Alabama Power gives to Miracle project
Published 3:01 pm Wednesday, January 9, 2008
- Scott Phillips, left, receives a $10,000 check from Marilyn Walker of Alabama Power for the Gardendale Rotary Club’s Miracle League fund. Walker, a Rotarian in Gardendale, said she believed the Garendale field will be a great benefit to Jefferson County.
By Adam Smith
The North Jefferson News
Gardendale’s Miracle League field project got a big boost this week with the donation of $10,000 from Alabama Power.
Marilyn Walker, business office manager for the Gardendale area Alabama Power office, said she had the opportunity to work with the Miracle League in Moody and requested the funds for the Gardendale field.
“I know what a wonderful project this is, and the Jefferson County field would benefit all the surrounding communities,” Walker said. “It’s a good feeling for me.”
Scott Phillips was on hand Tuesday at Alabama Power’s Gardendale offices to accept the check from Walker. He praised Alabama Power for “stepping up to the plate” with the donation.
Phllips’ son, Grayson, is just one of hundreds of Jefferson County children who would benefit from the Miracle League field in Gardendale. Grayson, who has spina bifida, normally plays at the Miracle League field in Moody.
Jeff Dennis, who is coordinating the Miracle League efforts in Gardendale, also thanked Alabama Power for their contribution.
“It just tickles me to death and shows how the community is behind this project,” Dennis said. “It helps when people see someone as big as Alabama Power get behind it, too. We welcome any other corporate support.”
Dennis said fund-raising for the Miracle League field slowed down in December to accommodate the Christmas holidays.
However, he said fund-raising efforts would start up again in the coming weeks. He said he is also interested in talking to county and state officials about any grants that the non-profit project may be eligible for.
Dennis said he doesn’t know when the field would be completed, though he said he would love for it to be done by fall.
He said once the surface work is done on the site, which is located next to the soccer fields on Fieldstown Road, the field can be ready for use within six to eight weeks.
Dennis said while corporate sponsors are needed and appreciated, donations from the community are also welcomed. Those who wish to donate can contact Dennis at 631-4848.
