A chance to help out here at home

TOM JOHNSON

As I successfully recover at home after surgery, I’m reminded each

day about the many needs the people in our community continue to

rise up and fill.

Hoag Hospital, for instance, received its largest gift ever last

week from a very appreciative local couple, Bill and Sue Gross -- to

the tune of $20 million. Our readers responded overwhelmingly to our

request during the holidays for Christmas presents for the Marine

children based at Camp Pendleton, whose parents are away serving the

country in Iraq. And, of course, many, many people have gone deep to

help people affected by the tsunami.

Next week, something big, again, happens in our community ...

assuming Noah and his ark don’t paddle up through the Back Bay first.

And once again, we come to you for help.

On Monday, the staff and members of Mesa Verde Country Club are

donating -- that’s right, donating -- their entire golf course and

clubhouse facility to raise money for Costa Mesa United. It’s their

way of thanking the community for all they do.

Costa Mesa United? you ask. It’s a local group of business leaders

(Peter Buffa, John Ursini, Jon Gray, Supt. Robert Barbot, Ed Fawcett,

Planning Commissioner Bruce Garlich, City Councilwoman Katrina Foley,

Jim Scott, Ned Bondie, school board member Dave Brooks, Art Perry and

Mike Scheafer, to name a few) from throughout Newport-Mesa attempting

to raise $7.5 million to build a football stadium at Estancia High

School and a world-class swimming facility at Costa Mesa High School.

The attempt really does affect the entire community. A football

stadium at Estancia would certainly add something to all Costa Mesa

sports programs, but it would also take much of the stress off

Davidson Field at Newport Harbor High School.

A swimming facility does the same and takes pressure off of the

Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at Corona del Mar High.

Besides, aren’t these the kind of facilities we have come to

expect for our kids in our communities?

It’s really more than that, though. Imagine a football stadium

where the marching band practices and performs, where both high

school and youth soccer can play, where track and field events can be

run, where graduations can be held ... and so on. And, think of a

swimming facility that can handle all levels of swimming and diving

championships and other aquatic events or just a cool recreational

swim on a hot summer’s day.

So, how can you help? At this point it’s really not about getting

more players ... basically, the field is full, with only five slots

left as of yesterday morning.

What I’m asking you for are donations from local businesses to

build on an opportunity to make even more money throughout the day.

Kingston Technology and Irrelevant Week (Paul Salata) have come

through big with generous cash donations. But who’s surprised? We’ve

also heard from a list of businesses that includes Fletcher Jones,

Newport Beach Land Rover, Theodore Robins Ford, Costa Mesa Lincoln

Mercury, Nabers Cadillac, Weichman Real Estate, Comcast, Newport Rib

Co., Balboa Instruments, Harbor Boulevard of Cars and Vanguard

University.

But at this point, we’re getting greedy. We need more. We think we

have the players with wallets filled to raise even more money. So now

we’re attempting to add to an already-planned, strong post-tournament

auction.

We need restaurant vouchers, golf equipment, furniture, boat

rides, TVs and/or DVD players, rounds of golf at local clubs,

clothing ... heck, we’d even take a car. You name it, we want it!

Besides, everyone donating will be properly recognized.

Tom Sargent, director of golf at Mesa Verde Country Club, and

Gordon Bowley, one of the great community leaders in our area, are

heading up the event and promising a fabulous day. Local companies

have already donated tee prizes, lunch and beverages. There’s even a

$5,000 putting contest.

Best of all, all the money raised goes directly to Costa Mesa

United.

It’s a dream that has been on the back burner for a while and now

has seen the heat turned up.

If you own a business, won’t you help out?

If you’re a parent of a child who may someday benefit from the new

pool or stadium, remind our local businesses of the need. Time is of

the essence.

Here’s how to help: Send an e-mail to tournament co-chair Ned

Bondie at [email protected] or call him at 714-966-4654 , and

we’ll make the arrangements to have your donation picked up.

It’ll mean a lot to the kids in our community. You’ve done it time

and time again ... I know that once again you’ll come through.

* TOM JOHNSON is the publisher.