There is nothing better than running to the concession stand for a favorite candy, soft-serve ice cream, iced cold Gatorade, fountain soda, or a hot item off the grill after recording the final out of a Little League® game. As the go-to spot for most local league complexes, the concession stand helps create rewarding volunteer opportunities and is an integral contributor to reaching fundraising goals. For Orangecrest (Calif.) Little League, it is also a way to connect and give back to the community.
Over the years, through their “OCLL Cares” project, Orangecrest LL has identified ways to help the community grow and donate some funds raised through concession stand sales and seasonal fundraisers to the selected projects and organizations. In 2025, the board selected Adam’s Angels. Inspired by Carmen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25 years old and died five years later, leaving behind her son, Adam, the CARE Project, Inc. program, Adam’s Angels, provides grants to children who have lost a parent to breast cancer.
“The idea that it helps kids who are going through a troubling time just speaks to what we do. In Little League, kids are going to play baseball and learn a sport, but let’s be honest, a lot of these kids’ baseball or softball careers are going to possibly end with their Little League experience,” said Phil Schmidt, Orangecrest Little League President. “At the end of the day, what we are looking to do in our league is build kids up and teach them the life lessons you can learn through sports. So, in the same way with Adam’s Angels, if there is just a little way that we can help them grow and build them up in a time of need, it was just a no-brainer.”
In late August, Orangecrest LL completed a combined donation of more than $7,000 to Adam’s Angels. Since then, the program has been able to provide three $2,500 grants to children who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer.
“The fact that the funds raised for these kids stemmed from an organization for kids’ sports makes it that much more special,” said Carrie Madrid, Founder & President of The CARE Project, Inc. “The legacy left by Carmen, Adam’s mom, is truly priceless. Being able to help these surviving kids with school supplies, band or sports requirements, let alone everyday necessities, is truly impactful in their most vulnerable time.”
The impact left on these children from Orangecrest LL’s donation is a rewarding accomplishment that Schmidt knows will leave a lasting impact on the Little Leaguers® and would not be possible without the volunteers and families in the Orangecrest community.
“We use sports to build character in these kids. They learn resilience and teamwork, and how to be a part of something that is bigger than oneself. Does a four-year-old Tee Ball kid get it? Maybe not. But, over time, if they continue to participate, the hope is that they can start to learn and recognize that we are Orangecrest Little League and we are a community,” said Schmidt. “They can look back and go, ‘Wait, when I was 12, I remember that coach of mine that was battling cancer and my league giving him a basket to support him.’ They can look back and feel that sense of purpose and remember that it is more than a game.”
Interested in turning your concession guide into an opportunity to raise funds and support your community? Be sure to take advantage of the Little League Concessions Guide, offering tips and guidance on how to let your concession stand thrive all year long.