Rally for Mifflin County

Babe Ruth All-Stars fundraise for World Series

LEWISTOWN -- For the Mifflin County Babe Ruth 15-16-Year-Old All-Stars, the dream of playing on baseball's biggest stage has become a reality.

After battling their way through tournament play and capturing the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship, the team has earned a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Mo., where they will represent not only Mifflin County, but the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Now, with the World Series set to begin Aug. 5, the community is rallying around the team as players and families work to raise the nearly $40,000 needed for travel, lodging and expenses during the 11-day event.

"It's a huge accomplishment for these boys," said Loni Shaver, whose son Lucas is a member of the team. "They've worked so hard to get here, and now we're trying to make sure they can enjoy every moment of this opportunity."

The All-Stars will open tournament play against San Carlos, Calif., carrying with them the hopes of a community that has embraced their remarkable postseason run.

Fundraising efforts kicked into high gear immediately after the team secured its World Series berth two weeks ago. Since then, players have been making rounds throughout the area, delivering donation letters, knocking on doors and helping with numerous community events.

"It was a little slow at first," Shaver said. "But once the boys got involved and started going door to door, people really responded. The support from Mifflin County, Beaver Springs and so many surrounding communities has been amazing."

The response has been overwhelming.

As of this week, the team has raised approximately $22,000, putting them more than halfway toward their goal. Donations have poured in from residents, businesses and supporters eager to help send the team to Missouri.

Still, with time running short before departure, fundraising continues at a rapid pace.

"This isn't just about Mifflin County anymore," Shaver said. "These boys are representing Pennsylvania. They're representing all of us."

The community will have several opportunities this weekend to show its support.

A benefit car wash will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at EZ Auto, 101 S. Logan Blvd., Burnham, where players and volunteers will wash vehicles and collect donations.

On Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., supporters can stop by the Verizon/Ollie's parking lot, 211 N. Logan Blvd., Burnham, for a benefit food truck event featuring Solid Gold Concessions, Sinister Mini Donuts and Twin Kiss. Fans will also be able to meet the players before they head to the national tournament.

In recent weeks, the team has also raised money through hot dog sales at Weis Markets, fundraising events at Walmart and a variety of grassroots community efforts.

While some supporters have indicated they plan to contribute after the World Series concludes, organizers hope to secure the remaining funds before the team departs. Any fundraising shortfall would ultimately have to be covered by players' families.

For Shaver, however, the story is less about dollars and more about community pride.

"Maybe somebody can only give $20," she said. "But every donation matters. It all adds up, and it shows these boys that people believe in them."

As the countdown to the World Series continues, one thing is clear: the Mifflin County Babe Ruth All-Stars won't be traveling to Missouri alone. They'll carry with them the support, encouragement and pride of an entire region eager to cheer them on as they compete on baseball's biggest Babe Ruth stage.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.