Farmers Weekly Review

Officials of Whiteford Baseball at their February board meeting approved the purchase of 4 additional AED units made possible through donations from the Joliet Firefighters Locals 44 and 2369, the Joliet City Employees – AFSCME Local 440, the IBEW Local 176 and Old National Bank.

Additionally, training sessions in CPR and Basic Bleeding Control began on March 22 with the Joliet Fire Department for the coaches and staff at Whiteford.

In setting goals for the coming year, Whiteford placed focus on this safety enhancement. Time is a critical element in determining whether a situation becomes a lifesaving event or a tragedy. Having this equipment immediately available on each field will allow for fast action in the event of an emergency. Coupling this equipment with coaches and staff members who are prepared to act will minimize the time between an event and care.

With the help of Tim Chaplin, Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Joliet Fire Department, Whiteford connected with Christine Rogers of Chicago Stryker. She recommended appropriate equipment at a discounted price. With a quote in hand, donations were sought to fund this purchase.

Quickly and enthusiastically, donations came in from Whiteford’s neighbors to support this project. In less than a week, donations were pledged covering the entire purchase. The response was overwhelming, as each request was met with a resounding yes. Old National Bank, the Joliet Firefighters, the Joliet City Employees’ Union and the IBEW Local 176 all offered their support without hesitation.

“This small group of sponsors went well beyond what could be expected in their support of our effort,” said Jim Prosise, President of Whiteford Baseball in a press release.

“We are always blown away by the contributions that we receive from the Unions in our area. Thank you to the Joliet Firefighters, Electricians and the City of Joliet Employees. Unions are truly great partners to the Whiteford Community.

“And Old National Bank, what can I say. For all the banks out there with community in their name, Old National Bank truly delivers with their actions. Whiteford would not be the same without the help of Old National Bank.”

Sarah Kinsella, Senior Community Marketing and Engagement Manager, Vice President Old National Bank, said, “We have partnered with Whiteford in the past and look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come. They offer a real community experience and we are happy to support their initiatives whenever we can.”

“AFSCME Local 440 has always demonstrated a strong desire to support the community that we serve. The opportunity to help Whiteford with this potentially lifesaving initiative was unanimously approved by our membership,” according to Jim Anderson, President of Local 440.

Chris O’Hara, President of the Joliet Firefighters Union agreed: “If ever there was a program that we could get behind, this was it. Saving lives is our business. With this equipment on hand, a good outcome will be far more likely should a life threatening event occur.”

“Whiteford is located 4 doors away from us. They have been great neighbors and we are grateful that we had the opportunity to assist them with this purchase. I can speak for all of Organized Labor in the Joliet area in recognizing the importance of having safe and affordable activities for our children. We are happy to help Whiteford to provide that in any way we can,” added Andy Rico Business Manager of IBEW Local 176.

Whiteford is a volunteer run organization that has grown to new enrollment highs in the past several years. With players from Plainfield, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Channahon and Rockdale. 2024 enrollment was over 600 players from 5-14, and this year is projecting similarly.

Each weekend from April through October, the park hosts several hundred families, which include players and their family and friends from throughout Will and Grundy counties and the entire Chicago area.

Whiteford offers baseball for kids whose families cannot afford the high costs of full time travel baseball, and for kids that may not have the highest level of skill or may need time to mature and develop.

“Sponsorships help to keep our registration fees affordable. We could not succeed without the help of our army of local businesses and labor organizations that sponsor us.,” Treasurer Mat Racz said.

If you would like to become a sponsor for Whiteford Baseball, contact Treasurer Racz for more information at [email protected].

(Story and photo courtesy of Whiteford Baseball)