Archives for December 2014

Legends’ donations top $715,000 for 2014

December 22, 2014

14-year total nears $13 million

Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends) — Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)

The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

–Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer: Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and sign of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

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

In the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

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

MBF Spotlight: The ROCK Center for Youth Development

December 22, 2014

Creating new, positive path for area youths at core of mission

For the staff of The ROCK Center For Youth Development, creating a new, positive path for area youths isn’t just an idea. It’s at the very core of everything they do.

The ROCK, based in Midland, is a teen-focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Its mission is to provide every youth with unconditional love, support, respect, a safe environment, guidance and a model of healthy behavior.

And it works.

In a recent evaluation by The Legacy Center for Community Success, teens involved in The ROCK’s Exposure program scored higher in all developmental asset categories while the program curriculum positively impacts participants.

“If we can get young people to truly desire something positive, then that makes everyone’s job easier – parents, teachers … everyone involved with their lives,” said Beverlee Wenzel, ROCK’s executive director.

“Once a person is on fire for something, they’re going to succeed.”

In a season of giving, while also spotlighting non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, The ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) has provided solid ground for local teens looking to build life skills, gain confidence and make healthy life choices.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation has recognized The ROCK’s efforts by rewarding them with three grants over the years: In 2008, MBF provided $4,000 toward the purchase of The ROCK’s mobile rock climbing wall; in 2011 it provided $2,500 for playground equipment, and in 2013 $1,580 was given for a portable sound system of sporting events.

“The rock climbing wall is a big part of our ‘Unplugged’ program,” said Wenzel. “It’s used for larger events in the community that we’re a part of, plus it’s just a great symbol for what we are.”

The ROCK was established in 2001 as an independent, grass-roots program located at 2300 E. Gordonville Rd. Bullock Creek Schools bused students to the facility, and the program provided after school and Friday and Saturday night activities.

Since then, the program has expanded widely, encompassing several local schools, establishing a new base at the Midland Community Center, while also providing programs for juvenile care and detention centers.

It’s open to any teen.

“We do well with at-risk kids but we target all kids,” said Wenzel. “We serve all socio-economic groups.”

The ROCK offers three umbrella programs: ROCK Exposure, ROCK Grounded and ROCK Unplugged. The group employs several full-time “coaches”, or mentors, who work with teens in a variety of settings and activities.

The Exposure program includes ROCK-authored curriculum focused on developing life skills and character. Within Exposure are four unique programs: Drive, Perform, Build and Accelerate. Courses, which are taught by ROCK staff members, include character development, decision-making, conflict resolution, independent living, resource and finance management, trades or college, and employment.

“It’s highly activity-based,” said Wenzel. “If I stand up there and say (to a teen), ‘You need to do this,’ it’s not nearly as effective as them experiencing it. Once you experience something you really can’t un-experience it.”

Current venues and classrooms for the Exposure program include Meridian High School, Coleman 7-12 school, Bullock Creek High School and Middle Schools, Midland High, Midland Dow High, Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools, the Academic and Career Education Academy and the Juvenile Care Center.

In 2014, Midland Public Schools approved Exposure as curriculum and it is provided in the classroom to all freshmen.

The ROCK Grounded program provides after school mentorship, tutoring, food and activities at Northeast, Jefferson, and the ROCK Underground at the Midland Community Center. In fact, The ROCK has taken over all of the after school non-athletic teen activities at the MCC.

Part of the Grounded program’s mission is to provide a safe place for students who might otherwise go home to an empty house. Its mentors/coaches fill a need for positive role models many teens don’t have.

“With teens, you have to provide something safe enough that the parents trust, but you also have to have programs that are relevant to the teen,” said Wenzel.

Another consistent lesson in ROCK programs, says Wenzel, is perseverance.

“One of the things we teach is grit,” said Wenzel. “There are always going to be tough times in anyone’s life, but you have still have to find a way to get up and face another day. The tough times will pass, but you have to learn how to endure them in a positive way.”

ROCK’s Unplugged program provides community-based summer activities that encourage healthy life choices and relationship. Its activities include the climbing wall, an annual Battle of the Bands, the Midland County youth fishing program, and teen pool parties.

“The Rock Wall was really the start of that program in many ways,” Wenzel said. “We wanted something unique to take to events, and we felt it was also a universal symbol for what we’re about.”

To contact The ROCK’s offices, call (989) 835-2542. Information can also be found on its website, www.therockc4yd.org.

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

Bees Staff Helps Road Home Media-a-Thon

December 18, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees front office staff spent Thursday morning donating their time to help sort donations for The Road Home. The group sorted winter clothes, blankets, hats, gloves and assorted other times that had been donated by generous members of the community.

The Road Home provides shelter and supportive services for overcoming homelessness. The monetary and in-kind donations collected during the annual Holiday Media-a-Thon support The Road Home and local residents in need year round.

Donate at www.theroadhome.org or by calling 801-819-7300.

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

Staten Island Yankees lend a helping hand at Salvation Army toy drive

December 17, 2014

Scooter joins New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain in handing out toys

Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army's Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive — Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army’s Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive

On Tuesday, December 16, the Staten Island Yankees beloved mascot Scooter the Holy Cow joined the Salvation Army at the organization’s toy drive in nearby Stapleton in Staten Island. In the spirit of the holiday season, each member of the Staten Island Yankees front office fulfilled a child’s wishlist, making sure as many kids have a present to open on Christmas as possible.

Click here to view more pictures

Scooter, along with current New York Giants linebacker and former Syracuse Orange Jameel McClain, helped the Salvation Army hand out toys to more than 200 children and parents in need from Staten Island. The Salvation Army is an organization especially close to McClain, as the seven-year NFL veteran lived at a Salvation Army shelter in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, with his mother and three siblings.

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

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

December 17, 2014

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

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

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

December 16, 2014

With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:

STARS – Tuesday, Dec. 16

Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17

YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22

Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

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

Spinners to Spread Holiday Cheer Thursday

December 15, 2014

Caravan to visit McAuliffe School, Bedford VA

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will be getting a hand from a few famous faces and the students from McAuliffe Elementary School in Lowell as we spread holiday cheer to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford Thursday, December 18.

The McAuliffe School was selected amongst a number of submissions through both Facebook and mailed submissions, on the basis of their dedication to helping the local community and support of their writing initiative.

The Spinners front office staff will be joined by a number of familiar faces, including the World Famous Dog Man, beloved Spinners’ mascot Canaligator, the LeLacheur Park Minions, Stuart and Dave, members of the Lowell Police Department and more guests to be announced.

“We are so grateful to the staff and students at the McAuliffe School for their support in saluting our heroes,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “In addition, to have these special guests take time out of their schedule to interact with the students and visit with the veterans makes this a truly special event.”

The caravan will be joined this year by a pair of lovely ladies, as Queen Elsa of Frozen fame, will be joining the caravan for the visit to McAuliffe School, while Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn will be joining up at the veteran’s hospital.

The group will join the students in making holiday cards to be delivered later that morning to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford.

“Seeing the joy that something as simple as the student’s cards can bring is emotional,” said Bawmann. “The holidays are about sharing cheer and joy and we are thrilled to be able to bring just a little bit of that to our heroes.”

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

G-Braves Award November Grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry

December 15, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Thanksgiving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of November. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc. has been awarded the “Thanksgiving” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that works to end hunger.

Meat can be a difficult and costly item for food banks and feeding ministries to obtain. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry that seeks to transform the renewable resource of deer and other wild game into food for the hungry through locally established chapters. For the past eight years, the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter has provided over 5,000 pounds of venison to local food-needy groups.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves helped the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter pay for the processing costs of donated deer. On average, it costs around $55 to cut, package and distribute one deer to local food banks. Funds may also be used toward promoting the option of deer donation to the local farming and hunting community through printed, web and broadcast media.

“We are truly blessed to have the Gwinnett Braves partner with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to provide assistance to our food ministry,” said Joe Schuster, President of the FHFH Georgia Foothills Chapter. “FHFH raises funds from sponsors like the G-Braves to process protein enriched venison donated by local hunters which is then directed to the food needy. The Abba House of Cumming, GA, a ministry focused on helping women break free from addiction and abuse, was the recipient of our harvest this year.”

About Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc.: Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a 501c(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. The organization is comprised of a main office in Hagerstown, MD and 120 local coordinators serving in 24 different states. FHFH includes a network of hunters, farmers, ranchers, butchers, food banks, ministries and financial supporters working together to provide meat to the hungry among us. For more information or to make a donation, visit FHFH.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply for future grants, 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.

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

December 12, 2014

The Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization	Program	Grant Amount
Every Child Valued	After School Program	$2,500
Mercer Street Friends	Trenton Digital Initiatives	$2,500
NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc	Just Kids	$1,500
Hope Loves Company	Camp HLC	$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to see fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

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

Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Saturday

December 10, 2014

Donors will receive a special Team Store voucher

The Drive and the Blood Connection will team up for a blood drive at Fluor Field on Saturday from 11 AM-3 PM.

Each donor will receive a voucher that gets them $10 off any purchase in the Team Store of $30 or more. The voucher is good for Saturday only. The Team Store hours on Saturday are 10 AM-4 PM.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age.

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

Barons Host Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive

December 9, 2014

Barons team with WIAT 42 & iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC for annual event.

Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham Barons announced Tuesday they are partnering with WIAT 42 and the team’s flagship radio station, iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC, to bring the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive to Regions Field. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 a.m., new and lightly-worn coats can be donated at the ball park, along with multiple drop-off stations at the Lakeshore, Montclair and Trussville Wal-Mart locations.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and this is the perfect opportunity,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We are excited to team up with WIAT 42 and iHeartMedia for this worthy cause. We hope to see a great turnout Thursday as we give help to those who need it most this holiday season.”

The drive is scheduled to run until 6 p.m., and those interested in donating to the cause are welcome to stop by any of the four convenient locations at any time. All coat sizes are welcome and appreciated, including coats for children and adults.

“The Birmingham Barons have always been great broadcast partners with us at NewsRadio 105-5 WERC,” Program Director John Mountz stated. “We both have a common purpose, to serve the public in Birmingham and the greater Birmingham listening area. It is for this reason we are honored to once again partner with the Barons on this worthy endeavor.”

Barons’ mascot Babe Ruff is set to visit each location throughout the day, while WIAT 42 on-air personalities are set to greet participants at Regions Field. The CBS affiliate will also broadcast from the stadium, featuring live shots during the evening news.

“There is such an urgent need to help families stay warm during the winter in Central Alabama,” WIAT’s Andy Caliendo said. “WIAT 42 is proud to partner with the Birmingham Barons and be a part of the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive. We’re committed to our community and this is just one way we’re working to serve our viewers. WIAT 42’s dedication to providing ‘Coverage You Can Count On’ not only applies to news and weather coverage, but also to our community.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. For information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

Fresno Grizzlies Coat and Blanket Drive December 8-13

December 6, 2014

Donations can be dropped off on the second floor administration lobby at Chukchansi Park

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will join Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno in giving back to the community this holiday season. Catholic Charities is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno that is dedicated to serving all of those in need throughout the Fresno, Merced, and Kern counties. Together, the Grizzlies and Catholic Charities will work towards receiving winter clothing item donations to help provide families and individuals to stay warm through the winter season.

The Coat and Blanket Drive will take place at Chukchansi Park and is open to anyone who would like to donate new or gently used articles of clothing for the winter. The drive will commence on Monday, December 8^th and run through Saturday, December 13^th. Drop-off hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the second floor lobby of the Grizzlies administration office (enter ballpark off H Street). The donation drive will end on Saturday, December 13^th with a drop-off point on the corner of Tulare/H Street in front of the Chukchansi Park Gate 1 sign from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Anyone making a donation will receive two (2) complimentary ticket vouchers for a 2015 Fresno Grizzlies home game.

It is recommended that donations consist of coats and/or blankets, but any clothing garments practical for the winter are also welcomed.

A list of suggestions is below:

Coats	Blankets/Quilts/Comforters
Gloves/Mittens	Sweaters
Winter Boots	Hoodies
Hats/Beanies	Ear Muffs/Headbands
Scarves	Full-length Pants/Sweats
Long-sleeved shirts	Socks

***All items donated must be gently used, in good condition or new***

As the winter season arrives and temperatures get cooler, there are many people who can benefit from the donation of any winter apparel. Many families in the Fresno, Merced, and Kern county areas do not have the means to purchase new clothing items at this time of year. A donation of at least one item can help tremendously.

ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES:

Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno. They are devoted to helping and empowering people of the community and have been serving low-income residents in Fresno, Merced, and Kern County for over 47 years. Catholic Charities promotes community empowerment through assistance in applying and enrollment for government and public programs that are designed to lower monthly expenditures. An in-house food pantry allows the organization to feed an average of 120 to 130 families daily. This specific Catholic Charities location at 149 Fulton Street also houses a thrift store, which not only clothes families in crisis, but is also open to the public. All proceeds go directly back to Social Service programs of Catholic Charities.

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

ValleyCats accepting youth field renovation applications

December 5, 2014

‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York extend Community Grounds Crew partnership

The Tri-City ValleyCats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York will team up for the fourth straight year to continue the efforts of the Community Grounds Crew Program, an initiative that assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer.

The Community Grounds Crew will begin in early April 2015 with the annual ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, as four select youth fields will receive a facelift in less than 24 hours. The extent of the work includes new sod placed on the infield, rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and more.

“BlueShield is proud to renew our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities.”

“The Community Grounds Crew and ‘4 in 24’ renovation project are key initiatives for our organization each year. Our goal with these programs is to create a positive impact on the community by making a difference in the lives of so many young ballplayers,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “Thanks to our outstanding partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are continually able to provide safe and well-maintained fields for youth sports organizations throughout the Capital Region.”

The ValleyCats are currently accepting renovation applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region who are interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew projects. Applications can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. New for this year, applicants have the ability to submit their form electronically. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION>>

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 16. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2015 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 26 and Softball Night on June 25.

Mini-plans, season tickets, and flex plans for the ValleyCats 2015 season are on-sale now. For full details, or to purchase tickets, call 518-629-CATS, log-on to tcvalleycats.com, or visit the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

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

‘Dads & Sam’s Club Partner for Military

December 5, 2014

Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal provides free tickets for armed forces

The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce a new partnership with Sam’s Club of Hickory, which will provide free tickets to all active and retired military personnel throughout the 2015 season as a part of the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal.

The Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal will allow any active or retired member of the armed forces or their spouses to receive two complimentary tickets to any of the Crawdads 70 home games with a valid military ID. As one of the few teams in Minor League Baseball to offer free military tickets throughout the season, the Crawdads gave away more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to members of the armed forces in 2014.

“At Sam’s Club, we greatly appreciate the men and women of the armed forces who have served and continue serve our country,” said Sam’s Club of Hickory’s Club Manager Tim Hasson. “They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. We are proud to partner with the Hickory Crawdads to honor all military personnel. In addition, Sam’s Club always offers a $15 gift card for all new and renewing Sam’s Club active duty and veteran members. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make.”

Sam’s Club Military Tickets can be redeemed in person at the L.P. Frans Stadium box office up to a week in advance of any Crawdads home game.

For more information regarding the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal, call the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

One Day High School Baseball Clinic Announced

December 4, 2014

Learn from Mickey Morandini & Dong Lien on January 17

The IronPigs are hosting an indoor hitting and strength and conditioning clinic featuring former Major League All-Star and current IronPigs coach Mickey Morandini along with IronPigs Strength & Conditioning coach Dong Lien on Saturday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Coca-Cola Park. The clinic – available to current high school baseball players in grades 9 through 12 – costs $80 per player. Interested participants are encouraged to register by contacting Hannah Ishida at (610) 841-1228 or at hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com as space is extremely limited and the event is expected to sell out.

As an added bonus, sign-up by Friday, Jan. 9 and be entered to win one of three Mickey Morandini autographed baseballs!

The clinic will take place in Coca-Cola Park’s indoor batting cages and weight room area with players receiving hitting instruction as well as learning strength and conditioning techniques that are designed to prepare them for the upcoming baseball season as well as take their game to the next level. Players must bring their own equipment, including a water bottle. Water jugs will be provided. This event is limited to high school baseball players only.

About the instructors:

Morandini begins his fifth season on the Phillies developmental staff after spending four years as the head coach for Valparaiso (Ind.) High School. After being drafted by the Phillies out of Indiana University in the fifth round of the 1988 draft, the native of Leechburg, Pa., went on to an 11-year major league career that was highlighted by a trip to the 1993 World Series and a selection to the 1995 National League All-Star team. Morandini finished his career batting .268 with 32 home runs, 351 runs batted in and 123 stolen bases in 1,298 games – 956 (74%) of which he donned a Phillies uniform. In fact, Morandini finished his career as the Phillies’ all-time leader in most seasons (eight) as a regular starter at second base (later surpassed by Chase Utley, who recorded his ninth in 2013).

Lien is entering his second season as the IronPigs strength and conditioning coordinator and his tenth in the Phillies system. Prior to joining the IronPigs, he spent the previous six seasons in a similar post at the Major League level with the Phillies. Lien holds a Master’s from California University of Pennsylvania and was part of the Phillies’ 2009 Dick Martin Award winning training staff. Lien was born in Indonesia and resides in West Chester, Pa.

For more information or to register today, please call (610) 841-1228 or email hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com. Space is limited and the registration deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (if space remains).

The IronPigs 2015 season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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