Documenti di Didattica
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Buddies are such an important part of The Miracle League program. This year High School teams from
Conard, Farmington and Hall High volunteered as Buddies. In addition we had help from The CT Mission
Team from Avon, The Lightning from West Hartford and many West Hartford Little League Major League
teams.
Being a Buddy is a very special experience shared by both our players and our Buddies. Michael McGuire,
Farmington High School’s Varsity Head Coach reflected on his team’s experience, “Today our Farmington
High School varsity baseball team volunteered for The Miracle League of CT’s Opening Day in West
Hartford... It was simply put, one of the best days of my life. The smiles and sheer joy on the faces of these
kids will be indelibly etched in my mind forever. “
In addition to the teams that volunteered, we had many individuals who served as Buddies for the entire
season. The Miracle League could not exist without their help.
Being a Buddy is the easiest and most direct way to be a part of our organization. If you would like to
volunteer to become a Buddy, please visit our website or The Miracle League of CT Facebook page. We
are always looking for Buddies, if you or anyone you know would like to volunteer, we’d love to have you!
The Miracle League of CT received a $10,000 grant from The Kraft Family and The New England Patriots
Charitable Foundation at the 2014 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards luncheon on June 9th at Gillette
Stadium. The MVP Awards place a spotlight on individuals who give their time to help others, exemplify
leadership and are committed to improving their communities through volunteerism. This year 26 volunteers
from over 400 nominees were recognized from a variety of nonprofit organizations from all six New England
states. Fifteen organizations received $5,000 grants in honor of their volunteerism, ten others were
presented with $10,000 grants and one grand prize winner received a $25,000 grant.
Miracle League President, Mike Michaud was honored to accept the award on behalf of The Miracle
League of CT as one of the ten $10,000 second place winners. Mike began volunteering in 2005 as
President of West Hartford Little League. While working with West Hartford’s Challenger Baseball, Mike
quickly realized the need for a specialized rubberized field to serve all children who wanted to play the
game. After this realization, Mike, Ronit Shoham and Scott Franklin founded the Miracle League of CT.
Mike has served as Miracle League President since its inception and was truly honored and humbled to
have been nominated and chosen by the Kraft Family to receive one of the Community MVP Awards.
On hand to congratulate the winners at the award ceremony was Patriots Chairman and CEO, Robert Kraft,
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft, Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady,
Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, Pro Football and Patriots Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of
Community Affairs Andre Tippett and Patriots alumni and three-time Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi.
In addition to receiving the grant an extra benefit to being a second place winner also includes a special vis-
it from the New England Patriots at one of our events this year!
2014 MIRACLE LEAGUE OF CT GOLF CLASSIC
Honorary Co-Chairs Jen Rizzotti and Kevin Ollie with Miracle League players Luke Lomma and Sophia Turek
Mother Nature was much more cooperative than last year, as over 130 golfers teed off at the 2014 Miracle
League of CT Golf Classic. It was a beautiful day at Wampanoag Country Club in West Hartford for the
Miracle League’s major fundraiser of the year. Honorary Co-Chairs Uconn Men’s Coach Kevin Ollie and
University of Hartford Women’s Head Coach Jen Rizzotti joined some of our sponsors on the links. Dan
Moran and Dan Clark who were playing with the Johnny’s Jog foursome said it was the thrill of a lifetime to
play with Coach Ollie. Other celebrity captains were University of Hartford coaches Brian Mik, John
Gallagher, and Bill Sullivan, Uconn coaches Karl Hobbs, Ricky Moore, Glenn Miller and Uconn video
coordinator Dave Kaplan. Also serving as celebrity captains were former Uconn Husky and MLB player
Scott Burrell and NBC 30 sports anchor Kevin Nathan. Every golfer received a stuffed goody bag courtesy
of Great American Donut and Spot Wines. In addition they each chose a thank you gift consisting of golf
gear from Foot Joy and Titleist with a value of at least $150.
Golfers were served a delicious brunch before teeing off. While on the course, the golfers were
treated to iced coffee and donuts from our naming sponsor Dunkin’ Donuts and bloody marys and
screwdrivers made with Mako Vodka from another sponsor 2 Fly Wines and Spot Wine. Lunch was served
as golfers made the turn at the 9th hole. Upon completion of their rounds, the golfers had appetizers and
cocktails as they dueled each other at the silent auction tables. After the auctions Coach Kevin Ollie
presented the Miracle League with a donation from his charity The Tolland Fund. In addition Kevin
committed to support the Miracle League in the future.
The golfers were joined at dinner by some Miracle League players and their parents. A special treat
was hearing poems written by players Mia Giantonio and Sophia Turek. There weren’t many dry eyes in the
house after their presentations. Luke Lomma and Jamie Roland were also a big hit with the golfers.
The evening was capped off by emotional remarks from Jen Rizzotti and a paddle auction. Once
again, the staff at Wampanoag could not have been more cooperative and helpful. Their professionalism
made the day go smoothly. Big thanks to our Golf Co-Chairs Amy Molinaro and Lisa Roland and Auction
Chair Mary-Lynn Michaud and to all of our sponsors and donors and volunteers who helped to make this
such a successful event.
Silent Auction Items Celebrity Auctioneers Ray Dunaway , Kevin Nathan with Jen Rizzotti
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FOR TRICK-OR-TREAT
MIRACLE LEAGUE STYLE
Please consider a tax deductible dona- We continue to raise funds for the completion of
tion to the Miracle League of Connecti- the restroom and concession facility. We also
cut. Every dollar you donate brings us continue to need funding for equipment and field
one step closer to making this Miracle maintenance.
happen!
Walter Rocheford from Bloomfield Bike, Buddy Bike Winner Lucas Gawel and Miracle League Board President, Mike Michaud