The Peninsula Oilers are in a tough financial spot, and they are seeking support from the community to keep the organization solvent. A letter released by the Oilers’ Board of Directors on May 3rd outlines the straights facing the long-time peninsula sports organization:
“Since 1974, the Peninsula Oilers have proudly served as a cornerstone of the Kenai Peninsula community. As a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, our mission has always been to provide a family-friendly environment for baseball enthusiasts of all ages. Over the years, we have achieved this by fielding a high-caliber collegiate team to compete in the Alaska Baseball League. Through these efforts, we have advanced the skills of countless baseball players, many of whom have succeeded in the MLB.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary, we find ourselves confronting a significant financial challenge. Despite our best efforts, we are currently facing a dire shortfall in funding that threatens our ability to sustain our operations. Historically, Old Town Bingo Hall and Mania Pull-tabs have been crucial supporters of the Oilers. However, due to a downturn in gaming activity, their contributions have diminished, leaving us in a precarious position. In response, our dedicated volunteers have intensified their fundraising endeavors, organizing raffles and fundraising events and preparing to launch a Club Membership program. We are immensely grateful to all who have supported us thus far.
“Your contributions will enable us to continue offering valuable programs, such as our camps for Peninsula-wide Little League Programs and scholarships to local graduates, while also maintaining the Oilers ballpark not only for ourselves but for use as a secondary field by the American Legion Twins and other organizations as well. Your support is now more critical than ever. By making a tax-deductible donation on our website or exploring sponsorship opportunities for your business, you can help ensure the Peninsula Oilers’ continued success. Please note that we are a registered 501(c)(3) organization whose tax identification number is 92-0136498.
Thank you for your generosity and unwavering support. Together, we can overcome this challenge and continue providing memorable baseball experiences for generations.”
The Oilers’ season is scheduled to begin on the road against the Mat-Su Miners on June 9th.
The Kenai Peninsula’s lone Alaska Baseball League organization will see its first season without a General Manager in three years, as the two parties mutually agreed to part ways last week.
Be sure to catch all the games as they are broadcast live on ESPN 1140 AM, 96.9 FM, and radiokenai.com.