O.C. Hall of Fame Seeking $500,000 for New Home

The Orange County Sports Hall of Fame has initiated a $500,000 fund-raising campaign to build a permanent home for its museum, which will accommodate its memorabilia and membership.

Now occupying cramped quarters on the field level inside Gate 3 of Anaheim Stadium, the Hall of Fame plans to move into a 7,000-foot segment of a four-story complex being built as an addition to Anaheim Stadium. The complex, which will include stadium tenant offices, is expected to be completed in the summer of 1992.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity for everyone involved in Orange County sports,” Hall of Fame President Jim Colonna said. “We are dedicated to building the finest sports museum in the country, one that not only honors the great heroes of the past, but one that is preserved for all the champions of the future.”

A nonprofit organization founded in 1980, the Hall of Fame not only enshrines the county’s finest athletes, coaches and administrators, but also donates proceeds to several youth sports programs in the county.

Although the fund-raising campaign will offer several corporate sponsorships at $25,000 each, the major part of the drive will be directed toward the local fan. “We want the community to feel a part of the project,” Colonna said. “We want it to be a broad-based program involving all the sports enthusiasts of the county.”

To accomplish that goal, the Hall of Fame Board of Directors has established $450 individual donations. The amount can be paid at a rate of $150 yearly for three years or at a discounted $400 when the pledge is made. All donations are tax-deductible.

Information on the fund-raising effort is available by calling the Hall of Fame at 935-0199. Donations should be sent to the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame, Anaheim Stadium, 2000 State College Blvd., Anaheim, 92806.