Archives for April 2014

Autism Awareness Day Returns to Hadlock April 13th

April 7, 2014

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Sea Dogs are pleased to announce the return of Autism Awareness Day at Hadlock Field on April 13, 2014 at 1:00 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats.

The event will be held with the support of Karleen Frost of Embracing the World of Autism, and the University of New England Occupational Therapy program. It will run from 11:00 AM (two hours prior to the start of the game) until the end of the game.

The UNE students will create and facilitate activities for children and families in a special “Sensory Room” that will allow children with autism to self-regulate using movement, calming sensory input and fidget items.

In addition to the “Sensory Room” the students will also make sensory kits including tactile items, chewy food, and fidget items to help people with autism self-modulate their nervous system during the game.

The goal of the event is to raise autism awareness and to help people with autism perform the occupations of everyday life.

Tickets to the game are being offered at a discounted rate for those that use the special offer code “EmbraceAutism” at www.seadogs.com. Those in attendance are asked to wear the color orange to show support for Autism Acceptance.

For more information visit www.seadogs.com or contact Lindsey Oliver by calling 207-874-9300.

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

MBF Announces 2014 Grant Recipients

April 7, 2014

The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class.

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class, which includes 25 organizations from six counties in Mid-Michigan. The 2014 class received a total of $98,555, bringing the grant program’s total to $721,014 since its inception seven years ago.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 209 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties.

The Foundation began its seventh annual grant process in April 2013, and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

This year’s Michigan Baseball Foundation grant committee was chaired by Jenee Velasquez. Committee members included Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau, Ann Craig, Mike Hayes, Susan Kaltenbach, Scott Litle, Dom Monastiere, Abbe Mulders, and Jerry O’Donnell – a combination of members of the Michigan Baseball Foundation board of directors and the Great Lakes Loons management team.

Grant applications for the 2015 grant session are currently available and will be accepted until February 13, 2015. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

Note: Please see attached documents for a complete listing of organizations receiving MBF grants and a 2015 grant application.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Drive to Support Furman Baseball’s Vs. Cancer Initiative

April 4, 2014

Fans encouraged to donate as well

The Furman baseball program has raised over $30,000 in their annual initiative to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, and because Furman has been such a loyal partner to the Greenville Drive and play games at Fluor Field annually, the Drive are lending their support to the cause.

Because Furman reached $30,000 before their game at Fluor Field against South Carolina, Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko will participate in shaving his head with Furman’s players following the game, with Drive staff members taking turns shaving his head. Jarinko is also encouraging Drive staff members and fans to continue to donate money to Furman’s team.

“The Drive is pleased to contribute to Furman’s team as they continue to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer,” Jarinko said. “Furman is currently in first place out of 120 college baseball teams across the nation in the amount of money raised, but they are being chased closely by the University of Oklahoma. We hope additional donations from our staff and fans will help Furman reach their goal of being the top contributor in college baseball in the fight against pediatric cancer.”

“The Greenville Drive has always been supportive of Furman, our program and the Greenville community,” added Ron Smith, Furman’s Head Baseball Coach. “This is just another example of their extraordinary involvement that goes beyond the baseball field.”

In addition to being near the top of total money raised this season, Furman raised the most money of any college baseball program in 2013. Half of the money Furman raises benefits national childhood cancer research, and the other half goes towards a local children’s hospital.

To help donate to Furman’s team, log on to http://furman.vs-cancer.org/. Come out to Fluor Field on Tuesday night as the Paladins take on South Carolina at 7:00, and stick around after the game as Furman’s players, and potentially the Drive General Manager, shave their heads for pediatric cancer awareness.

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

Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner Returns

April 2, 2014

Osprey recognize non-profit organizations in Western Montana

MISSOULA, MONT – The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2014 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis.

“The Community Corner is one of the many great programs we are able to offer to non-profits,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. The efforts of these groups are one of the many things that make Missoula such a special place to call home.”

Community Corner requests must be made in writing to Griffin on the non-profit organization’s letterhead by the director of each group. Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins, or e-mailed to jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

The 2014 home opener for the Osprey is slated for Thursday, June 19 versus the Great Falls Voyagers.

Ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 N. Higgins and on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com.

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

West, Senior Services honored at Coaches Luncheon

April 1, 2014

2014 Dash make first public appearance at annual event

Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 1, 2014) – The Winston-Salem Dash presented longtime high school boys basketball coach Howard West with their Service Through Sports Award and announced Senior Services as their 2014 Charity Partner in front of a record crowd of almost 200 attendees during the club’s annual Coaches Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently the head boys basketball coach at Forsyth Country Day High School, West boasts a 736-313 (.702) record in his coaching career. Almost 600 of those victories have come in the state of North Carolina, where West has coached at four different schools. He trails only the late Harvey Reid for the most victories in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history.

West spent the first 15 years of his coaching career in Virginia before coming to North Carolina and joining Eden Morehead High School in 1984. Five years later, the Lynchburg, Va., native took over the head coaching position at Reynolds High School, where he won three straight state championships from 2000-02. In 2005, West moved to Reagan High School as its coach and Athletic Director. He stayed there until last season when he left for FCD.

“I’m humbled and honored to win this award,” West said at Tuesday’s event. “Looking at this list of past winners is incredible. I’m very happy to be involved with that group of local sports figures.”

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 in 2012. Last year, the organization honored late FOX8 sportscaster Rich Brenner.

Senior Services of Winston-Salem helps older adults remain at home as long as possible while living with dignity. The organization also helps caregivers through services and education that will benefit them. Since its inception in 1962, its “Meals on Wheels” program has distributed nearly five million meals, while its Home Care program has been providing in-home nursing and healthcare services for Forsyth County seniors since 1978.

“We are absolutely thrilled and so appreciative to be the Dash’s 2014 Charity Partner,” Richard Gottlieb, President and CEO of Senior Services, said Tuesday. “It’s great to be a part of the Dash’s organization this year.”

Over the last four years, the Dash have worked with Brenner Children’s Hospital, the Centers for Exceptional Children, the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem and, most recently, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County as the club’s charity partner. As the team’s 2014 Charity Partner, Senior Services will benefit from the proceeds of the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase an engraved brick that is installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates beyond right-center field.

In addition to these two special announcements, Dash manager Tommy Thompson spoke about the 2014 Dash, who kick off their season on Thursday night at BB&T Ballpark. Dash players and coaches mingled with all of the attendees, and the club held their annual Media Day immediately following the luncheon.

BB&T Ballpark’s fifth season begins Thursday at 7 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City). For tickets or more information on the team, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

TD Bank Signs on to Sponsor Pelicans Community Corner Program

April 1, 2014

Bank to donate nearly 1,000 tickets to non-profits

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (APRIL 2, 2014) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, is partnering with The Myrtle Beach Pelicans to bring the TD Bank Community Corner program during the 2014 regular season.

For a third season, the Community Corner Program will provide nearly 1,000 tickets to local non-profit organizations in Horry and Georgetown counties. For 35 select games during the season, including Opening Night, a non-profit organization will receive 25 tickets as part of the new program.

The groups will enjoy a unique night out at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark with tickets in the reserved box seating area. The group will have the name of their organization appear on the video board during the game as well.

“TD Bank is thrilled to support the Community Corner Program and help bring the fun of Myrtle Beach Pelicans games to more area residents,” said Scott Sharp, TD Bank Regional Vice President, North Coast. “We feel it is important to invest in our communities, and Pelicans games are a great, family oriented way to spend a few hours together.”

Non-profits interested in joining the TD Bank Community Corner program are encouraged to contact Zach Brockman, Senior Director of Ticketing for the Pelicans, by telephone at (843) 918-6017 or by e-mail at ZBrockman@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

The Pelicans begin their season on April 3 when the Salem Red Sox visit TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Season Seats, Mini Plans, Flex Books, and single game tickets for the 2014 season are on sale now. For more information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2014, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth^®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.