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A Staff Report

Elizabethtown, NC – The Elizabethtown Dixie Youth and the East Bladen and West Bladen High School Athletic departments are set to receive substantial support thanks to the efforts of the Jim and Sue Schultz Foundation fundraisers. The foundation, established by brothers John, Joe, and Jimmy Schultz in honor of their cherished parents, aims to carry forward their parents’ legacy of community engagement and sportsmanship.

Jim Schultz, a dedicated statistician and a respected Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball coach, left an indelible mark on the local sports scene. His passion for athletics, coupled with his commitment to youth development, has left a lasting impact on the community.

Mark Gillespie, a representative of the Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball League, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “We greatly appreciate this donation. We’re going to pay bills with the funds because there is always a lot to pay during the regular season.”

In a heartwarming gesture, the Schultz brothers have planned to present a $5,000 check to both East Bladen and West Bladen High Schools during the upcoming local football game on Friday night. This gesture underscores the foundation’s dedication to supporting local education and athletic programs.

The Schultz family organized a series of fundraisers to establish the foundation. A dinner held at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in the spring was followed by the “Whack Smack It” Memorial Golf Tournament on June 2 at Vineyard Golf at White Lake. These events garnered community participation and support, contributing to the foundation’s success.

The late Jim and Sue Schultz, a beloved married couple, tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident near Bristol, Virginia, on May 24, 2022. Their legacy of ardent support for athletic pursuits in Bladen County remains alive through the foundation. Their profound impact can be seen through the generations of their children and grandchildren who have been actively involved in both high schools.

The Jim and Sue Schultz Foundation is committed to perpetuating their legacy by continuing its support for local athletics and youth development. Those who wish to contribute or seek more information about the foundation can contact 910-840-0664 or make donation checks payable to The Jim & Sue Schultz Foundation, 2565 Bill Hooks Road, Whiteville, NC 28472.

Looking forward, plans have already been set for the 2024 dinner and golf tournament. The dinner is scheduled to take place at the Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery on June 13, 2024, followed by the Golf tournament on June 14, 2024, at Vineyard Golf at White Lake.

The Schultz brothers expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who has supported the foundation, emphasizing that their efforts wouldn’t have been possible without the collective support of the community.