October 3, 2023
Prince George County Public Schools athletics and the division's student-athletes stand to benefit from Hopewell Moose Lodge #1472's recent $10,000 donation to the district's sports program as the organization further expands its support of the local community.
During the Prince George County School Board's regular business meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023, Hopewell Moose Lodge representatives, including president Gloria Olinger, along with Mike and Mary Kelly, joined Prince George County Public Schools Athletic Director Richard "Bruce" Carroll and Prince George High School girls softball coach Megan Beck for the check presentation and board recognition.
Over the years, Hopewell Moose Lodge and its members have regularly supported Prince George County Public Schools’ athletic programs, including purchasing banners and providing countless pre-game meals for school sports teams. Growing their support further, the organization connected with Carroll to discuss athletics projects in the pipeline and how the Hopewell Moose Lodge could offer monetary support. At that time, Carroll had received a wish list from Coach Beck of potential upgrades to the softball grounds. Following conversations with the organization at their Western Street lodge, the Hopewell Moose Lodge offered $10,000 to support the athletics department.
The Prince George School Board and division leadership joins (middle, L to R), Hopewell Moose Lodge #1472 board members Mike and Mary Kelly, lodge president Gloria Olinger (middle-right), district athletic director Richard “Bruce” Carroll, and PGHS girls softball coach Megan Beck following the lodge’s $10,000 donation to the division’s athletics program on Monday, October 2, 2023. (PGCPS Photo)
The funds will be used to repair the softball batting cages, construct a softball press box, install windscreens along the outfield fence, and build a bullpen for pitchers and catchers to warm up.
"This support from the Hopewell Moose Lodge is another demonstration of the generosity that exists in our community," Prince George County Public Schools Athletic Director Richard "Bruce" Carroll said. "The Hopewell Moose Lodge's donation will enable us to take a three-year goal and achieve these improvements over the next few months. With the improvements that have been made to the playing surface, along with the upgrades that the Hopewell Moose Lodge is making possible, our softball facility will be one that our coaches and players will be proud of."
"Our mission is to support our children at Mooseheart, our seniors at Moosehaven, and our local community," Hopewell Moose Lodge #1472 President Gloria Olinger said. "Prince George High School is part of our local community, and we are ecstatic that we could come up with this money for your girls to have a wonderful softball field."
Through the altruism of the Hopewell Moose Lodge, these projects, which had an approximately two-to-three-year timeline for completion, could be completed as early as the coming softball season this spring.
To learn more about the Hopewell Moose Lodge #1472, visit the organization's website at https://hopewellmooselodge.com.