The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade Receives $200,000 towards a Miracle League Field
Check presentations from the State of Florida and Marlins Foundation will take place tonight at Marlins Park during a pregame ceremony.
(MIAMI, September 5, 2014) — State Representative Jose Felix Diaz and the Marlins Foundation will present contributions to the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade for The Miracle League of Miami-Dade. A check presentation will take place today at the start of the Marlins vs. Braves game, 6:45 p.m., at Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, in Miami.
During the 2014 Legislative Session in Tallahassee, State Representative Diaz led the charge for $150,000 to be allocated for the construction of a Miracle League field with the Miami Dade Parks Department. In addition, the Marlins Foundation will also add an additional contribution of $50,000. These funds are proceeds from the Inaugural Jack McKeon Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic held earlier this year at the Crandon Golf Course on Key Biscayne.
The Miracle League is a nationally recognized baseball program for children with special needs. The mission is to provide children with developmental, intellectual, mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball on special custom designed rubber turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. With this $200,000 donation, the Marlins Foundation and its partners have contributed close to $450,000 for the construction of a Miracle League baseball complex planned at Tamiami Park.
“We are very grateful to Rep. Diaz, and the entire delegation, for supporting the Miracle League project. In addition, the Marlins Foundation has proven its strong commitment to the local community with their ongoing donations to the Miracle League of Miami-Dade and their other Charity Partners, said Jack Kardys, Director of Miami-Dade Parks and board member of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. “It is our hope that soon there will be a fully developed Miracle League baseball complex for children with disabilities and their families to enjoy year round at Tamiami Park.”
About Marlins Foundation
The Marlins Foundation supports the Charity Partners of the Miami Marlins through philanthropy and service. The Foundation is committed to improving the lives of our youth through education, the arts and baseball, with a special focus on children with special needs. The funds raised by the Foundation provide unique experiences for kids in our schools, parks and on the water. The Foundation community partnerships and outreach efforts demonstrate the Marlins' leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and civic engagement.
About The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that supports the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s effort to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.liveaparklife.org.