City of Lake Elsinore and the Storm Dedicate Swing
Lake Elsinore, CA - The Lake Elsinore Storm, in conjunction with the City of Lake Elsinore, dedicated a swing for special needs children Tuesday afternoon with a ceremony at Canyon Hills Community Park. The swing is the first of its kind in the area, and the Storm will continue to partner with the city to provide children with disabilities a place of their own within the community.
Director of Merchandising Donna Grunow, a member of the Storm staff since 1997, spearheaded a three-year effort to raise funds for the swing. Her inspiration for the project began when she would take her children to the park with a neighbor who had a special needs son.
"I would go to the park and my children would play, but he would just sit in his wheelchair," said Grunow. "We had to do something about that [here in Lake Elsinore]. A little effort like this means so much to those kids and their families."
She took her idea to the Storm front office in 2011 and with the team's support began selling $5 grab-bags filled with Storm tickets, apparel, coupons and more. After three seasons of sales and donations, the initiative raised more than $6,000 to fund the swing's installation as well as provide funds for the purchase of a second swing.
The ceremony was well attended by community members and local dignitaries including Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson, City Councilman Brian Tisdale and Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kim Cousins.
"We filled a need [for the city] today," observed Mayor Johnson after the ceremony. "Every one of our parks should be able to have this amenity, and I think that would be the dream. We'll do it one swing at a time if we have to and we'll keep going until we meet that need."
In the midst of it all, the true purpose of the day was realized when Joey West, a local boy confined to a wheelchair, was the first child to enjoy the swing. Grunow met the West family at The Diamond, and after getting to know Joey and his parents decided to dedicate this swing in his honor.
"Joey loves to be outside. He loves the park, he loves to swing, and there are not a lot of opportunities for him to do that," said Joey's mom Kathie West. "This means the world to our family."
With her dream realized, Grunow's focus turns towards the future. Grab-bags will be on sale in the team store for the 2014 season to continue the fundraising effort in hopes of helping more children and their families.
"People want to help," added Mrs. West. "Share your story, tell people what your child needs, and you'd be surprised at how generous people can be."
The Storm are accepting donations in the Souvenir Store now and throughout the season, which begins on April 10th. For more information visit stormbaseball.com or call the Storm front office at 951-245-4487.