Archives for October 2014

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip returns in 2015

October 29, 2014

WisconsinTimberRattlers_2014-10-29 — Action from the 2014 Jordy Nelson Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium to host event on Sunday, June 14

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 14, 2015. This will be the second year Nelson has been the host of the game between the offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers. Game time is 1:05pm.

“I am honored to host the Charity Softball Game again in 2015,” said Nelson. “My family and I really enjoyed the experience last year, and we look forward to having fun with the fans again this year. I want to thank the fans for supporting this game and helping us to raise money for needed community programs.”

Nelson is currently 2^nd in the NFC in receiving yards, tied for 2^nd in touchdowns by a receiver, and 4^th in receptions.

“The Timber Rattlers are excited to have Jordy Nelson back as the host for this Charity Softball Game and we are proud to once again be the host facility,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “Jordy has solidified himself as a member of this community and we are excited to play a part in helping raise funds for local community programs.”

The offense defeated the defense 26-11 in front of a crowd of 7,354 in the 2014 game. Nelson, who participated in the game when it was hosted by Donald Driver, hit a pair of home runs in last year’s game.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a four-game package starting Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00am by calling (800) WI-TIMBER, (920) 733-4152, or in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office. The package includes a ticket for the Jordy Nelson game and three vouchers that may be used for any Timber Rattlers regular season home game played on a Sunday in 2015. The ticket packages are not available online.

Prices for the four-game packages are:

Premium Box Seat:	$91
Box Seat:	$76
Reserved Seat:	$52

The first two rows of the seating bowl at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are the premium box seat option in this ticket package. Vouchers for the Timber Rattlers games must be redeemed at the box office and are based on availability.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $55 for a premium box seat, $40 for a box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $225. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 12 over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the box office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball game benefits Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Support Operation Christmas Child

October 28, 2014

Toy Drive at Isotopes Park Pro Shop This Saturday

Albuquerque Isotopes fans are invited to join Orbit this Saturday at the Isotopes Park Pro Shop from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. as the Isotopes will be hosting an Operation Christmas Child toy drive, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind that uses gift-filled shoeboxes to share God’s love in a tangible way with needy children around the world.

Fans are encouraged to bring either a packed shoebox or “shoebox sized” toy (such as a stuffed animal) for donation to Operation Christmas Child. Gifts can include toys, school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items, accessories and a personal note. A $7 donation is needed to help cover the shipping cost for each box. Additional details on how to pack your shoebox can be found at samaritanspurse.org.

“This is a great organization and a great event that is able to provide a little bit of Christmas to children around the world,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “We are thrilled to be able to open our Pro Shop for a great cause like this and invite our fans to contribute.”

Orbit will be on hand to welcome guests and select prizes will be given away throughout the day. The Isotopes Pro Shop will open exclusively for this event from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 150 countries through Operation Christmas Child. In 2014, Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 10 million children through the Operation Christmas Child project. Shoebox gifts are collected in the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, with more than 100,000 of those in the United States, are involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

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

The 4th Annual Panera Bread Spook-a-thon “Dress Up to Scare Cancer”

October 25, 2014

THE FAMILY 4K CORNSTALK WALK

Dress up in costumes to walk and raise funds to help Connecticut cancer patients.

A fun-filled family and team event, sponsored by Panera Bread, hosted by the Connecticut Tigers at Dodd Stadium and supported by 97.7 WCTY and MetroCast…all to benefit the Backus Breast and Cancer Centers through the Connecticut Sports Foundation.

Make Halloween a SAFE, FUN and MEANINGFUL event for you, your family and friends!

Trick or Treat with us and enjoy free YUMMY food and beverage. Join in all the family fun with the music of live bands, haunted clubhouse and dugout, pie eating contest, batty cage, cookie and face decorating, and other fun activities.

COSTUME CONTEST

Prizes will be awarded in various categories to those who register for the contest.

Costume Contest PRIZES sponsored by MetroCast!!!

Spookiest Team Costume

Best Family Costume

Best Individual Costume

Most Creative Costume

Top Individual Fundraiser

Cutest Doggie Costume

Create your own Spook-a-thon Team and begin helping Connecticut cancer patients today!

Form a team with a minimum of four participants.

Each participant goal will be $125.00; team goal will be $500.00.

Join now, by clicking the REGISTER button.

OR…buy a ticket for just $5.00/per person on Saturday, October 25th

Enjoy this safe trick-or-treating event!!

For six simple fundraising tips, click on Event Information.

Post & share via your social media! Visit our Panera Bread Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/howleybreadgroup

DRESS UP TO SCARE CANCER VIDEO! click below

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

Baysox Accepting Nominations, Donations for Holiday Hope

October 21, 2014

The Bowie Baysox announce today that Louie’s Holiday Hope Project returns to brighten the holiday season for local families in need this year. Beginning now and continuing through the month of November, the team will be accepting nominations for families that need assistance this holiday season. The Baysox will also be collecting gently used coats, new socks and other warm clothing to be donated to area families.

Louie’s Holiday Hope Project began in 2007 and touched 13 families with 38 children last year. This year, the team is proud to partner with Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department, the Bowie Police Department and Bowie Youth & Family Services to help as many families as possible.

“The Baysox and Louie are happy to help some area families in need during the holiday season,” said Baysox Marketing Director Brandan Kaiser. “We truly appreciate the assistance we receive from our partners and fans throughout the year which allows Holiday Hope to brighten the lives of some great kids.”

“We’ve partnered with Louie’s Holiday Hope Project for the last several years and have been impressed with all that has been done to make the holiday special for so many Bowie families,” said Bowie Youth & Family Services Director Wendy Wilcox. “Without this assistance, many area parents would not be able to prepare a special meal or provide gifts for their children.”

To ensure that the program reaches as many families as possible, the Baysox welcome help from their fans. Members of the community can nominate families that need assistance by visiting www.baysox.com and filling out the Louie’s Holiday Hope Project form under the Community tab on the website. The team will not be able to help everyone that is nominated, but will consider as many options as possible. A Baysox staff member may contact the submitter for additional details or clarification, but all submissions remain confidential. Nominations must be received by Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.

Prince George’s Stadium will also serve as a collection point for warm clothes and sock donations in conjunction with Louie’s Holiday Hope Project. The team invites fans to bring gently used winter coats, new socks and other warm clothing to the Baysox front office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, November 24) to donate to local families in need.

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

Darnell honored for his community service

October 21, 2014

Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

GM Jason Compton honored by local Chamber, Jackson Sun

October 20, 2014

Compton named to top 40 under 40 in West Tennessee for contributions

On Sunday, the Jackson Sun and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce recognized 40 people under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to their industries, their companies or who are active in the community and have a heart and drive to make West Tennessee a better place. The Generals congratulate each award winner and are excited that Generals’ GM Jason Compton was named to the exclusive list.

“We are so proud of Jason being honored in this manner,” added team President Reese Smith III. “His ability to rise from an Intern to General Manager of a multi-million dollar organization is evident. His management enabled the Generals to have one of their most successful seasons on record, in 2014.”

Compton began as an intern with the then West Tenn Diamond Jaxx during the 2000 Southern Championship Season and was hired full-time in 2001 as Box Office Manager. He did various jobs within the organization until promoted to Assistant GM in 2008, and then to GM in 2012.

“I have been a part of professional baseball in Jackson for 15 seasons and this past season the Generals saw a 13.5 percent increase in attendance over 2013,” said Compton. “It was the highest attendance since 2008 and had more crowds over 5,000 (six times) people since 2004.”

Compton is a 2013 Leadership Jackson graduate and member of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. He is also a member of the Jackson Old Hickory Rotary Club.

Compton, 35, has a B.S. in Education with his major in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He resides in Jackson with his wife of nine years, Autumn, son Carter (5 years old) and daughter Chloe (2 years old).

Season ticket packages for the 2015 Jackson Generals season are currently on sale for just $300. For more information, call (731) 988-5299 or visit the website at jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.

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

Kernels donate MWL fine money to HACAP Food Reservoir

October 17, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels donated their share of the Midwest League fine money, collected from the 16 MWL clubs, to the HACAP Food Reservoir.

As a member of America’s Second Harvest and the National Food Bank Network, the HACAP Food Reservoir distributes donated products to area soup kitchens, pantries, senior & child care centers, drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers and other non-profit food programs that feed the needy. Annually, the HACAP Food Reservoir Programs distribute 2.4 million pounds of food to local organizations and provide 4,000 food boxes to families in need.

The Midwest League collects fine money from players and coaches throughout the season when they are ejected from a game, and the total amount collected this season was $8,450 of which the Kernels’ share was $529.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are pleased to support HACAP, a diverse, community-focused non-profit dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of families living with the everyday barriers of poverty.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Auction Off “Dodger Blue” Jerseys

October 16, 2014

Weekend Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter

Weekend "Dodger Blue" Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. — Weekend “Dodger Blue” Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.

In recognition of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Albuquerque Isotopes will be auctioning off authentic “Dodger Blue” weekend jerseys with net proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. More than 40 game-worn jerseys featuring player nameplates will be auctioned off exclusively online, and an additional 26 authentic jerseys without nameplates will be auctioned.

“With October being domestic violence awareness month, we saw this as a great opportunity to provide a unique, game-used item to our fans and give something back to the community,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we are honored to be able to donate funds to help them fulfill their mission.”

The auction will begin Friday, October 17th, at noon MT and run through Friday, October 24, at noon MT. To bid on a jersey, visit http://isotopes.milbauctions.com. Opening bids for game-worn jerseys with nameplates will start at $180, while other authentic jerseys without a nameplate will begin at $150. Each jersey will also be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Isotopes over the last several years,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “The jersey auction is an exceptional event because it demonstrates both their awareness of domestic violence and their commitment to helping end that violence in our community.”

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey features “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve (see photo attached).

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

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

BlueClaws Enhance Fundraising Program

October 16, 2014

The Lakewood BlueClaws have upgraded their fundraising program, adding a new option that will enable additional local organizations to raise money through fun nights at FirstEnergy Park.

Last year, over 150 organizations partnered with the BlueClaws to raise over $120,000 and with this new program, detailed below, that number should grow significantly.

Groups that have particiapted in the BlueClaws Fundraising Program in years past include youth sports teams and leagues, churches, Rotarys, Elks clubs, Kiwanis groups, scout troops, schools, non-profit organizations, and many others.

Fundraiser FlexBooks: For the first time this year, the BlueClaws will offer fundraising tickets in a smaller FlexBook, each with five undated vouchers valid at any 2015 BlueClaws home game. Each organization can order a minimum of 25 booklets for $35 each and re-sell them for $55 each, earning $20 per booklet and a minimum of $500.

“Several groups have asked us for a more adaptable fundraising option and we think our new FlexBooks fit the bill,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service. “It’s a lot easier than selling candy or washing cars and it’s a quick and easy way to raise money for your organization.”

The BlueClaws original fundraising program remains intact, where organizations can reserve a minimum of 250 tickets for $7 each and re-sell them for $11, raising a minimum of $1,000. This standard fundraising program also enables partners to raise additional funds through two exclusive benefits:

Fundraising partners can volunteer in a BlueClaws concession stand, earning $750 for 20 volunteers. Concession stand nights are subject to availibility.
Fundraising partners receive 50-cents back to their organization for each ticket that gets used at their BlueClaws game.
These two benefits are only available to partners that utilize the BlueClaws standard fundraising program and is not open to those that partner through fundraiser FlexBooks.

For more information or to become a BlueClaws fundraising partner, please call 732-901-7000 option 3.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 14 years of existence and recently eclipsed the 6-million fan plateau.

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

Safe & Seen trick-or-treat event set for Oct. 26

October 15, 2014

3rd annual kids Halloween event at Medlar Field

The State College Spikes, Centre LifeLink EMS and B94.5 FM are once again teaming up to present this year’s safest and most fun children’s trick-or-treating event in the State College area.

The Third Annual Safe & Seen in the Ballpark will take place on Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the home of the Spikes. This free admission event is designed for young trick-or-treaters and their parents and will include many fun activities for children and their families.

Each child is invited to wear his or her favorite Halloween costume and bring their bag or bucket to be filled by area non-profit agencies or community supporters stationed throughout the ballpark. Trick-or-treaters will be invited to go “door to door” to visit each participating group to collect treats and other fun items.

Families can also enjoy ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, meet and greets with Spikes mascots and more. The event will be held rain or shine as most of activities and trick-or-treat stations will be under cover.

Anyone attending the event is encouraged, but not required, to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Announce September Grant Recipient

October 14, 2014

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. earns $1,000 “All About Kids” grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of September. A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center, Inc. has been awarded September’s “All About Kids” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits children.

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. provides a comprehensive, coordinated response for child victims of sexual abuse or physical abuse and for witnesses to violence, abuse or homicide. The Center partners with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to facilitate forensic interviews and medical examinations in a safe, child-friendly environment. Interviews are video-recorded so that children are spared the need to relive traumatic events while valuable, accurate information can be gathered as evidence.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will provide 13 direct forensic and medical services, free of charge, to children and their families in Newton, Walton and surrounding counties.

“A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center would like to thank the Gwinnett Braves for their generous support of our organization,” said Administrative Assistant Katie Bruner. “With this grant, we will continue our work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide forensic medical examinations utilizing tele-health in our efforts to deliver the best medical care possible for the children who visit our center. We look forward to partnering with the Gwinnett Braves to serve children and their families now and in the future.”

About A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc.: Since seeing their first child in 2009, the Center has shown dedication and commitment to providing the best services possible to the children and families of Newton, Walton and surrounding counties. A Child’s Voice served 190 children in 2013 and expects to serve around 200 children in 2014. For more information, contact Katie Bruner at 770-484-0082 or email kbruner@achildsvoicecac.com.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday at Fifth Third Field

October 14, 2014

The 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 18 starting at 8:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2013, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and a life is lost to the disease every 14 minutes. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

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

Classroom Connections Claw Club Sale

October 14, 2014

Donate school supplies for half-priced Claw Club membership

The Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Classroom Connections in the month of October to help collect much needed school supplies for area teachers, while giving fans the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Claw Club membership for half price.

Fans have until October 31^st to donate school supplies for Classroom Connections in exchange for a $19 Claw Club membership, half the normal price. Donations can be dropped off at the Crawdads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
Official Membership Card
One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
Special Events during the off-season and regular season
Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
$30 Discount on a Birthday Party

Classroom Connections is a store where teachers from schools with high percentages of students with free and reduced lunch can shop for free school supplies. The program works to have a continuous impact on meeting teachers’ needs for classroom materials for every student by supplying classroom resources such as pencils, paper, glue, pens, poster board, notebooks, workbooks, rulers, calculators, graph paper, copy paper etc.

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

Martie Cordaro Named Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year at Awards Ceremony

October 10, 2014

At the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet at Embassy Suites in La Vista Thursday evening, Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro was named the 2014 Business Leader of the Year.

It was the first such honor for Cordaro, who was unable to be in attendance to personally accept the award with the Pacific Coast League Fall Meetings taking place in Chicago this week. It is the second time in six years an Omaha Royals/Storm Chasers Executive has been named the Business Leader of the Year, as former team President Alan Stein was honored in 2009.

“I am truly humbled and this award shows all the hard work by our staff in the four short years at Werner Park right here in beautiful Sarpy County,” said Cordaro in his taped message played at the ceremony. “Congratulations to all the nominees in this crowded field. I am speechless, which doesn’t happen very often. Let’s go out and continue to make Sarpy County the place to live in all of Nebraska.”

The Business Leader of the Year nomination field also included Russ Daub, Margaret White, Dan Zongkers and Tom Greco.

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

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

October 9, 2014

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

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