There is only one small shoe store in Athens, and it doesn’t carry sports shoes. To get sports gear and shoes, you must order online or drive over forty minutes to the closest store. This is one of the 4,724 reasons I want to escape this town.
Back from Chicago, Adrian asks me, via text, to call her as soon as I get unpacked. When I call, she excitedly shares how my seven friends in Athens watched Hamilton’s Cubs debut.
“Two part-time employees volunteered to run the concession stand. Troy and Latham planned to start the projectors in all three theaters during the pre-game show to ensure all attending viewed the entire game. Bethany and Savannah offered to take tickets outside the outer door to help with the flow of the crowd. With all this help, Winston and I were free to float as needed and to welcome everyone.”
“Wow!” If I wasn’t in Chicago, I would have joined you.”
Adrian beams. “I wish you could have seen Winston and his parents’ surprise when I announced tickets sold out in less than twenty-four hours. We raised $750 from ticket sales for the Athens Ball Association. Our community support for Hamilton’s Major League debut was overwhelming. The entire $5 ticket price for the viewing was all donated to youth baseball and softball programs in Athens. The concession stand offered drinks and popcorn. All funds collected from food were also donated.”
“Winston’s family loved my idea to share Hamilton’s debut as a local fundraising opportunity. I was so happy that I was able to help Winston in return for his assisting with my store.”
“Before we began the viewing in each theater, Winston welcomed and thanked each group and reminded them the concession stand was open the entire game and all money would be donated. As each theater applauded, Troy and Latham started their projector.”
“Winston invited Troy, Latham, Bethany, and Savannah to watch the game with us in his office. We took turns checking on all areas while the Cubs were at bat.”
“In addition to the $750 we raised in ticket sales, we made $1250 in concessions and the free-will donation tubs. Athens truly came through on Hamilton’s big day. They supported Hamilton in his debut and our local ball programs. Winston posted the total raised on the theater’s Facebook page that night, and the community’s comments were awesome. You should pull them up to read.”
Sensing the end of her story, I can finally speak. “Adrian, that is awesome. You need to text Hamilton to call you when he can and share this with him. He will love this. Not only that Athens watched his debut, but donated money to help baseball and softball to do it.” I am so proud of her.
“It’s surreal that our friend is pitching in the Major Leagues. I am so happy you were able to be at Wrigley.”
“I hope Winston rewarded you for all the planning you did on this. I’m sure it doubled as positive publicity for his theaters.”
“I have no complaints,” she giggles.
I’m so glad she’s found Winston. I worried for so long that her need to be in control would prevent her from finding love in the small town of Athens. Although I am shocked that Winston allows her to lead at times, I am happy he does. My friend deserves happiness and he provides that for her.