The push to bring a Miracle League facility to Newton County continues with a pair of upcoming fundraisers.

First up is the second annual Let’s Make a Miracle Car & Bike Show Aug. 6 at Turner Lake Complex. The show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to anyone who wants to show a car, truck or motorcycle. Car registration is $20 the day of the show. Admission is free.

From Aug. 26-28, the Newton County Recreation Commission will be hosting the Miracle League Classic, an open baseball tournament for teams of players ages 9-14. The games will be played at City Pond Park and Turner Lake. The team fee is $350 and is due in advance no later than Aug. 15.

The proceeds from both events will go toward the overall fund to build a Miracle League facility next to City Pond Park. So far, the NCRC has raised approximately $191,000 of the $2 million price tag for the facility through private and corporate donations, grants and various fundraisers. The Recreation Commission's efforts, led by Tamara Richardson, continue to look for funding through various channels. According to Richardson, the fundraisers not only raise money but awareness of the Miracle League concept.

The facility would include a Miracle League field and two T-league fields complete with artificial turf. The Miracle League field is specially designed for children with disabilities as the playing surface is smooth and wheel chair and roller-walker friendly. The facility also includes a fully handicapped accessible playground, concession stand, restrooms and meeting facility.

Richardson said the $2 million price tag with be lessened somewhat by the Georgia Department of Corrections which has committed to provide the labor to build the facility. She said that could knock 30-45 percent off the bottom line.

In addition to the funds raised to date, the NCRC will receive $1.5 million from the recent SPLOST passed in March. The Miracle League project was one of those on the SPLOST referendum that Newton County voters voted to approve.

For more details on the Miracle League project an either of the two or future fundraisers, visit www.newtonrecreation.com. If you would like to make a donation you can contact Richardson at trichardson@co.newton.ga.us or 770-786-4373, ext. 14.