The Miracle League of Newton County has almost reached its goal of $85,000 for construction documents, and Newton County Recreation League Miracle League consultant Tamara Richardson hopes an upcoming fundraiser will put the organization over its initial goal.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7, the Turner Lake Complex will host a live broadcast of Chick-fil-A’s annual Leadercast, which features 10 panelists that range in profession from CEO’s to authors. Panelists include Retired Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, Delta Airlines President Ed Bastian and Johns Hopkins professor and neurosurgeon Ben Carson.

Participants learn "the keys to connecting with others, how to set yourself apart from competition, new ideas for creative problem solving, best practices for creating strong team cultures, and how to avoid, detect and reverse decline" according to the Leadercast Web site at www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com.

Tickets for the Covington event are significantly discounted from between $199 and $219 to $85. The cost includes lunch and parking for the event is free. Richardson said two individuals from Atlanta have already signed up for the Covington event because it is such a great deal.

Turner Lake also hosted a Leadercast screening last year, when between 50 and 75 attended, according to Richardson.

"This year we’re hoping to fill up the room," she said, "and we can seat 200 at Turner Lake Field."

With current fundraising efforts totaling approximately $77,000, a full house would far exceed the project’s construction document cost.

Richardson said Georgia Civil Engineering and Lose and Associates already have been hired to do site work and construction of phase I of the project, which includes the building of a special rubberized baseball field at City Pond Park that is designed for special needs athletes as well as a concession/bathroom facility.

"But the construction documents are what we really need to have to go out and hit the ground running when looking for major funders," Richardson said.

In addition to seeking large corporate grants and donations, Richardson said the Recreation Department hopes to have the project placed on the 2011 SPLOST vote.

"That could be a huge shot in the arm," Richardson said.

Richardson estimated the cost of phase I of the project at $750,000, whereas the completed complex, which includes more fields and a covered pavilion, is estimated at $1.7 million to $1.9 million.

Covington Chick-fil-A owners Amy and Chris Giella have made Miracle Field their business’ passion project. Amy is on the local Miracle Field marketing and fundraising committee.

Another upcoming fundraiser for the local Miracle League will be a golf tournament held on June 9. Charter Communications hosts an annual golf tournament for different non-profits and this year have chosen Miracle Field to benefit. Usually held closer to Atlanta, the tournament will be held locally this year at The Oaks Course on Crowell Road.

Richardson said the Charter tournament raised more than $50,000 for a children’s cancer charity last year. She hopes the tournament will raise a similar amount for Miracle Field this year.

The Oaks also is participating in an ongoing "pick-a-chip" fundraiser. Golfers pick poker chips that have been numbered from 1 to 1,000. If someone picks chip 307, they then donate $3.07 to the Miracle Field. Because the chips only go to 1,000, no donations more than $10 are possible in the fundraiser.

For more information about the Miracle Field, call Tamara Richardson at (770) 786-4373 ext. 14. Tickets for the local showing of Leadercast may be purchased at Turner Lake Complex or online at www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com. To sign up as a sponsor for the Charter Communications annual charity golf tournament or register a team, call (770) 806-7062.