On Thursday, May 10, the 2018 Field of Dreams will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Factory Ballpark, featuring exceptional students, big smiles and America’s favorite pastime and the tenth anniversary of Field of Dreams in Wake Forest.
Jennifer Smart, a member of the special committee helping organize the anniversary, wrote a letter asking for more town participation and explaining how it came to be.
“This year is the 10th anniversary of Field of Dreams in Wake Forest, a unique program that makes a real difference in the lives of special needs students. Created by instructors at Wake Forest High School who realized the fun and excitement of team sports should benefit every student, this heartwarming effort is sparking interest and imitators across the U.S.
“Field of Dreams is the brainchild of WFHS Special Education teacher Gail Tucker and the Wake Forest Army JROTC, led by Sgt. Maj. Ginger Cribb. Together they’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes to match high school athletes with special needs students who otherwise might never have the chance to play ball. Over the past decade, their efforts have provided hundreds of kids from eleven Wake County schools with an unforgettable day of batting, running, and catching—coached by varsity players and cadets.
“To mark this year’s 10th anniversary, they are inviting spectators, media, and fans to share in the fun—because these 250 students deserve a cheering section! The morning kicks off with an opening ceremony featuring the Wake Forest Fire Department. It includes a visit from the Wake Forest High School cougar mascot. And it covers all six fields at The Factory Ballpark. This year’s event also will have food trucks, photographs, and souvenirs.
“Finally, we hope to make this 10th anniversary Field of Dreams as exceptional as the kids who take part – with free commemorative caps, T-shirts, and team photos for every special needs athlete who participates. That’s why we are asking you to consider lending your support.
“The Field of Dreams athletes already were honored as Grand Marshals in the Town of Wake Forest 2017 Christmas Parade, and a committee of community leaders and town employees is helping to make May 10, 2018 a “dream come true” for every student involved.
“Among the many valuable sponsors already on board are: PowerSecure of Wake Forest, the Raleigh Elks Lodge, Chik-fil-A, Focus Design Builders LLC, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest Community Council, Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin, North Wake Baseball, the Optimist Club, and the Town of Wake Forest.
“We welcome sponsorships, volunteers, and media, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Mike Johnson with the Wake Forest Community Council is chairing a special committee to assist the WFHS Field of Dreams group organize the games for the anniversary.
“To donate or volunteer, you can call on Smart at the Wake Forest Historical Museum, smartjl@wfu.edu or 919-556-2911.
You can also call on the other committee members:
*Lisa Hayes, Town of Wake Forest
*Nancy Jo Lee, Nancy Jo Photography
*Kelly Schurtz, Town of Wake Forest
*Aileen Staples, Town of Wake Forest
*Eddie Riggins, Wake Forest Optimist Club
*David Williams, Wake Electric
