Millburn Sports Activity Foundation

Welcome to the Millburn Sports Activity Foundation

A SECOND TURF FIELD IS ONLY $17,250 AWAY!

THE TIME TO HELP IS RIGHT NOW

To have our children and teams playing on a 2^nd turf field in September, 2008, we need to complete fundraising in April, 2008, with construction beginning in June, 2008. The time to act is now. With over $860,000 raised and committed to date, what remains to be raised is about 2% of the goal. It is less than the amount that was left to get 2 years ago at this time when we successfully installed the first field and track. Lets not let 2% stop us!!!
THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO GIVE
· Contribute online via credit card by going to the following link (and get points for the contribution!) – http://www.active.com/donate/MSAFoundation
· To ease the financial burden, MSAF can accept 2 year pledges. Pay some now and some next year – the future pledge counts – we still get the field this year. Simply click on the “Pledge form” on the left side of this page.
· MSAF is a registered 5013c non profit. MSAF qualifies for almost all Corporate Matching Gift Programs. Make your personal contribution, and simply follow your company procedures for matching gifts.
· MSAF is also set up to accept gifts of stock. Contact Ted Bourke @ wtbourke@aol.com to process a stock gift

GIFTING LEVELS

With the completion of the 2^nd turf field, the MSAF Recognition and Acknowledgement Area will also be constructed. Acknowledgements will reflect total donations given for both Phase 1 and Phase 2

Review the information under “Pledge Options” to understand how your gift will be recognized.

Several families and groups have chosen to acknowledge others with there gifts – buying yards of turf in their children’s names or recognizing volunteer coaches from town. Further, opportunities for higher level gifts and acknowledgement still are available – contact Ted Bourke at wtbourke@aol.com if you would like more information.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?

The summary below and the various links on the left side of the home page provide further information on MSAF and our efforts. Listings of all contributors to date by level are available under the “Contributors” link. A diagram of the field design is under the “Vision” link. Details on MSAF, and the 2 projects can be viewed under the “Mission” Link.

MSAF thanks the many families and organizations that made the Phase 1 happen and haven’t gotten so close to a 2^nd turf field. We hope that many more in our community will see the benefit of safer, quality playing fields and will join us in making the 2^nd turf field a reality – NOW!
HOME PAGE SUMMARY
In September, 2006, the TURF GAMES began on the newly constructed all purpose synthetic turf field and track at Millburn High School. The $1.65 million construction was completely funded privately by families and organizations in our community – MSAF thanks the many families and friends who made this possible. But our work is not done. Athletics in our township continue to thrive, and we remain sorely short of quality field space to practice and play. Read on to see the exciting plans we have for our 2^nd Phase, how close we are to achieving this, and how you can join the many people who care about the quality and safety of our athletic facilities.

After having raised the $1.65 million for our stadium field and track and successfully installing the facility in Spetember 2006, MSAF began our Phase 2 campaign in the winter, 2006. The Phase 2 vision focuses on the “back fields” at the high school which continues to be the most utilized athletic space in our township – used not only by the high school, but recreation sports, clubs sports and adult sports. Our overall vision includes a 2^nd all purpose synthetic field, lights for this field, and significant improvements to the remaining grass fields.

While we remain committed to our full Phase 2 vision, all energies are on the second turf field - completing fund raising by May, 2008, beginning construction in June, 2008 and having the field ready for use by Sept, 2008.
Thanks to your efforts, our new stadium field allows almost all high school varsity games to be played on safer, quality synthetic turf. Our recreation program and clubs sports also get time on the field. But most Junior Varsity and Freshman games do not get to be played on turf. Practices at all levels remain on grass or take place at odd hours to balance stadium field use. Demand for field availability by our rec sports and club sports is significantly higher than the availability of our one turf field. Our stadium field has proven that these fields are safer, and because they are not affected by in climate weather, they provide much higher levels of use.

What is the Millburn Sports Activity Foundation? MillburnSAF, a 501 © non-profit organization was established by Millburn Short Hills residents to raise private funds to revitalize, enhance, and create the multi-purpose athletic facilities in Millburn. The Millburn Sports Activity Foundation has launched into Phase 2 which will continue facility improvements by installing a second turf field and re-grade back fields ~ projects long overdue. Research shows that artificial turf is as safe or safer than natural turf and it is cost effective to maintain.
It will dramatically increase the amount of field time available to
our residents and players in all weather conditions by most sports.

Why now the need for new and enhanced sports facilities? The community has largely run out of outdoor field space to accommodate the increasing number of boys and girls in our township who would like to participate in team sports like lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, and football, baseball and softball at all levels. In addition, upgrading the track and surrounding area will allow all residents including seniors and disabled residents to safely utilize the track. The popular back fields at the high school require a comprehensive re-grading plan to ensure they are fully and safely playable for the recreation and high school teams that utilize them.

Why is private funding necessary? Current budget restrictions on the school board and township limit opportunities for improvement and therefore require different sources of non-public funding. To properly improve the current conditions of the fields and track facilities, private funding and volunteer support are necessary. The Millburn Sports Activity Foundation is committed to raising the funding necessary. MSAF believes this significant investment yields multiple community benefits for current and future generations. The Millburn Sports Activity Foundation has the support of many local residents, private investors, public officials and recreation sports teams and coaches, club teams and coaches, township officials and school administrators. We hope we can inspire all community residents and families to join in this effort.