GROSSE POINTE WOODS — At the city council meeting Monday, Jan. 4, the Woods-Shores Little League was approved to hang banners on the fields’ fences at Ghesquiere Park as a fundraising effort.

The proposal for the fundraiser was brought to the council by Little League President Paul Summers. His team came up with an idea to raise funds for field improvements by selling banners, which could act as advertisements, to interested companies and sponsors.

The council’s approval of the proposal was contingent upon certain restrictions, such as banner size and number of banners permitted. They asked that banners not exceed 3 feet by 9 feet and that no more than 120 banners between the four proposed fields be allowed.

Additionally, all banner designs are to be approved by City Administrator Bruce Smith to ensure no obscenities are used.

The league also will be subject to a certain timeframe in having banners posted.

The banner fundraiser has potential to greatly assist the Little League program for years to come. Summers expects to charge $500 per banner. With a hope of selling 40 to 60 the first year, the fundraiser could bring in $16,000 to $24,000 for the league. If the group could capitalize on the 120-banner limit and bring in that many advertisers, it could be looking at a total profit of $48,000.

For reference, it would cost around $10,000 to fix one infield, which is the first desired improvement, Summers said. 

Though the repairs to enhance the experience of Little League participants are costly, Summers is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the community on this project.

“I’m very expectant that the community is going to step up and help us out,” Summers said.

All interested sponsors should contact Summers at [email protected] or (248) 709-7716.