Sarasota Little League reports disappearance of $200,000

Investigators are looking into the disappearance of more than $200,000 from the treasury of Sarasota Little League, a financial loss the president of the league on Wednesday called both “shocking” and “devastating.”

Meanwhile, donations to a GoFundMe-style page are beginning to flow in after Alexis Meininghaus notified league families of the developments on Wednesday afternoon via an email titled “Concerning news.” 

More than $6,000 had been tallied on the fundraiser site within the first hours.

“For decades, our league has been a cornerstone of the community, teaching our children the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance,” Meininghaus’ email reads. “We have always operated responsibly and maintained a healthy financial position. Unfortunately, this betrayal has deeply impacted our ability to continue operations at the level our families and players deserve.”

The Criminal Investigation Section of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the criminal probe. Spokesman Matthew Binkley said the department is in “the beginning stages of our investigation.”

Meininghaus told families the league is reviewing and revising its financial safeguards.

Meininghaus said it was too early in the investigation to assess what, if any, of the missing money would be returned to the league, which operates from Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road and serves boys and girls from ages 4 to 16.

“The reality is, no system is completely immune from wrongdoing,” said Tyler McAllister, a league parent who received the news via email. The executive vice president of Brown & Brown Insurance appealed to the Sarasota-area business community for donations in a video posted to LinkedIn, adding “Sarasota Little League is very personal to me. My kids have played there. I have coached there. I’ve spent countless nights watching my children grow, not just as athletes but as teammates, friends and future leaders.”

Just a “few hundred dollars” remain in the league accounts, Meininghaus wrote, leading to not only a plea for donations but also a plan for a November fundraiser.

Scheduled for Nov. 15 at Twin Lakes Park, the Community Fundraise will feature food, bounce houses a silent auction, raffles, games and more.

“We know our community is strong, and together we will overcome this challenge,” Meininghaus wrote. “Sarasota Little League has always been about more than baseball — it’s about family, resilience, and heart. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time and helping us ensure that our kids can continue to enjoy the game they love.”