This weekend, Sweet Home’s baseball program scored big with a successful Benefit Breakfast fundraiser, held at the welcoming Rusty Bucket. The event raised an impressive $1,868 while serving a total of 154 hearty meals. Despite the chilly winter temperatures, the warmth and camaraderie of the community filled the restaurant, as supporters rallied together to make a significant investment in the promising future of the program. Attendees were treated to an “impressive turnout,” highlighted by a special appearance from several Oregon State baseball players who engaged with fans and young athletes.
Head coach Evan Teter expressed his surprise at the enthusiastic turnout, stating, “We weren’t entirely sure how many people would come out since this was our first time doing this. But we’re blown away by the turnout and the incredible support from the community and all who want to invest in these kids.” His vision for the program is clear: “The end goal is to build a stronger program.”
Volunteers, including Diana and Gary Bondesen, energetically served steaming plates to the supporters of the Baseball Benefit Breakfast, making it a true community effort.
Over the years, the baseball program has encountered various challenges related to maintaining and enhancing its resources. Coach Teter is hopeful that this well-received event will ignite a renewed enthusiasm within the community to boost investments for the team, specifically aimed at meeting their pressing needs. One of the primary objectives of the fundraiser is to secure funding for a new hitting shell, a crucial asset that would significantly enhance practice efficiency, according to Teter.
“Our varsity field has a hitting shell, but our JV field doesn’t. The JV field is more open, which makes it difficult to keep everything in one place during practices,” Teter explained. “With a new hitting shell, we can move the old one to the JV field, allowing both teams to practice more efficiently.” Beyond that, the funds raised will contribute to essential needs like pregame gear, field maintenance equipment, and even facilitate the varsity team’s annual spring break trip, enriching the overall baseball experience.
However, the event was not solely focused on fundraising. Teter emphasized that it was equally about fostering connections. The Rusty Bucket was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation as friends and families gathered, united by their shared passion for baseball. Oregon State University players—James Decremer, Hustyn Wheeler, Martin Serrano, and Cade Falsken—mingled with young athletes from the Sweet Home Youth Baseball program, affectionately known as JBO, and the Sweet Home High School Baseball teams. They enjoyed breakfast together, signed baseballs, and even threw around a few footballs and baseballs. One parent, Jeana Doll, observed, “This is inspiring the next generation.”
The synergy created by the collaboration between the youth program and the high school team is pivotal to broadening support for the young athletes. Teter conveyed his deep gratitude, acknowledging that this kind of support has been a long-standing need. “It has been a mission of many to make things like this happen,” said Teter. “This is really special,” he added, reflecting on the absence of such community backing in recent times. “It means the world to our players to know the community believes in them.”
For those unable to attend the breakfast, opportunities to contribute still abound. The baseball teams are actively seeking banner sponsorships, which allow local businesses to have their banners showcased prominently on the outfield fence. Additionally, the high school team will host an exciting hit-a-thon in the upcoming spring, offering supporters a chance to pledge donations based on the distance of the longest hit.
The event proved to be a significant success, not only in raising vital funds but also in building excitement for the baseball season ahead. “This started as a big dream, and we made it happen,” Teter confidently stated. “With the amazing support from parents and the community, we’re already dreaming bigger for the future.” For further details on how to support the baseball program, Jenna Northern, associated with Sweet Home Youth Baseball, invites inquiries at 541.409.0301.
How do local community events like this one influence the future of Sweet Home’s baseball program?
**Interview with Evan Teter, Head Coach of Sweet Home’s Baseball Program**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us, Evan. It sounds like the Benefit Breakfast was a tremendous success. Can you tell us what you were hoping to achieve with this event?
**Evan Teter:** Absolutely! We wanted to raise funds for our baseball program while also bringing the community together. This was our first time hosting this event, and we aimed to create awareness about our needs and strengthen our connection with our supporters. To see everyone come together was really heartwarming.
**Editor:** You raised an impressive $1,868. How did that feel, especially considering the turnout?
**Evan Teter:** Honestly, we were blown away! I wasn’t sure what to expect since it was our first fundraiser of this kind. But to have 154 meals served, and to see so many people rallying behind us, was incredible. It’s a testament to the strength of our community.
**Editor:** It sounds like the atmosphere was fantastic, especially with the special appearance by Oregon State baseball players. How did their presence impact the event?
**Evan Teter:** Their involvement added an extra layer of excitement! It was great for our young athletes to meet and interact with players they look up to. It really fosters a sense of community and inspires our kids to chase their dreams. The players were amazing with the fans, and you could feel the enthusiasm in the room.
**Editor:** You mentioned the need for a new hitting shell for your JV field. Can you explain why that’s such a crucial component for your program?
**Evan Teter:** Definitely. Right now, our JV field is quite open and lacks the same resources as our varsity field. Having a new hitting shell would help us streamline our practices and ensure both teams can work on their skills more effectively. This upgrade is essential for not just our current players, but for the future development of the program.
**Editor:** Beyond just the fundraising aspect, it seems like the event was about building those connections within the community. How do you see this impacting the program moving forward?
**Evan Teter:** That’s absolutely right. Our goal is not just to secure funds but also to ignite a renewed enthusiasm within the community for our baseball program. I feel events like this can lead to ongoing support, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. We want to build a stronger program that everyone can be proud of.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Evan. It sounds like Sweet Home’s baseball program is on an exciting path forward!
**Evan Teter:** Thank you! We’re grateful for the support we’ve received and are eager to keep building on this momentum.
