Archives for August 2012

Helping Hens award $30K to local non-profits!

 

Toledo-Mud-HensThe Toledo Mud Hens announced today that during the 2012 season, the Helping Hens Charitable Fund awarded $30,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations, providing youth with sports and recreation services.

Helping Hens Charitable Fund

“Helping Hens” is the official charitable fund of the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club and is administered through the Toledo Community Foundation. Keith Burwell, President of the Toledo Community Foundation, and Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens, presented checks to the grant winners prior to the Hens game on Sunday, August 26th.

Toledo-Helping-Hens-logo“These organizations do exceptional work and the Mud Hens are thrilled to support local children in their efforts to stay active and healthy,” said Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens.

The 2012 “Helping Hens” Grant Winners

Ability Center of Greater Toledo – A grant was awarded to implement a bicycle education program for individuals with disabilities.

Children’s Resource Center – A grant was awarded to provide a one-year membership to the Bowling Green Community Center, where children can engage in safe indoor recreation activities including soccer, volleyball and basketball.

City of Fremont-Parks and Recreation Department – A grant was awarded to support the Flash Youth Running Program, which allows children to participate in Cross Country and Track & Field.

East Toledo Family Center – A grant was awarded to purchase equipment that 600 children use for its baseball, soccer and basketball programming that the organization offers throughout the year.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio – A grant was awarded to provide scholarships for girls who cannot afford program participation fees.

Kids Unlimited, Inc. – A grant was awarded to purchase playground equipment to be used by 150 children participating in its after school and summer programming.

Salvation Army, NW Ohio Area Services – A grant was awarded to purchase sports equipment that will be used during the physical education module of the Bridging the Gap Program and in conjunction with activities that are sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo.

Toledo Ballet Association, Inc. – A grant was awarded to support the Musical Theater Camp that is conducted in partnership with the Catholic Club.

Toledo School for the Arts – A grant was awarded to provide 50 underserved youth with the opportunity to participate in the Urban Dance Program.

Toledo Donations 08-26-12

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens.  Click here to view the original story.

Helping Hens award $30K to local non-profits!

ToledoMudHens_2012-08-31

The Toledo Mud Hens announced today that during the 2012 season, the Helping Hens Charitable Fund awarded $30,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations, providing youth with sports and recreation services.

Helping Hens Charitable Fund

“Helping Hens” is the official charitable fund of the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club and is administered through the Toledo Community Foundation. Keith Burwell, President of the Toledo Community Foundation, and Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens, presented checks to the grant winners prior to the Hens game on Sunday, August 26th.

“These organizations do exceptional work and the Mud Hens are thrilled to support local children in their efforts to stay active and healthy,” said Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens.

The 2012 “Helping Hens” Grant Winners

Ability Center of Greater Toledo – A grant was awarded to implement a bicycle education program for individuals with disabilities.

Children’s Resource Center – A grant was awarded to provide a one-year membership to the Bowling Green Community Center, where children can engage in safe indoor recreation activities including soccer, volleyball and basketball.

City of Fremont-Parks and Recreation Department – A grant was awarded to support the Flash Youth Running Program, which allows children to participate in Cross Country and Track & Field.

East Toledo Family Center – A grant was awarded to purchase equipment that 600 children use for its baseball, soccer and basketball programming that the organization offers throughout the year.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio – A grant was awarded to provide scholarships for girls who cannot afford program participation fees.

Kids Unlimited, Inc. – A grant was awarded to purchase playground equipment to be used by 150 children participating in its after school and summer programming.

Salvation Army, NW Ohio Area Services – A grant was awarded to purchase sports equipment that will be used during the physical education module of the Bridging the Gap Program and in conjunction with activities that are sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo.

Toledo Ballet Association, Inc. – A grant was awarded to support the Musical Theater Camp that is conducted in partnership with the Catholic Club.

Toledo School for the Arts – A grant was awarded to provide 50 underserved youth with the opportunity to participate in the Urban Dance Program.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Aces Foundation, Jakks Pacific to Donate 15,000 Toys

Toys will go to Northern Nevada children’s charities

Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today's press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)
Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today’s press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)

For Immediate Release
Aug. 29, 2012

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces Foundation, in partnership with leading US toy company JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) will distribute 15,000 toys over the next month to underprivileged and deserving children throughout Northern Nevada, the Reno Aces Baseball Club announced at a press event this morning.

The toys will be distributed to children through various non-profit organizations in the Reno-Sparks area, including Renown Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, Volunteers for America, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Children’s Cabinet, Salvation Army and the Committee to Aid Abused Women.

“Through my friendship with Stephen Berman, of JAKKS Pacific, I have come to know he is a very generous and giving person who cares deeply about people,” said Herb Simon, owner of the Reno Aces. “We are so grateful to Stephen and JAKKS Pacific for this opportunity to bring some happiness to many deserving children in the community.”

US. Foods, one of the nation’s leading foodservice distributors, has partnered with the Aces and JAKKS Pacific to aid in the storage, delivery and distribution of the toys.

“Our partnership with Herb Simon and Reno Aces Foundation is a very special one for us,” said Stephen Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “We are thrilled to bring smiles and laughter to thousands of youths in the Reno-Sparks area through this important partnership. We are thankful to the Reno Aces Foundation for the hard work they put into this event and the invaluable services they provide to the community.”

The Reno Aces Foundation, the nonprofit division of Northern Nevada’s first Triple-A Baseball franchise, seeks to use professional baseball as a vehicle for making a positive impact within the communities that comprise Northern Nevada and the surrounding region. The foundation focuses its efforts on supporting youth and family initiatives. Through providing unique experiences, underwriting unmet expenses and using professional baseball as a channel to accomplish greater goals, the Reno Aces Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people throughout the region.

JAKKS Pacific, one of the top five United States toy companies, is a California-based company that has been designing, developing, producing and marketing toys and consumer products for children and adults around the world since 1995. JAKKS Cares is the philanthropic arm of JAKKS Pacific and since inception has donated over $50 million in toys, school supplies and monetary endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reno Aces. Click here to view the original story.

Money From Last Homestand Given to Red Cross

More than $1,000 to be used to help fire victimes

The Yakima Bears were proud to present the American Red Cross with $1,110 Wednesday. The funds were raised during the team’s most recent homestand to help the victims of the Taylor Bridge Fire in central Washington.

Money was accepted at each of the six games the Bears played from Thursday to Tuesday. There were cups at each concession stand and a bucket near the front gate where fans could drop cash donations. Bears fans also participated in nightly raffles with the winners taking home a variety of jerseys and team-signed baseballs.

“It was exciting to see the response from our fans, who were inspiring with their generosity,” said Bears general manager K.L. Wombacher.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Yakima Bears. Click here to view the original story.

Samantha Haab Wins NYPL Scholarship

Stowe Resident One of Three $2,500 Scholarship Winners

BURLINGTON, VT — Samantha Haab, from Stowe, has been announced as one of three winners of a $2,500 scholarship through the 2012 New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation Scholarship program, the NY-Penn League and Vermont Lake Monsters announced today.

In addition to Haab, who was selected as the winner of the $2,500 scholarship among the four Stedler Division teams, Connor Grey (Jamestown) and Eleanor McCabe (Staten Island) were also selected as $2,500 recipients for the Pinckney and McNamara Divisions. The NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation also awarded $250 towards books to individuals representing the other 11 NY-Penn League teams.

The 2012 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact that their local team and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

Haab, who graduated from Stowe High School in June, says that her first memories of Vermont Lake Monsters/ Expos games came from the Lake Monsters’ Hit the Books program, which promotes reading among kids.

“I think I was in first grade at the time, and that was the first time that I had been acknowledged and awarded for my pursuit of education.” Haab said, “It felt good to be recognized, and the fun that ensued at the game helped me realize the importance and valued of education.”

In addition to working with Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence (SHAPE) and the Environmental club at her school, Haab was a three sport athlete in high school. She played field hockey, ice hockey, and softball all four years of high school, being selected to Vermont’s All State second team in both ice and field hockey, and was named a captain of her softball team her senior year. Haab will be attending St. Lawrence University in New York, where she will look to major Environmental Studies/ English or Conservation Biology.

Haab was honored by the Lake Monsters on Friday, August 17th before Vermont’s game with the Staten Island Yankees at historic Centennial Field.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Mission Accomplished! C’s Mini-League Makes A Difference

Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation ends up helping more than 300 local children this past summer

C's RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.
C’s RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) has successfully concluded its first-ever mini league in North America.

This first-of-its kind initiative introduced well over 200 local kids in need to the game of baseball over a seven-week period at the historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Based on coach feedback and player results, the mini league didn’t just teach kids about the game of baseball but also valuable life skills including self-confidence, teamwork, how to win, how to lose and how to have fun.

Randy Castellarin a volunteer coach for the mini-league, agrees wholeheartedly.

“These kids are amazing. They’re so eager to learn and to be part of the game. Their progress in terms of baseball is incredible, but what’s really amazing is their attitude. They’ve become eager, engaged and confident. I’m really proud of what they have achieved.”

According to Carolyn Tuckwell, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the summer mini league has been enthusiastically received by both participants and their parents.

“The kids are not only excited to have learned a new skill set but also thrilled to have played baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium, where the professionals play. It has been amazing to watch them develop their physical, social and personal skills over the past seven weeks.”

Di, an 11-year old playing in the “Coach-Pitch” division says,” The coaches made it really fun. They showed me that if I really tried, I could hit a ball, throw and catch. When I first started, I was scared I wasn’t good enough to play, but now I know I am.”

Jeff Mooney, who co-chairs the Foundation with business partner Jake Kerr, is passionate about the power of baseball to inspire local youth.

“Most of these kids don’t have a lot of opportunities through circumstances beyond their control, but when you give them something they run with it. Sometimes all it takes is one person to show an interest and that makes all the difference. The VCBF is thrilled to be making a real impact with this program and changing the lives of these kids by giving them an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.”

Though the first season of the VCBF mini league officially came to a close on Friday August 17th, one thing is certain, the kids that participated have learned lessons and made memories that will last a lifetime.

The mini league consisted of two divisions: “T-Ball” ages 6-8 and “Coach-Pitch” ages 9-11.

The dates of the 2013 mini league will be announced early next year.

About the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation:

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) was founded on the vision of helping youth in need find self-confidence, hope, improved health, and a skill set that will help not just on a baseball diamond, but in life. Its programs include; the mini summer league, UBC scholarships, a premiere league event as well as additional events and fundraisers. From helping a young child onto a baseball diamond perhaps for the first time, right through to helping a bright minded student find a way to continue their post-secondary education, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation is committed to our community and to helping redefine a child’s perspective on the game of baseball.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC:

Boys & Girls Club of South Coast BC has been a vital support for children, youth and their families since 1936, providing a wide range of social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development. Each program creates safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and skills they need for successfully leading their lives and their communities. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs at www.bgc-gv.bc.ca
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Bears to Accept Donations for Fire Victims

Fans can donate in a variety of ways

The Yakima Bears have announced that throughout the six-game homestand beginning today the team will be collecting donations for the victims of the Taylor Bridge fire.

“While we can only imagine the hardships suffered by our neighbors in central Washington, we know that with roughly 10,000 people expected to come through Yakima County Stadium over the next six days we can provide an avenue for aid,” said Bears General Manager K.L. Wombacher.

The Bears will have a bucket at the front gate and collection jars at concession stands for all six games. The team will also be holding a raffle for game-worn jerseys and team signed baseballs on a nightly basis. The Bears will give 100% of the funds collected to the Ellensburg Chapter of the American Red Cross to help victims of the fire.

As of Wednesday, it had been reported the fire near Ellensburg and Cle Elum in central Washington had burned approximately 22,000 acres and hundreds of people had been displaced.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Yakima Bears. Click here to view the original story.

Renegades Announce Lucas Conca as Winner of NYPL Scholarship Competition

By Conca Recognized by the Hudson Valley Renegades for Outstanding Leadership and Academics

HudsonValleyRenegades_2012-08-15

The Hudson Valley Renegades are honored to announce Lucas Conca as the winner of the NYPL Scholarship Competition in representation for the Hudson Valley Renegades organization. Conca is one of 14 finalists; one representative of each NYPL market that exemplifies the highest level of leadership, service to the community, involvement in extracurricular activities and impact on their local club.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

“Lucas has been a great asset to the Renegades organization for the past four years,” said Renegades General Manager Eben Yager, “because of his exceptional leadership, outstanding academics and personal character, we are very honored to announce him to represent our club in the NYPL scholarship competition.”

This year, Lucas graduated with honors from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in which he has received numerous awards including the “Coach’s Leadership” athletic award and “Will to Win” athletic award. He also thrives in community service as he volunteers with CFR members to benefit the feeding of around 5,000 people with every trip to the South Bronx.

“The Hudson Valley Renegades have provided me with what I honestly believe is the best summer job a guy can ask for,” said Conca, “Through the four years, I have grown both as an employee and person. I could not be more thankful to the team for the experience.”

Lucas will be attending the University at Albany in the fall and has been accepted into the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, a world premier school for the cutting edge of all scientific research. On Tuesday, August 21, Renegades General Manager will conduct an on-field presentation awarding Lucas Conca $250.00 to be used toward books for his upcoming academic year.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Click here to view the original story.

Blood Drive Comes to State Mutual Stadium

The Rome Braves and the America Red Cross announce that a Blood Drive will be held at the Three Rivers Club on Tuesday August 21st from noon until 5 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a Free T-Shirt and 2 tickets to a Rome Braves game.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code RBraves to schedule an appointment. Walk ins are welcome.

For more information call the Braves at 706-378-5100.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Fitness on the Field

HudsonValleyRenegades_2012-08-13

(FISHKILL, NY) – The Hudson Valley Renegades will partner with celebrity personal trainer and fitness author Larysa DiDio on Sunday, August 26 to promote the health and well-being of families throughout the Hudson Valley. DiDio will conduct a 30-minute group “feel good” workout for moms, dads and families on the field following the 1 P.M. game at Dutchess Stadium.

“It was a natural partnership,” said Didio. “Baseball provides the perfect medium for helping families and kids get healthier, together.” During the post-game workout, the Renegades will also conduct an on-field kickball game led by Renegades mascot, Rascal.

“The Renegades are excited to partner with Larysa on this event,” expressed Renegades General Manager Eben Yager. “As a family driven organization, we understand the importance of health, fitness and family involvement and believe this a great opportunity to continue fitness education in the ballpark.”

DiDio will be available for a book signing as well as answering fans’ questions on fitness, diet and family. Book signing and meet and greet will begin at 12 P.M. and continuing throughout the game. DiDio will also take over the Renegades Facebook page on Monday, August 20 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M to expand fitness and health education.

“Fitness on the Field” will take place Sunday, August 26 as the Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Lowell Spinners at Dutchess Stadium. The first 1,000 kids will receive a Renegades backpack courtesy of New York 529 and K104.

Tickets are available by calling the Hudson Valley Renegades Ticket Office at 845-838-0094 or at hvrenegades.com.

–RENEGADES–

ABOUT LARYSA Larysa DiDio is a celebrity personal trainer and fitness author who inspires everyone to “Rock What They’ve Got!” Her fast, fun and efficient workouts with easy-to-follow nutrition advice have helped celebrities, Olympians, professional athletes as well as moms, dads and kids attain their health and fitness goals. She’s the author of Sneaky Fitness: How To Sneak Fitness Into Your Kids Everyday, fitness expert for SELF, FITNESS and Women’s Health magazines, was contributing editor for Parenting magazine and health ambassador for the government’s campaign to get kids fit, Best Bones Forever. Larysa has been featured in over 40 national magazines and TV showswww.larysadidio.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Click here to view the original story.

Pirates Visit Everyday Blessings, Inc. in Sarasota

Facility is a home to keep foster children together with their siblings

Members of the Gulf Coast League Pirates, who play their games at Pirate City in Bradenton, visited the Everyday Blessings, Inc. residential facility in Sarasota Thursday. Members of the team have visited the facility several times during the last four months as part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program.

EBI provides foster care to sibling groups to keep siblings from being separated while awaiting permanent placement. The Sarasota facility opened in February. The original facility is in Hillsborough County.

When players visit, they eat dinner with the children and live-in caretakers at the residential facility. After dinner, the players take part in outdoor sports activities and games with the children. There are currently 12 children housed in Sarasota with EBI, ranging in age from three to 11 years old. All of the children are part of a sibling group.

Emily Dutton, the Sarasota Residential Manager for EBI, said the children love it when the players come to visit. “I think they enjoy seeing there are other people in the community that understand and support them,” Dutton said.

Many of the children have had to face abuse and neglect in their old homes prior to being placed with EBI. “It’s important for them to see that through hard work you can accomplish your goals and aspirations despite circumstances that aren’t always ideal,” Dutton said. “The young men who come to visit understand that life isn’t always perfect or easy. Some of them have dealt with tough circumstances to get where they are now.”

The Pirates Community Commitment Program was created in 2008 to help players in the Pirates organization give back to the communities they play in. Players are required to do 10 hours of community service during the season, but most do many more.

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

Rainiers, Union Bank Homer For Kids

South Sound organizations help send kids to baseball camp

TacomaRainiers_2012-08-03

TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Rainiers and Union Bank have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound to swing for the fences and send underprivileged youth to baseball camp this summer. For every home run hit by a Rainiers player during home games played from July 12th-August 20th, Union Bank has pledged to donate $50 toward scholarships to the Boys and Girls Club baseball camp held at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday, August 21st. The Rainiers have committed to matching the donation contributed by Union Bank and will give an equal amount dedicated to sponsoring underprivileged youth at this year’s camp.

“Investing in the youth in our communities is a priority for Union Bank, and we are delighted to partner with the Tacoma Rainiers to further strengthen our relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound,” said Maryetta Williams, Union Bank’s SVP and Regional Manager for the bank’s South Puget Sound branches. “We look forward to seeing you at Cheney Stadium and providing yet another reason to cheer for every home run hit by a Rainiers’ player.”

Along with lunch and a complimentary T-shirt, every participant at this year’s baseball camp will be provided an opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the top players and premium prospects on the Rainiers. Campers will sit in on a team meeting with Tacoma manager Daren Brown before taking part in a variety of baseball drills. An autograph session will be held at the conclusion of the camp.

The following night, Wednesday, August 22nd, every participant at the camp and their families will be treated to a night out at the ballpark as the Rainiers host a 7:05 p.m. contest against the Las Vegas 51s.

For any additional information regarding this year’s camp or to donate a scholarship for a camper, please contact Jinnie Hanson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Boy and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, at (253) 502-4618 or by emailing hansonj@bgcsps.org.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2012 season, please call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com. Up-to-date news and notes leading up to the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter or liking the team on Facebook

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tacoma Rainiers. Click here to view the original story.

Conger Reads at Millcreek Library

SaltLakeBees_2012-08-03

Bees catcher Hank Conger spent Thursday morning reading to children at Millcreek Library as part of a Salt Lake Bees Storytime event.

Conger entertained the children while reading several books, including a story about dinosaurs playing baseball. After reading, he answered questions and signed autographs.

The 24-year-old California native and Angels’ top catching prospect reiterated the importance of reading and how to make it fun.

Bees players have visited libraries across the Wasatch Front during the 2012 season to help promote reading while continuing the team’s strong tradition of community involvement.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

IronPigs’ Wives Hosting Sock & Underwear Drive

LehighValleyIronPigs_2012-08-01

The IronPigs player’s wives are hosting the 2nd annual Sock and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Bisons game on August 8, 2012, at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, Allentown Rescue Mission and New Bethany Ministries.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Last season, more than 2,500 items were collected and an additional $4,500 was raised with each organization receiving a $1,500 donation in addition to the socks and underwear.

For more information on the Drive, please contact Sarah Marten at smarten@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Receive great ticket offer when you help “2 Pack a Backpack”

Bisons encourage school donations at August 3 fridaynightbash!

The Buffalo Bisons announced that they will be partnering with Anthony Baldi & Associates to encourage fans “2 PACK A BACKPACK” to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo during the team’s “Zombie Night fridaynightbash!®” against the Syracuse Chiefs on Friday, August 3 at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.).

All fans that donate a backpack and/or other school supplies prior to the Bisons game on August 3 will Receive a Buy-One, Get-One Ticket Voucher that can be used at any remaining 2012 Bisons game. That includes any of the team’s remaining fridaynightbash!® games of the season: August 10, August 17 and August 24.

In addition to backpacks, fans can also donate notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, calculators, erasers, glue, scissors, and numerous other school supplies. There will be several collection areas throughout the stadium.

For more information, fans can visit Bisons.com or call the team at (716) 846-2211.

Zombie Night
The Bisons are holding “Zombie Night,” presented by Terror Technologies on August 3 in an attempt to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the most zombies in one place. Fans are encouraged to wear costumes to the game or take advantage of several make-up stations throughout the concourse. As customary with every fridaynightbash!® in 2012, Friday’s game will also include a pre-game  “Bisons Happy Hour” (5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) with 14 oz Flying Bison craft beers for only $2 as well as post game fireworks.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo serves over 8,000 youths in Western New York every year. The “2 Pack a Backpack” initiative provides local children with school supplies that they could not normally afford. The supplies will make a great difference for thousands of children just in time for the new school year.  Anthony Baldi & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., is partnering with the Bisons yet again to promote this worthy cause.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Buffalo Bisons. Click here to view the original story.