A TRANSPORT FROM WEST COAST MATERIALS IN OAKDALE DROPS JUST PART OF 72 CUBIC YARDS OF FOREST HUMUS IN ONE PART OF GRIZZLY STADIUM LAST FRIDAY AFTERNOON. TWO AREAS OF THE SPORTS FACILITY WERE PREPPED FOR 25,000 SQUARE FEET OF SOD THAT WILL BE INSTALLED THIS SATURDAY. GAZETTE PHOTO BY DAN TUCKER The Dubberke family has a long history of supporting community efforts and events. Now, they have upped the ante.

As one of the community’s most successful family business operations, the Dubberkes have thrown their financial weight behind the Grizzly Stadium project, committing to $25,000 per year for three years. In return, as the first major donor to step forward, the Grizzly Stadium Committee has agreed that the stadium will be called Pioneer Market Grizzly Stadium for its first four years. That agreement is much like the sponsorship of the stadium in Fresno known as Chukchansi Park by the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino near Coarsegold.

Pioneer Market also has paid in full for the new scoreboard to be erected at the stadium at a cost of just under $10,000.

Jason Dubberke, who manages Pioneer Market with the assistance of his father, Dieter, said, “We are excited to be able to be a big part of the new Pioneer Market Grizzly Stadium. Our commitment of $85,000 over the next four years helps to ensure our sports programs continue to grow, and it provides our students and student athletes something to be proud of. The future success of our young athletes relies heavily on our local business community. We are thankful to the community and committed to making Mariposa a

better place to live.”

Since the Dubberkes stepped forward as the first major sponsor, two others have joined the effort.

Ron Willey, owner of Pizza Factory, has matched the Dubberkes’ commitment, and Sierra Tel and Golden State Cellular have declared a minimum, first year dedication of at least $25,000. Officials at Sierra Tel and its affiliate companies are also determining what will be committed in the other three years of the stadium’s phased development. Director of Business Development Dan Rule said, “The Sierra Tel family of companies looks forward to being a sustaining donor for Grizzly Stadium.”

“There’s no end to the appreciation the members of this committee feel toward these individuals and companies,” said Dan Tucker, chairman of the Grizzly Stadium Committee. “And our gratitude for the people who have committed to the ‘Wall of Honor’ and the sponsorship banners is unequivocal. This is truly a community effort, and the driving force behind the construction aspects of this project is the Mariposa County Contractors’ Association. In a word, they’re awesome.”

Golden State Cellular was one of the first companies to come forward and commit to two different fund raising offers. Golden State Cellular will be on the “Wall of Honor” and will purchase a sponsorship banner.

The “Wall of Honor” is the brick face that has been constructed at the main entrance of the stadium Those making a four-year commitment of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) will be displayed there with individual bronze plaques, as well as be listed in all publicity items and sports programs.

To date, six companies have committed to the “Wall of Honor” including Golden State Cellular, the MARIPOSA GAZETTE, Mariposa County Contractors’ Association, Dayhoff Cabinets, Mercy Medical Transportation, and Mother Lode Lumber.

Lawrence Moore, general manager of Golden State Cellular and an MCHS graduate, said, “Mariposa County is one of the five counties first served when Golden State Cellular began. We try to support the communities we serve as much as we can, and we’re always looking for ways to give back.”

The stadium will be surrounded with sponsorship banners giving it the appearance of a bowl. The banners are available at a first year cost of $300 up front for production expenses, and $75 per month for 12 months. Businesses interested can contact Tucker at 966-2500 or Pat Wight at 617-2297.

Over a dozen companies have already committed to the banners including Golden State Cellular, Mariposa Auto Body, the Yosemite/Mariposa Tourism Bureau, John C. Fremont Healthcare District, Mariposa Feed, Razzari Ford of Merced, Mark Stephens General Engineering, Yosemite Falls Well Drilling, Mountain Aire, Randy Brower Construction, Yosemite Bank and Allison Sierra Inc.

Another fund raising effort is also underway for individuals, businesses, and MCHS alumni. Brick pavers with brass inserts will be used to create a pathway from the main entrance to the home grandstands in the second phase of the facility development. Forms for ordering those pavers are available at Pioneer Market, the MARIPOSA GAZETTE, or on the project’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/grizzlystadium.

A total of 25,000 square feet of sod is being installed at the stadium this Saturday morning. Anyone who would like to lend a hand should be at the facility at 7 a.m. It is located between Mariposa County High School and Mariposa Elementary.

For information on how to donate to the project email stadium@sti.net.

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