Pacific Workplaces San Mateo is Community Collection Site for Auction Donations Benefiting Local Little League

Pacific Workplaces (a.k.a. “Pac) in San Mateo is the local community’s collection site to receive auction donations for the San Mateo Toyonaka Baseball Gala happening on June 17, 2017. This is to benefit the Japanese Little League Team traveling from Toyonaka Japan to play the San Mateo All-Stars Goodwill Ambassadors Team in August.

This program is organized by local organization SMSCA (San Mateo Sister City Association). The non-profit organization was formed to create strong bonds between two cultures. Through these efforts came the SMSCA a Baseball Exchange Program formed in 1979 between the cities of San Mateo, California and Toyonaka, Japan. The tradition is not just about sports and healthy competition, but ultimately serves to build positive relations and allow for a healthy cultural experience for our youth.

Every two years, an All-Stars Team is formed from 11 and 12 year old participants who currently play in San Mateo Little League or Softball leagues. Players are chosen not only based on athletic talent, but their ability to be compelling ambassadors who can positively represent their city and country. This year, its Toyonaka’s turn to travel from Japan to San Mateo so the teams can play in a tournament-style series of five games this August. Proceeds from the auction during the gala event will help fund the costly trip from Japan to the U.S. including hosting expenses, uniforms, equipment, and gifts for the visitors. The goal for the fundraiser is $30,000.

2017 All-Star Goodwill Ambassadors Team. Robbie Simi, son of Becky Simi of Pacific Workplaces is 2nd player on the left, top row.

Becky Simi, Managing Partner for Pacific Workplaces commented, “Pac is happy to serve as the drop-off location for donation items for the gala fundraiser.  My son is part of the San Mateo Goodwill Ambassadors All Star Team, but many of our own members live and work in San Mateo and are aware of this event since they also have kids participating in sports and other local activities.  Offering our location just made sense.”  Long-time Pac San Mateo member Darcey Wong, P.C. who practices Estate Law also has a kiddo on the All-Star Team.

There are similar sports exchange programs, but often they require families to pay all the expenses themselves.  The SMSCA Baseball Exchange program is funded and supported completely through community efforts.  The Baseball Gala Fundraiser will take place on June 17, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the Beresford Recreation Center in San Mateo, CA.  The event is set to have live music, casino/poker activities, prizes, food & drink, and a silent auction.  All proceeds go to the 2017 Goodwill Program.

Here are other ways to donate: 1) send a check, payable to: San Mateo Sister City Association, to P.O. Box 729, San Mateo, CA 94401; 2) donate cash to the player family; 3) send as a friend, to paypal account “ smsistercity@gmail.com”; 4) Donate via the “San Mateo Toyonaka Sister City Association” Facebook page.