For more than 50 years, the children of Atmore have had the opportunity to get involved in recreational sports with Atmore Babe Ruth and Atmore Cal Ripken baseball and thanks to contributions by the United Fund they will continue to receive that opportunity.

The baseball leagues, which are under the direction of district commissioner Murray Johnson, annually receive a certain amount of funds to help with needs of the leagues.

Johnson said the funds are vital to the operation and success of both Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken baseball.

“It’s extremely important that we receive the support from United Fund,” Johnson said. “In order for us to maintain the program, we need those funds or we would have to increase our registration fees and that would cut down our participation tremendously.”

Aside from United Fund, the leagues receives help from sponsors who have been involved for the league for several years.

Johnson said the sponsors help, but can only do so much.

“We have five sponsors who have been involved for more than 50 years,” he said. “Our sponsors do a great job with what they do, but we could not ask them for more because they do so much already.”

Every year, Johnson sends a letter to the United Fund requesting funding to help with the expenses of the leagues.

Each year, the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken leagues receive $3,000 to help with costs.

The revenue from the United Fund is put towards keeping registration costs down, charter fees, insurance, uniforms, playing equipment, umpires and improvements.

Johnson said that the funds received are appreciated and help with the costs of leagues, which can be expensive.

“United Fund is the answer for us,” he said. “They generously help us each year and those funds are needed because keeping the leagues running is expensive. If we had to have our own fundraisers they would interfere with other drives such as United Fund and Relay for Life. Having United Fund contribute is a great aid for us.”

To make a contribution to United Fund, contact any United Fund board member or ask your employer.