Akron Aeros

Akron Aeros Lend a Paw to Summit County Animal Control

January 27, 2012

Akron-AerosThe Aeros front office staff fell head over paws as they traveled to the Summit County Animal Control to cheer up homeless, yet hopeful, dogs and cats last Tuesday, January 24.

The Summit County Animal Control takes in stray animals in the greater Akron area, aiming to reunite owners with lost pets, find homes for animals eligible for adoption and providing dog licensing required by the state.

Their mission exemplifies the county’s goals to “protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens and animals…through law enforcement, compassion towards animals and promotion of responsible pet ownership.”

Like all of the Summit County Animal Control volunteers, the Aeros staff had the freedom to roam the facility and partake in anything from walking, bathing, watering and playing with animals of their choice.

“We want our volunteers to want to come back again,” Summit County Animal Control Manager CHRISTINE FATHEREE said.

This open attitude left staff members feeling their time spent was not only efficient, but even more valuable.

“I enjoyed this experience because it gave me the opportunity to work with many animals. It was gratifying knowing that just a simple walk or exercise really put a wag in their tail,” Aeros Food and Beverage Director NATE MICHEL said.

Every staff member left with warm and fuzzy feeling and an outfit covered in hair to match, yet they wouldn’t want it any other way.

As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros staff volunteers at local non-profit organizations each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community.

For information on volunteer opportunities with the department or how to adopt an animal, call (330) 643-2845. For additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Akron DSC_0294 01-25-12

Group Sales Representative Mitch Cromes gets love from our four-legged friends.

Akron DSC_0315 01-25-12

Lene Spahn, Media Relations Coordinator and IT Specialist, is smitten with this kitten.

 

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, Cleveland Indians, Eastern League, Ohio, Volunteering

{ 0 comments }

Akron Aeros Help Paint A Picture for Hope

July 18, 2011

The Akron Aeros front office staff made their way to ACCESS earlier this month to help the local shelter prepare recreational rooms at their facility.

Upon arrival, the staff got straight to work with paint and brushes in hand. They started with painting a Teen Room, and then moved to painting an office at ACCESS.

“It was inspiring to volunteer at a place like ACCESS. To think of all of the individuals they help after these people have been turned down elsewhere, really puts things into perspective. Our staff has really enjoyed this experience, paint clothes and all,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.

ACCESS, or The Akron Citizens’ Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services, was created to meet the need for the 625 monthly requests for shelter in the Akron area. With only 150 beds available and just 18 reserved for women and children, ACCESS helps fill the void by providing emergency shelter for those women and children. ACCESS also provides meals, group support, children’s programming, parental programming, and a Care Clinic.

“When I picked up a brochure after leaving ACCESS, I read the first line, ‘Providing Help When It’s Needed The Most.’ That quote seems to resonate throughout this organization. They certainly help those in need to the best of their ability. But there’s always more that can be done. That’s where volunteers come in,” Aeros Executive Vice President/COO JIM PFANDER said.

As a part of their ‘Helping Hands’ program, the Aeros volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as ACCESS. Next month, the Aeros will assist The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County.

For information on ACCESS, visit access-shelter.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Director of Sales, Greg Berry and Manager of Promotions, Calvin Funkhouser prepare the Teen Room before painting at ACCESS shelter in Akron.

Aeros staff is all hands on deck, painting the Teen Room at ACCESS.

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, Children's Health & Development, Cleveland Indians, Eastern League, Family Relief/Resources, Ohio, Volunteering, Women's Health

{ 0 comments }

Akron Aeros Volunteer at Salvation Army in More Ways Than One

July 9, 2011

The Akron Aeros front office staff traveled to The Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel last month, extending their Helping Hands program in the facility’s soup kitchen, pre-school and storage rooms.

The Aeros had the opportunity to see the dynamics of an organization that helps the local community in such diverse ways. The staff assisted with food preparation and dispersion in the soup kitchen, while mingling with those dining and the full-time volunteer staff.

Others assisted at the preschool, helping to prepare and deliver lunches to the kids, while spending quality time before naptime for the children.

The staff also worked behind the scenes, sorting and organizing the Salvation Army’s arts and crafts supplies, donations and records.

“I was able to volunteer on all different ends of the spectrum. You really get a chance to see how dedicated The Salvation Army is to the community. We especially loved spending time with the kids, and they were really enthusiastic. That’s what makes this Helping Hands program so rewarding,” said NICOLE BLUM, Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator.

Based on the Christian faith, The Salvation Army aims to fulfill their motto, “Doing the most good,” which was evident to the Aeros staff, who left with a clearer vision of the organization and its purpose. From church services, to after school programs, and providing financial assistance, shelter and free meals, the Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel epitomizes their 135-year-old motto.

Each month, the Akron Aeros front office staff volunteers at locally based organizations as a part of their Helping Hands program. In addition to the Salvation Army, the Aeros plan to assist Akron’s Habitat for Humanity as their next venture.

For information on the Salvation Army and its locations, visit salvationarmyusa.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, contact Nicole Blum at 330.253.5151 x310 or visit akronaeros.com

The staff gathers for a group photo after serving hot meals during the Salvation Army lunch hour.

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, Cleveland Indians, Eastern League, Family Relief/Resources, Ohio, Public Service Events/Recognition, Salvation Army, Volunteering

{ 0 comments }

Akron Aeros Lend a Green Thumb at Hale Farm and Village

May 18, 2011

The Akron Aeros were delighted to aid Hale Farm and Village in their yearly gardening and grounds preparation, Wednesday, May 11.

The Aeros traveled just a few miles north of Canal Park to the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Hale Farm and Village, an outdoor living history museum, reflecting Northeastern Ohio life of the mid-1800’s.

Upon arrival, the Akron Aeros office staff was split into groups, cleaning and weeding lines of oak trees and the village’s vegetable garden. Equipped with shovels, buckets and gloves, the staff enjoyed getting their hands dirty and soaking up the sunny May day.

While touring the village the staff also had the chance to witness live historical re-enactments performed for local elementary school children.

“It was a great opportunity to contribute at Hale Farm. It’s such a unique place for the community to visit and learn about history right before their eyes. We were proud to assist in some way so that the community can continue to take advantage of all Hale Farm has to offer,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.
As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros volunteer at a local charity each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community. Next month, the office staff will volunteer at the Salvation Army.

Dan Foust, Assistant General Manager, Media and Marketing, takes a break from gardening to smile for the camera.

Aeros’ office interns David Dugan and Jason Thomas collect weeds for removal.

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, Cleveland Indians, Eastern League, Ohio, Public Service Events/Recognition, Volunteering

{ 0 comments }

Akron Aeros, Fans Turn Triple Play: Donations Made to Alabama Tornado Relief Fund, Relay for Life & Local Challenger Baseball League This Past Weekend

May 11, 2011

The Akron Aeros were pleased to contribute to three worthwhile causes this past weekend.

Friday night, the Aeros teamed up with TTR Shipping of Stow, OH, to collect donations for the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund. Aeros fans stepped up donating more than 1,300 items, including clothing, toys, toiletries and non-perishable food items to the cause. These donations helped fill a 53’ tractor trailer that left Akron this weekend en route to Alabama.

As part of the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the Aeros wore special pink jerseys on Mother’s Day. Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to bid on game-worn jerseys of the entire roster with proceeds benefitting Relay for Life. Aeros fans raised more than $2,800 for the continued search for a cure for cancer.

Following Sunday’s Aeros game, the local Challenger baseball leagues of Barberton, Canton, Tallmadge, and Tuscarawas County played a game at Canal Park.  Challenger Baseball provides children and young adults from ages five to 22 with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. Aeros front office members, players and coaches participated in Sunday’s event with the challenger participants, by helping them run the bases and field ground balls, as well as signing autographs and posing for a team photo following their game.

The Akron Aeros also donated autographed merchandise to the Barberton Challenger League to raise funds for the State Tournament they are hosting in July. The silent auction raised nearly $500 for the tournament.

“We had an amazing weekend at Canal Park and Aeros fans showed heart-warming generosity in support of those in need. The Aeros would like to thank those fans who brought items to donate to the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund and those who contributed to Relay for Life. Our entire front office staff and players enjoyed hosting the Challenger Baseball group and hopefully created some fantastic memories for all participants,” Aeros Chief Operating Officer JIM PFANDER said.

For information on additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com

Nicole Blum, Community Relations Coordinator, sorts boxes of items donated by Aeros' fans last Friday. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)

Aeros players high-five their Challenger Baseball teammates. (Photo courtesy of Akroon Aeros)

The Akron Aeros pose with the Challenger Baseball team for a group photo after Sunday's game. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, American Cancer Society, Cancer Awareness, Children's Health & Development, Cleveland Indians, Disaster Relief, Donations & Scholarships, Eastern League, Family Relief/Resources, Food Drives, Fundraising Opportunities, Ohio

{ 0 comments }

Akron Aeros Staff Volunteers at Mobile Meals for April Community Service Project

April 25, 2011

The Akron Aeros office staff took a break from the ballpark on Tuesday, April 19 to volunteer at Akron’s own local non-profit, Mobile Meals, as their monthly community service venture.

The group met at the Kenmore Senior Community Center and split into five driving routes to distribute frozen, hot and special-diet meals to residence in the Kenmore area. Elaine Seyerle, Mobile Meals’ Director of Case Management, showed the staff how to decipher routes and read food orders, helping the group to deliver a portion of the 3,500 meals the organization provides daily to the elderly, disabled individuals and children.

“I really enjoyed delivering the food. Everyone greeted us at the door with a smile. I could just see how grateful they were,” said TYLER McNUTT, Akron Aeros Sales Associate.

After the routes were completed, the Aeros staff arrived at the Mobile Meals headquarters for an education session and a tour of the facility.

“It’s amazing to see all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. They are truly a great asset to this community, and I really hope other people take notice and volunteer,” said MIKE LINK, Akron Aeros Group Sales Representative.

Mobile Meals offers not only meal and supplement delivery, but also grocery shopping services, dining centers and nutrition education and counseling to North Eastern Ohio.

For more information on volunteering and getting involved with Mobile Meals, visit their website at www.mobilemealsinc.org.

Aeros' staff Brett Joyce, Nate Michel and Sierra Sawtelle organize driving routes for their meal deliveries.

Aeros' staff Nicole Blum and Steve Baer help one another with loading meals into the vehicles.

Tagged as: Akron Aeros, Cleveland Indians, Disability Assistance, Eastern League, Family Relief/Resources, Ohio, Public Service Events/Recognition, Volunteering

{ 0 comments }