Catholic groups make their presence felt during spring training

Published: 2007-03-27

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (CNS) -- Catholic organizations in the Phoenix area benefit from the spring training bonanza that hits Arizona every March, staffing concession stands at the area's spring training ballparks to raise funds. The members of the men's club at St. Patrick Parish in Scottsdale work eight-hour shifts at each of the 14 home games of the San Francisco Giants. With up to 10 men needed each game, the 40 volunteers work about four games each at Scottsdale Stadium. They fill food and drink orders and run four cash registers. "It is a long day, but it goes fast," said Jerry Whitley, men's club president and volunteer coordinator. "The key items are a hot dog and a drink." The men's club earns a percentage of sales from its stand, adding $5,000-$9,000 to the group's coffers, according to club secretary Dave Clemens. Past concession sales have supported a Christmas adopt-a-family program and student scholarships and paid freight charges when another parish group collected items for troops overseas. Last year, the men's club donated $30,000 for remodeling the parish hall. It will also continue supporting the husbands of women experiencing difficult pregnancies.

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