Campaign for Sportsmanship
Support a Lasting Legacy of Sportsmanship
First Baptist Athletics (FBA) began in 1968 with a vision by Dave Vahle, member of First Baptist Church, to provide his son with an opportunity to play sports without the pressure to win. What started as a program for 40 children to play baseball has grown into a rich experience in multiple sports touching thousands of youth. FBA has grown throughout the years but one essential element remains consistent: a commitment to sportsmanship.
FBA is more than an average sports league. It is an experience centered on respect, a nurturing environment, and a culture of teamwork. This unique experience has been at the cornerstone of the personal., social, and emotional development for FBA athletes - children who have grown to become leaders in Indianapolis and throughout the country.
Many of you share the same passion to ensure this FBA tradition is afforded to all kids in our surrounding community, even those yet to be born.
Campaign for Sportsmanship
Each year FBA encounters children who have an interest in playing sports whose families are unable to meet the financial commitment for registration. FBA has never turned a child away. Providing the FBA experience for those willing but not financially able is important now and in the future.
To meet the growing needs in the future, FBA is embarking upon a $1 million campaign over three years. This campaign will enhance the organization's ability to provide the FBA experience for more children who are unable to meet the financial commitment, sustain the basic concepts of sportsmanship and the internal operations to effectively serve all families and children.
Scholarship Fund $500,000
Due to the increase and demand for scholarships over the last five years, FBA needs to build upon its existing scholarship fund to provide a minimum of $20,000 in support each year to children unable to afford FBA registration fees. The scholarship fund will support:
- Families unable to afford FBA registration fees for their children
- Karen refugee participation in FBA sports
Operations Fund $500,000
As FBA continues to meet the ongoing athletic needs in the community, family registrations will not be able to fully underwrite the ongoing operational expenses of the organization. The Operations Fund will provide support for:
- Technology, web site, and online registration systems to provide families and parents with current programming information in an efficient and easy manner
- Equipment purchases for all sports programming
- Facility maintenance and minor upgrades
- Director and support staff to provide quality sportsmanship programming through FBA sports
First Baptist Athletics endowment funds provide income for future operational and scholarship needs within the program. your cash gift may be made in the form of cash, check, credit card, or bank draft. Recurring credit card and bank draft payments are accepted. You may also choose to give in the form of stock, bonds, Certificate of Deposit, or mutual funds.
George Robinson
Director of FBA
