Kudos to SpringSpirit Baseball, which called on supporters to turn out for an early morning fundraiser and over bacon and eggs and coffee, the group that supports underserved youth in the north Spring Branch area raised a whopping $750,000 and then some. And that was without a single Bloody Mary being served!
The River Oaks Country Club ballroom was brimming with baseball biggies starting with keynote speaker Cal Ripken Jr., baseball's all-time iron man, and continuing with honorary chairs Lance Berkman and his wife, Cara.
“We are thrilled by the success of the event and could not be more thankful for everyone who helped make it happen,” said Stephanie Tsuru, who co-chaired the fundraiser with her husband, Frank Tsuru.
Among the sports figures attending were Dallas Keuchel, Mark Melancon, David Bailiff, Larry Dierker, Allan Ramirez, Adam Dunn, Kevin Witt, Cody Carlson, J.B. Shuck, Joe Savery and Rodney Ray. Houston City Council member Brenda Stardig was among notables.
Beyond baseball, the community center on Pitner road hosts close to 1,100 youngsters aged 4 to 7, each week. The center provides after-school programs focusing on homework, life lessons and sports activities.
Sondra Appel, Burke Windham, Priscilla Plumb.
Space cowgirls and cowboys are welcome at Roswell's Saloon.
Photo by Becca Wright