$1 million was ambitious; the youth did well

Perhaps convincing the children of Costa Mesa to pony up $1 million

was a little ambitious. But you can’t fault the youth.

When the dollars were counted up after Costa Mesa United’s

“Million Dollar Memorial Day” fundraiser, more than $30,000 was

raised toward the group’s goal of $9.4 million. That money will go to

build a football stadium at Estancia High School and an Olympic-sized

swimming pool at Costa Mesa High School.

Rather than focus on the missed goal of $1 million that was

supposed to be raised by students at the six schools that serve Costa

Mesa, let’s give credit where it’s due -- to those who put in the

effort and raised money for the cause.

Kayla Ortiz topped all her peers by bringing in $1,200 from family

and friends. The effort put in by the sixth-grader at Davis

Elementary School was rewarded with $500 in cash and a $500

scholarship for college.

Brian Sankey raised more than $500 and came away with a gift

package that included a South Coast Plaza gift certificate, passes

for Disneyland and the Orange County Fair, an iPod and other

premiums.

In all, 31 students raised in excess of $500 apiece.

“We just thank them for their participation and for the

community’s participation and for the support they’ve shown for this

project,” Costa Mesa United president David Brooks said last week.

“Without their support, this project would not be doing nearly as

well as it is.”

Corporate sponsorships and donations have accounted for a good

chunk of the nearly $4 million already raised by Costa Mesa United.

More will likely be needed to make the group’s goals become reality.

But let’s take this opportunity to salute all of Costa Mesa’s

students who raised money -- whether it be $1, $100 or $1,200 -- for

the cause. When the stadium and pool are finally built, they will be

able to walk by either venue, point at it and proudly say, “I helped

make that happen.”

What better legacy can they leave for their peers and for future

students?