The Bochum Barflies Baseball and Softball Club is celebrating a major win off the field following their participation in the Volksbank Bochum Witten Donation Marathon. Thanks to the generosity of supporters and the efforts of the Volksbank, the Barflies are now significantly closer to achieving their goal of building safe dugouts for their players.

Community Support in Action

During the Donation Marathon, which ran from December 1 to December 6, the Barflies received private donations totaling €390 from 11 dedicated supporters. This show of community spirit was further amplified by the Volksbank’s innovative matching initiative. Based on the Barflies’ share of private donations, the team received an additional €152 from the donation pot. To ensure all participating projects benefited, Volksbank also provided an additional grant of €250, bringing the Barflies’ total funding from the marathon to €792.

A Region-Wide Success

The Volksbank Donation Marathon proved to be a monumental event for the region, with over 1,400 donors contributing a staggering €192,443 in private donations. The initiative supported 113 local projects, showcasing the power of community-driven philanthropy. In response to the overwhelming success, the Volksbank increased the Spendentopf fund from its initial €75,000 to over €82,000, ensuring even greater impact.

Building for the Future

The funds raised during the marathon bring the Barflies closer to constructing their much-needed dugouts. These facilities will not only provide safer conditions for players but also enhance the club’s ability to host games and expand their youth programs.

“The support means a lot,” said Peter Beargie. “The donations from the marathon are a great start, but we still have a long way to go. I’m excited to see the continued support so that we’re able to realize this long awaited project.”

Looking Ahead

While the marathon was a significant milestone, the Barflies’ dugout project is ongoing, and further support is needed to bring it to completion. The club invites baseball enthusiasts, community members, and local businesses to contribute to this important project. Donations can be made through the Barflies’ campaign on the Volksbank’s Spendenplattform.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Bochum Barflies extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Donation Marathon. Special thanks go to the Volksbank Bochum Witten for organizing such a meaningful initiative and to the 11 individuals who generously supported the dugout project. Together, they have helped lay the foundation—both literally and figuratively—for a brighter future for baseball in Bochum.

For more information or to contribute to the dugout project, visit the donation page today.