With temperatures only in the upper 80’s, Sunday, August 5th proved to be a perfect summer day for inaugurating a new ball field!
The new field – designed for both soccer and baseball – was made possible with funds from the Foutz family and a grant from Mizzou Greek Week. Jim and Mary Foutz have been supporters of Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries from the beginning – Mary is one of our founding board members. They wanted the field named in memory of Jim’s mother – also named Mary. Thus, Foutz Field is now a new and exciting part of the Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries property.
Jim and Mary invited families from their home church, Evangelical Free Church of Columbia, to join us for an afternoon of softball fun. Jim began the event by throwing in the first pitch – caught by our Home Parent Dad, Tim Hughes. All of our families were excited to pariticpate in the afternoon, and also invited their own churches to come take part in the fun.
After presenting Jim and Mary with a Foutz Field sign of their own, as well as a baseball signed by all of our kids, Jim explained why his mother would have been very happy about the new field.
“Three things about my mom prove that she would be proud to be a part of this.“ Jim stated. “First – she loved kids. Second – even when her memory was gone, she could still tell me Mark McQuire’s total number of home runs. Third, she would love to know that children are finding Jesus at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries.”
Following the opening pitch – children and adults were divided into two teams and the fun and games started. Whether watching toddlers using all their might to knock the ball off the tee or watching grown men batting with a child-sized bat…there was plenty of laughter amidst the friendly competition.
Thank you Foutz family for all of your support throughout the years. Foutz Field will be a lasting reminder of the importance of family fun and team work.
If your church group or organization would like to enjoy a little friendly competition on our new field, contact Kari and she’ll be happy to make the arrangements!
Perhaps a few photos from the day will inspire you to pull together a ball team and come pay us a visit…
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