Simpson Receives $25,000 Grant for Baseball Stadium

For Immediate Release
06.02.2008

REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University received a $25,000 grant to support the construction of a baseball stadium on the Redding campus using components from the dismantled Vacaville stadium. The funding was provided by The California Endowment, a foundation whose mission is to award grants to organizations who promote fundamental improvements in the health status of Californians. The foundation's vision includes a state where people have a strong sense of self-worth and practice healthy lifestyles.

Simpson University partnered with Add Some Color, Inc., a non-profit organization reaching young people through athletic endeavors, and Redding Youth Baseball through the City of Redding, to attain the funding.

In re-constructing the baseball stadium on Simpson's campus, the university's goal is to make baseball more accessible for local youth, easier for youth teams to schedule events and offer teams an opportunity to expand their programs. The Simpson baseball park will be free from tobacco and alcohol exposure.

Dean Germano, board member of The California Endowment, said, "The baseball stadium project fits within the California Endowment's mission by expanding opportunities for youth to participate in athletic programs, and by encouraging youth and young adults to engage in athletic endeavors rather than other less healthy alternatives. This project reflects strong community involvement, demonstrated experience on the part of Simpson University and builds on the concepts of volunteerism, community development and community engagement."

The university is exploring the possibility of having the baseball stadium serve as an outdoor venue for community events.

Simpson University head baseball coach, Rick Bosetti, said the grant will allow the university to move forward with the plans for construction.

"The grant from The California Endowment has a significant impact and will allow us to pursue breaking ground on the baseball stadium project," said Bosetti. "We are very pleased to receive this grant and grateful to the investment from The California Endowment in the lives of young people."

In addition to the $25,000 grant, Simpson University has raised $316,000 in commitments toward the baseball stadium project from community members, businesses and foundations.

Simpson University is a Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s athletic department offers intercollegiate programs in men's and women's soccer, golf, basketball, and cross-country; men's baseball and women’s softball and volleyball. For more information about Simpson University, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

 

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737