Doolittle construction 'kicks off'

Signed Seahawks football to be given away

MOSES LAKE - Doolittle park volunteers have a chance to win a football signed by Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Holmgren.

For everyone else, an entry fee for the drawing is $10.

Construction of Gen. James H. Doolittle Park was set to begin Wednesday and ends Sunday. Volunteers are needed to work shifts from 8 a.m. to noon, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Each shift, they get a ticket for free," said Tools Loaner Committee Chair Mark Fanning.

Security Title Guaranty Customer Service Specialist Scott Schmig obtained the signed football after contacting the Seattle Seahawks.

"What I did is, I wrote a letter to Seattle Seahawks headquarters and I also had a letter sent to Matt Hasselbeck's home," Schmig said.

He said he told the sports team his request was last-minute, but he was looking for advice on fund-raising for the project. He did not ask for money from the team. He also mentioned the possibility of a member of the team visiting Moses Lake children.

Schmig said he expected no response at all or maybe a letter saying the organization could not help. Instead, he received a phone call from the community outreach department. The department said no players were available to visit and the organization was unable to donate to the cause.

"However, we'd be happy to send an autographed football," Schmig said, repeating the representative's words.

It was the representative's idea to hold a drawing for the football, he noted.

He said he hopes to send pictures to the Seahawks during, and at the end of, construction.

Schmig thanked his supervisor for allowing him to take time to help with the park.

Tickets to the drawing can be purchased at Alsted Real Estate, 420 W. Broadway, Ste. B. in Moses Lake, or at the volunteer registration table on Patton Boulevard and Doolittle Drive.

For more information, call Tara Childs at 509-771-0074.