Small community makes big donations for America’s pastime
The inaugural Summer Jam on August 2nd drew hundreds of people to the Lascassas Ball Field in Lascassas, Tenn. in an effort to save the baseball and softball fields from being closed down.
The event offered live music, giant inflatable toys, a silent auction, a cake walk and a pitch speed contest. The entry fee was based on donations alone and for a donation of $25 or more you would receive a shirt with your entry. All of the proceeds went towards bringing the old lighting systems at the park up to Rutherford county code.
The inaugural Summer Jam on Aug. 2 drew hundreds of people to the Lascassas Ball Field in Lascassas, Tenn. in an effort to save the baseball and softball fields from being closed down.
The event offered live music, giant inflatable toys, a silent auction, a cake walk and a pitch speed contest. The entry fee was based on donations alone and for a donation of $25 or more participants received a shirt upon entry. All of the proceeds went toward bringing the old lighting systems at the park up to Rutherford County code.
“These lights were put up back in the sixties; we got a lot of poles that are starting to lean. When they were put up the codes were different,” said Wayne Wood, president of Lascassas Baseball Club.
A complaint was filed earlier this year that triggered the State Fire Marshall’s to inspect the lighting systems. Violations with the electrical wiring, use of guide wires and general disrepair were documented. The baseball club was given nine months to complete the upgrade before they would be facing a potential closure.
“We’re such a small town, we don’t have a downtown or anything other than a few churches and the elementary school, so this is the heart of our community,” said Deborah McLaughlin, a Lascassas baseball mom.
The residents of Lascassas and surrounding areas came out in a big way to show their support. More than $20,000 of a potentially $60,000 renovation bill was raised from donations at the Summer Jam. The Lascassas and Milton Lions Clubs and Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department were the primary sponsors. Additional help came from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and local businesses donating items for the silent auction.
These are the only baseball fields in the town and each year about 200 children play on the fields in spring and fall. The Lascassas Baseball Club is an independent operation and usually uses entry fees and concessions to pay for utilities, field maintenance and other costs.
If Summer Jam gets picked up as an annual event, it plans to remain as a community fundraiser and use donations for various community-oriented causes.
