Masonic Lodge donates $10,000 during Wade Williams Banquet
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – The Wade Williams Foundation held a fundraising banquet recently and according to Jay Tanzey, Vice President, it was a huge success. During the banquet the local Masonic Lodge presented the foundation with a check for $10,000. Tanzey also noted that during the banquet the auction and other games brough in nearly double that amount as well.
Approximately 250-300 people came to the event to enjoy food and have fun.
The funds raised are slated for many projects at the Wade Williams Fields. On a more regular basis funds are used for maintaining the grass and keeping the dated irrigation system working.
Tanzey said that “Long term we are continuing to raise funds for new bathrooms, currently we have to bring in portable ones during the season because we had to tear down the existing bathrooms due to vandalism and neglect. This project alone is going to cost close to $100,000 so we have a ways to go but we are always looking for grant opportunities to help move things along.”
Other projects being looked at include upgrades to the main field lighting to more modern high efficient LEDs, new outdoor batting cages, new PS system and at some point the foundation would like to bring back the icon mini green monster structure that surrounded the bleachers and include a crow’s nest for score keepers and announcers. Additionally the concession stand needs some updates and at some point a new irrigation system will need to be put in.
Tanzey said “We are looking forward to getting the 2023 season under way, we are just waiting on the weather to break so the grass will start growing. If you have not been down to a game at Wade Williams, we invite you to come and see how much progress has been made. Once the season starts there are one to two games there nearly every night of the week from mid-April through mid-June.”
