COLONIES DONATES TO SENIOR LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Just wanted to add this story, and thanks to Upland Guy for posting it on the All Things Upland blog, too.

UPLAND, Calif. – Colonies Partners, investors and developers of a housing community and shopping center in north Upland, has donated $5,000 to help support the Senior Little League Regional Tournament to be held Aug. 3-11 at Upland Memorial Park.

The tournament, which will feature up to 12 state champions, is the final event before the Senior Little League World Series in Bangor, Maine, and is the highest level Little League baseball tournament ever held in Upland.

“This is just another example of the generosity and community involvement of the Colonies Partners and their investors, ” said Ralph Cavallo, president of Upland National Little League, which is co-hosting the tournament with Little League Baseball’s California District 23.

In 2006, Colonies Partners and their investors contributed $50,000 toward Upland National Little League’s field renovation project at Olivedale Park in Upland. The ballpark is now known as Colonies Crossroads Stadium.

“Without the donation from the Colonies, we would not have the beautiful artificial turf field that is there today,” Cavallo said. “They have been more than generous and an outstanding supporter and partner, not only with our Little League, but with organizations throughout the community.”

The tournament will include teams from the Western United States. Players ages 14-16 from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, Southern California, Utah, Washington and Wyoming will have achieved their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete for a berth at the Senior Little League World Series.

The donation from the Colonies will go completely toward assisting teams with travel, dining and hotel expenses. Last year, three of the state champion teams did not travel to Southern California to participate in the Western Regional Tournament, because expenses are not covered.

“We know things will be difficult this year, too, because of the economy,” Cavallo said. “But with donations from the Colonies and we hope many others, the players from those teams who have earned a place in the Western Regional Tournament will be able to participate in the tournament and experience their dreams of competing for a berth in the World Series.

“It is a great honor to have a tournament of this level in our town of Upland. I hope we can make it memorable for all involved,” Cavallo said.

Contributions can be sent to Little League Baseball, CA District 23, P.O. Box 92, Upland, CA, 91785.

For more information, contact Ralph Cavallo at (951) 990-4595.