PaddleHeads, YWCA Launch Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign

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The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to May 10th.

“Abuse happens behind closed doors. We often don’t notice that it’s happening, even when the victim is a friend or neighbor.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “Social isolation measures necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic make this an especially dangerous time for people trapped at home with an abuser. Now, more than ever, survivors and their children need access to safety and support.”

Supporters will have two ways to donate to the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign.

The first, donate directly to YWCA Missoula’s crowdfunding campaign here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=33)
Second, purchase any merchandise item from the Missoula PaddleHeads’ shop at: https://paddleheads.milbstore.com during this campaign. Every dollar spent, or donated during this campaign will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $20,000!

Your contribution helps meet critical needs at a critical time:

  • Operation of the YWCA’s secure domestic violence shelter
  • Crisis counseling and support to help survivors heal from abuse
  • Food, phone cards, diapers and other necessities for survivors and their children
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and other protective measures
  • Operation of our 24/7 crisis line: a lifeline that’s available anytime a survivor reaches out

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is everyone’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and we commend the work being done to support survivors of domestic violence who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.”

Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The Strike Out Domestic Violence campaign will only run from April 27th to May 10th. If you can, donate directly or purchase any item from the PaddleHeads’ store, double your impact, and support those in need.

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Aces’ Partner Rounds Bakery is ALL IN for the Community

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Feeling frustrated, Rounds Bakery owners’ Anton Novak and Sean Cary needed to get involved. “My husband Sean said, ‘This is an all-out war against this virus, and we need to do everything we can to help,'” Novak said.

Feeling frustrated, Rounds Bakery owners’ Anton Novak and Sean Cary needed to get involved.

“My husband Sean said, ‘This is an all-out war against this virus, and we need to do everything we can to help,'” Novak said.

Rounds Bakery Owners Sean Cary (left) and Anton Novak (right) Rounds Bakery

Mirroring the idea of the old Rosie Riveter campaign where you don’t need to be on the front lines to help, they got to work.

Since COVID-19 cases ramped up in the United States in the middle of March 2020, Rounds Bakery has been donating breakfast sandwiches, muffins, coffee cakes, bagels, and cream cheese to local health care workers.

Their delivery trucks have been making stops at COVID testing sites, St. Mary’s, Renown Regional, Renown South Meadows and Northern Nevada Medical Center from about 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. daily.

Rounds drops off food to St. Mary’s Rounds Bakery

“When we donate, we try and go a little bit further by labeling things for the COVID team, the ER team, REMSA, etc., and even the people that have to clean the rooms and security guards – all putting their lives in danger for the safety of others,” Novak said.

Not only is Rounds donating food to keep medical workers fed while they fight COVID-19, but they have taken it upon themselves aid the shortage of protective masks for not only health workers, but the public as well.

“Renown Regional had these mask kits they were begging anybody to sew I discovered something new about my husband – he knows how to sew. So he started sewing 25 masks a night for Renown Regional,” Novak said. “But then…we went out and bought fabric so we could make CDC recommended masks, 1200 thread count, and we are selling them in our store for those who want to buy them and those funds help feed our heroes.”

An Air Force veteran and former international pilot, Novak has even called upon his friends from overseas to help aid the shortage of masks in the area.

“I have friends in Hong Kong. A friend of mine works for this company that makes masks, so I said, ‘Ship me 2,000,'” Novak said. “So they FedEx priority overnighted international 2,000 masks to my bakery and we’ve been giving those out.”
Rounds’ work in the community during the COVID-19 outbreak is highly admirable. However, it didn’t take a global pandemic for the restaurant to get involved in giving back.

The giving all started about six years ago when Novak and Cary purchased a struggling bakery with 11 employees about to lose their jobs.
They noticed their inherited staff was throwing away donuts at the end of each day, something that did not fly with Rounds. So they began driving the leftover goods to a homeless shelter.

“We did that for about a month and that became the defining moment for our business model,” Novak said. “We weren’t going to build this restaurant on the backs of the community, but we were going to build it with the help of the community.”

Since 2014 Rounds has truly taken that model to heart by donating over 45 tons of food and $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations according to Novak.

“We have two main pillars of giving, Sean’s family was in education and my family owned a restaurant growing up, so we say, ‘you can’t learn on an empty stomach and you can’t earn a living without an education’ – so let’s get people fed and keep them in school,” Novak said. “Those have been our two fundamentals of giving over the last six years.”

Just to name a few, the bakery has donated to local charities such as Children’s Cabinet, The Eddy House, Boys and Girls Club, Veterans Guest House, Nevada Homeless Shelter and Ronald McDonald House over the years.

A business focused on giving away profit is not always set up for success, but Novak believes Reno has helped this model flourish thanks to the nature of the people who call the Biggest Little City home.

“We are a very generous community to helping those in need, I think we have a deep understanding of the human existence and you can find yourself in a bad place and it’s not that you’re a bad person, you’re just in a bad situation – and I think Reno really thrives on helping those people.”

Rounds Delivers to Northern Nevada Medical Center Rounds Bakery

It’s one thing to be charitable and donate, but if no one likes your food…you’re not going to go very far. Rounds’ product has helped the business become a staple in the community but also has gained award recognition from places like USA Today, Reno Gazette-Journal, American Marketing Federation to name a few.

Want to taste some of their award-winning food? Rounds Bakery has recently converted its restaurant to a marketplace to abide but CDC recommendations. All food is made fresh daily and pre-packaged. You can step into the shop and not even have to talk to anyone by purchasing using Rounds’ self- checkout. They’ve even added everyday essentials to their store to help with the scarcity of supplies.

“We know it’s a challenge sometimes to have to wait in line at Costco for three hours just to get into the building. You’re exposing yourself to so many more people – so for the people that don’t want that big exposure, we sell eggs, milk, we sell toilet paper, we have masks, hand sanitizer, we have these things that we converted our business model and restaurant into a bakery general store,” Novak said.

The Reno Aces are proud to be partners with Rounds Bakery and the work they are doing in the community. Support Rounds and shop Local! The bakery is located at 294 E Moana Ln.

For more information on Rounds Bakery visit their website at https://roundsbakery.com/ or follow the bakery on Twitter @roundsbakery

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Salem Red Sox Raise Over $1700 for Non-Profits

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Salem, Virginia (April 9, 2020) – The Salem Red Sox raised over $1700 during the recent “I Miss Baseball” fundraising campaign. Partnering with local vendor Press Press Merch, the collaboration included the development of a limited edition “I Miss Baseball” Salem Red Sox t-shirt. The efforts focused on supporting non-profits in Southwest Virginia, during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Salem Red Sox wanted to find a way to give back to our local community in this time of need,” said Group Sales Manager, Alex Michel. “While we do not have the daily escape that sports gives us, we felt we wanted to spread positivity by creating a t-shirt that helps give to our local non-profit organizations that we partner with and support.”

Over 130 t-shirts were purchased during the campaign, with 2019 Salem Red Sox outfielder Tyler Esplin purchasing 30 for the Lake Bluff U12 travel baseball team in his hometown of Lake Bluff, Illinois. With each purchase, fans received one t-shirt and two undated tickets for the 2020 season, with proceeds going to the non-profit of their choice. Additionally, the Red Sox announced a matching campaign in which every donation made, the team would provide two complimentary tickets for healthcare workers at Carilion and other healthcare facilities. Esplin chose to donate his tickets and proceeds to Carilion Children’s.

“We were excited to partner with the Salem Red Sox during this initiative”, said Greg Szechenyi, owner of Press Press Merch. “This was a fun and engaging way to connect with our communities and local non-profits, all while supporting our local professional baseball team.”

While the Salem Red Sox season is currently postponed, the Red Sox continued to develop unique ways to stay connected to the fans near and far away. Follow the Salem Red Sox on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on daily activities and information.

The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Stadium in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007.

 

Reno Aces and 1868 FC donating 100% of select team shop proceeds to local hospitals

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In support of the local healthcare community, the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC will be donating 100% of proceeds from a selection of items in the Greater Nevada Field team shop from now until Friday, April 17. The proceeds will go towards assisting Renown, Saint Mary’s, Carson Tahoe and Northern Nevada Medical Centers, as well as Tahoe Forest and Barton Memorial Hospitals in providing direct support to the employees fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds donated will go towards supporting the staff working in hospitals: protective equipment so the staffs can help others safely, childcare so medical professionals can continue to work, as well as food, groceries and hotel stays to ensure the families of hospital staffs are safe, healthy and fed during the pandemic.

“In speaking with our healthcare partners, there is a significant need for basic necessities, and we want to contribute,” said Aces and 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein.

“We commit 100% of the proceeds of this sale will go directly to those on the front lines against this pandemic. There are heroes among us, and right now they wear masks, gloves and PPE.”

“Residents of The Biggest Little City are doing their part, staying home, and making personal sacrifice during these unprecedented times, but the biggest heroes during this unprecedented crisis are the medical professionals,” Aces general manager Emily Jaenson said. “As an organization whose role is to physically bring people together, we thought, what can we do to help? The answer was a fundraiser where 100% of the purchase price of any pieces in the collection will benefit this community. Please join us in supporting these hospitals in the Northern Nevada community, just as they have always supported us.”

“I’m thrilled that we are able to provide an outlet for our community to support,” said 1868 FC general manager Doug Raftery. “In the end, we are rewarding you with Reno 1868 FC and Aces gear for your donation to our local healthcare workers.”

Aces items going towards the fundraising efforts include team cards, New Era packable visor hats and OT Sport replica jerseys. Reno 1868 FC will offer New Era fitted hats, women’s crew neck sweaters and men’s track jackets. The team store is currently only accepting orders made online, with the Aces team store found here, and 1868 FC’s team store here.

 

Nuts Announce Charity 5K

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MODESTO, CA – Opening Day is usually an incredibly exciting time for communities all over the country. Ballparks open their doors to the smell of fresh cut grass, hot dogs & cotton candy. Families enjoy affordable entertainment that features fun, between inning games, great baseball action and post-game fireworks. Friday, April 17th would have been Opening Day for professional baseball in Stanislaus County. Unfortunately, more important public health issues intervened.

“Baseball will still be here when the COVID-19 pandemic passes. People throughout this community will still need that outlet. Given the circumstances I think it has the potential to come back even stronger than it was before. However, it’s not in anyone’s best interest to be congregating in big groups right now. The health of our community, employees & players is our highest priority” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

Although the doors to John Thurman Field will be closed on April 17th, that doesn’t mean that our community should sit idle. The Modesto Nuts have partnered with Brenda Athletic Clubs to host a very special event. The “Cashew Later Charity 5K” will celebrate what would have been Opening Day, generate much needed funds for families & individuals in need due to COVID-19 and promote health & wellness by asking the community to get up and be active.

“It is our duty as a community venue to do all we can to help those in need. Fitness & Fundraising are synonymous with baseball so why not have a fun active community event that everyone can participate in while still following social distancing standards” continued Brockman.

The Modesto Nuts encourage all fans to participate in a celebration of health & wellness while still maintaining a safe, 6ft distance. The 5K will take place separately and fans will be able to share their run times via social media. Top runners will also receive swag from the Modesto Nuts and Brenda Athletic Clubs (see Facebook event page for details).

Registering for the “Cashew Later Charity 5K” is as easy as 1-2-3.
1.Click this link to register

2. Run a 5K at any point duirng Opening Weekend (4/17 – 4/19) then post a screenshot of your time on social media with the #nnutsAboutFitness hashtag. To track your run time download a  run tracker app (or similar app of your choosing). Please be responsible & keep adequate social distance (6 feet).

3. Have fun and win cool prizes (see Facebook event page for details).

Donations to the Love Our Neighbors COVID-19 Fund are not required to participate. However, your donations would be more than welcomed. To donate please visit  Love Our Neighbors.
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About the Nuts:
The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit   modestonuts.com or call  (209)572-HITS (4487)

 

Drillers Join Tulsa Kitchens Unite to Help Feed Those in Need

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The Tulsa Drillers organization will begin to participate in Tulsa Kitchens Unite, a program that has been developed by Hunger Free Oklahoma to help feed families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the program, the Drillers’ food and beverage personnel, who normally work the games at ONEOK Field, will now instead provide a minimum of 250 meals daily that will be distributed free of charge through the program.

In addition, the Drillers have also pledged to donate proceeds from all online merchandise sales during the month of April to Hunger Free Oklahoma. For the remainder of this month, 100% of the proceeds from sales of any items listed under the “COVID-19 Relief” tab in the Drillers online store will be donated to Hunger Free Oklahoma. Also, 20% of the total on purchases of all other items in the Team Store will be donated. The Drillers online store can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Under the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program, Hunger Free Oklahoma is partnering with locally owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers and other local businesses like the Drillers that have the ability to produce pre-prepared and refrigerated to-go style meals. In turn, the meals are provided to families in this time of crisis. The program goals are to keep local kitchens open, keep workers paid and keep local families fed.

The Drillers food and beverage staff will began preparing meals this week using the facilities at ONEOK Field.

The prepared dinners are distributed at sites set up by Hunger Free Oklahoma, including at schools and at nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The meals are provided at no cost to the recipients. Tulsans who are struggling during this unprecedented economic downturn will be able to pick up the free meals and feed their families.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Hunger Free Oklahoma in the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “These are difficult and unsure times for so many of us, and we hope that the work of our folks to provide quality meals will be a comfort to local families. It is a just a small part that we can play in a very important program that Hunger Free Oklahoma has developed.”

Hunger Free Oklahoma Executive Director Chris Bernard said, “We are grateful to so many of our community partners who are working at or above capacity to make sure Tulsans in need have access to food.”

“We are also grateful to the Foundations who are supporting so many efforts around the city, including this one.”
Through the generous donations of many individuals and foundations, Tulsa Kitchens Unite has reached nearly 70% of its funding goal. The program has set an initial goal of running the program for 12 weeks, averaging 30,000 meals per week.

 

Aces’ Reliever Damien Magnifico Encourages Adopting, Not Shopping

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When he’s not pumping 100 MPH gas on the mound, Aces pitcher Damien Magnifico spends his time fostering animals. The 28-year-old reliever enters his second season in the D-Backs’ organization, but has become a full-time stay at home dog dad while he waits for baseball to come back.

Fostering animals is not new for the right-hander, he’s been doing it for eight years now. And while adopting is always important, it takes on a new level under the current circumstances according to Magnifico.

“It is always better to adopt but it is more important at the moment, because rescues and shelters aren’t able to have events showing off the animals to the public,”

Magnifico said. “Most shelters are still open but by appointment only. Some are able to promote online but not all of them have the resources to promote the animals and not everyone has the access to that technology.”

While Magnifico encourages adoption, especially now, he stresses the importance of preparing for the commitment of housing animals.

“Each rescue or shelter is a little different, but you basically just let the dog (or cat or rabbit) live with you until it finds its forever home. Many organizations make it free to you to foster by providing medical care. We’ve had fosters that stay a few days with us; to ones that stay with us months and months, and one that was with us for over a year,” he said.

“Do your homework – ask what they do/don’t cover so you know before you agree to get the pet into your home. There are a lot of ways to get involved: you can be temporary foster, medical foster, you can transport, and you can even pick the sizes/temperaments/breeds/medical conditions you feel most comfortable with,” he added.

A pitcher that strikes fear in hitters’ eyes by touching triple-digits on the radar gun, Magnifico has spent time in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels. In 2019, the reliever was 3-1 over 53.0 innings pitched out of the bullpen split between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Reno to go with a 3.74 ERA and 68 strikeouts.

All things considered; it may be odd to hear that the fierce competitor has such a soft spot for animals but he described the difference of his personality on and off the field the best way he could.

“The two are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Easiest way to explain it is to compare on-duty Sully and off-duty Sully from Monsters Inc.”

For information about how to adopt or become a foster parent, contact SPCA of Northern Nevada by calling 775-324-7773 or by visiting SPCANevada.org. Or get in touch with the Nevada Humane Society at (Reno: 775-856-2000), (Carson City: 775-887-2171) or by visiting Nevadahumansociety.org.

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Greater Nevada Field to Host Two Food Bank of Northern Nevada Drive by Distribution Events in April

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The Reno Aces, 1868 FC, and Greater Nevada Field are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to provide drive-thru distributions of the Mobile Harvest program on April 7 & 17 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for community members in need of both shelf-stable and perishable food items.

Community members will have the ability to participate in a grab-n-go food distribution line located in the parking lots adjacent to the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field. Volunteers will be in place to help the flow of traffic.

Because the safety of the clients, volunteers, and staff of the Food Bank are of utmost importance, it is asked that anyone attending a distribution take the following precautions:

  • Please keep safe social distances from others
  • Whenever possible, please limit the number of household members who attend distributions
  • We recommend 1 person per household
  • If you are ill, please do not attend a distribution
  • Clients may have a friend or neighbor pick up from a distribution on their behalf by simply writing a short note to be presented when food is picked up
  • Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with soap
  • Remember to sneeze or cough away from others and into your elbow when possible
  • Volunteers and employees are wearing gloves and sanitizing surfaces for the protection of all served through Food Bank program

If households are in need of help during this difficult time, they are encouraged to reach out to the Food Bank at 775-331-3663 or by visiting the Get Help section of FBNN.org to find the distributions closest to them.

“We are so grateful to the Reno Aces and 1868 FC for allowing us to use their lot for distribution of our Mobile Harvest program,” Jocelyn Lantrip, Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said. “Because of their partnership, we are able to operate drive-through distributions that are much safer for everyone involved. It is so important for the community to work together during this challenging time and we are very grateful.”

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Northern Nevada Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest distribution program by hosting at the Greater Nevada Field parking lots,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We are here for the community and are happy to have found a way to contribute.”

“The Northern Nevada Food Bank is a vital part to this community every single day, and we are here to lend a helping hand during these uncertain times,” 1868 FC General Manager of Business Operations Doug Raftery said. “We appreciate what they do for our area, especially in this time of need.”

For more information on the Reno Aces or Reno 1868 FC, visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com and reno1868fc.com. For more information on the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, visit fbnn.org.

 

2020 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship Deadline Approaching

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Cedar Rapids, IA – The application deadline for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 10th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the recent closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium and area high schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
C/O Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the Kernels website at www.kernels.com under the ‘COMMUNITY’ tab.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at [email protected].

 

Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

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Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

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Renegades focus on community-based sales, to assist the Hudson Valley during COVID-19 pandemic.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – The Hudson Valley Renegades, Short Season Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and it’s rippling effects on the local community an initiative to give back to local non-profits.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it’s safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

“As a small business ourselves, our organization and employees feel the hardships being felt by many in the Hudson Valley area and throughout our country,” said Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner. “The Renegades have always worked hard to put our fans and community first and this is more important now than ever! Through our #GadesGivingBack initiative, we hope to rally our fans and community and give back to local organizations that directly assist those in need. This season is dedicated to YOU, and we hope that you will help us support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

The breakdown of purchasing gift cards is as follows:

Purchase (You Pay): $20 Gift Card Value: $30 Donated to Charity: $5

Purchase (You Pay): $50 Gift Card Value: $60 Donated to Charity: $10

Purchase (You Pay): $100 Gift Card Value: $120 Donated to Charity: $20

Purchase a gift card HERE!

The purpose of Dutchess Responds is to provide critical needs such as food, medications and household essentials to individuals experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 virus emergency. Community leaders, in conjunction with Dutchess County government have established the Dutchess Responds fund at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

The next #GadesGivingBack initiative will be when single game tickets go on-sale, which will go live on Saturday, April 11 for online purchases only at hvrenegades.com. The first week, Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18, $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to a charity.

In 2019 the Renegades donated over $170,000 in in-kind donations to hundreds of organizations throughout the community. One of the most successful ways of generating money for organizations was through the Renegades Fundraiser Program. The program allows a group the ability to choose the Sunday through Thursday game they want to attend, the Renegades will set-up an online portal for individuals to purchase. Each package is $13, and includes a General Admission ticket, Gades Group Hat and a $5 donation back to your organization. If this is something your group is interested in participating in please email Tyson at [email protected] with the Subject: Host A Fundraiser.

The Renegades will choose a new non-profit for each community outreach initiative that is rolled out, making sure to reach not just those in Dutchess County but all of our fans in the Greater Hudson Valley Region.

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Support Local Clearwater Partners

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

 

While we await a return of baseball, we look for ways to support each other. Local restaurants and caterers are currently serving much-needed meals. Many of these locations and providers are partners with your Clearwater Threshers.

Below is a list of local restaurants with links to their websites. With support from our fans, we can help these businesses continue to provide for the community.

The Threshers and our partners thank you for your support!

This page will be updated if we receive new information from the restaurant. For more hours and details, please call ahead or check the partner’s website.

Abe’s Place Tap and Grill
Amici’s Catered Cuisine
Blinker’s Beachside Steakhouse
Boston Market
Capogna’s Dugout
Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill
Cody’s Roadhouse – Belleair Bluffs
Delco’s
Dunedin Smokehouse
Frenchy’s Outpost – Dunedin
Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe
Hooters
Iron Oak
Jamminz’ Beach Bar
Kelli’s Catering
Lenny’s
PDQ
Pete & Shorty’s
Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Port A Pitt Bar-B Que
The Salty Crab North Beach
Smokey Bones
Stuffed Mushroom
Tijuana Flats – Largo
Wawa
Westshore Pizza – Clearwater
Willie Jewell’s – Largo

 

MODESTO NUTS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SAVE MART COMPANIES TO OFFER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GAME DAY STAFF

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

MODESTO, CA – Last week Minor League Baseball announced, in a release, that the start of the 2020 season will be delayed. Each season, a crew of amazing individuals come to work at John Thurman Field staffing all areas of our ballpark including but not limited to; Concessions, Parking, Ticketing, Games Area, Ushering, Production, Merchandise & Batboy. The Modesto Nuts would not be able to host the consistent, affordable, family-friendly entertainment without the wonderful game day staff.

With the COVID-19 epidemic currently sweeping our nation the Modesto Nuts reached out to 20-year partner, The Save Mart Companies for help. “Our game day staff looks forward to and depends on the supplemental income during the baseball season. It is our obligation to do everything we can to assist our team members in these tough times.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

The grocery industry is currently in dire need of employment assistance to keep up with the rising demand of consumers. “We care deeply about our employees and this community as a whole. In times like these we need to find ways to help each other. Joining forces with a company like Save Mart that shares all the same values was an easy decision,” Zach Brockman continued.

The Save Mart Companies will offer temporary employment opportunities to current Modesto Nuts game day staff members at local Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores. Click here for more information on employment opportunities with The Save Mart Companies.

We recognize the fear that comes with the current state of our world, and with the help of The Save Mart Companies, we want to bring some peace of mind to the lives of our staff and fill a need for one of our longest tenured partners. Stay healthy and safe, we’re in this together!
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About the Nuts:
The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).

About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies operates 205 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky and Save Mart. The Save Mart Companies is committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products to communities throughout California and Northern Nevada. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Victoria Castro at 209.985.4229

 

2020 Danville Braves 5K Date Announced, Presented by HomeTrust Bank

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

 

DANVILLE, Va. – For the second consecutive year the Danville Braves will host a 5K race at their stadium, presented in back-to-back years by HomeTrust Bank on Saturday, July 25 at 8 a.m.

“At HomeTrust Bank we take community support seriously, and we’re so thankful to be sponsoring The Danville Braves 5K that contributes to the United Way,” said Kimberly Fox, branch manager at HomeTrust Bank’s north Danville location. “The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County’s focus on education, health, financial empowerment, and workforce development are near and dear to us, and we look forward to being involved in this event each year.”

This is the third year the Danville Braves have hosted a 5K race in the last four years (2017, 2019, 2020). The event raised over $1,400 for the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County in 2019, and the event expects even more participants and donation money in 2020. In total, the D-Braves gave nearly $50,000 in gifts in-kind and monetary donations in 2019.

“We are so proud to bring our 5K back to our Danville community in 2020,” said Stephen Brunson, D-Braves assistant general manager and community relations contact. “This event epitomizes what our team stands for – fun, family-friendly activity and giving back to the community that has supported us these past 27 years.”

Each race pack includes a ticket to the game at 6:30 p.m. on July 25 vs. the Pulaski Yankees, a race performance shirt and official timing, provided by the Brick. Registration for the race is $30 for all participants that register online or over the phone by July 10th and will raise to $35 for participants that sign up after the early bird deadline. All participants will be required to sign a waiver at the ballpark the day of the event. The race route is yet to be definitively determined but will include aspects of the warning track in the stadium and the Riverwalk trail along the Dan River.

Registration is open for purchase at dbraves.com/5K or by calling our office at 434-797-3792.

Opening Night for the D-Braves is set for June 22, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. For all up-to-date information on the upcoming 2020 season visit dbraves.com or follow the team @DanvilleBraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Cougars to Hold Open Auditions for On-Field Emcee on March 18

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

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars are seeking an energetic and outgoing personality to serve as part of the fan experience at Northwestern Medicine Field this season. An essential part of the game day staff, the on-field emcee works hand in hand with the Cougar Crew promotional team to enhance the atmosphere during games.

Open auditions for the on-field emcee will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 1-5 PM at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane). Those interested are encouraged to call the front office at 630-232-8811 to schedule their audition time.

All emcee candidates must submit a resume as a part of their audition process. Materials may be emailed to Caela at [email protected] or provided at the audition. Candidates must be at least 18 years or older and must be able to attend all 70 Cougars home games.

Those auditioning will be judged on their voice strength, on-field presence and energy level. Candidates must be able to gain access to all areas of the ballpark quickly and safely while standing for long periods of time with the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.Various requests during the audition will include acting out on-field promotions, including an explanation of the promotion to fans, introducing contestants and commentary when necessary.

Opening Night for the Cougars is Thursday, April 9 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 6:30 PM. The first 1,500 fans will receive an Opening Night cap, courtesy of Northwestern Medicine. Thirsty Thursday specials, presented by Miller Lite, will also be available with $1 beers, sodas, and $2 hot dogs.

Single-game tickets, ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are on sale now at www.kccougars.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 630-232-8811 or visiting the box office at Northwestern Medicine Field.

For updates on the Cougars 2019 season, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars
The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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