — participants are also allowed to roll through this race.
“We are all community oriented, and we felt like this would be the perfect event leading into spring,” said board treasurer Evan Haney.
Those involved with the junior board have little experience in hosting 5Ks, however, so they called on a few friends who do have experience.
For example, Union County YMCA Director Scott Sandor has agreed to help coordinate the 5K on the day of the event.
In addition, Jay Allen of Midway BBQ — who also hosts the annual Hog Jog — spoke to the board during its February meeting, challenging each of the 25 members to obtain two sponsors and five registered participants for the event. Board member Conley Trammell obtained four sponsors for the event, and altogether, there are 43 sponsors of the 5K Walk, Run or Roll.
“I really felt like this is something I wanted to help with; something was tugging at my heart,” Trammell said, adding that he is overwhelmed by the fact there are now 43 sponsors.
“It amazes me.”
Two major sponsors were Arthur State Bank and Gestamp, each of which made donations greater than $1,000.
Osborne also pitched in by sketching a design to be used on the event t-shirts, which will be printed by Crisp and Son.
“I take GT art at school, and I draw all the time,” Osborne said as he described his design which includes crossed baseball bats, a home plate and tribal designs on either side that resemble wings.
John Gregory, Director of the Arthur State Bank Junior Board, pointed out that numerous others have assisted the board with its goal.
“We’ve had lots of cooperation from Union County,” Gregory said. “Timken Sports Complex has allowed us to make it the home base for the event. The county was gracious to offer the use of the facilities.”
Gregory also pointed out that the Union County Sheriff’s Office also assisted by selling Catch the Spirit Fields, and officers will help set up blockades for the event.
The 5K will start and finish at Timken Sports Complex, and an awards presentation will take place immediately following the walk, run or roll. The event and the cash prizes to be awarded are sponsored by Arthur State Bank, to ensure that all proceeds will go directly to The Miracle League of Union County.
The Miracle League of Union County mascot, “Homer,” and the Arthur State Bank mascot, “The King of Free,” will both be in attendance at the event.
The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, at Timken Sports Complex. Registration fees are $30 per participant, and organizations with 30 or more entrants will receive a discount of $5 per entry. Registration forms are available at all four Arthur State Bank branches and the Union County YMCA. All entrants will receive a t-shirt, and those who do not enter but want to pre-order a shirt may do so at a cost of $15.
Sponsors for The Miracle League 5K Walk, Run or Roll are as follows:
- Armfield’s Inc. Business Form Division
- Arthur State Bank
- Austin Rehab of Union
- Blackwood’s Auto Inc.
- Exxon of Union
- Friends of Conley Trammell
- G2 Enterprises Lawn Care
- GESTAMP
- Gibson Custom Homes
- Gracie Carr Music
- H&R Block Union County
- Harris Electrical Contractors, Inc.
- Highland Timber LLC
- Holcombe Funeral Home
- Holcombe Cemetery
- Hospice Care of South Carolina
- In Memory of Dr. Bobby G. Rippy
- JP Fabrication LLC
- Kelly Pest Control
- Kendall Austin Roofing & Construction
- Kenneth Ransom, Attorney At Law
- Lancaster
- Midway BBQ
- Oscar’s
- Palmetto Drugs, Inc.
- Radiology Consultants of Union
- RTS Environmental Services
- Sammy Smith’s Garage
- Sanders Bail Bondsman
- Small’s Storage
- Smith Backhoe & Construction
- Sonoco Plastics
- Southern Heritage Woodworks
- Total Collision Repair LLC
- Union County Family YMCA
- Union County Sherriff’s Office
- Union Family Pharmacy’s
- Union Oil Mill
- United Wood Treating Company
- Upstate Medical Supply
- White, Diamaduros & Diamaduros
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