2009-02-05

Optimists kick off sports challenge grant

Contributed

The Bandera Sports Complex Board of Directors have until Nov. 9 to come up with $50,000. A formidable task to be sure, but when – not if – they do, the money will be immediately parlayed into $100,000.

Administrators with the Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux Foundation have issued the sports complex directors a $50,000 challenge grant. The foundation will match the $50,000 raised by the board.

To kick off the challenge, Jerry Thames, president of the Bandera Optimist Club, recently presented a $3,000 check to Jim Chastain, vice president of the Bandera Sports Complex.Other board members include Tish Grill, Jean Heep-Stevens, Leroy Brown, Clay Morrow, Greg Butler and Mike Tarr.

Funds from the challenge grant will be used to build two flag football fields, a tackle football field, a concession stand with restrooms and storage facilities at the complex.

When the fields are completed, all games will be moved from Mansfield Park to the secured areas, allowing children to compete safely and without interruptions. In addition, moving the sports competition will give Bandera County Commissioners more opportunities to lease Mansfield Park and increase revenues in the county coffers.

Work so far on the sports complex includes a combination baseball-softball field for Little League and a soccer field. Two of the baseball-softball fields are lighted. After the completion of the football fields, lights will also be installed at the senior league field.

In 2003, the Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux Foundation awarded the complex a $100,000 grant to assist with Phase I of the construction after the 2002 flood.

“The foundation is a big supporter of the sports complex,” noted a spokesman. “This challenge grant gives us an opportunity to show the foundation our appreciation of their support by meeting the challenge.”

The Bandera Sports Complex is a 501c(3) organization consisting of 32 acres for building sports fields and facilities for children, youth and adults of Bandera County. The complex is financed solely by individuals, foundations and organizations through grants and fundraisers. The complex receives no funds from Bandera County or the City of Bandera.

Donations can be mailed to: The Bandera Sports Complex, PO Box 2901, Bandera, TX 78003. All donations will be applied against the $50,000 challenge grant from the Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux Foundation.