Selby Foundation allows Miracle League to complete construction

UNIVERSITY PARK -- The Miracle League of Manasota will be able to complete construction on a barrier-free-access restrooms, concession area and weather shelter by the end of January thanks to a $28,300 capping grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation in Sarasota.

"We continue to have the support of the organizations in the town that understand what our mission is," Miracle League of Manasota President Bob Mitchell said. "Those items have been missing from the field and will round out the experience for everyone involved."

Miracle League of Manasota, a nonprofit, gives children and adults with disabilities the chance to play baseball.

The Selby Foundation was one of a number of community organizations that funded the project, which is estimated to cost close to $300,000.

Sarah Pappas, president of the Selby Foundation, said the foundation likes "when an organization can get support from different organi

zations and leagues."

"It was such a need in our community for the parents and families of children and adults with disabilities to find a place where they can find joy," Pappas said. "I have gotten to know parents of children that have disabilities and what a world of difference it makes for their children to have this opportunity."

The Miracle League of Manasota's field at Longwood Park, 6050 Longwood Run Blvd., Sarasota, just south of University Parkway, was funded from public and private sources and opened in March 2012.

For more information about the field, go to miracleleaguemanasota.org.

Claire Aronson, University Parkway/Sarasota reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published January 8, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Selby Foundation allows Miracle League to complete construction ."