Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $72,000 in 2022

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks awarded over $70,000 this past season to several local non-profits through contributions made by fans towards the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 raffle.

Non-profit recipients included CC RIMZ, Texas State Aquarium, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, The Traveling Library, USO South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association & Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Coastal Bend Food Bank and Rainbow Room.

“Thank you to our fans who make this possible, their support impacts more than just baseball as shown by the diversity of 50/50 raffle recipients in 2022,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “The Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle continues to be a gameday staple and creates a win-win experience for both our fans and the community.”

CC RIMZ promotes adaptive sports within the Coastal Bend. Texas State Aquarium aims to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. The mission of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation was created to expand awareness of his legacy and the continued relevance of his fight for equal rights for all. The Traveling Library provides knowledge to those in need by providing literature and other resources that are needed. USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country.

The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598 was formed for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration and offers youth programs focused on fostering patriotism and good citizenship among America’s youth. Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment.

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas promotes the advancement of women in public, corporate and civic life through education, personal and professional development. Coastal Bend Food Bank fights hunger and promotes wellness through food distribution and nutrition education. Rainbow Room provides hope for abused and neglected children.

Blue Wahoos Share Holiday Spirit, Community Impact In December

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A classroom door opened at Pensacola’s Montclair Elementary School and joyous screams ensued.

Yes, Kazoo was in the house.

The Blue Wahoos beloved mascot was part of a special Literacy Night program December 15 for young grade school students. Joined by Lauren Scott, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager, along with Erik Bremer, the voice of the Blue Wahoos as broadcast director, the group delighted and enlightened children that day with a special appearance before school let out for the holiday break.

“You see that kind of reaction and it’s special,” Scott said. “The kids are screaming ‘Kazoo! Kazoo!’ and they know us through Kazoo, even though many haven’t been to a baseball game yet.

“So it’s neat and we had a lot of fun doing it, reading to the kids and just interacting with them. Erik was getting everyone involved so it was a great time.”

Blue Wahoos beloved mascot Kazoo greets thousands of parade spectators at Pensacola’s annual Christmas parade downtown on December 10.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

The experience that day was part of the Blue Wahoos busy December. A lot has happened this month at a time presumed to be a slow period in the professional baseball world.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Blue Wahoos staff participated in two Christmas parades, spent one day restoring a baseball field at Pensacola’s Catalonia Square, had team executives attend the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, been host to private parties and events at Blue Wahoos Stadium, plus provided team representation at other community events.

“It has been a whirlwind, but in a great way,” said Steve Brice, who joined the Blue Wahoos in mid-November as the team’s executive vice president and general manager, working in tandem with team president Jonathan Griffith. “I love being busy.”

Members of the Blue Wahoos front office staff joined together on Dec. 15 to help renovate a City of Pensacola youth baseball field as part of an annual project.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

During a time traditionally viewed as the slowest point of an off-season, the Blue Wahoos have kept active within the Pensacola community heading into the Christmas and New Year holiday weekend.

Kazoo and team staff members were part of the Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade on December 3, followed by the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade on December 10.

Working in two shifts, the group also recently helped restore two baseball fields at Catalonia Square, a City of Pensacola park which is also known for being where Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks began his youth football career. A lot of weed-pulling, debris clearing and removal of glass shards occurred.

“Even though the field might not have looked like it was in too rough of shape from afar, it still took us most of the day to fix it,” Scott said.

The project was part of an annual commitment the Blue Wahoos make in the community in a partnership with Waste Management, a Blue Wahoos corporate partner. Each season since the inaugural 2012 season, the Blue Wahoos staff and groundskeeping crew have taken on a project at one area baseball field to upgrade and restore the conditions.

It’s another way the team meets a mission to improve the quality of life in the Pensacola community.

Participating in the Christmas parades provides opportunity for the Blue Wahoos to reconnect with fans and further awareness.

For Brice, it was his first experience in both the community parades. He was tossing beads, candy and passing out Blue Wahoos hats to throngs of people in the massive downtown Christmas parade.

“I jokingly said to someone, I feel like I’m part of The Beatles right now,” Brice said. “People were yelling, “Go Wahoos!’ and everyone wanted a hat, or one of the cushy baseballs we had. There were so many people that night downtown and to be part of that was really great.”

The biggest challenge? Trying to figure how much candy, beads, hats and other items to participate in two parades.

“Even prepping for it was wild because I had cases of candy here and (co-staff worker) said, ‘Oh that’s not enough. I literally bought Sam’s (Club) out of candy,” said Scott, who joined the Blue Wahoos in March and was promoted to a dual role as merchandise and community relations manager. “That was wild having to go back and almost double everything to have enough.”

“In the baseball season it was so busy and everyone was telling me, ‘oh the offseason that’s the chill time”. And the whole time I have been like, yes there are not games on the field, but I am still really busy and it’s different thing.”

But as Scott pointed out, it’s also been a good thing in ways to stay connected in the Pensacola area and keep the Blue Wahoos awareness with community impact.

Storm Chasers Highlight 2022 Community Service Efforts

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PAPILLION, Neb. – The Omaha Storm Chasers and Chasers Charities have announced highlights of the community service efforts achieved during the 2022 season. In a year which saw an increase in community service opportunities, the Storm Chasers were excited about continuing to build upon recent successes as well as increase their presence in the community. Through their efforts, the Omaha Storm Chasers front office and players committed 683.50 hours in volunteering at over 70 community organizations within the Omaha Metro.

The Chasers’ efforts allowed $23,695 in grants to be awarded to local non-profit youth baseball and softball organizations for field and facility improvements. The Chasers were also able to raise over $36,000 for five local non-profit partners through the jersey auctions during select games in the 2022 season.

“Being a part of and giving back to our local community that supports us is a fundamental pillar of the Omaha Storm Chasers organization,” said VP and General Manager Laurie Schlender. “It is vitally important that we use our platform to help create awareness for these organizations so that they can continue to do such valuable work in our community.”

The 2022 season once again saw fans get involved in important causes. 6,206 cans of non-perishable food was donated through the Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday promotion and $10,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House Charities through the Leonard Management McDonald’s and Woodhouse Auto Family Hurl the Pearl promotion which saw fans purchase softie baseballs to be thrown into the back of a truck driven around the field.

Additional highlights include raising over $15,900 through the Chasers Charities garage sales, two $1,000 scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship presented by Weitz Company, $4,000 donated to Playsmart via the Werner Enterprises RBI promotion, and $3,381.50 donated to Operation Ride Home through a partnership with Jack Daniel’s, Republic National Distributing, and Spectra Food Services.

For more information or to see how you can get involved in the Omaha Storm Chasers community service efforts, visit omahastormchasers.com or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service.

The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian League executives, team staff members and players volunteered through food pantries, reading programs, baseball clinics, toy drives, youth centers, hospital visits and numerous service organizations.

“As league members, we appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteering, donating and providing outreach to the communities that have supported our clubs for more than 100 years,” stated Elizabethton River Riders GM and Appalachian League Charity Committee Chair Kiva Fuller.

In January, Appy League representatives participated in the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteering in 11 communities across four states, team members were involved with food pantries, book drives, local YMCA and libraries, as well as the House of Hope and Good Samaritan Ministries.

In conjunction with the League All-Star Game, league executives volunteered at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington, N.C. Along with moving items to the center’s storage unit, the group packaged and bundled diapers for families in need.

On the day of the All-Star Game, the Sock Puppets hosted a successful Play Ball youth clinic at Burlington Athletic Stadium where all 2022 All-Stars participated.

Prior to the GM meeting in Bluefield on Oct. 18, Appalachian League clubs participated in a service project at the Bluefield Union Mission. A total of 19 league and club representatives packaged meals and prepared personal hygiene kits for families in need.

More details and a full breakdown of the 2022 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2023 Appy League season begins Tuesday, June 6. The full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter and Instagram (@AppyLeague).

Chihuahuas & Locomotive Deliver Beds to Families in time for the Holidays

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EL PASO, TEXAS – December 16, 2022 – Two weeks after building and assembling beds, the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal, both presented by Helen of Troy, are partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) El Paso Chapter to deliver beds to children of two El Paso families just in time for Christmas.

The team of volunteers will deliver beds to the Ramos and Lubreras families, respectively, tomorrow, Saturday, December 17 beginning at 10 a.m. Each of the families have three children and will receive bunk and single beds. The team will also set up the beds for the children. Each bed will take 15 minutes for set up.

The beds were built and assembled by Chihuahuas & Locomotive volunteers on December 3 at Southwest University Park. The build was the first of its kind in the El Paso area for SHP El Paso. As part of the volunteer event, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive Foundation donated $5,000 to purchase materials for beds.

SHP El Paso is currently taking bed request for families with children between the ages of three and 17 years of age. Families who wish to apply can visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-el-paso/. SHP is seeking bed requests for children living in the 79901, 79905, 79907, 79915, and 79930 El Paso area codes.

About Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace had its start like many other charities, in a garage. It was Christmas time, a time of joy and happiness, a time of giving and love, but also a time of bitter, cold weather and snowstorms. A project, that was started with the build of one bed for a single family developed into something a whole lot more. With wood left over from the first bunk, another idea was created. “Who else could benefit from this bunk”?

SHP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The federal ID is 46-4346568 in the United States.

WooSox Foundation Contributes $1,000 to Jingle Bell Toy Drive Benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Worcester 

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Representatives of the Worcester Red Sox gathered at “El Basha” at Park Ave in Worcester on December 7 at a fundraiser hosted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Association to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

Toys and funds were collected to ensure as many kids as possible in Worcester can enjoy presents and gifts during the holiday season with their loved ones. George Lorin, Kevin Hartigan, Alex Richardson, Diane Flanagan, Eric Olafsen, and mascot Smiley Ball were among the WooSox officials on hand with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis to present the check to Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Liz Hamilton.

“On behalf of the children and staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, I wish to express our appreciation of the WooSox and everyone who made this year’s toy drive a success,” said Executive Director Liz Hamilton. “We serve more than 8,000 youth annually, and nearly 500 attend our three Clubhouses every day. We know these toys will make an impact on our kids during the holiday season.”

“Each year during the holiday season, the WooSox want to spread as much joy as possible to children and families throughout Central Mass,” said Alex Richardson, the WooSox’ director of baseball and game day operations. “It’s always a pleasure to support our community partners at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, and we’re glad we could help make this year’s Jingle Bell Toy Drive a success.”

$10,300 Raised For Charity With 2022 Home Runs

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, and their partners at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 have donated $10,300 to local non-profits through the Home Runs For Charity program.

For every home run hit by the Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark during the 2022 season, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 generously donated $100 to help the community. Somerset’s offense hit a franchise record 205 home runs last season, including 103 in Bridgewater.

Seven non-profits have been selected by the team and organization to each receive $1,471.29. The benefiting non-profits are:

  • Alternatives, Inc.
  • Easter Seals of NJ
  • Matheny
  • SHIP (Samaritan Homeless Interim Program)
  • St. John’s Episcopal Church (Somerville)
  • Somerset Health Care Foundation
  • Operation Shoebox New Jersey

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 has a long history of charitable work supporting both local as well as national causes. The motto “people helping people” is the driving force behind their efforts to help those less fortunate throughout the community. Over the years, Bridgewater Aerie # 2137 has provided monetary support for programs that assist the homeless and hungry, funded scholarships for deserving high school seniors, donated to groups that assist our veterans as well as local police, fire and rescue groups.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.

WooSox Foundation Honors gala celebrates those who made impact throughout Central Mass.

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Polar Park resembled a Hollywood set Saturday, December 3.

Glitz, glamour and a strong sense of community were center stage as part of the inaugural WooSox Foundation Honors gala. The philanthropic arm of the WooSox focus on four pillars – education, social justice, conquering cancer and diamond sports – and the team honored those who make an impact in Central Mass.

“It’s great to bring so many people together from across this community that our foundation really focuses on,” said Joe Bradlee, the WooSox vice president of baseball operations and community relations. “We’re recognizing people who really made an impact in all those areas and that’s why tonight is so special.”

Red Sox Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Castiglione emceed the sold-out event of 250 people.

Former Worcester School Superintendent Maureen Binienda was honored in the field of education. The social justice honoree was Tim Garvin from the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

Conquering cancer, especially pediatric cancer, is close to Larry Lucchino’s heart. The WooSox are engaged in every way possible to rid the world of this terrible disease, so it was fitting that UMass Memorial Hospital’s pediatric oncologist, Dr. Peter Newberger, was honored for his research to find a cure.

“We described a lot of milestones on the journey to Polar Park, but this is a milestone in the growth of the WooSox Foundation,” said club President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “A Christmas time event that brings everybody together, overlooking their civic jewel while we celebrate our community partners holds promise to be a marvelous annual event.”

Burncoat High School’s Kasie Vuong, a WooSox Scholar, was met with a standing ovation after reciting a poem she wrote.

No one understands and appreciates the impact baseball can have on a young child in Central Mass more than Rich Gedman. The native son grew up only a hit-and-run from Polar Park and he’s engaged in every aspect of the WooSox’ connection to youth baseball and softball. The Red Sox Hall of Famer was honored as Diamond Sports recipient. The team also announced that the WooSox Foundation’s annual charity golf tournament has been renamed in Gedman’s honor.

“He’s such an amazing guy, so it only made sense for him to be the first recipient of this award tonight,” Bradlee said. “Everybody in this community is so proud of him and happy to have him in action in Worcester.”

During the season, the WooSox continually honor teachers, nurses, first responders, children from the Boys & Girls Club and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gedman is always on the field participating in the pregame ceremonies because he understands the impact all of these people and organizations have in the community.

Gedman grew up on Lafayette Street and as a boy, along with his brother and sister, would walk past the site where Polar Park now sits on their way to the YWCA. The siblings would also walk up Washington Street on their way to the library, or down Madison to The Boys Club on Ionic Avenue.

“When I was a little boy I needed many of those different outreaches,” Gedman explained. “All those places and people had a hand on my life, so to watch that they’re still going on and still having an impact is very moving to me.”

Speaking about his childhood in Worcester brings back so many memories for Gedman.

“I feel so lucky to have grown up here,” he said. “It allowed me to be able to deal with what I had to deal with when I played. Growing up here prepared me for my baseball life. It’s really incredible to me. To watch what’s going on here and to watch it transform the city is special for me.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the WooSox Scholars program, which annually awards college scholarships of $10,000 to four eighth graders in Worcester Public Schools. Those students were in attendance and recognized Saturday night, including Dalton Le, from South High School; Helene Sanchez-Navidad, from Claremont Academy; Jakayla Edmond Weeks, from Doherty High School; Kasie Vuong, from Burncoat High School; Marenity Gonzalez-Giza, from North High School; Erika Gutierrez, from South High School; Sincere Politano, from University Park Campus School and Farzana Darwishi, from Wachusett Regional High School.

During the event, the WooSox recognized the 23rd anniversary of the Worcester 6. Prior to the team opening Polar Park in 2021, the club officially retired jersey No. 6, which represents the six fallen firefighters – Paul Brotherton, Jerry Lucey, Tom Spencer, Tim Jackson, Jay Lyons and Joe McGuirk – who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire Dec. 3, 1999.

At the conclusion of the awards presentation, a special guest arrived and invited attendees to the WooSox’ clubhouse for a post-dinner celebration. When they walked through the doors, 2004 Red Sox World Series hero Keith Foulke was waiting with the trophy in his hands.

The inaugural WooSox Foundation Honors gala was a success.

“It’s amazing to me how (the WooSox) have made this connection to Worcester, and the city has made a connection back,” Gedman said. “This (gala) is their way of recognizing people who promote a better culture.”

Food & Beverage Hiring Events in January

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CLEARWATER – The Philadelphia Phillies Florida Operations will be holding a four-day hiring event in January 2023.

  • Jan. 12, 2p-5p
  • Jan. 13, 11a-2p
  • Jan. 19, 2p-5p
  • Jan. 20 11a-2p

Interviews will be conducted on-site for seasonal Food & Beverage and Merchandise gameday positions during 2023 Phillies Spring Training and the Threshers summer seasons.

Positions available include stand leads, cooks, cashiers, bartenders, food prep, food runners, warehouse runners and merchandise associates.

BayCare Ballpark is located at 601 N. Old Coachman Rd. in Clearwater. Please contact Alyssa at [email protected] for more information.

Follow the links to schedules for Phillies Spring Training and Threshers summer season.

NON-PROFIT GROUPS EARN IN EXCESS OF $400,000WORKING ISOTOPES PARK CONCESSIONS IN ‘22

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The Albuquerque Isotopes today announced that the 10 non-profit groups working concessions at Isotopes Park cumulatively raised 405,731 during the 2022 season.

Since the facility opened in 2003, stadium concessionaire Oak View Group has employed non-profit groups to operate many of the concessions stands at the ballpark, helping raise funds for their individual organizations. The cumulative amount raised by these non-profit groups since the Isotopes’ inaugural 2003 season is now in excess of $4 million.

“We are extremely proud to have such a positive impact working with these groups and to allow them to have such meaningful fund raising opportunities,” Isotopes General Manager John Traub said. “Our goal as an organization is to help the community in a multitude of ways, and we are very pleased with this initiative.”

“Non-profit groups are a big part of our operation and are a key to the success of the ballpark,” Oak View Group General Manager Brad Six said. “But the impact it has on the community and the charities the groups are working towards is very important to us.”

Groups must work a minimum number of games and will then split the net proceeds from their concession stand with the Isotopes. Any groups interested in learning how they can raise money working concessions at Isotopes Park in 2023 can contact Brad Six at (505) 222-4032 or [email protected].

Dayton Community, Day Air Credit Union, and the Dayton Dragons Help Raise Over $34,000 in Holiday 50/50 Raffle

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DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons Foundation and Day Air Credit Union announced today that $17,327.50 will be presented to the Fisher/Nightingale Houses, Inc. after completion of a special holiday online 50/50 raffle. The 50/50 raffle began on December 1 and continued until December 14. A total of $34,655 was generated and was split equally between the Fisher/Nightingale Houses, Inc. and the lucky winner.

“We’re thankful to have been chosen by the Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union as the charity partner in this fun, online raffle. Both organizations have proven committed to making the Dayton region a better place to live. This event was a perfect fit for us since all proceeds will benefit our mission of providing a “home away from home” for families of hospitalized military men and women,” said Chris Stanley, Executive Director at Fisher/Nightingale Houses, Inc.

“We’re thrilled with the Miami Valley’s response to our annual holiday raffle and thrilled to be able to present over $17,000 to another great local charitable program located at the Dayton VA – the Fisher House this holiday season,” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy. “We are thankful for our partnership with Day Air Credit Union in making this happen.”

“Day Air is committed to strengthening our community, and our partners at the Dayton Dragons share this same passion.” Day Air Credit Union CEO and President, Bill Burke said. “We’re proud that our efforts this holiday season led to a significant donation for the Dayton VA Fisher house and ensured vulnerable veterans and their families receive much-needed support.”

Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge. The Fisher Houses offer physical and emotional support to our servicemen and servicewomen, providing the opportunity for military and Veteran families to stay together and support each other when a loved one is undergoing medical treatment. These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room, and an inviting living room. To learn more about how you can help, visit www.fnhi.org.

Throughout the 2022 season, the Dragons conducted 50/50 raffles, raising thousands of dollars for local charities and the Dragons Foundation. The Pink Ribbon Girls, CultureWorks, and others received money from the raffle, along with the Dragons Foundation, which provides necessary funding and resources to support the countless donations, charitable giving requests, in-kind donations, unique game experiences, and community wide Dragons programs.

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play 66 home games at beautiful Day Air Ballpark, in the heart of the Water Street District. Deposits for 2023 season tickets are being accepted now. For information about season tickets, including the new Business Club and Family Club, contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or go to daytondragons.com. Information is also available regarding hospitality areas and sponsorship opportunities._

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Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” to Spread Joy Around Central MA

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Community Award Winners Ryan Fitzgerald and Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman to join Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto the Rocket, and Santa in visits to charities, schools, and community organizations

WORCESTER, MA – Led by Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and Hitting Coach Rich Gedman, two award-winning members of the Worcester Red Sox, the 2022 “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” will be spreading cheer across the Heart of the Commonwealth this Monday, December 19 through Wednesday, December 21.

Fitzgerald, the club’s super utility infielder and second-ever recipient of the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” Community Spirit Award, will team up with Gedman, his Hitting Coach, who was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in May of this year. Joining them are Mascots Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, and Roberto the Rocket, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The WooSox Foundation “Care-A-Van,” presented by Bank of America, is the team’s mobile RV that was unveiled in March of 2022 and will assist the WooSox in executing all of the good deeds scheduled for next week.

The impactful holiday gestures begin on Monday at Why Me & Sherry’s House when the team will bring gifts and essentials to toddlers and teens who are battling cancer. The group will also visit TLK Sports, a Worcester-based community organization that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and relationship building through a number of sports including baseball. The WooSox, in partnership with the Junior WooSox, will wrap up Monday evening at Nazareth home in Leicester to show their support for foster children by bringing winter hats and an assortment of surprise gifts.

On Tuesday, December 20, the Caravan continues in Polar Park’s backyard at the Canal District’s St. John’s Food for the Poor, where the WooSox will assist in providing breakfast to some of the neighborhood’s neediest population. The team will head from St. John’s to Abby’s House in Worcester, where toys and treats will be provided to women and children.

The caravan will continue its busy day on Tuesday at 11 am at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, where care packages filled with toys, books, and everyday essentials will go to kids who are in treatment. For the second straight year, the club has partnered with Kits for Kids, a Marlborough based organization that has provided care packages around the holidays to children in need for over 13 years.

The WooSox will wrap up their Tuesday afternoon with the Worcester Education Collaborative, where together they will donate tablets and keyboards to children at the Guild of St. Agnes in Worcester. The caravan will head to the YMCA Central Community Branch, then back to Polar Park, where fans will have the opportunity to meet Ryan Fitzgerald in the WooSox Team Store from 5:30-7:00 pm on Tuesday evening.

“I’m looking forward to being back in Worcester around Christmas time and help give back to this community that has had my back all season long,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, who in 2022 became the first Minor League player to have his own merchandise line. “The WooSox are always doing great things in the community and it’s a pleasure to help out in any way I can.”

The WooSox will conclude their 2022 Holiday Caravan on Wednesday with visits to Abby Kelley Foster Elementary School, and Gates Lane Elementary School, where the club established a mentoring program this past March 4 in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts.

“What an honor it is to visit these children and organizations who deserve the smiles that our mascots so often inspire,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “And how fortunate we are to have such caring souls who wear the WooSox uniform: Ryan Fitzgerald and Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman embody the dreams of all of the children of this region. Meeting Fitzy and Geddy, shaking their hands, and learning their stories can turn a moment into a memory and perhaps even a turning point in life. We thank the schools and wonderful charities who perform these good deeds every single day for the opportunity to stop by, say hello, and wish everyone a happy holiday season with best wishes for a happy, healthy new year.”

Media interested in covering any portion of the team’s 2022 Holiday Caravan can reach out to Vice President of Community & Player Relations Joe Bradlee at [email protected] for further guidance.

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Hosts Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – For the second consecutive year, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets, an event that creates a special holiday memory for underserved children in the community. On Tuesday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 14, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee treated 24 second and third grade students from White City Elementary to a holiday shopping spree at Target in Tradition.

The kids were paired with a Mets front office staff member who helped guide them through the store, where they could pick out any toy they wanted. After shopping, the kids were treated to a pizza party at Blaze Pizza and received a gift card for their families.

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to positively impacting our community in Port St. Lucie,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We hope that Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets creates a special holiday memory for all of the children who participated.”

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation also recently supported the Annual Coney Island Holiday Toy Giveaway. The Foundation is active in the Port St. Lucie area and distributed 575 meals for the Thanksgiving holiday at Clover Park.

About the Amazin’ Mets Foundation

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. The Foundation is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families and underserved groups in our neighborhoods and communities.

Reno Aces Partners with JAKKS Pacific for Annual Toy Donations to Benefit Local Charities

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RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have been spreading joy with thousands of toys to local charities during its annual toy donation in partnership with JAKKS Pacific throughout the holiday season. This year, the Aces have partnered with the following eight local charities for its toy donation:

Ashlee’s Toy Closet

Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Reno Rodeo Foundation

Tahoe Truckee Toys for Tots

Washoe County Sherriff’s Office

Washoe County Toys for Tots

Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra

“Over the years, our partnership with JAKKS Pacific has been phenomenal. Thanks to the friendship between our owner Herb Simon and Stephen Berman, JAKKS CEO, the Aces ensure every toy donated brings a local child in need some joy,” said Reno Aces President Eric Edelstein. “We can’t thank the Northern Nevada community enough for the support they provide the Aces, and these toys are a chance for us to give back to those less fortunate in the region.”

JAKKS Pacific Co-Founder and CEO Stephan Berman and Aces owner Herb Simon have been longtime friends, partnering for over a decade to make toy donations. The partnership has led to thousands of toys being donated to various charities in Nevada and Central Indiana.

The Reno Aces are slated to open the 2023 season at Greater Nevada Field on Friday, March 31st, against the Las Vegas Aviators, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Season Memberships are available via RenoAces.com, texting “MEMBER” to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

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Hundreds Of Toys And Food Items Collected For Those In Need

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, collected hundreds of donated items during the team’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive on Saturday, December 10.

The event took place at the Team Store at TD Bank Ballpark and saw fans arrive throughout the day with new, unwrapped toys to benefit Central New Jersey Toys For Tots and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

As he has been doing for the past 20 years, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle was on site to meet fans, take pictures and sign autographs as a special thank you to all that donated.

“This is always a special event for me and everyone at the Somerset Patriots,” said Lyle. “I can’t believe how many toys came in. Some people showed up needing help getting carts full of donations from their cars. I think it was the most we ever collected in all the years of doing this. Our fans once again came through to bring some holiday cheer to those that need it the most this time of year.”

In addition to Lyle, team mascot Sparkee mingled with fans as holiday music played throughout the team store. The 2022 Eastern League Championship Trophy was also on display for pictures.

Shoppers were able to pick up team apparel and other novelties for Patriots fans on their holiday lists. Featured items included the recently released Marvel-inspired merchandise and championship gear.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.