Each year, Extra Special People (ESP) brings together members of the community with the children and families it serves for one special night: Big Hearts. It’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the abilities of some of the community’s most big-hearted individuals, while leaving their disabilities behind.

ESP is an organization that creates opportunities for people with disabilities and their families to engage, connect, and thrive through eight weeks of summer camp, 19 after-school enrichment programs, and ongoing family support.

The pageant featured dozens of ESP members showing off their skills on stage, from ballet to basketball to boxing. The event also consisted of a silent auction and a banquet.

The 2019 baseball theme of Big Hearts at Bat connected to ESP’s Miracle League project in a fully-realized way. ESP outfitted The Classic Center theater stage with artificial turf (donated by DCO Commercial Floors), a baseball diamond, and a scoreboard. Miracle League is an organization which makes baseball accessible to individuals with mental and physical disabilities through special fields and facilities.

Through generous donations at Big Hearts at Bat, ESP reached the $1 million mark of a $1.4 million campaign goal for the Miracle League sports complex. Additionally, funds were raised at the pageant and silent auction to send hundreds of kids to summer camp.

Big Hearts at Bat focused on bringing to life the dream of typical kids and those with special needs playing alongside one another, no longer benching those who have different abilities. The Miracle League sports complex is meant for everyone: a fully-accessible baseball field, making it possible for every child to play America’s favorite pastime, as well as a playground and splash pad for everyone in the community.

We would like to recognize Account Executive, Jeremy Friedman, for the time he spent in helping coordinate this project. With his help, DCO Commercial Floors was able to donate the green carpet used on the stage for the event. Jeremy went above and beyond to meet with the client, made sure they had everything they needed, and reviewed the proper installation instructions on a short time frame.