M2L Associates is proud to announce Date by the Lake — Boots & Bling 2023 raised $88,000 for adaptive sports at the Langham Creek Family YMCA, including The Miracle League. Organizers said the record amount was raised through annual gala ticket sales and donations, silent and live auction items, raffle tickets, and table and corporate sponsors like M2L Associates.
The Miracle League and adaptive sports allow kids and families with physical and mental disabilities to participate in team sports and group programs by adapting fields, courts and activities to accommodate special needs. From wheelchair-accessed fields to volunteer “buddies” who provide mentorship, help and affirmation every step of the way, these athletes and their families are able to enjoy the many benefits of sports and physical fitness programs without the barriers of their disability.
In addition to serving as the major fundraiser, the gala also provides an evening for supporters to meet and mix with kids and families who benefit from the adaptive programs all year long. This year’s gala honored eight young ladies who have participated in The Miracle League in seven or more seasons.
Lynn Mauer, M2L Associates principal, said this year’s focus on honoring girls and their families struck a special chord with her. “One of the things we love about this wonderful organization is it allows all kids to benefit from something that is important to our families here at M2L,” Mauer said. “Through team sports and physical fitness our families have become stronger, and our daughters have grown into strong, successful young women. We wanted to see all kids thrive and benefit from the affirmation, sense of belonging, and life lessons that come from something we all often take for granted: playing on a team or running to first base.”
Organizers first brought the Miracle League to Houston in 2012, playing on what amounted to a T-ball field at the Langham Creek Family YMCA. Through the hard work and persistence of organizers, the YMCA and the community — and financial support from many corporate and individual sponsors — the program enjoys playing at the state-of-the-art J.E. & L.E. Mabee Adaptive Sports Complex. Today the Langham Creek Family YMCA’s Miracle League and adaptive sports program is one of the best in the country and a model for other Miracle Leagues to get established. In addition to baseball, adaptive programs at Langham Creek include swim lessons, dance, martial arts and sports clinics.
“These young ladies are absolutely inspiring with their joy and dedication to the Miracle League,” Mauer added. “As a women-owned business that seeks to promote and celebrate accomplished women, we are thrilled to continue our support of the Langham Creek Family YMCA Adaptive Sports programs and The Miracle League.”
Learn more about supporting these inspirational athletes