A total of eight members of the Central High School softball team are headed to Washington, D.C., Tuesday to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris thanks to additional donations from several foundations.
As of last week, the Central High School Parent Advisory Council had raised nearly $18,000 for the trip, after accepting the invite from Harris earlier this week. It was more than the initial goal of $15,000 and enough to cover travel for four team co-captains, two coaches and the athletic director.
Then three Minnesota foundations contribute $5,000 each for a total of $15,000 toward the costs of the trip. They were the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the Mardag Foundation & F. R. Bigelow Foundation.
Central Principal Cherise Ayers said she was thankful for the generosity.
Besides the extra players, an added chaperone will make the trip.
After exceeding its initial goal, the advisory council’s GoFundMe set a new goal of $20,000. The nonprofit is seeking donations from alumni and local businesses. The fundraiser is called “GIRL POWER! Central Softball goes to D.C.,” and can be found at gofund.me/dbefa8c3.
Previously, St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 donated $5,000 and $2,500 came from an anonymous donor. As of Friday, there were more than 257 donations.
The money will pay for airfare, hotels meals and transportation. The initial plan called for the softball team’s four co-captains, athletic director Alicia Ekegren, head coach Haley McFarlane and assistant coach Shakia Wilkerson to make the trip.
The group will meet with Harris Wednesday at the Vice President’s Residence on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Harris invited the Central softball team to Washington after she paid them a surprise visit on March 14 during their practice at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center.
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