BAKERSFIELD, CA - Honor Flight Kern County has received its single largest donation ever thanks to local businessmen and baseballs.
But, they are not just any baseballs. They are signed baseballs.
During a recent local lunch club meeting, those balls fetched $10,850 for the non-profit.
Each month, about 50 businessmen get together for lunch to network. But, this last meeting was different.
"This was a spur of the moment thing that just came about," said Brad Peters, President of San Joaquin Bit.
Peters witnessed a first at his lunch club last week. It all had to do with ten baseballs signed by Tom Browning.
"We sold them just as fast as we could hand them out," said Peters.
Tom Browning is this year's pitching coach for the Bakersfield Blaze. Browning blazed his own trail, first, winning a World Series with the Reds. And, in 1988 he threw a perfect game against the Dodgers.
It was a no brainer for the business leaders to invite him to their lunch. While talking over food, things quickly turned into a fundraiser.
"The estimator for Terry Bedford Construction had the idea to have him sign ten baseballs and basically auction them off. And, all of the proceeds to go to Kern County Honor Flight. I was like alright lets do it, and it didn't surprise me at all the amount of money we raised. Just like that," said Peters.
Ten balls turned to fourteen balls, each selling with Browning's autograph for $450. Two other business leaders simply donated $4,500. It totaled an impromptu and unexpected $10,850 for Honor Flight Kern County.
"I just couldn't believe that something so simple would be able to send essentially seven to eight veterans to Washington," said Lili Marsh with Honor Flight Kern County. "Every one of them will tell you it's a trip of a lifetime. And, I think it's equally rewarding to the people who donate when they are able to hear the stories."
"They are the true heroes in this world. You hear about all of these supposed heroes. The true heroes are the guys who fought in World War II in my book," said Peters.
If you are interested in a Tom Browning autographed ball for $450 with proceeds going to Honor Flight Kern County, you can call Brad Peters at 203-3070.
The next Honor Flight takes off August 21st. Seventeen veterans will head to Washington, D.C.