March 18, 2006

Marcos de Niza High School finally has a proper baseball field, thanks in large part to the Tempe Diablos.

The Diablos, a local organization established in 1968 and dedicated to raising funds to funnel back into the youth and education of the area, gave the Padres $30,000 toward their field.

The request for the grant was first made by a parents organization affiliated with Marcos’ baseball team. The group cited the outdated field and facilities as their primary concerns, said Arnold Davis, Diablos executive secretary.

“(They were) probably only one of the schools in (the) district with a chain-link fence,” Davis said.

With the aid of the money awarded in July 2005, Marcos made additions of a homerun fence, a digital scoreboard and the essential chemicals needed to maintain the field.

“It really looks pretty,” Davis said.

Each year, the Diablos work to raise money to create their source of funding for these special projects and scholarships, according to Davis.

Following proposals from those requesting grants, careful consideration and allotting of funds is made. Last year, the Diablos raised $500,000, which was almost entirely filtered back into the community, Davis said.

“We spend almost nothing on ourselves,” Davis said. “All the money is donated.”

There are no current designees for future grants, as the Diablos only spend money they have currently rather than dipping into projected funds.

However, group begins during April and May accept requests for assistance and solicit funds. The selection process ensures the availability of money to those who need it, while also meeting the group’s commitment to enhance the community of Tempe.

“It has to meet our budget criteria and our goals,” Davis said.

To raise the money needed for these ventures, the Diablos sponsor a number of fundraising projects, with the highlight being Casino Capers.

Casino Capers, scheduled this year on April 8 at a to-be-determined location, transforms a building into a glitz-and-glamour casino.

“A Las Vegas-style evening with funny money,” Davis said.

The event incorporates silent and live auctions, with items donated by community businesses.

Casino Capers has become a staple of the community’s calendar and is one of many fun things about being a member of the Diablos, Davis said.

“You can ask any of the members--it’s one of the most rewarding experiences,” Davis said.