The James S. Kunzman Foundation's first gift, $5,000 to Belen Little League on March 21, 2026, was covered by the Albuquerque Journal, KOB 4, the Valencia County News-Bulletin, and Belen Today. Here's a quick guide to each story and what it covers.
Coverage at a glance:
- Albuquerque Journal: the foundation's launch and Sam Kunzman's story.
- KOB 4: Belen Little League's opening day, March 22, 2026.
- Valencia County News-Bulletin: the donation and the plan behind it, March 26, 2026.
- Belen Today: a short report on the donation, March 22, 2026.
The Journal profiled Sam Kunzman, an Albuquerque native, and the launch of the foundation, including the $5,000 gift, former UNM coach Ray Birmingham's role as an advisor, and plans for Las Cruces and Albuquerque Little Leagues. "America's pastime should be for everybody," Kunzman told the paper. "A lot of people are being priced out."Read the story. The Journal also shared it on X and Threads.
KOB 4 covered the opening day celebration itself: the parade, the cookout, and a community that showed up. Coach Michele Todd told the station, "I won't turn away a kid. None of us will. We'll make room."Read the story. Our own recap is here: Belen Little League Opening Day Brings the Community Together.
Sports writer Mike Powers reported on the oversized check, what Belen Little League plans to buy, and why the foundation started in Belen. Kunzman told him, "The whole goal is to try and bring people together, keep kids playing."Read the story. For more on the Belen connection, see Why Belen? The Story Behind JSKF's First Gift.
Belen Today, carried on National Today, reported on the donation on March 22, 2026 and described the foundation's support as long term.Read the story.
Reporters and partners can reach the foundation at info@kunzmanfoundation.org.
Where can I read coverage of JSKF's first gift?
Stories ran in the Albuquerque Journal, on KOB 4, in the Valencia County News-Bulletin, and on Belen Today. Each is linked above.
When did JSKF make its first donation?
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Belen Little League's opening day, before the first games of the season.
Who is quoted in the coverage?
Founder Sam Kunzman, advisor and former UNM baseball coach Ray Birmingham, and Belen Little League coach, board member, and equipment manager Michele Todd.
How much was the donation?
$5,000, for equipment including catcher's gear, bases, balls, tees, and jerseys.
