Celebrity Serve:
Behind the Scenes with Field of Dreams
Fundraiser will benefit new soccer complex

By Sherrie Norris
Making dreams come true takes a little work, as will the construction and completion of the Field of Dreams

— The Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex.

With that thought in mind, the Celebrity Serve Committee decided nearly two months ago to earmark proceeds from its upcoming event toward the project, currently under way near Brookshire Park just east of Boone.

The third annual Celebrity Serve will take place on Tuesday, April 8, at participating area restaurants, which have agreed to donate at least 10 percent of their daily earnings, plus tips from volunteer servers and other funds raised through auctions, raffles, etc.

The Field of Dreams Campaign, an effort of the High Country Soccer Association (HCSA) to raise money for the future Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex, is up and running, and with the support of Celebrity Serve, should reach its goal a little faster.

Suzette Mauney, Fay Binning and Page Sauder, representing HCSA, have expressed their appreciation that Field of Dreams has been chosen as this year’s focus of Celebrity Serve, and have teamed up with the committee, working behind the scenes for a successful fundraising event.

They all agree, however, that it would not have been possible without the foresight of Mackorell’s widow, Dr. Stacy Conn, whose donation of $250,000 toward the project planted a seed that is helping grow a harvest of dreams.

Soon after Mackorell’s death on Nov. 14, 2005, Conn first started a scholarship in his honor to benefit the ASU men’s and women’s soccer team.

She said, “Ted was a goalie while in college, coached by Art Rex. Apparently, they had a very good team. The scholarship was to go to a goalie first and to other positions next. I was happy to do that, but it didn’t seem like it was enough. The goal was to honor Ted and to give back to a community that was and continues to be so supportive. Ted was a great man and this is a great community, so I wanted to do something that would really make an impact.”

Mackorell’s name is on the Wall of Fame at ASU and has been a shining light for others in the local soccer arena.

Conn was invited to join the fundraising committee for the Field of Dreams last spring. A fellow board member suggested using the $250,000 she pledged as a springboard for a fundraising campaign and to name the complex after Mackorell.

“I was absolutely thrilled beyond words,” she said.

Conn said her husband loved the sport and he loved Boone. “Ted would have been embarrassed and humbled by this at the same time. I am so grateful for the opportunity to honor my husband, and want to thank the people, especially the children of Watauga County, for donating to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex,” she said.

A spokesperson for HCSA said, “HCSA has been in existence for more than 20 years with a history of longevity and a current active board of directors totally committed to the completion of this project. We have a fundraising task force, a project manager and a joint working group with Watauga County to manage the fields.”

The HCSA attracts players from a three-county radius “and continues to grow,” with an impressive coaching staff.

“The addition of the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex will open the gates for more players and families from adjacent counties and create an economic benefit to Watauga County,” the spokesperson said.

The third annual Celebrity Serve, an event fast becoming a springtime tradition in the area, will honor the memory of Ted Mackorell and the work that his family and friends are doing to reach their goal.

Local dining establishments and well-known personalities will join forces to serve up great food and offer a unique blend of service for the special day of fundraising.

In its short time span, the event has raised nearly $70,000 for local nonprofit organizations – the first year, $18,000 went to Hospice of Watauga County, with the help of eight local restaurants and an impressive roster of celebs. Last year, the number of participants, as well as the money raised ($50,000), more than doubled for Make-A-Wish.

Field of Dreams was chosen based on its future impact for area youth, their families and the community as a whole.

“The new complex will also benefit the Watauga Parks and Recreation soccer program and reduce the dependence in the county on multi-use athletic fields that were never intended for multiple uses,” the spokesperson said. “In addition, Parks and Recreation soccer participants will benefit from our coaching staff through joint academies and clinics. … A high quality soccer complex is the anchor to benefit us and the county. If we don’t build the complex, another county will and all that is associated with this estimated growth will leave Watauga County.”

It is the belief of the HCSA that with the development of the Ted Mackorell Complex, soccer in the High Country will take on a new face.

“This will be a first-rate facility and will increase the interest countywide for soccer participation. The future for the High Country Soccer Association and soccer for our youth depends on these fields and with your support, we will be one step closer,” the spokesperson said.

The Celebrity Serve Committee has contacted all area restaurants in hopes of securing commitments for participation, reminding each one of the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of many young children in the Watauga County area.

For Gwen Dhing, especially, this year’s event will have a special meaning, as it honors the memory of her former boss and owner of Makoto’s, the popular Japanese Steakhouse which she and her husband now own.
From the beginning, Dhing has taken the lead among area restaurants in Celebrity Serve participation. She always goes the extra mile, literally laying out the red carpet and bright lights, with both local and regional celebrities lending a hand for a worthy cause, donating not only proceeds and tips, but gathering in silent auction items that add nicely to the totals.

Mark your calendars now for a good time in the High Country – “a huge community party,” Dhing said.
See next week’s Mountain Times for the roster of participating restaurants and the locations where your favorite “celebrities” will be serving.