Step Up to the Plate: 'It Just Takes One' campaign

FALLBROOK — The Major League pennant races are heating up and that means the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County “Step Up to the Plate/It Just Takes One” campaign is on deck.

The club will officially kick off their campaign with a “Lead-Off Hitters Luncheon” on Wednesday, October 24, at the Grand Tradition from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The goal of the campaign is to raise $200,000 to support the five core program areas the club offers its members.

The campaign features five mock baseball teams made up of one team owner and volunteer players who will compete against each other to see which team can raise the most money for the organization. The five teams are:

• Dodgers (team owner Mark “The Duke” Fabela)

• Angels (team owner Greg “Angels in the Outfield” Munro)

• Padres (team owner Jack “Hoffy” Rockwell)

• Yankees (team owner Patrick “Jeter” Marelly)

• Mariners (team owner Doug “Ichiro” Woods)

The luncheon is “free” and guests will be treated to performances by club members. Guests will then be given an opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution to the club.

According to Louise Small, campaign commissioner, “All proceeds from this campaign stay right here in our community to help support activities for our kids in Fallbrook, Pala and Bonsall.”

Small pointed out that the club’s annual budget is $1.6 million. “Along with our annual auction and dinner, the Step Up to the Plate Campaign is one of our club’s signature events of the year. Our goal is to raise $200,000 for this year’s campaign. The rest of the funds to meet our annual budget are raised from service club support, membership dues, program fees, United Way, grants and investment income.”

For more information, call (760) 728-5871.