Baseball party fundraiser for good cause

Anyone interested in bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Carson Valley has an opportunity to support the effort by attending the "Go To Bat World Series Party" Saturday. The Coalition for a Boys & Girls Club is presenting two events which coincide with game one of the 2006 World Series.

The first event takes place at the CVIC Hall in Minden from noon until 2 p.m. Children and adults are invited to enjoy a free autograph session with several Major League Baseball players. It's a chance to meet some professional players face to face and create an unforgettable memory. In addition, mini Louisville Slugger World Series bats will be available for purchase. These special edition bats can be autographed at the event.

At 5:15 that afternoon, the Go To Bat World Series Party kicks off in the Shannon Ballroom at the Carson Valley Inn. This is an adults-only event and anyone wishing to purchase a $40 ticket must be at least 21 years old.

A baseball stadium-style dinner will be served, featuring classics such as hot dogs, burgers and nachos.

"Basically everything you could get at a ballpark," said event coordinator JoJo Townsell.

Attendees will have the opportunity to rub elbows with some MLB players as well as bid on silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets. Prizes include everything from car washes and ski passes to restaurant certificates, autographed sports memorabilia (including a Pro Bowl football) and a vacation cruise for two to Mexico.

"We just want everyone to come and enjoy the ballgame and help raise some funds for our club," said Townsell.

All proceeds from the events go toward building a Boys & Girls Club in Carson Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at several locations throughout Gardnerville and Minden: the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority, all Carson Valley Edward Jones offices, the Carson Valley Accounting Services office and the Minden branch of Nevada State Bank.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America are dedicated to providing a safe place for kids to enjoy a variety of programs and services designed to enrich their lives. According to the official Web site at www.bcga.org, they "promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow - all while having fun. They are truly 'The Positive Place For Kids.'"

For more information you can call 783-9598 or 781-5954.

n Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com