Archives for November 2012

RiverDogs volunteer with Crisis Ministries

November 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In November, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Crisis Ministries. Members of the staff prepared and served nutritious meals to guests of the shelter.

“I really enjoyed our time at Crisis Ministries,” says RiverDogs Special Events Manager Kristen Wolfe. “It was a very humbling experience.”

Founded in 1984, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency with the mission to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

Along with serving a daily meal to community members in need, Crisis Ministries’ services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services, and Veteran services. Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding Crisis Ministries has served over 1,800,000 meals, sheltered over 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

November 16, 2012

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving Central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Miracle hat on sale to support Sandy Relief

November 16, 2012

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 12, 2012) – The Fort Myers Miracle are holding a hurricane relief sale to help raise funds for those in need after Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the northeastern United States in late October.

The Miracle will offer the official 2012 on-field fitted cap with the 20th anniversary logo for $20 with $5 of each sale donated to Hurricane Sandy relief. The hat is all navy blue and features the “M” logo on the front.

“Playing any role we can to help and assist all affected by Superstorm Sandy is very important to us,” said Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour.

Click here to order!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Our visit to Feed My Starving Children

November 15, 2012

The Kane County Cougars front office staff has been fortunate to send their staff to do a 2-hour shift at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, which is about 20 minutes from their ballpark in Geneva. FMSC is a non-profit Christian organization that relies on volunteers to hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. Those meals go to nearly 70 countries around the world.

The photo below shows how many meals Cougars staff packed during their shift. FMSC has several locations. It’s an incredibly fun atmosphere. Everyone has a role in the packing process – some are pouring the ingredients into the bag, others are weighing the items, others are boxing up the meals and placing the boxes in their warehouse. Upbeat music is playing the entire time and it really builds up a sense of camaraderie among our staff who are offering their time. We’d encourage any other minor league team to see if they are close to a FMSC, and have their staff and players volunteer to help.

Oftentimes during the busy portion of the season, it’s tough for our staff to simply be around each other, outside of the ballpark. These monthly initiatives we’ve set up really build team morale among our staff. More importantly, the giving of our time for these causes and seeing the impact we can make in the community (and in the case of FMSC, the world), it’s incredibly rewarding.

Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc. makes $5,000 donation to Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

November 15, 2012

The Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, today presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund of Central New York.

The donation is the result of a year-long partnership between the two organizations that was highlighted by Breast Cancer Awareness Night on July 20 at Alliance Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Chiefs hosted a “Pink Cocktail Party” fundraiser in the Hank Sauer Room during that evening’s game against the Norfolk Tides. Among the highlights of the cocktail party was a visit from actor Billy Baldwin, who joined his mother Carol M. Baldwin, in thanking Chiefs fans in attendance for their support.

In addition, volunteers from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund also sold breast cancer awareness merchandise, including bracelets, t-shirts, flip-flops, lanyards, and rings, on the main concourse during every Chiefs home game this season.

“We applaud the outstanding efforts of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “It is an honor to work with one of the premiere non-profit organizations in this area to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.”

“I would like to thank the Syracuse Chiefs and the Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation for their commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer,” said Elizabeth Baldwin, Executive Director of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. “This has been a very successful partnership for the last several years and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”

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

More than 35,000 Kids Taking Fisher Cats Reading Challenge

November 13, 2012

Students at Henry McLaughlin Middle School join Slider for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by CCSNH.

It’s only November, and already nearly 35,000 children have been introduced to the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire. Those kids represent almost 100 schools that are using the challenge to highlight the importance of reading in a fun way.

Fungo and Slider, the Fisher Cats’ mascots, are visiting schools and delivering bookmarks with a special challenge. Each student who reads at least five books outside their normal school curriculum will receive a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Night during the 2013 season, courtesy of CCSNH. On the night of their game, they’ll be honored during a pre-game parade highlighting their achievements.

These students are also representing their schools in a team competition. The school with the highest percentage of participation could win up to $3,000 from the Fisher Cats Foundation.

By the end of the school year, the challenge is expected to reach more than 55,000 students in over 150 schools throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. To get your school involved in the challenge, contact Meg Shea at (603) 641-2005 ext. 102 or mshea@nhfishercats.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders Plan Salute to Military

November 11, 2012

Searching for Area Foursomes to Honor Each Game

The team has honored our nation's armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013. — The team has honored our nation’s armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013.

MOOSIC, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ community outreach continues. Today, the team announced a new initiative for the 2013 season that will pay tribute to those that serve in our nation’s armed forces and their loved ones in NEPA.

Each 2013 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game. The team is actively searching for a title sponsor of the program that will all the more solidify PNC Field as NEPA’s community ballpark.

“I could not be more thrilled to create a program like this that in some small way helps say thank you to those in uniform and their loved ones,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the club. “Many kids look up to our ballplayers, and we certainly appreciate that, but these are the true heroes living right next door to us.”

Area veterans, active military and families thereof are encouraged to submit their military story to the team’s community relations department. E-mails can be sent to SWB’s community relations manager, Rachel Mark, at rmark@swbyankees.com. Or fans may mail their tales to the address below:

SWB RailRiders
ATTN: Community Relations
50 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 101
Moosic, PA 18507

-All Aboard-

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

SWB’s “Big Reveal” & Red Cross Partner for Sandy Relief

November 10, 2012

A New Jersey for New Jersey Coincides With “Big Reveal”

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees have announced a partnership with the local Red Cross offices to collect money and non-perishable food for New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy. As part of the “New Jersey for New Jersey” collaboration, the two entities will accept donations at Genetti Manor on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The effort coincides with the club’s “Big Reveal” of a new team name, logo, colors, etc. To incentivize participation, the very first official team jersey for the club’s soon-to-be-revealed rebranding will go to one of the generous donors.”It feels good to do good,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the SWB Yankees. “We have donated to those in our backyard of NEPA. It just seems right to also use this tremendous opportunity of a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience to carry goodwill to our neighbors heavily affected by this tragic storm.”

Each dollar or non-perishable canned good donated that night will result in one entry for a raffle that will reward one lucky fan with the hottest piece of sportswear in NEPA.

“In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many lives have been irrevocably changed,” said Carmon Flynn, executive director of the Red Cross of Lackawanna, Bradford-Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming. “Fundraising efforts such as this one help our neighbors in New Jersey weather the effects of Superstorm Sandy and empower the American Red Cross to provide a quick and compassionate response. Whether it is a meal, a warm blanket or a place to sleep, our community’s support of the Red Cross makes this possible. We are grateful to our partners with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees for holding this benefit.”

Remember, the team’s “Big Reveal” party will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Genetti Manor, 1505 Main Street, Dickson City. The free event is open to the public.

At the event, the long-awaited new team name will be announced, along with the unveiling of new logos and player uniforms. The family-friendly party will also feature free food and beverages (alcohol excluded), inflatable games, jugglers, caricature artists, face painters, balloon artists and much more.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

IronPigs Announce Drive to Benefit Lakewood

November 9, 2012

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are asking fans for their support of a fellow Phillies affiliate, the Lakewood BlueClaws, in an effort to assist in the relief efforts for those impacted in the Lakewood community by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“Our entire organization has been deeply saddened by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation throughout the region, including in Lakewood, New Jersey, where the community of a fellow Phillies affiliate has been deeply affected,” said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We ask our fans to assist our efforts in any way possible during our week-long drive to support the Lakewood community.”

SJ Giants Assist With Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort

November 8, 2012

Fans can donate to the Red Cross or New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation

SAN JOSE, CA- Devastating Hurricane Sandy that hit the east coast last week has left thousands of people in need of basic services and supplies. As we process the images of the destruction from this event, we are reminded of the thousands of people that need our help. People who are willing and capable of donating to the relief efforts can do so via the “Hurricane Sandy” donation page.

Two Minor League Baseball organizations, the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees also suffered significant damage during the storm as well. The New York-Penn League is asking for help to support the Brooklyn and Staten Island clubs, their staff and their communities. Members of the community can contribute to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation (a 501©(3) organization), which will help provide funds for items such as food, cleaning supplies and, one of the area’s greatest needs, gasoline. Please send donations to:

New York-Penn League
Attn: Hurricane Sandy Relief
6161 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street North
Suite 205, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Make checks payable to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

The San Jose Giants have made a donation to the relief efforts and are asking those who are in a position to help to do the same. Please join the team in sending hope and strength to these clubs and the entire region.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks 2012 Holiday Card Contest Underway

November 8, 2012

WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks welcome all students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade to participate in the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest. Entries for the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest are now being accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28. The winning entry will be the cover of the Blue Rocks Holiday Card. The winner will receive 10 tickets to Opening Night and a baseball autographed by the whole team!

All entrants will receive two tickets to a 2013 Blue Rocks game. The winner will be announced on November 30. Each entrant will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to a game in 2013. The grand prize winner will receive a team-signed ball, 10 tickets to a game and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Art teachers and parents can send their entries to:
Wilmington Blue Rocks
Attn. Holiday Card Contest
801 Shipyard Drive
Wilmington, DE 19801

When returning entries, please be sure the student’s name, address, phone number, school and grade are written CLEARLY on the back of the entry. Entries should be submitted on an 8.5″ by 11″ sheet of paper and will become property of the Wilmington Blue Rocks and will not be returned. Please note that the Blue Rocks offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. We thank everyone for their participation and Happy Holidays. Good luck!

The Wilmington Blue Rocks open the 2013 season on the Riverfront against the Frederick Keys on Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats are accepting donations throughout this week to be distributed to those affected by Hurricane Sandy

November 7, 2012

Donations can be made during regular business hours at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium through Friday

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats will be collecting donations at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium through Friday, November 9 for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The items will be distributed in Coney Island, Brooklyn on Saturday.Coney Island was one of the harder hit areas affected by Hurricane Sandy, and is home to the ValleyCats downstate New York-Penn League neighbor, the Brooklyn Cyclones. Members of the front office staff will be heading down to assist with the cleanup efforts and to distribute items desperately needed by the residents of that area.

The ValleyCats will accept the following items:

Coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and blankets
Trash bags
Work gloves
Batteries
Flashlights
Tissues
Toilet paper
Napkins & paper towels

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Hernandez Raising Money for Sandy Relief

November 6, 2012

Trio of ex-Spinners join together to support home state

Former Spinner Jayson Hernandez is spearheading an effort among Red Sox minor leaguers to raise funds for Sandy relief in his home state of New Jersey. How can you help? It’s simple. Follow the link and read more about the efforts to make a donation today!

A catcher for the Spinners in 2010 and 2011, Hernandez spent his 2012 season playing with the Portland Sea Dogs. During his time with the Spinners, the outgoing and popular Hernandez was a staple at Spinners’ camps and community appearances, often catching ceremonial pitches on his day off or spending time signing autographs for fans.

“Baseball is full of good guys and Jayson is one of the best,” said Spinners Director of Media Relations Jon Boswell. “It comes as no surprise that he is behind the efforts to support his New Jersey neighbors and peers in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.”

In an effort that originated with Hernandez on Twitter (@Jays0n_Hernan), fellow Red Sox farm hands and Jersey natives Anthony Ranaudo (@anthony_ranaudo) and Pat Light (@Pat_Light) joined on, offering donations for Re-Tweets of the message with #GrandSlamforSandy.

Fans looking for more information can click HERE!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

Cookies with Claus Set for December 8

November 5, 2012

Free event starts at 10am to support Toys for Tots

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds are once again hosting “Cookies with Claus” on December 8 from 10am-12pm in the Executive Club of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. Santa Claus and Sherman Claus will be in attendance to get you ready for the holiday season.

The Shorebirds are encouraging everyone that attends to bring a new toy to the stadium, which will be donated to Toys for Tots. Through the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program the toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children on the Eastern Shore.

Donald Driver Charity Softball Game to return to Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in 2013

November 5, 2012

Special ticket package on sale November 6

Donald Driver pitches during his 2012 Charity Softball Game. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium will host the 2013 Donald Driver Charity Softball Game sponsored by Kwik Trip for the sixth straight season. The offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers face each other in a softball game at the newly renovated home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Sunday, June 16 at 1:05pm.

Driver is the Green Bay Packers all time leading receiver, a Super Bowl champion, Dancing With The Stars Champion, and a multiple time Donald Driver Charity Softball Champion.

“I am excited to host the game again this year. It is a special time for fans and players to enjoy each other while raising money for some wonderful causes,” said Driver. “My wife Betina and I are thankful for the loyal fans who continue to support the Donald Driver Foundation. Hopefully, the defense will put up a bigger challenge to our offense this time.”

A record crowd of 8,745 saw the offense defeat the defense 22-10 in 2012. That game featured a pair of home runs, including a grand slam, by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a package starting November 6 at 10:00am. The ticket package includes three Timber Rattlers games and the Donald Driver game:

Sunday, June 16 – Donald Driver Charity Softball Game
Sunday, June 23 – vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
Sunday, July 28 – vs. Burlington Bees
Sunday, August 4 – vs. Beloit Snappers

Prices for the packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $80
Box Seat: $64
Reserved Seat: $47

The first two rows of the seating bowl are the premium box seat option in this ticket package.

The game raises money for the Donald Driver Foundation. Donald and Betina Driver started the foundation to help homeless families, to support health and wellness initiatives, and to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Wisconsin and nationally.

La Crosse, Wisconsin based Kwik Trip, Inc. was founded in 1965 and has grown to over 390 Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Hearty Platter® and Tobacco Outlet Plus stores throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Kwik Trip, Inc. is a leader in the convenience store industry and prides itself on giving their loyal customers quality products and outstanding, friendly service.

Individual tickets for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game go on sale Wednesday, November 14 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $50 for a premium box seat, $34 for a box seat, $23 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $200. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Donald Driver.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $80 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 14.

Tickets to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways: Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at 2350 North Casaloma Drive, Suite 102; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com. The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.