FORT WALTON BEACH — Jim “The Rookie” Morris will be the guest speaker for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast's Thursday Steak & Stake fundraising dinner at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.
Morris' life story inspired the 2002 Walt Disney film "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid. To motivate his rag-tag high school baseball team, the then-35-year-old schoolteacher bet that he would try out for the big leagues if his team won a district championship.
When Morris' team won, he followed through on his promise, going to a tryout where he threw 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph. Three months later, he achieved his dream of pitching in the Major Leagues.
"Mr. Morris has a unique and exciting story. We are excited for our club members and community to hear his inspirational story and how great futures are started," said Boys and Girls Clubs Chief Executive Officer, Shervin Rassa. "Although his story takes place on a baseball diamond, we can all relate to reaching and fulfilling our dreams.”
The Steak & Stake Dinner provides an opportunity for every guest, including donors, community partners and volunteers, to enjoy juicy hamburgers and hear from those who benefit from their efforts: Boys & Girls Club Members.
Contact Jessica Davis, vice president of Development & Marketing, at jdavis@bgcec.com or call 850-862-1616 for tickets.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast — which encompasses seven clubs across Okaloosa, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties — serves youths ages 5 to 18 by providing guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, youth development professionals.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boys & Girls fundraiser features Major League icon