Two CMS schools to get five-figure grants from sporting goods retailer
West Mecklenburg and Garinger High Schools are getting two $10,000 donations from DICK’S Sporting Goods.
The sporting goods manufacturer offers grants to youth sports-centric groups, and DICKS’ community marketing manager Wade Leaphart reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ athletic director Sue Doran several weeks ago to see which schools might benefit from such a donation.
Last year, Leaphart helped Harding secure an $8,000 donation. This year, athletic directors from Garinger (Art Malorzo) and West Mecklenburg (Jesse Wilkins) described their immediate needs.
Leaphart said the schools should receive the money next month.
▪ At West Mecklenburg, a recent flood in the gym and a roof leak caused damage to some coaches’ offices, ruined some personal items and the girls basketball home and away uniforms were molded.
▪ At Garinger, the Wildcats needed weight-room upgrades and cardio machines that would be more friendly to female students. The school also wanted to establish girls tennis and golf teams and upgrade the locker room.
“We were super excited,” said Malorzo, beginning his first year at Garinger. “We’re in a situation this year where funds might be limited. This past Friday (Leaphart) mentioned we would be gratned the money. As a new athletic director, I was happy to be able to get the additional funding.”
Football
Last week, the Hickory Grove football team served more than 600 families at the Hickory Grove Baptist food pantry. The food pantry feeds area families each Tuesday and Thursday during the pandemic.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 6:27 PM.
