Help Tarpon Springs Little League
Donation protected
Tarpon Springs Little League was recently the victim of theft. Our now former league president admitted that he stole the $12,900 that has been reported as well as an additional amount in excess of $4,500 in un-deposited cash that was just discovered last night. This is only what we can prove with paperwork and is likely not the entire amount stolen from the league. Members of our board have stepped up to purchase items necessary to finish this season for the kids but we need your help to get the league back on its feet.
We had raised funds for 4 much needed scoreboards. One of which was destroyed when a tree fell on it. We were able to replace one so we're down to the three but all money raised since the purchase of the 1st scoreboard is gone. We need to pay for fall uniforms as that check bounced, we need baseballs, softballs, and other equipment. We need concession stand stock and many other items for field maintenance, etc.
Thankfully, we do have insurance coverage and have filed a claim but there is a $1,000 deductible and we are unsure how much is covered and how long the claim will take to process. While we are confident this will help us to get back on track at some point, we have have immediate needs that we could really use help with.
We are all devastated by this heinous crime and have faith that the legal system will handle his case appropriately. He has been arrested and charged. Moving forward, The Tarpon Springs Little League Board is committed to keeping baseball and softball alive for the children of Tarpon Springs.
Our fields are like a home away from home for alot of our kids. It can be a refuge and a source of immense joy. They learn many valuable lessons they will carry with them for their entire lifetimes. As parents, we make friends, we laugh with eachother and cry with eachother. We commiserate over strike-outs and errors and celebrate home runs and ESPN highlight worthy plays. We have a fabulous group of coaches and other volunteers who give their time and effort. They are amazing role models for our kids. It's a special place and it's in trouble. Please help if you can.
The following letter was provided to the league families following the arrest:
Dear parents, coaches, and players,
While we all have a great love for the wonderful game of baseball, little league and youth sports, in general, have a much greater purpose than merely the game itself. They teach teamwork, sportsmanship, self-worth, dedication, and most importantly citizenship. Through youth sports, we allow and encourage our next generation to build their future, foster relationships and evolve our community. It is because of this that we are writing to you this evening.
Earlier today, it was discovered that our, now former, Tarpon Springs Little League President, John Farrar, inappropriately and wrongfully used league funds for personal use without the consent, approval or knowledge of any current TSLL Board Member.
We say former because once this became known, your Tarpon Springs Little League Board Members solidified an emergency board meeting and put forward a motion to remove both John Farrar and Wendy Farrar from the TSLL Board, effective immediately. This motion was voted upon and our unanimous decision supported their removal. Neither were offered an opportunity to resign. John has since been criminally arrested with the understanding that he will be charged with a felony count of fraud (Grand Theft).
It is important to understand that while we, as an organization, are still reeling from this situation, there is an active criminal investigation being conducted by the Tarpon Springs Police Department. This has been a very difficult day but we appreciate the members of TSPD taking swift and certain action to hold those accountable for their behaviors. They are the epitome of professionalism and we will continue to be proud of them as they move forward in this investigation.
It is also important for the parents, players, community members and general public to recognize that transparency of both the finances and the organization itself continues to be our top priority for the TSLL Board Members. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are limited in our ability to share some details. We can say with great certainty that our by-laws have very effective and impactful "checks and balances." While we all know that those who wish to do wrong will seek ways to work around those checks and balances, please understand that they will not win. In fact, those checks and balances are exactly what lead to this discovery.
This situation has certainly impacted each one of us. Each and every current board member in this organization is dedicated to it's success. In true TSLL fashion, we will overcome this, as an origination, through teamwork and dedication.
While there will be many questions still to be answered, we ask you to allow us, as your TSLL Board Members, to answer them in the next several days and weeks, as the situation and investigation permits. As far as our immediate future, we would like you to know that our new President, Joe Abrantes, and Vice-President, John Shields, will be meeting with our Board members to make this transition seamless. Please continue to support your player and their love of this amazing game.
Sincerely,
The Tarpon Springs Little League Board
We had raised funds for 4 much needed scoreboards. One of which was destroyed when a tree fell on it. We were able to replace one so we're down to the three but all money raised since the purchase of the 1st scoreboard is gone. We need to pay for fall uniforms as that check bounced, we need baseballs, softballs, and other equipment. We need concession stand stock and many other items for field maintenance, etc.
Thankfully, we do have insurance coverage and have filed a claim but there is a $1,000 deductible and we are unsure how much is covered and how long the claim will take to process. While we are confident this will help us to get back on track at some point, we have have immediate needs that we could really use help with.
We are all devastated by this heinous crime and have faith that the legal system will handle his case appropriately. He has been arrested and charged. Moving forward, The Tarpon Springs Little League Board is committed to keeping baseball and softball alive for the children of Tarpon Springs.
Our fields are like a home away from home for alot of our kids. It can be a refuge and a source of immense joy. They learn many valuable lessons they will carry with them for their entire lifetimes. As parents, we make friends, we laugh with eachother and cry with eachother. We commiserate over strike-outs and errors and celebrate home runs and ESPN highlight worthy plays. We have a fabulous group of coaches and other volunteers who give their time and effort. They are amazing role models for our kids. It's a special place and it's in trouble. Please help if you can.
The following letter was provided to the league families following the arrest:
Dear parents, coaches, and players,
While we all have a great love for the wonderful game of baseball, little league and youth sports, in general, have a much greater purpose than merely the game itself. They teach teamwork, sportsmanship, self-worth, dedication, and most importantly citizenship. Through youth sports, we allow and encourage our next generation to build their future, foster relationships and evolve our community. It is because of this that we are writing to you this evening.
Earlier today, it was discovered that our, now former, Tarpon Springs Little League President, John Farrar, inappropriately and wrongfully used league funds for personal use without the consent, approval or knowledge of any current TSLL Board Member.
We say former because once this became known, your Tarpon Springs Little League Board Members solidified an emergency board meeting and put forward a motion to remove both John Farrar and Wendy Farrar from the TSLL Board, effective immediately. This motion was voted upon and our unanimous decision supported their removal. Neither were offered an opportunity to resign. John has since been criminally arrested with the understanding that he will be charged with a felony count of fraud (Grand Theft).
It is important to understand that while we, as an organization, are still reeling from this situation, there is an active criminal investigation being conducted by the Tarpon Springs Police Department. This has been a very difficult day but we appreciate the members of TSPD taking swift and certain action to hold those accountable for their behaviors. They are the epitome of professionalism and we will continue to be proud of them as they move forward in this investigation.
It is also important for the parents, players, community members and general public to recognize that transparency of both the finances and the organization itself continues to be our top priority for the TSLL Board Members. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are limited in our ability to share some details. We can say with great certainty that our by-laws have very effective and impactful "checks and balances." While we all know that those who wish to do wrong will seek ways to work around those checks and balances, please understand that they will not win. In fact, those checks and balances are exactly what lead to this discovery.
This situation has certainly impacted each one of us. Each and every current board member in this organization is dedicated to it's success. In true TSLL fashion, we will overcome this, as an origination, through teamwork and dedication.
While there will be many questions still to be answered, we ask you to allow us, as your TSLL Board Members, to answer them in the next several days and weeks, as the situation and investigation permits. As far as our immediate future, we would like you to know that our new President, Joe Abrantes, and Vice-President, John Shields, will be meeting with our Board members to make this transition seamless. Please continue to support your player and their love of this amazing game.
Sincerely,
The Tarpon Springs Little League Board
Organizer and beneficiary
Lorey Bosser
Organizer
Tarpon Springs, FL
Tarpon Springs Little League
Beneficiary