SUPPORT OF ALL KINDS

As we hammer out all the details necessary to make this trip happen, the number of people and organizations that have provided critical support keeps growing. The Peregrines are deeply grateful for all these efforts on our behalf, and we want to take some space here to recognize our supporters.

All-Round Guidance

First is our trip adviser, John Parke Wright IV, of Naples, Florida. Mr. Wright’s long experience in Cuba, and generosity with his time, contacts, and expertise have been critical from step one. We would never have been able to put together a successful proposal for a travel permit without his help, and at every stage since, his advice has guided us.

Political Support

Next, we want to recognize and thank the politicians from both Vermont and New Hampshire – and from both the Republican and Democratic parties – who endorsed our travel permit proposal to the Treasury Department and followed up to encourage its approval. From Vermont, these include Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders, and Representative Peter Welch. As is often the case, staff members in these offices made the extra efforts to help us out, and Martha Hanson (on behalf of Lt. Governor Dubie) and Susan Sussman (on behalf of Senator Leahy) deserve special thanks here. From New Hampshire, Senators John Sununu and Judd Gregg, and Representative Paul Hodes, all endorsed our proposal, and John Ellis (on behalf of Senator Sununu) went the extra mile to help us out. Thanks!

Families

The parents of Peregrines players also deserve special recognition, first of all for embracing this unusual idea, and then for making extraordinary efforts to make it happen. Before our fundraising efforts got going, it was parents and families who put dug deep to fund our initial expenses and have continued to do so. The families have also raised awareness in our communities about the project and are responsible for the great progress we have made in fundraising so far. Everyone pitched in with hard work to make the concessions stand at our Fourth of July tournament a success, but Connie Perry deserves special thanks there.

Field Improvements

The field improvements at Post Mills were also key to the Fourth of July tournament, and to getting our team’s tournament season off to a successful start. Special thanks to Pete Sonnhalter and Pete McCusker for making the playing surface resemble Fenway and putting in the announcer’s tower and sound system. Also thanks to Evan and Nathaniel Eastman for painting the dugouts.

Financial Support

Total estimated costs for air travel, ground transportation, lodging, food, insurance, uniforms, and equipment run close to $50,000. As of July 27, we have raised $21,000.

To support our trip, please see the CONTACT page for information. To see lists of businesses and individuals who have supported our project financially, see the CONTRIBUTORS page. And thanks!