The Washington Wild Things will be hosting the 2013 Frontier League All-Star Game, and the event will have a unique twist: players will assist Habitat for Humanity in building a house.
The event will take place July 15-18, culminating in the actual game.
“We consider it an honor to be selected to host the event,” said team owner Stuart Williams. “This is a once in a decade event.”
“The Frontier League is extremely excited to be returning to Washington and CONSOL Energy Park,” said Bill Lee, Frontier League commissioner. “It is one of the League’s great venues. It is a tremendous honor for any club to host the League’s premier event. Washington is known throughout the league as one of the most hospitable teams and communities to visit.”
According to Wild Things’ officials, the players will participate in a project with the Washington County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit home builder founded on the principle that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Its Washington County affiliate constructs homes using volunteer workers and donations of money and materials. It then sells the homes to partner families at cost with a zero percent interest mortgage.
“For the past few years the players have done work with non-profits in the host teams’ communities,” said Steven Zavacky, the Wild Things’ assistant general manager. “We thought that Habitat for Humanity was a worthy partner in our area, and it gives these guys a chance to donate their physical talents.”
The Wild Things will receive the specific assignment for the All Stars as the event nears; when the All Stars are selected and announced, they will be invited to join their teammates and colleagues to assist in building a home in the Washington County area.
“We are honored to be the Wild Things’ nonprofit partner for the All Star break,” said Tony Gacek, Executive Director of Washington County Habitat for Humanity. “As we work to end the cycle of poverty in the community, we’re so thankful for the players’ willingness to help. We hope they are inspired by the positive impact they will have on our mission.”
The players are scheduled to arrive in Washington County late Monday afternoon; they will be treated to a reception for them and other League representatives. Early Tuesday morning they will don their work clothes and head to the Habitat for Humanity sites to assist.
“We’re certain these players will be of great benefit to Habitat for Humanity, but we believe they’ll leave the project with a better understanding of how they can impact their fellow man,” added Zavacky. “It’s nice to see professional athletes giving back to the community.”
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!