MORAN — The Moran Ball Association, boosted by donations from several area businesses, raised more than $6,000 in a raffle to help purchase ball equipment.
The effort was aided by a $1,500 matching donation from Modern Woodmen of America.
Raffle organizer Taeler Carr said proceeds will go to purchase such things as bats, balls, catcher’s gear, gloves and assorted necessities.
“It really helps take the burden off of parents to get their kids started,” Carr said.
The youngsters sold tickets for the raffle, with the grand prize a Ruger 22LR pistol from Stroud’s Guns. (Proprietor Caleb Stroud is an alum of the Moran Ball Assocation). Other donations were a $100 gift certificate from Bronson Locker, a $25 gift certificate to G&W Foods and a gift basket from the Ball Association.
Asher Stone sold the most raffle tickets (405) to earn a baseball bat, while Kaden McVey was next, selling 336. Tying for third and fourth were Aubrie and Emily Heskett, with each selling 320 tickets. Matthew Dixon sold 265.
Each will receive assorted pieces of ball equipment.
In addition to the ball equipment fundraiser, other donations to the Ball Association have allowed the group to upgrade a scoreboard and build new sidewalks to the ball diamonds, Carr said.
