Written by NEW WINDSOR — Beautiful People, an Orange County chapter of Miracle League Baseball, will host a fundraiser featuring former Mets and Yankees pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 23 at Anthony’s Pier 9.
This is the first big fundraising event for Beautiful People, a nonprofit organization that provides modified sports programs for children with disabilities.
Gooden and Billy Staples, best-selling author and baseball historian, will also join the fun for an evening of dinner, music and silent and live auctions.
The Field of Miracles Fundraising Party will help fund a customized, rubberized, accessible ball field with dugouts, lighting, rest rooms, a concession stand and adjacent playground so that Beautiful People can have a home field park.
The current baseball program, in spring and fall, is for children ages 5-18 with physical and/or developmental challenges. They team up with nondisabled adult/peer “buddy” volunteers who assist as they hit, round bases and field the ball.
Long-term goals include expanding to other sports, such as soccer, football and field hockey.
The kids currently play every second Sunday at Craigville Park in Goshen.
Tickets to the party are $75 for adults, $25 for children age 11 and younger. Each ticket includes a Doc Gooden autograph. Bring your own ball or item to be signed or purchase one on-site. Doc Gooden professional photographs are also available. If you cannot attend the event, autographs can still be obtained by sending in $20.
The deadline for tickets is Thursday. For tickets by phone, call 986-5944. For other infor, call Joe Zaccaro at 496-8968 or visit www.beautiful-people.us.
