STOCKING THE SHED. BUILDING THE FUTURE.

At Casey's Clubhouse, we often say that it takes a team to make everything we do possible.

Our athletes may be the ones stepping into the batter's box, crossing home plate, landing a new job, or boarding a bus for an unforgettable travel experience, but behind every one of those moments is a team of supporters who make it all happen.

Today, we want to recognize one of those teammates.

Thanks to a $25,750 grant from the HDR Foundation, Casey's Clubhouse was able to launch our "Stock the Shed" initiative, purchasing new equipment that will directly benefit athletes and participants across our programs for years to come.

The grant funded everything from bats, balls, gloves, nets, pitching equipment, Lite-Flite machines, field equipment, and adaptive resources designed specifically to help individuals with disabilities learn, grow, and succeed through sports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCV4iftymrg

For many organizations, equipment is simply a line item in a budget.

For us, it's opportunity.

It's the first time a child connects with a baseball. It's the confidence that comes from hitting a pitched ball for the first time after years of using a tee. It's the smile on a participant's face when they realize they can do something they never thought possible.

It's the ability to expand camps, clinics, combines, and year-round programming so that more families can experience the magic of Casey's Clubhouse.

As one parent shared in a recent HDR Foundation video, Casey's Clubhouse has become a "safe space" for their family. Regardless of the daily challenges they face, they know they will be welcomed, supported, and embraced when they arrive at the field.

Another participant described the Casey's Clubhouse community as "family" after spending more than a decade growing up in the program.

Those stories don't happen by accident. They happen because companies like HDR choose to invest in communities and create opportunities for others.

Casey's Clubhouse coach using one of the new Lite Flight machines purchased with the HDR grant at the Hall of Fame Tournament and Combine in Cooperstown, NY

One person who played a major role in making this grant possible was HDR employee Garrett Reinsfelder. Garrett first became involved with Casey's Clubhouse as a volunteer. Like hundreds of our Most Valuable Partners (MVPs), he stepped onto the field to help athletes enjoy the game of baseball. He quickly became a familiar face throughout our organization, volunteering during seasons, assisting at our Clubhouse Strength Team winter conditioning program, and building meaningful relationships with our athletes and families.

When Garrett learned about the opportunity to connect Casey's Clubhouse with the HDR Foundation, he took action. Because of his dedication, advocacy, and belief in our mission, the HDR Foundation selected Casey's Clubhouse for this transformational grant.

Garrett's story is a perfect example of how one person can make an incredible difference.

He didn't just volunteer his time.

He opened a door.

And because he opened that door, thousands of future participants will benefit. The impact of sponsorships and grants like this extends far beyond a single season.

The equipment purchased through Stock the Shed will be used by athletes in our Minor League and Major League baseball programs, camps, combines, clinics, travel experiences, and community events. It will help us serve more than 1,100 participants annually while continuing to grow opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout Western Pennsylvania.

The simple belief of opportunity has guided Casey's Clubhouse since day one. But providing those opportunities requires community support. The truth is that sponsorships drive Casey's Clubhouse. They allow us to keep registration fees affordable for families. They help us purchase equipment, improve facilities, expand programs, create employment opportunities through Next Inning, and launch new initiatives like Little Sluggers for children ages 3-5.

Casey's Clubhouse athlete throwing at our new Sean Casey target

Most importantly, sponsorships help ensure that no athlete is left on the sidelines.

Whether you're a large corporation, a local business, a family foundation, or an individual looking to make a difference, there are countless ways to get involved. Companies can sponsor programs, events, travel experiences, equipment initiatives, or facility projects. Individuals can make donations, volunteer, connect us with funding opportunities, or simply help spread the word about our mission.

Every partnership matters.

Every sponsor matters.

Every donor matters.

And every act of generosity creates another opportunity for an individual with disabilities to belong, grow, and thrive. To HDR, the HDR Foundation, and especially Garrett Reinsfelder, thank you. Thank you for believing in our athletes. Thank you for believing in our families. Thank you for helping us stock the shed, strengthen our programs, and continue moving the mission of inclusion forward.

Because of partners like you, the best days of Casey's Clubhouse are still ahead.

For sponsorship information, please contact our Director of Fundraising and Events, Heather Dennis: heather@caseysclubhouse.org or 412-612-0209