By Sarah Ketchum
I love this time of year when the mornings are crisp and the nights come sooner than expected, but what I look forward to the most is how grateful I become. I look at the past year and count my blessings and evaluate my short comings. And even on my worst days I can always find something to be thankful for.
As a kid we grew up in poverty. We had all our needs met, but luxuries like eating out, cable and playing sports were not in the budget. As a kid I remember wanting to play softball so bad. Year after year the activity flyers would come home from school and I was told over and over that “girls need to keep their heads in the books.”
What my mom really meant was that we just couldn’t afford for me to play softball. Today I enjoy watching my two kids play sports- probably more than most because of my childhood experiences.
Noah, my 10 year old has played Football for the Morro Bay Pirates, baseball for Central Coast Little League, and currently plays Soccer through Morro Bay Parks and Rec.
Bella my 8 year old has participated in Cheer through Morro Bay Pirates Football and years of gymnastic through The Morro Bay Parks and Recs. About 3 years ago I discovered The Morro Bay Community Foundation now called The Estero Bay Community Foundation.
The Foundation was established by a few city employees and community members in 1992 who felt kids were missing out on local sports and activities due to lack of funds. They established the Foundation to raise money to help defer some of the cost from parents. What they discovered is that a lot more local families began to participate in local sports.
Today they serve approximately 350 children from Cayucos to Los Osos. This year alone The Foundation has covered over $42,000 in enrollment fees for children to play sports & participate in enrichment programs. I truly believe in the mission of this Foundation because sports can teach children team work, tenacity & work ethic.
If you’re looking to get involved in your local community or just want to have a fun night out come join us on October 29th for the 8th Annual Morro Bay Sings: Billy Joel. For more information or tickets you can visit www.communityfoundationesterobay.org or call Mitch at 805-234-2980. Doors open at 5:00pm, dinner served from 5:30pm-6:45pm and the live music begins at 7:00pm.
There will be live and silent auctions along with dinner provided by The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar. The Estero Bay Community Foundation is a 501c3 and donations are can be tax deductible. Come join us in supporting our local families.
