Nuxhall's dream for children gathers supporters
Friday, March 16, 2007
FAIRFIELD — The Joe Nuxhall Children's Center will be a simple building, a large gymnasium flanked by classrooms, a few storage closets and a kitchen.
But it will encompass huge dreams.
Extras
It will be a home to many in Butler County — the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund, MRDD events and organizations, and any other organization that supports disabled or disadvantaged children.
It was the idea of Barb Condo, founder and executive director of Fairfield's One Way Farm for children. About a year ago, she went to baseball legend Joe Nuxhall and asked for his support. He agreed to lend his name and do what he could to get the project built.
"The whole focus of this is to not only give children with disabilities and disadvantages a place to play, but a place to congregate and to learn about their community," Condo said. "I want this to be looked at as a facility for the community, not just One Way Farm. It just happens to be that's where it's at."
The project
The plans, drawings and approvals are in place. Now, in order to make this dream facility a reality, $2 million is needed to start.
The facility is one of five dreams for Nuxhall, and it will be paid for through contributions made to the Joe Nuxhall Hope Project. Its mission is "to inspire hope in the hearts of children and young people who've had it taken from them."
On Thursday, April 5, a $1,000-a-table fundraiser will be held at the Oscar Center at Jungle Jim's in Fairfield. Baseball and local celebrities will help raise money to get closer to the Hope Project's overall $7.5 million goal.
Kim Nuxhall, the Ol' Lefthander's son and director of the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund, envisions an entrance similar to Integrity Field, a youth athletic complex in Texas. As a child walks into the Joe Nuxhall Children's Center, he would like to see visitors greeted by a statue of the Reds Hall of Famer with a welcome message and a statement on character. Then there could be other local celebrities represented with their own pre-recorded message, he said.
The use of the building would be free to any organization, such as the Butler County Special Olympics or MRDD organizations. The also facility would be rented out for events like educational seminars or workshops or other community organizations needing a gym.
The passion behind the center
Condo is passionate about the idea. Indeed, she is paassionate about everything she does.
"It's just the way I am, just like I'm passionate about One Way Farm. I see the hurt every day, so I have a constant reminder," Condo said.
Condo, who has a son with developmental disabilities, says the only hurdle left for the children's center is financial.
"Everyone has been so cooperative with this project. The only hurdle I see is basically having someone to incorporate all the things into that gym," Condo said.
"There are a lot of needs in the community...We need to do something about them. If you've been rejected anywhere, we want you to come to One Way Farm and fulfill your dream — whether it's playing volleyball or basketball."
The building will be the Ol' Lefthander's legacy, said Kim Nuxhall.
"The baseball was kind of the entertainment part (of his life), it was what he did for a living. But now it's what's going to be left behind when it's all said and done," Kim Nuxhall said. "When I think about the legacy and the impact the legacy will have on the community, it will be for virtually ever. "
After teaching thousands of kids for nearly three decades as a teacher in the Fairfield school district, Kim Nuxhall said he has "a deeper sense of the importance of this, especially the work we are doing in character education."
Kim Nuxhall was overwhelmed when Condo shared her idea with him — he couldn't believe someone had the same idea he had.
"It's kind of something that's been in the back of my head all along — what can we do on a grander scale, what can we do beyond what I personally do in my classroom," Kim Nuxhall said.
Community Support
Fred Valerius, Fairfield Rotary president and former Butler County MRDD superintendent, says the idea of a children's center has been a dream of Condo's for years. He remembers her once speaking at a Rotary club meeting on the topic.
"Obviously decent gym availability is a problem for any sports teams, and as individuals with disabilities become more active and visible in the community, there are more needs for them," Valerius said.
The gym at the Joe Nuxhall Children's Center will have all the adaptations for special-needs children, such as the ability to lower baskets for wheelchair basketball, Valerius said.
"I've always felt a child with a disability should be able to participate in activities everyone enjoys," Valerius said. "In the past, they didn't get that opportunity."
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How to go
When: Thursday, April 5
Where: The Oscar Center at Jungle Jim's, Fairfield
What: Silent auction, special Reds appearances
Tickets: Call (513) 984-1200 or (513) 321-HOPE
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How to donate
Joe Nuxhall Hope Project
c/o DHA
9514 Kenwood Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.
