Unified Bank, Goodman Properties and St. Clairsville Area Soccer Association representatives hold a sign for the “Light Up Capstone” project. Both Unified Bank and Goodman Properties made contributions to the $160,000 project that will provide lighting at three SCASA soccer fields. Pictured, from left, are Dave Hahn, president of the SCASA; Stacy Carpino, regional banking executive for Unified Bank; Kate Carpino, customer service supervisor of Unified Bank St. Clairsville West; Michael Goclan, senior community banking executive for Unified Bank; and Emily Goodman-Shortall, co-owner of Goodman Properties. T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – A number of local businesses have donated funds toward a $160,000 St. Clairsville soccer complex project aimed to increase the visibility for players at the fields.
The St. Clairsville Area Soccer Association recently launched the “Light Up Capstone” campaign in order to “better serve youth in the Ohio Valley.”
The project includes the installation of a series of lighting at three fields at the Capstone soccer complex.
The complex currently serves around 350 youth from 20 different school districts across eight counties in each of the fall and spring seasons, SCASA President Dave Hahn said.
“The number of kids who want to play are exceeding our daylight hours,” he said. “Our parking lots and fields are packed for the few hours between school’s end and dusk. For that reason, we have begun the work of lighting all the fields.”
The cost of the project is estimated at $160,000, according to SCASA Treasurer Rick Ferell.
“Capstone is a non- profit with an all-volunteer support system. We have had a great track record of fiscal responsibility over the last 24 years. We’ve built three large fields which can be divided into 14 fields for age-appropriate play. With the help of generous donations, we’ve built an indoor-outdoor pavilion for events. Lighting the fields is the logical next step. It will increase the hours of play, enhance safety for our players and spectators, and allow us to stagger-start evening games to avoid some of the vehicle and pedestrian congestion in the parking lots,” he said.
On Thursday, representatives of both Unified Bank and Goodman Properties presented contributions toward the project kickoff.
Unified donated $25,000 to the lighting project. Scott Everson, president and CEO of Unified Bank said they are proud to sponsor projects that better the communities they serve.
“Having grown up in the Ohio Valley I know first-hand how important it is that our children have safe places to learn about teamwork. The Capstone Soccer Complex is one of those places. Unified has long been a proud member of the St. Clairsville community and is honored to be able to help light up Capstone and to place our Unified name on the field,” he said, adding that Unified Bank is the naming sponsor of the soccer fields closest to the Capstone Pavilion.
Emily Goodman-Shortall, co-owner of Goodman Properties, gave a contribution of $10,000 on behalf of her company. She said they were happy to contribute to the project that helps support those in the community.
“With community value as one of our core values, Goodman Properties is proud to support ‘Light Up Capstone,’” she said.
Hahn said both businesses have made significant donations and have secured naming rights for two of the three fields. He thanked representatives from each business for their “generous” donations.
“We are grateful for the support of these companies to invest in the youth soccer program in the Ohio Valley,” he said. “Generations to come will benefit from their generosity.”
SCASA has also secured a $10,000 grant from South Central Power, and invested $50,000 from their savings to set the light poles and secure an approved design for the overall lighting and electrical plan. In addition to the latest donations, $25,000 has been secured from many other corporate sponsorships. The third field remains unnamed with the naming rights still available.
The organization is still in need of $40,000 to complete the project. They are hoping the public will help raise the additional funds needed. For $1,000, donors can put a name on a light pole – several people have already done this to honor a past or present player. And for $2,500, donors can donate a team bench for the sidelines. All donations are tax deductible, and those over $100 will be recognized on a plaque inside the pavilion.
Those interested in donating to the project can send a check to SCASA at 52139 National Road E,. St.Clairsville; or visit Lightupcapstone.com. For more information, contact Ferrell at 740-312-5895.
The board plans to have all the fields lit by opening day in fall 2022.
Media ContactCompany Name: Light Up CapstoneContact Person: Emily ShortallEmail: Send EmailPhone: 336-558-1014Country: United StatesWebsite: http://www.lightupcapstone.com/
