In past newsletters I have offered praise for our many volunteers and community partners. Their time and dedication has made an enormous impact on the young athletes whom we are privileged to serve.
Behind these extraordinary efforts lies the generous financial support of the individuals, families, and corporations that have chosen to assist our work. Without this currency, our noblest ideas would never bear fruit with our kids.
Acquiring these resources has been the trickiest piece of our organization’s puzzle. With my nearly thirty years residing in a commercial world, money has always had a quid pro quo attached to the transaction. You sell a bill of goods, you get paid. Hopefully with a profit. Sometimes with a headache.
We have faced a challenge in soliciting funds for Backyard Sports Cares because we never felt comfortable that we could supply an appropriate return to the donor. How could we possibly create a covenant of trust that would honor the confidence of our benefactors?
I am relieved to report that we have grievously underestimated the good will of our community. Since our inception we have been blessed with both solicited and unsolicited monies that have fueled our ability to bring first rate sports programming to the areas with the most need. In many cases the gift comes as an acknowledgment of our existing programs. Other support reflects appreciation of the experiences shared by our many volunteers and student mentors. A few programs have been underwritten in their entirety due to an individual’s personal connection to the sport and a deep desire to see less fortunate children benefit from the same life lessons.
Whatever the reason, we are genuinely moved by the unconditional support of our work without any ask for a tangible acknowledgment. The gift is simply in the giving. As an organization with a very simple mission, we cannot find a more meaningful validation of our efforts. Together our potential is boundless. We are humbled by this opportunity to serve.
By, Danny Bernstein
Head Coach, Backyard Sports Cares
