The Mount Sterling Knights of Pythias Lodge make a donation to the Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League: (from left) John Leach; Bob Wilson, treasurer; Michael Browning, youth league president; Jim Davis, chancellor commander; and Dave Caudill, secretary.
(Posted Sept. 10, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Donations continue to come in to make up for the loss of $10,000 in stolen youth sports league equipment.
In early August, members of the Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League discovered that thieves had made off with everything from concession stand equipment and food to bats, balls, helmets, bases, and batting tees. The items were stored in the concessions building at Mason Park.
The league was preparing to purchase equipment for the fall soccer season when the theft occurred. As a non-profit with limited resources, the organization had to quickly rethink financial priorities with the prospect of replacing the stolen equipment.
“I knew I wasn’t going to let the fall season fold, even if we had to reprioritize,” said Michael Browning, league president. “I feel like if I’d cancelled the season, it would’ve been a win for the thieves.”
Word got out and in short order, donations started pouring in from the Mount Sterling area and beyond.
“We had one donor donate all the soccer balls we needed, 30 total. One business paid for the nets and two new goals,” Browning said.
The donations allowed the soccer season to go on as planned. A total of 58 children ages 4 to 11 years old signed up. The season runs through Oct. 17.
The league also received a nacho cheese machine and hotdog warmer machine for the concessions stand, along with several cash donations to help replace all of the baseball, softball and tee ball equipment. This spring and summer, 160 children ages 4 to 15 participated in the baseball and softball leagues.
Items that still need to be replaced include a popcorn maker, pizza warmer and cash register.
“All of the donations have allowed this organization to continue and sports to continue in Mount Sterling. We have truly appreciated every donation that has come through,” Browning said.
To make a donation, send checks to: Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League, P.O. Box 115, Mount Sterling, OH 43143.
K of P donates to youth league
The Mount Sterling Knights of Pythias Lodge recently donated $1,000 to the Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League.
The lodge is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community. The lodge generates income through fish fries and membership dues.
During the past year, the lodge helped to sponsor the Easter egg hunt at the Mount Sterling Community Center and donated to the Madison-Plains High School football program, Tri-County Joint Fire District’s Ladies Auxiliary, the Tri-County Fire District’s Christmas toy drive and to Christmas in the Village.
In June 2012, the lodge suffered a huge setback when a major storm came through Mount Sterling and ripped off the lodge’s roof, destroying the third floor. Since that time, the third-floor meeting room has been rebuilt and is used for the organization’s bi-weekly meetings.
Anyone who wishes to join the lodge may contact any lodge member for additional information.
