Archives for April 2013

Gwinnett Braves Award March Grant to Aurora Theatre

Local Theatre is recognized for their commitment to the Fine Arts

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of March to the Aurora Theatre of Lawrenceville, GA. This month’s grant, intended to support organizations that promote art programs and education, will help Aurora Theatre in its purchase of a new portable sound system.

aurora-theater-logoIn 2011, the Aurora Theatre’s Academy and Conservatory launched an educational outreach program. With county schools cutting down music and art programs, the Aurora Theatre travels to local Gwinnett County Public Schools and educates through workshops and small traveling shows.   This season, the program will debut “Unnecessary Monsters,” an interactive play that will discuss the issue of bullying. With the help of the G-Braves, the play will reach a greater audience and avoid technical difficulties.

The program has grown exponentially since last fall.  Through their hard work and dedication, the Aurora Theatre program has provided the youth of Gwinnett County with more exposure to the arts.

“Our education program has many facets,” said the Director of Education Jaclyn Hofmann. “We have our Aurora Academy training program, learning library shows, in school workshops and other features. With this grant we can purchase a portable sound system, so that we can travel to any school or organization.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Mets Hosting Field of Dreams Program

The St. Lucie Mets have announced they will be hosting the Field of Dreams program for all youth sports teams during the 2013 season at Tradition Field.

All little league baseball or youth sports teams can celebrate the end of their season with a party at Tradition Field.

The Field of Dreams program allows a team an opportunity to take the field with the St. Lucie Mets players prior to the national anthem.

The rookie package is $8 and provides each player a ticket to the St. Lucie Mets game, a Hot Dog and soda voucher, and on-field opportunity with the Mets.

Teams can also sign up for the All-Star package at a cost of $15. The package includes a ticket for each player to the St. Lucie Mets game, a pizza party, two reserved terrace tables, and an on-field opportunity with the Mets.

Teams are encouraged to reserve their party with limited spots available per game.

To reserve a spot with the Mets for the Field of Dreams program, contact Cassie Younce at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Fisher Cats Team with Youk’s Kids, E&R Cleaners for Manchester Public Schools D

Organizations provided thousands of tickets for Manchester school children

MANCHESTER, NH – In a time when school budgets are being slashed and squeezed, often at the cost of educational field trips, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats partnered with two local foundations to provide thousands of Manchester school children with a school day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.  Youk’s Kids, the foundation of former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, and E&R Cleaners purchased tickets so that nearly five thousand students could enjoy a field trip to the ballpark-turned-classroom for Manchester Public Schools Day on Wednesday morning.

“Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners have been tremendously generous in providing their support for this initiative this year,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner.  “Without them, it’s likely that these children would’ve missed out on a unique educational experience in what is undoubtedly one of largest and most fun ‘classrooms’ they will enjoy this year.”

In addition to enjoying the action on the field, the school children were introduced to a variety of learning elements throughout the ballpark.  The Fisher Cats invited several local attractions to provide learning stations that covered a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, wildlife, fire safety, financial education, and math and science.

“As a foundation, Youk’s Kids is constantly striving to provide opportunities that enhance the health and well-being of children in New England,” said Youk’s Kids Board Co-Vice President Tina Cantu.  “Teaming with the Fisher Cats for this special day game provides these students with an activity that is not only fun, but can lead to a greater interest in learning.”

“Being a family-run business that started here in Manchester, we know the value and importance in creating educational opportunities for the children in our city,” said E&R Cleaners President Rick Botnick.  “We hope that these students had a lot of fun and were able to experience something new at the ballpark for the very first time.”

In addition to the support provided by Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners, the following attractions and businesses provided booths and displays during Manchester Public Schools Day:

  • McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
  • Carriage Shack Farm petting zoo
  • CU4 Reality Financial Education Program
  • Seacoast Science Center
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
  • Smokey the Bear
  • Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
  • The NHHEAF Network Organizations
  • New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute
  • Coca-Cola Recycling
  • The W.I.L.D Center & Zoological Park of New England
  • Manchester Fire Department
  • Manchester Police Department

The Fisher Cats open their next homestand on Thursday, April 18 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets).  The first game of the homestand features a fleece blanket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Heritage Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric.  For tickets, visit www.nhfishercatas.com, stop by the Box Office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, or call 603-641-2005.

The mission of Youk’s Kids is to create a community of support, increase awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of children.  Growing up surrounded by the precious gifts of family, friends, community and religion, Kevin Youkilis has long been passionate about giving back to the community. Over the years, he has sought opportunities to make a difference and has participated in a variety of philanthropic efforts. In 2007, he took his commitment to the next level and founded Youk’s Kids. Since its inception, Youk’s Kids has raised over $3 million to support more than 1,000 children.

E & R Laundry and Dry Cleaners was established in 1921 as a family owned and operated business and remains so today.  A commitment to our customer is what originally defined E & R as being “not your typical laundry and dry cleaner” and it has continued to distinguish us from the competition for over 75 years.  During that time, our family has established a foundation which continues to support the local communities we call home.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Sea Dogs Honor Over 1,200 Students for Reading

Frank Harrision Middle School, Dirigo Middle School, and Tremont Consolidated School Earn Financial Donations from the Sea Dogs Organization

Students that completed Slugger's Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.
Students that completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will honor over 1,200 students throughout Maine who have successfully completed Slugger’s 2013 Reading Challenge.

In the fall, Slugger the Sea Dog issued a reading challenge to Maine students to read five books above and beyond any required school reading.  Any student who successfully completed the challenge would receive a ticket to a Sea Dogs game where they would be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

Over 50 schools throughout Maine participated with 1,213 students completing the challenge.  Students will be honored at the following Sea Dogs games; Sunday, April 7th vs. Trenton, Tuesday, April 9th vs. Reading, and Wednesday, April 24th vs. Binghamton.

The Sea Dogs have also made a financial contribution to the three schools with the highest rate of students who successfully completed the challenge.  Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth had the highest completion rate at 96.8% and received a $1000.00 donation from the Sea Dogs.  Dirigo Middle School ranked second with a 95% completion rate and will receive a $500.00 donation.  Rounding out the top three was the Tremont Consolidated School with a 76.8% completion rate and will receive a $250.00 donation from the Portland Sea Dogs.

Slugger’s Reading Challenge was presented by Maine’s Public Universities System.

“The Portland Sea Dogs are committed to promoting education and reading within our community,” stated Sea Dogs General Manager Geoff Iacuessa.  “We are proud that so many students successfully completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge, we look forward to honoring them at a game.”

Book your nine inning vacation.  Tickets for all 2013 Portland Sea Dogs’ home games are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore launch Salute to Military Program

SpringfieldCardinals_2013-04-09

 

Springfield, MO – The Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, are proud to partner with Ashley Furniture HomeStore to launch the Salute to Military Program, recognizing military personnel for their service throughout the 2013 season.

The Salute to Military Program will shine the spotlight on military personnel who have demonstrated outstanding military and community service and support for other veterans.  Active and retired personnel must be nominated for the Salute to Military Program.  One active or retired military member per game will then be selected to receive four tickets in the front row next to the home dugout and take part in an in-game recognition of their service, courtesy of Ashley Furniture HomeStore.

To nominate an active or retired member of the military for the Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore Salute to Military Program, please fill out a nomination form and submit it to the Cardinals by mail (955 E. Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65802), fax (417-863-0388), or at home games.  Nomination forms may also be picked up at Ashley Furniture HomeStore or emailed to Coordinator of Fan Interaction Faith Lorhan at florhan@cardinals.com.

Click here to download a Salute to Military Nomination Form.

The Hammons Field Home Opener is just two days away on Thursday, April 11, and will feature the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), the AM Pyrotechnics Fireworks Kick-Off Show and will be a Johnsonville “Buck a Brat” Night with bratwursts for just a buck!  First Pitch is 7:09 p.m. against Corpus Christi with gates opening at 6:09 p.m.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for more information on Cardinals Ticket Options.

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

Pirates Charities Presents Gift to Boys and Girls Clubs

$62,000 raised during Spring Training presented at Marauders opener

Bradenton-MaraudersPirates Charities, the official Philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, partnered with Bright House Networks to present a $62,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations, Trevor Gooby and Bright House Networks Florida Marketing Manager of Sponsorships, Events and Promotions, Amy Sumerlin presented the donation at the Bradenton Marauders home opener Friday night.

Money for the donation was raised during several Pirates Spring Training fundraising efforts. More than $15,000 was raised from ticket sales during Bright House Networks Night at McKechnie Field on March 8th. That game was attended by 6,353 fans, the most ever for a night game at McKechnie Field.

Boys-&-Girls-Club-&-Bright-HouseThe Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County have been supporting youths ages 5 through 17 that need it most for more than 67 years. The Boys and Girls Clubs have seven locations helping more than 6,000 children develop good character and citizenship and make progress towards graduating high school.

Pirates Charities was founded in 2006. It has contributed more than $3.1 million to the greater Pittsburgh, Bradenton and Manatee County, and Estorga, Dominican Republic communities.

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

First Race to Home 5K raises over $5K for Bandit Scholars

More than 300 participants get unique experience of finishing at home plate of Modern Woodmen Park

(Sean Flynn Photography)
(Sean Flynn Photography)

More than 300 runners and walkers competed in the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning, helping raise more than $5,000 towards the Bandit Scholars Program.

All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

“All of the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators made the first Bandits Race to Home 5K a memorable and unique community event and a great way to kick off another fun-filled season at Modern Woodmen Park,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “We want to thank the people of the Quad Cities for their outstanding participation and support of the Bandit Scholars Program, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the ballpark for Thursday’s home opener.”

The fastest male and female finishers in each of the 10 age groups – 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60 & older – were awarded trophies courtesy of Crown Trophy, while the second and third place finishers received medals.  Additionally, the top three male and female runners were awarded with trophies.

Below is a full list of the winners in their respective age group.

Male 1st Place  Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time

Overall

 Jerry Lack (East Moline, IL) 18:01 Chris Rubel (Bettendorf, IA) 18:26 Heath Nichols 19:22

19 & U

 Tyler Brewster (Bettendorf, IA) 20:18 Spencer Feldman (Atalissa, IA) 22:53 Seth West (Orion, IL) 23:05

20-24

 Michael Henrekin (Tampico, IL) 23:12 Gradeigh De La Rosa 25:01 Kevin Weis (Davenport, IA) 25:41

25-29

 Josh Hendrix (Davenport, IA) 20:54 Jacob Clark (Davenport, IA) 20:58 Tyler Drury (Davenport, IA) 22:21

30-34

 Josh Berka (Iowa City, IA) 21:47 Dan Bailey (Davenport, IA) 25:32 Mitch Driscoll (Taylor Ridge, IL) 26:18

35-39

 Billy Butler (Moline, IL) 20:47 Joel Abrams (Ely, IA) 23:23 David Krogman (Muscatine, IA) 24:26

40-44

 Brad Palmer (Davenport, IA) 23:29 Johnny Hawkins (Rock Island, IL) 24:06 Logan Lee (Coal Valley, IL) 24:10

45-49

 Marvin McMeekan (Milan, IL) 20:04 Rob Woodall (Bettendorf, IA) 24:27 Scott Carlson (Davenport, IA) 24:28

50-54

 Scott Caldwell (Moline, IL) 20:09 Kevin Kurrle (Macomb, IL) 20:57 Daryl Jeffers (Rock Island, IL) 24:48

55-59

 William Heller (Davenport, IA) 24:54 Steve Vipond (Aledo, IL) 26:13 Tom Schuetz (Bettendorf, IA) 27:00

60+

 Mark Cook (Hampton, IL) 22:03 Gary Nelson (Leclaire, IA) 25:05 Gary McCormick (Coal Valley, IL) 27:12

 

Female 1st Place  Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time

Overall

 Cathy Lack (East Moline, IL) 22:00 Cassidy Foltz (Prophetstown, IL) 22:18 Amanda Brown (Davenport, IA) 23:06

19 & U

 Franki Crites (Davenport, IA) 23:18 Kaitlyn Powell (Blue Grass, IA) 25:25 Aaliyah Lopez (Davenport, IA) 31:55

20-24

 Sabrina Dejong (Hampton, MO) 23:39 Hilary Wellman (Davenport, IA) 23:39 Brittany Lichty (Davenport, IA) 25:55

25-29

 Christie Webber (Bettendorf, IA) 24:11 Lori Blocker (Davenport, IA) 25:48 Brittany Howe (Taylor Ridge, IL) 26:17

30-34

 Jill Rubel 23:16 Adriana Aldape (Davenport, IA) 23:33 Nicole Bussard (Coal Valley, IL) 25:53

35-39

 Nicole Callahan (Moline, IL) 24:11 Heidi Woodford (Dewitt, IA) 26:05 Tonya Wisor (Davenport, IA) 26:15

40-44

 Beth Markovich (Bettendorf, IA) 25:17 Julie Jennings (McCausland, IA) 26:06 Michelle Koops (Davenport, IA) 28:58

45-49

 Kari Koster (Geneseo, IL) 23:50 Penny Jagers (Bettendorf, IA) 25:04 Georgene Zust (Bettendorf, IA) 28:05

50-54

 Bridget Stengel (Moline, IL) 27:20 Ann Morland (Galesburg, IL) 27:43 Ann Faulhaber (Davenport, IA) 31:09

55-59

 Kathy Mackie (Dewitt, IA) 28:21 Jolene Vipond (Aledo, IL) 29:55 Linda Lanman (Davenport, IA) 38:56

60+

 Marianne Schroeder (Bettendorf, IA) 28:35 Margie Schaefer (Moline, IL) 34:44 Floria Moore (East Moline, IL) 39:12

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on River Drive and Western Avenue in downtown Davenport, Iowa, crossed the Centennial Bridge to Rock Island, Ill., headed over to the Rock Island Arsenal, then back across the Arsenal Bridge before finishing at home plate in Modern Woodmen Park.

The Fun Run featured young contestants racing the River Bandits’ mascot Rascal from outside the left field wall of the stadium and finishing just inside the gate of Modern Woodmen Park.  Each contestant was awarded a Fun Run ribbon to commemorate his or her victory over Rascal.

Additional sponsors for the Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run were Western Illinois University (Quad Cities campus), ECS, McDonald’s and Hy-Vee.

UP NEXT: The 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park is Thursday, April 11.Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It’s not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Nine Innings for Nature on April 21st

Includes Recycled Art Contest, plus Kids Eat Free

LakewoodBlueClaws_2013-04-05

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ – “Go Green” with the BlueClaws and New Jersey Natural Gas and celebrate Nine Innings for Nature on Sunday, April 21st at the team’s 1:05 pm game.

The sixth annual event, a celebration of environmental education thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas, will include several vendors displaying information about going green and energy efficiency.

Plus, 1,000 fans will receive a tree sapling on their way out of the ballpark.

Leading up to this year’s Nine Innings for Nature, fans can participate in a new Recycled Art Contest, with the winner receiving one night in a BlueClaws SkyBox for 20 people.

About the Contest

  • Entries must use recycled content – either recycled materials or items which can be recycled.  Materials may include metals, paper, clothing, rubber, glass and plastic. Permitted use of non-recyclable fasteners, such as glue or tape.
  • There are no limitations on size or format. However, we do ask that it be safe – no rough edges and it must be sturdy.

Eligible Participants

  • Kids grades K-8

Deadline:

  • All entries must be received by April 17th (delivered to FirstEnergy Park). Judging and prizes will be completed during the game.

Each Entry Must Include:

  • Contestant’s First and Last Name
  • Home Address
  • Home Phone Number
  • E-Mail Address
  • Materials Used to Construct Artwork

Among those that will have tables at the event: New Jersey Natural Gas, The Save Green Project, Jenkinsons, EZNERGY, Sea Bright Solar, Barnegat Bay Blitz DEP, Sustainable Jersey, and United States Green Building Council.

Free Tickets: Fans can earn a free ticket to the game in a number of ways. Anyone that rides their bike to the ballpark will get a free ticket, as will everyone whose last name is Green or Greene (must show ID at the sales window).

In addition, because the game is on a Sunday, regular BlueClaws Sunday promotions will be in place too. Kids Eat Free thanks to ShopRite and Kids Run the Bases after the game thanks to TD Bank.

Dr Bernard’s Kids Zone will be open, for free, courtesy of New Jersey Natural Gas from noon (when the gates open) to 1 pm.

To order tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

– BlueClaws –

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

E-Z-GO, GreenJackets Recognize Local Military Members

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Even in their 25th year of baseball, the Augusta GreenJackets are continuing some of their greatest traditions. The GreenJackets are teaming up with E-Z-GO once again to bring back their Salute Our Soldiers program for the 2013 season.

“E-Z-GO is excited to partner again with the Augusta GreenJackets to honor our local military families for the sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom,” E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran said.  “We hope that this program, in some small way, helps ease the burden that our service members, veterans and their families bear in our nation’s time of need.”

Salute Our Soldiers is a program designed to recognize local military members and their families, while thanking them for all the sacrifices they make for our nation. At all 70 home games, E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will select a local military family to honor. That family will receive free box seats, food vouchers and a gift certificate to use in the gift shop.

In the middle of the fifth inning, the selected military member and family will be recognized by the crowd for their dedication to protecting and serving our nation.

“In 2012, E-Z-GO really helped Salute Our Soldiers be a great way to show our appreciation for local military members and their families,” Augusta GreenJackets general manager Bob Flannery said. “We’re all excited to provide local military members with a fun night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.”

E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will work with local military officials and service organizations to identify participating families. For more information on Salute Our Soliders or to nominate a military member or family, contact Katie Agostin at (706) 736-7889 or email her at kagostin@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Fresno-GrizzliesWild About Reading wrapped up its 10th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Fresno-Grizzlies-Community-Fund-logoWild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

EECU-logoThis year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

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

Brenner, Habitat honored at Coaches Luncheon

2013 Dash roster introduced to the community, too

Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash's Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)
Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash’s Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)

The Winston-Salem Dash honored Rich Brenner as this year’s Service Through Sports Award winner and announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is the Dash’s official charity for the 2013 season at the annual Coaches Luncheon Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark.

Brenner, an award-winning sportscaster for FOX8, began his broadcasting career in 1967 as a correspondent in Vietnam. Originally from Merchantville, N.J., Brenner’s full-time television career started in 1975. He arrived at FOX8 in 1987, and his time in Winston-Salem yielded six awards, including three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. He retired in 2008 following a 21-year career at FOX8.

During his retirement, Brenner, who served as a United States Marine, continued to be a major presence in the community, making public appearances to honor community members, including those who served in the military. Before he passed away last year at the age of 65, Brenner was working on a veterans’ memorial at Triad Park in Kernersville. Brenner’s family accepted the Service Through Sports Award on his behalf.

“I’m so honored and so humbled for this award, and I know Rich is, too,” Brenner’s widow Judy said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “I can’t tell you how special this is to our family.”

Brenner is the fourth winner of the Service Through Sports Award. The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized last year.

The Dash also announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will be the team’s official charity partner for the 2013 season. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County brings together community partners and volunteers to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners. Through the organization’s global efforts, Habitat for Humanity has built homes in 90 countries and all 50 states. They have also built homes for more than 350 Partner Families in the Winston-Salem community.

As the Dash’s official charity for the season, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will partner with the Dash for their Commemorative Brick Program. Entering its fourth year, the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program allows members of the community to purchase a brick that will be installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates. The Dash and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will collectively use the program’s proceeds to further their community outreach efforts.

“We really thank the Dash for choosing us as their 2013 charity partner,” said Sylvia Oberle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. Thank you for thinking of us.”

The Coaches Luncheon also served as the community’s first chance to meet the Opening Day roster for the Dash. New manager Ryan Newman spoke to those in attendance, while every member of the 2013 Dash was introduced. Many local media members were on hand for the event, which also served as the Dash’s annual Media Day. Newman and select players were available for interviews before the squad’s first official workout of 2013 at BB&T Ballpark.

The Dash begin their 2013 season Friday night in Zebulon, N.C., against the Carolina Mudcats, while the home slate begins Friday, April 12, when the Mudcats invade BB&T Ballpark for a 7 p.m. game.

The Dash have unveiled their new Stars & Stripes Mini-Plan, which includes seven great Dash games, including the Fourth of July, for just $77. Single-game tickets are also on sale now, so call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com to secure your seats.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Honor Military on Opening Day with “Operation: Military Kids”

Children of Military Parents to Line Infield During Opening Ceremonies

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Opening Day in baseball is a time to celebrate America’s pastime and with that, the chance to honor the soldiers and their families that protect our freedom. The Round Rock Express is proud to salute our military and their families on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4 with “Operation: Military Kids.”

Over 100 children with one or both parents in the military and often times impacted by military deployments will line up around the infield during the special opening ceremonies. They’ll each hold an American flag in honor of their parents.

“We’re excited for these kids to have the opportunity to get recognized on a stage as great as the Express’ Opening Day,” said Brigid Mejia, program director of Texas “Operation: Military Kids.” “The children of our military members are sometimes overlooked for the sacrifices they make having a parent in the military.”

Texas “Operation: Military Kids” partnership is a shared initiative of the US Army Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services and funded by the Army National Guard and Army Reserve in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of “Operation: Military Kids” is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being.

“Operation: Military Kids” is proud to support military youth.  April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor youth impacted by deployment, making the timing of Opening Day that much more special.

Round Rock kicks off the regular season on Thursday, April 4 with a four-game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers followed by a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs. To reserve your Opening Day tickets and ticket plans, including full season, 20-game and flex plans, call the Express ticket office at (512) 255-2255 or visit www.RoundRockExpress.com. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.