Archives for August 2013

“Score 4 for Hunger” Raises $14,000

Sea Dogs, Dead River Company Partnership Generates $14,000 Donation

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Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs partnership with Dead River Company, “Score 4 for Hunger” resulted in a $14,000 donation to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

The “Score 4 for Hunger” campaign featured a $400 donation from Dead River Company to Good Shepherd Food Bank every time the Sea Dogs scored four or more runs in a home game this season, up to a $14,000 total. Through August 30th, the Sea Dogs had scored four or more runs at home 44 times, generating $14,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

During the third inning of the August 31st Sea Dogs game Bob Moore, the CEO of Dead River Company, presented  the check to Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. They were accompanied by Bill Phillips, Market Manager for Dead River Company in Scarborough and Dana Guay, Dead River Company Market Manager in Biddeford.

September kicks-off Hunger Action Month. The Sea Dogs and Dead River Company held a food drive at the game and collected hundreds of non-pershiable food items to donate to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Additionally, Dead River Company presented the first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark on August 31st with a Sea Dogs ballcap.

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

Hurl the Pearl a Big Hit for Boys & Girls Club

RailRiders & Kost Tire to Present Check on Wednesday after Season-Long Fundraiser

Moosic, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) have found a number of ways to further their community impact. A creative fan-favorite this season has been the “Hurl the Pearl” contest, presented by Kost Tire. For the contest, fans purchase “pearls”, soft baseballs, to hurl at the team’s pinstriped truck for prizes as it circles the warning track. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. This unique fundraiser has raised $11,877 so far, with Wednesday’s game still left to add to that total.

“Kost Tire and Auto Service has been a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club for over 10 years now because they do such a great job of keeping the kids in our community safe,” said Erwin Kost, Jr., Kost Tire vice president and club secretary.

The RailRiders and Kost Tire will present a check to the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA at the end of the sixth inning during Wednesday night’s game at PNC Field. This will come on the heels of the final “Hurl the Pearl” half-inning of the season, as fans will help add to the $11,877 total being donated.

“We’ve stepped up our community involvement in a number of ways, but ‘Hurl the Pearl’ is one of my favorites,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “This unique event is not only fun for fans to purchase a pearl and try to toss it into a moving truck, but it also provides an avenue to make an impact with a very important organization in NEPA, the Boys & Girls Club.”

Nightly “Hurl the Pearl” winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Kost Tire and Auto. The grand prize winner receives four tickets to a Yankees game; a $50 gas card; the chance to throw out a first pitch at PNC Field on Opening Night 2014; and a suite at PNC during the 2014 season. There will be a grand prize drawing on Thursday and participants must be in attendance to win.

The RailRiders will return home for their final two home games of the season on Wednesday night, and will host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies) as the two teams continue the inaugural IronRail series. SWB trails in the rivalry series, 7-5. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday is both Public Service Appreciation Night and a Kid’s Eat Free Wednesday thanks to Minooka Subaru. Every child 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, bag of chips, and soda. Gates will open at PNC Field at 6 p.m. and the game will air live locally on My Network TV with the Voice of the RailRiders, John Sadak, on the call alongside FOX56 sports director Bob Ide. The RailRiders will play the final regular-season game of their inaugural season on Thursday. It will be Fan Appreciation Night at the ballpark, and a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser. Thursday’s game is also a 7:05 p.m. first pitch and will include post-game fireworks.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

First Military Appreciation Day at Werner Park Ends Regular Season

Ticket and Team Store Discounts offered with Military ID, Pre-Game Swearing In Ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – The final weekend of the 2013 season will be an exciting one for the Omaha Storm Chasers as the race for the American Conference North Division may come down to the final game of the season. That 12:05 p.m. game on Monday September 2 is not only important for a third straight division title but will also serve as the first ever Military Appreciation Day at Werner Park, presented by U.S. Bank.

More than 900 tickets have already been donated to local Military personnel by U.S. Bank and also through the season-long “Hat For Heroes” promotion at the Storm Front Team Store. In addition to donated tickets, the Storm Chasers will honor all the individuals that keep our country safe by offering any Military personnel a free McDonald’s Berm ticket by showing a valid Military ID.

Pre-Game on the field will feature the United States Air Force Delayed Entry Program swearing in ceremony, led by Lieutenant Colonel Steven E. Phillips. The ceremony will feature 20-40 Military members being sworn in, while Lieutenant Colonel Phillips will also throw out a first pitch for the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates of Werner Park will receive a special Camouflaged Apron courtesy of U.S. Bank, with gates opening at 10:45 a.m. In honor of Military Appreciation Day, the Storm Front Team Store will offer a 20% discount to any Military member that shows their valid Military ID on full-priced merchandise, and the 87 Storm Chasers who purchased “Hats For Heroes” will receive in-game recognition.

Ovations will feature a discounted food and drink menu for all fans in attendance. Patriotic music will be played throughout Werner Park and local Military branches will be honored on the video board to say thank you to those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Storm Chasers currently lead the Memphis Redbirds by one game in the American Conference North Division with six games left in the season. The final weekend will feature four games against the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, after the team returns home from the series with the Iowa Cubs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Donations Good for Naturals Game Ticket

Proceeds Benefit NWA Food Bank

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have joined Arvest Bank’s effort to fight hunger in our area. Donate $5 or 10 nonperishable food items at a Naturals game Aug. 26-29, and you can be part of the team, too.

The Naturals ticket offer is a warm-up for Arvest Bank’s 1 Million Meals initiative, which officially begins Sept. 4, and aims to raise a million or more meals to fight hunger. All donations made at Arvest Ballpark will benefit the NWA Food Bank.

Considering $1 = 5 meals, you can make a big difference by donating $5 or 10 nonperishable food items. In return, you’ll receive a reserved ticket for that evening’s game. Come watch the Naturals play the Arkansas Travelers on Aug. 26, or the Tulsa Drillers Aug. 27-29.

Some of the most-needed food items, which can be dropped off at the Naturals team van near the ticket office, include:

• canned meat
• canned vegetables
• fruit cups
• macaroni & cheese
• boxed dinners
• cereal

In its third year, 1 Million Meals runs Sept. 4-Nov. 2 and challenges Arvest associates, customers and communities to help fight hunger in the more than 120 communities the bank serves. Last year, the initiative raised 1.38 million meals. This year’s effort benefits 53 organizations in the four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma – Arvest serves.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Host “Bee Healthy Week” during Final Homestand

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SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake Bees have partnered with Intermountain LDS Hospital, SelectHealth, and the Utah Department of Health in support of “Bee Healthy Week,” which will take place during the team’s final homestand from August 31-September 2. The event is designed as an informative and motivational initiative for fans to focus on improved health and wellness.

The Bees are encouraging fans to participate in six Bee Healthy Team challenges during the three sponsored games, with the first 500 fans who complete at least four of the six challenges receiving an official Bee Healthy Team t-shirt courtesy of the Bee Healthy Team.

The six Bee Healthy Team challenges include:

  1. Walk around the ballpark three times via the main concourse, the equivalent of one mile, or accumulate 1,000 steps on the SelectHealth pedometer during the game.
  2. Spin the Utah Department of Health’s Wheel of Health at its booth on the main concourse.
  3. Undergo blood pressure testing at the LDS Hospital booth on the main concourse.
  4. Undergo Body Mass Index (BMI) testing at the SelectHealth booth on the main concourse and receive a free pedometer.
  5. Participate in the in-game flex cam sponsored by LDS Hospital.
  6. Sign a pledge to be tobacco-free at the Utah Department of Health booth on the main concourse.

Joining those participating in the challenges will be Bumble, the official mascot of the Bees, and Toothy, SelectHealth’s mascot. Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game on August 31 along with representatives from LDS Hospital and SelectHealth. In addition, the first 2,000 fans in attendance on Monday, September 2 will receive a Salt Lake Bees/Bee Healthy jersey backpack.

The Bees will conclude the regular season with a four-game series against the Reno Aces from August 30-September 2 at Spring Mobile Ballpark. Friday, August 30 features a Mike Trout bobblehead giveaway while a postgame fireworks show will follow the game on Saturday, August 31. For more information, call (801) 325-BEES or visit slbees.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Foam Finger Giveaway and Fundraiser Tabbed for Tuesday

IronPigs to raffle off special caps for prostate cancer awareness

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In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Night, the first 3,500 fans 18 and older will receive a sky blue foam finger giveaway presented by Urology Specialists of the Lehigh Valley (USLV) when the IronPigs and Buffalo Bisons wrap up their series at Coca-Cola Park on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

In an effort to raise both funds and awareness for the disease, IronPigs players and coaches will wear commemorative sky blue caps during Tuesday’s game with proceeds from an in-game raffle benefitting The Prostate Cancer Awareness Fund of the Lehigh Valley.

“Unfortunately, research shows that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime,” said Charlie Fenstermaker, Chief Operating Officer of the Urology Specialists of the Lehigh Valley. “However, with early detection and advances in technology, survival rates among those diagnosed are at an all-time high.”

The physicians of USLV are offering a free health assessment, including a prostate screening, on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the USLV Radiation & Imaging Center located at 5018 Medical Center Circle in Allentown. The free assessment includes a blood pressure test, a PSA blood test and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). For directions or to pre-register for the Health Assessment and Education Fair, visit uslv.net/register.

Added IronPigs General Manager, Kurt Landes: “Prostate Cancer Awareness Night is about pointing our attention to the importance of early detection and screening and getting the message out to adult men and their loved ones.”

According to recently published statistics, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men and is the most commonly diagnosed with nearly 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer expected this year. Currently, there are more than 2.5 million American men living with the disease – roughly equal to the population of Chicago.

Urology Specialists of the Lehigh Valley (USLV) is one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s largest and fully-integrated urology practices, with 12 physicians and 6 office locations serving patients from Lehigh, Berks, Northampton, Carbon, Bucks, Monroe, and Warren counties. A combination of experienced and fellowship trained physicians, we are specialists in the field of Urology, with collective expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilizing the latest technology including robotic surgery and GreenLight laser surgery for BPH.

To schedule a prostate screening or for additional information, visit uslv.net or call (484)-UROLOGY.

Additionally, fans will be able to play TD Bank Ballpark Bingo throughout the contest, which takes place every Tuesday throughout the season. The Morning Call autograph sessions which usually takes place on Mondays will be held on Tuesday evening, with two players (TBD) signing autographs on the concourse from 6-6:20 p.m.

Fans are reminded that Dauphin Street will be closed in both directions between Long Drive and American Parkway through Oct. 6 for work on the completion of American Parkway. Long Drive, just north of Union Boulevard, is the access road to the parking area for Coca-Cola Park in place of Dauphin Street. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The cost of parking in Coca-Cola Park’s “Pig Tail Porking Spaces” is $3 per vehicle for all IronPigs home games.

Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

Don’t forget to ask about the four-person “islands” in the Red Robin Oasis located directly above the left field bullpens. Each island is covered underneath a thatched roof and includes a circular half-table, cocktail-style seating for the four fans in the party and wait service.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Swing for a Cure Against Cystic Fibrosis on August 24th

The Naturals partner with the Redbone Series to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis

The Redbone Series is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals this Saturday, August 24 at Arvest Ballpark to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis in Northwest Arkansas during the Natural’s game against the Arkansas Traveler’s at 7:00 pm. To show support of the Redbone Series, the Naturals will host 15 year old Luke McFadden, as he throws the opening pitch for the game. Luke was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 8 months.

Luke McFadden, 15, is an active member of his community, playing on the Gamers Travel Baseball Team and golf teams. He endures a daily regimen of 1 ½ hours of chest physical therapy, inhaled antibiotics and takes over 20 pills a day to help with digestion and fight infection as a result of his affliction.

The Redbone Series is a nationwide fly fishing fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has hosted tournaments in Northwest Arkansas for the past two years. Through those two years, Redbone has raised over $55,000 with over 40 participating anglers annually for the Foundation. This year’s annual tournament will be held Oct. 3-5 in Decatur, AR.

 

For information regarding the baseball game, please contact Dustin Dethlefs with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals: (479) 927-4068

For information regarding the Redbone Fishing Tournament contact Brent LaRoche: [email protected] 912-617.5613

For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Diane Byram at [email protected]

 

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and proud host of the 77th Annual Texas League All Star Game. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit nwanaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @nwanaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

 -Naturals-

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Dead River Company to Host Food Drive at Hadlock Saturday

Food Drive Benefits Good Shepherd Food Bank and Kicks-Off National Hunger Action Month

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Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with the Dead River Company to host a food drive at Hadlock Field on Saturday, August 31st when the Sea Dogs take on the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) in a single-admission doubleheader at 5:00 PM.

The food drive is benefitting the Good Shepherd Food Bank and kicks-off National Hunger Action Month (September). Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the game that will be collected by the Good Shepherd for distribution throughout their vast network in helping feed those at risk of hunger in Maine.

The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark will also receive Dead River Company hats.

Before the game, there will also be an on field check ceremony where Dead River Company will be presenting a donation to Good Shepherd as part of their season long promotion with the Sea Dogs, Score 4 for Hunger.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. The doubleheader will consist of two seven-inning games. Tickets are good for both games.

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

Mets Hosting School Supplies Drive From August 26-28

The St. Lucie Mets will be hosting a School Supplies Drive at Tradition Field to benefit Guardians For New Futures, Inc. from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28.

The Mets host the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. for all three games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Fans who bring any new unwrapped school supplies will receive a voucher good for a $2 ticket for any of the three games in the series.

Guardian’s For New Futures is a non-profit organization working to raise funds from the public to donate for children abused, neglected, or abandoned.

The annual “Kits4Kids” program is designed to provide more than 500 children with fresh new school supplies.

For more information, contact the St. Lucie Mets at 772-871-2100.

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

LumberKings to Shave Heads in Support of St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Players and staff step up to the plate to raise funds for childhood cancer

CLINTON, IA- Members of the Clinton LumberKings’ will go bald on Friday, August 23 to support St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising funds for research for childhood cancer.

As part of the LumberKings’ ongoing support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, players Tyler Pike, Brock Hebert and Steven Ewing along with Hitting Coach Mike Kinkade, Performance Specialist Ryan White and Clubhouse Manager Chipper Cripps are hoping to raise at least $2,500 this week by game time on Friday, August 23. The fundraiser is in anticipation of National Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September which follows the team’s last game of the 2013 season. If the LumberKings meet the $2,500 fundraising goal the manager and players will be sporting freshly bald heads for a great cause during Friday’s game.

These shaved heads are nothing new to the minor league baseball team, who has actively participated in St. Baldrick’s efforts in the past.

“This is the third time the LumberKings have participated in a St. Baldrick’s event,” said Ted Tornow, General Manager for the LumberKings. “Cancer is something that affects the lives of thousands of children each year. As a team, we want to show solidarity and support of those youth fighting cancer and raise awareness in our community for such an important cause.”

To support the team’s St. Baldrick’s fundraising endeavor this week, donations can be made directly on their St. Baldrick’s event page at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/LumberKings.

Support the team at the ballpark Friday, August 23 when the Clinton LumberKings host the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Ashford University Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. for season tickets, group outings, merchandise and more, call the LumberKings at 563-242-0727 or visit www.lumberkings.com.

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

Wendy’s, Miracle encourage reading with extra Books-N-Bats date

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s in Lee, Collier counties

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 20, 2013) – The yellow buses are rolling, the school bell’s are already ringing and the Miracle have teamed up with Wendy’s to encourage you to hit the books! The Miracle have added Saturday, August 24 to the Books-N-Bats campaign.

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s locations in Lee and Collier County. The Miracle will host the St. Lucie Mets at 6:05 p.m. Gates to Hammond Stadium will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 24 is also the final Dog Daze of the season. Fans are encouraged to bring the family dog out to the ballpark for a barking good time.

Wendy’s and the Miracle have teamed up for several successful seasons with the Books-N-Bats program. Geared toward elementary school children, the proactive approach of the Books-N-Bats program is, in the words of Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour, “An important, hallmark program of which the Miracle and Wendy’s are very proud.”

Wendy’s Area Marketing Director Michelle McCurdy added, “Developing healthy, educated kids by promoting and rewarding reading efforts is something that’s important to us.”

The Miracle, led by top prospect Byron Buxton, have one of the best records in minor league baseball and have already clinched a playoff spot after winning the first half of the Florida State League schedule.

For more information, please call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

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

Food Allergy Awareness Peanut Free Game

Fightin Phils to offer fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to see game at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, August 22

No peanuts or peanut products will be sold or let into FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, August 22.
No peanuts or peanut products will be sold or let into FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, August 22.

Peanuts and baseball have gone together since 1908 when “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer. For some fans a day at the ballpark wouldn’t be the same without a bag of peanuts, while others can’t even attend a game with the threat of peanut shells in the air.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Children with this allergy has been on the rise over the past decade, and usually battle for their entire life. Peanuts can cause a serve, potentially fatal, allergic reaction from peanut and peanut products. Trace amounts of peanut can cause an allergic reaction.

On Thursday, August 22 the Reading Fightin Phils have decided to have a food allergy awareness peanut free game to accommodate these fans. This will give fans with a peanut allergy the opportunity to watch America’s pastime live and in person.

On Thursday night, no peanuts or peanut products will be sold inside of FirstEnergy Stadium for the first time this season. Red section 5 have been steam washed, cleaned and designated as the peanut allergy section. Not only can fans finally come out to a game without fear of peanuts, they can also sit together with fellow fans who suffer from this allergy during the Fightin Phils game.

Thursday night the VIST Bank Plaza gates will open at 5:00 pm for a happy hour with $1 off beer and a pre-game concert featuring Vuja De thanks to Miller Lite. Members of the Redner’s Fightin Phils Kids Club can enjoy a happy half-hour from 5:00-5:30 pm with free Phunland. There will also be Berks Bards Poetry Contest. The seating bowl opens at 6:00 pm for the 7:05 pm game. There will be a post-game fireworks show thanks to Pepsi. Following the fireworks Vuja De will perform a post-game concert thanks to Yuengling.

Tickets are available online at Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Andrew Fisher wins FSL scholarship

$1,500 will support his education at Florida State University

Andrew Fisher (left) is presented with his scholarship award by AGM Janette Donoghue. (Kyra Hallett)
Andrew Fisher (left) is presented with his scholarship award by AGM Janette Donoghue. (Kyra Hallett)

Dunedin, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league, and after reviewing dozens of applications, intern Andrew Fisher was selected as the recipient for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Fisher is a double major at Florida State University, where he studies Statistics and Sports Management. In a world of competitive job markets and rising tuition prices, he could not be more grateful for the financial support.

“The scholarship is going to help me tremendously to get through college and propel me into a career, hopefully in sports,” Fisher said, shortly after throwing out the first pitch of Thursday night’s Blue Jays game.

D-Jays Assistant General Manager Janette Donoghue presented Fisher with a check in front of hundreds of fans at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. It was a well-deserved honor, considering Fisher’s contributions during the 2013 season.

With his nose to the grindstone, Andrew helped put together Dunedin’s All-Star Weekend, including his unforgettable team of ball-shaggers during the home run derby, and brought a consistent attitude of comitment and determination to the workplace.

“I’ve loved my time in Dunedin,” Fisher reflected. “I’ve learned a lot and built valuable relationships with some tremendous people.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fourteen (14) years and have contributed a total of $136,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “this program is one of the best things we do in the League and I congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.”

The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 1:10 PM.

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

Rainiers, Carol Milgard Breast Center Team Up For Pink at the Park

Cheney to host game dedicated to increasing mammogram screenings in the South Sound

TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Rainiers and the Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) are joining forces for the third year in a row to host ‘Pink at the Park’ this Sunday, August 18th – a Rainiers game devoted to increasing screening mammograms for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

The first 3,000 fans through the gates for the Rainiers 1:30 p.m. game against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox will receive a limited edition pink CMBC hat to further emphasize the importance of this event designed to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer in our community.

Pre-game ceremonies include spotlighting a CMBC patient’s successful battle with breast cancer. An on-field ‘Circle of Hope’ will be held around the pitcher’s mound when breast cancer survivors and their friends and families are invited on-field to celebrate their triumph over the disease. Each participant will release pink balloons to symbolize the release of fear and the embrace of hope for the future.

Rainiers players and coaches will sport specialty pink uniforms throughout the game. The game-worn jerseys will be available for purchase through either an in-game silent auction or a live post-game auction held on the field. All proceeds from both auctions will be given to CMBC for the purpose of funding screening mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women in our community.

“We are so grateful to be partnering with the Tacoma Rainiers again for this important community event. Last year this event raised over $13,000 which allowed us to provide significantly more screening mammograms to women in need, right here in our community,” says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the U.S. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have over a 95 percent survival rate.

“Our goal is to educate this community that every woman, age 40 and older, should get a screening mammogram every year,” says Khai Tran, M.D., CMBC medical director. “Yearly mammography helps to detect subtle changes in the breast tissue, and we want to detect cancer as early as possible to improve treatment options and the chances for a successful recovery.”

Since opening in 2009, the Carol Milgard Breast Center’s mission has been to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the community in a caring confident environment that fosters confidence, comfort, peace and dignity for each individual. In 2012, CMBC served over 33,000 patients and provided more than $480,000 in compassionate care for individuals unable to afford needed services.

The breast center is a non-profit organization whose mission relies upon community support. For more information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit the breast center online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets for ‘Pink at the Park’ this Sunday or another upcoming Rainiers game this season, call 1-800-745-3000 or email [email protected]. Up-to-date news and notes throughout the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

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