Archives for April 2015

Pride Center of WNY partners with Bisons for ‘Out at the Ballpark’ night, July 16

Bisons host Clippers on Thursday, July 16 (7:05 p.m.)

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The Pride Center of Western New York and the Buffalo Bisons have announced Out At The Ballpark, an evening of professional baseball celebrating the vibrancy of Western New York’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Community, for Thursday July 16 during the team’s game versus the Columbus Clippers at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.).

The event marks the first time a professional sporting organization in Western New York has created an official event for the LGBTQ community. Founder of the Queen City Softball League Doug Scheidt will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch while the national anthems will be sung by out actor Marc Sacco, recipient of the 2008 Artvoice Theater Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. The evening will also feature entertainment and trivia by and for the LGBTQ community.

The Coca-Cola Field centerfield pavilion area will also open at 5:00 p.m. and feature live music and food and beverage specials from 5:00 p.m. to first pitch.

Fans can purchase a specially-priced $12 reserved seat ticket to Out at the Ballpark night by contacting Rob Kates at the Buffalo Bisons at (716) 846-2032 or rkates@bisons.com. Proceeds of advanced ticket sales will benefit the Pride Center of Western New York and their efforts to promote and celebrate the area’s LGBTQ community. The Bisons will also be selling ‘Out at the Ballpark’ game tickets at the Pride Festival on Sunday, June 7.

“The Buffalo Bisons approached us a few months back expressing their interest in creating an event that would celebrate our community,” said Matthew Crehan Higgins, Senior Director of The Pride Center of WNY. “Immediately it felt like something a little different and unexpected, and certainly whenever we have mentioned it to someone they smile right away.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch and proud of the success of the Queen City Softball League, which has been playing every summer since 1993,” Sheidt said. “At the time, we were eight teams, mostly gay and lesbian players, and mostly at a recreational level. I never would have imagined that 23 seasons later we would still be playing, sharing the field with a lot more straight allies, and playing at a variety of levels, from recreational to competitive. It’s been great fun and I think a contribution to the social and athletic landscape of the city of Buffalo.”

The Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. (PWNY) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people to live, work and establish their families.

-the herd-

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

Spikes announce 2015 school programs

Outreach programs provide lessons to over 15,000 Central PA students

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The State College Spikes are pleased to announce the team’s roster of 2015 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, with the common goal of using the Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and conserving water. These programs are always offered free of charge to area schools.

Most programs are implemented through school assemblies and involve mascots, players and front office staff. All programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets to a Spikes’ home game upon completion of one of the fun and educational school programs. The Spikes annually reach over 15,000 Central Pennsylvania school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties through community outreach programs.

New for the 2015 season is the “Head Above Water” program presented by the State College Borough Water Authority. The program teaches water conservation and its positive effects, with a free Spikes ticket offered upon completion of the program.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2015 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle by creating awareness of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly, which can be held outside or inside. During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance of exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, August 2.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball Reading Program for the 2015 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2015 season. At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest presented by the Centre Daily Times
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 word or fewer essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2015 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

“Head Above Water” presented by the State College Borough Water Authority
All new for 2015 – the State College Borough Water Authority and the Spikes have partnered to implement a youth water conservation awareness program, “Head Above Water.” Ike the Spike, along with a representative from the State College Borough Water Authority, will be educating students on the importance of water conservation and the effects it can have. The program is an initiative that will encourage students to practice good water conservation habits by rewarding them with a free Spikes ticket upon completion of the program. Participating students will receive a special baseball card to help remind them how to conserve water. Any participating student that completes the water conservation program under the supervision of his or her teacher and/or parent will earn one free ticket to a 2015 Spikes baseball game. The program includes a free assembly and water conservation presentation with Ike the Spike and the State College Borough Water Authority at any of the participating schools.

There is no cost for schools to participate in any of the Spikes school programs. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes School Programs can contact Bobbi Jo Davidson, Spikes Community Relations Assistant at (814) 272-1711 or bdavidson@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, defending New York-Penn League champions, begin their 38-game home schedule with Opening Night on Friday, June 19 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and the slate continues through September 6.

Single-game tickets for each game in the 2015 season will be available starting at TicketFest 2015 on Saturday, May 2 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Season tickets, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2015 season are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options can be viewed here.

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

Pelicans announce Military Appreciation Day

Team to auction custom camouflage jerseys, hold card set giveaway

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (APRIL 30, 2015) – In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are pleased to announce Military Appreciation Day. The event, presented by Embrace Hospice, Hot Talk 99.5 FM, and Wave 104.1 FM, will take place on May 14 when the Pelicans host the Carolina Mudcats for a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Gates to the ballpark will open at 5:30 p.m. ET to accommodate fans for the numerous pregame festivities.

Pelicans players will wear custom-made camouflage jerseys for the game. The jerseys, reflecting the familiar design of military uniforms from the Vietnam War era, will be auctioned during the game. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 925.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates will also receive a card set featuring the photos and stories of 36 Grand Strand veterans and active military personnel. The uniformed men and women from those cards will be represented that night, either by being in attendance themselves, or by members of their family.

The night will also have pre-game festivities aplenty. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 925 will hand out 5,000 miniature American flags to fans at the gates and will also honor the Pelicans franchise as a Purple Heart supporter team. There will be a pre-game colors dedication, as well as a ceremony held around the Missing Man Table. The veterans being honored on the card set will be introduced individually before the first pitch, and to wrap up the pre-game ceremonies, a paratrooper will parachute into TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark while holding an American flag.

Embrace Hospice joined the Pelicans as a partner in 2014 with “Embrace a Veteran,” one of the most popular programs from that season, in which veterans were asked to stand up at every home game and be recognized. Saturdays became Embrace Veterans Saturdays, where select Grand Strand veterans were highlighted and honored, and their stories were told in person and on the video board. A veteran and Embrace Hospice employee threw out a first pitch at these games as well.

Katelyn Guild, Pelicans Director of Business Development, pursued the expansion of Military Appreciation events after a positive reception last season.

“The game of baseball has incredible roots connected with the U.S. military, and we are thrilled whenever we can grow and diversify the way that we honor our veterans-especially our local ones,” Guild said. “Embrace Hospice agrees, and they were excited to partner with us on this as well.”

For Embrace Hospice, the cause is an important one, but also a personal one.

“Many of us are veterans ourselves, so this has an extra special meaning to us and the many veterans we employ,” said Kevin McHugh, CEO of Embrace Hospice. “Our veterans are one of this country’s greatest accomplishments. What they have done for our freedom makes going to a ballgame an everyday thing for Americans. We hope the community joins us once again this year at Pelicans ballgames to say thank you and to ‘Embrace a Veteran’.”

In addition to the card set and year-long program, the Pelicans have dedicated an empty seat at the ballpark, located near the Clark and Addison Grille and Hops Heaven. The seats remains unoccupied in honor of lost prisoners of war (POW) and service members who are pronounced missing in action (MIA).

Information on Embrace Hospice will be available on the main concourse at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark for each Embrace Saturday all year long. The dates for the remaining Embrace Veterans Saturdays in 2015 are as follows: May 23; June 6, 13, 20; July 11, 25; August 8, 15, 29.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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

Downtown Crawdads Bash Announced

Free downtown event “Under the Sails” on Tuesday, May 12th

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads, the Hickory Downtown Development Association, and the Hickory Convention & Visitors Bureau are teaming up to host the free Downtown Crawdads Bash event on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm “Under the Sails” in downtown Hickory.

The event will feature live music, fun games and activities, and the chance for Crawdads fans to meet and mingle with their favorite ‘Dads players and coaches while collecting autographs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening as well.

“We’re really excited about the Downtown Crawdads Bash and we think it’s going to be a lot of fun for the fans and players,” said Crawdads Dir. of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “We had such a positive response to our downtown event during the All-Star Game last year and thought it would be something fans would enjoy experiencing again!”

The Crawdads are scheduled to play the Savannah Sand Gnats the morning of the event, with first pitch at L.P. Frans Stadium scheduled for 11:00 am.

For more information regarding the Downtown Crawdads Bash, call the ‘Dads 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.

Little League Day

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Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Pepsi Cola Little League Day at Steinbrenner Filed on Sunday, May 3rd when they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1:00 PM.

The first 250 fans to enter the stadium will receive a Collector’s Pepsi Cola Yankees Pin. All guests wearing their Little League uniforms will receive free admission from the Box Office (players and coaches).

There will be Food Trucks that will be serving food outside of the stadium beginning at 11:00AM. Food Trucks participating will be Tasty Stacy, Sarge’s BBQ, Disco Donuts, Kona Ice, Enjoi Sweets & Company, Hott Mess, and Street Surfer. After the game, the Tampa Yankees invite kids, ages 14 and under, to run the bases on Steinbrenner Field.

Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Teams will play a game on Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Yankees game concludes. The Tampa Yankees Actively assist youth baseball and softball programs in the Tampa area to promote the Little League Mission, developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating. Fan can also purchase the Sonny’s BBQ 2-Pack for $20. It includes 2 reserved ticket, 2 Sonny’s BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, 2 sides of mac & cheese, 2 drinks and 2 passes to The Florida Aquarium and can only be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813)-673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

Bees to Host 9th Annual ‘Pack the Park Pink’ Night

Team to Help Raise Breast Cancer Awareness on May 9

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SALT LAKE CITY (April 28, 2015) – The Salt Lake Bees will host their ninth annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 9 in collaboration with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) and Swing for Life, in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute. This night is part of the club’s year-round community outreach initiatives that support health and wellness, education and youth development.

“Huntsman Cancer Foundation is very grateful to the Bees organization and Miller Sports Properties,” said George Mathis, Development Officer at Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “We are honored to invite the community to be a part of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s efforts to eradicate cancer. What could be better than a night at the beautiful ballpark with your family while supporting cancer research?”

Fans attending the Bees game will be encouraged to help “Pack the Park Pink” by wearing the color pink and anyone wearing pink can go to the box office the day of the game to receive a $3 discount on tickets. During the game, Swing for Life will have pink t-shirts available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting HCF.

The team will be wearing commemorative caps featuring a pink Bees logo and jerseys with pink lettering, which will be auctioned off in a silent auction. The highest bidders will have the opportunity to meet Bees players on the field after the game for photograph opportunities while collecting their player-autographed jerseys. All of the proceeds from the auction will benefit cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

One dollar from all ticket sales for that night’s game will go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at Smith’s Ballpark box office, at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores, by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337) or online at www.slbees.com, with no additional fees.

Gates open at 5:35 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. against the Reno Aces. The first 2,000 fans attending that night’s game will receive a free pink shirt and there will be a fireworks show at the conclusion of the game.

About Huntsman Cancer Foundation 
The Huntsman Cancer Foundation gives a Reason to Hope® to cancer patients and their families around the world. HCF is a non-profit organization dedicated to maximizing resources to support the research, education, and treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital. The Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, community groups, and other organizations to reach fundraising goals.

About Swing for Life 
Swing for Life, based in Salt Lake City, is a 501 C(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to contribute to on-going and ground-breaking research in the fight against breast cancer.

About the Salt Lake Bees
The Salt Lake Bees are in their 15th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2018 season. While with Los Angeles, Salt Lake owns five division championships and two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Smith’s Ballpark, the home of the Bees, is consistently voted as one of the best ballparks in baseball and has hosted more than 10-million fans dating back to the franchise’s establishment in 1994. For more information visit www.slbees.com.

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

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night

 

Peanuts. Close-up.
Peanuts. Close-up.

PEANUT ALLERGY AWARENESS NIGHT AT VICTORY FIELD, APRIL 29

April 27, 2015 – On the short list of foods fans most-commonly associate with the game of baseball is probably peanuts. After all, they are referenced in the beloved song,“Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

But this popular snack fare that Americans consume on average over 1.5 billion pounds of each year in the form of peanut butter and peanut products is also what forces a growing number of families from attending and enjoying a visit to an Indianapolis Indians game. According to Food Allergy & Research Education the number of children in the U.S. with peanut allergy more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.

In an effort to draw awareness to this medical condition, on April 29, 2015 the Tribe will partner with Indy PoCHA (Parents of Children Having Allergies) for Peanut Allergy Awareness Night.

Indy PoCHA

With representatives from Indy PoCHA on site in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza, this inaugural night at the ballpark is intended to help educate fans and draw awareness to Food Allergy Awareness Week 2015 (May 10-16).

“This is a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on food allergies,” said Lauren Kossack with PoCHA. “There are many easy ways you can get involved in raising awareness, educating others and inspiring action. We’re grateful for the opportunity to do just that at Victory Field.”

On this night when the Indianapolis Indians host the Louisville Bats at 7:05 p.m., Victory Field will suspend for one night the sale of all products with ties to peanuts – peanuts, CRACKER JACK®, peanut M&Ms, and peanut-related ice cream toppings – and will make every reasonable effort to thoroughly clean the stadium, but cannot guarantee complete absence of peanut particles or residue. Peanut products will also be disallowed in The Lawn area on April 29.

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night does not mean the ballpark will be completely peanut-free. Fans with peanut allergies should exercise their normal precautions.

Other facts you may or may not know about peanuts and peanut allergy:

  • Peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes – a type of plant with seeds that grow inside pods such as peas or beans.
  • Peanuts grow underground, not on trees like nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.). Peanut seeds flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.
  • It takes an average of 540 peanuts to make one 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
  • 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches can be made from one acre of grown peanuts.
  • More than 3 million Americans report having an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts or both. That’s roughly 3x the population of Indianapolis.
  • Click here to view a peanut allergy fact sheet.

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

Legends celebrate 15th year with ’15 Days of Service’

Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends "15 Days of Service" program. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends “15 Days of Service” program. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are celebrating their 15th year of operation of 2015, and part of that celebration includes a special campaign to continue giving back to the community.

The Legends’ “15 Days of Service” campaign will include volunteer work with 15 different organizations in the Lexington area. Legends players as well as front office staff will be involved.

The first of the 15 stops was made April 20 at Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency in Lexington committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families and the community.   Legends players Alfredo Escalera, Kyle Pollock, and Michael Hill, along with Big L and front office staffers Rebecca Barnes, Anne Brenner, Ty Cobb, April Dietrich, Tim Vieira and Corie Roberts spent time with children at Greenhouse 17 and also helped out with some gardening chores.

Other agencies that will be part of “15 Days of Service” include the Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Blessings, Hope Center, Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Salvation Army, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, United Way, God’s Pantry, the Nest, GLEAN and Habitat for Humanity. More will be added as the 2015 season continues.

“Community service has always played a very important part of who we are as an organization here at the Lexington Legends,” said Barnes, the Legends’ director of community relations. “Being able to give back to the community that has supported us for the last 15 years is a great way to celebrate our 15th anniversary season.”

“Fifteen days of service really brings our community service efforts into focus,” added Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We’ll never lose sight of the importance of giving back, but the celebration of the 15th season of Legends baseball provides a special incentive for all of us.”

For more information, contact Barnes at 859-422-7855.

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

ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on May 27th

Event to be held for first time at Tuscan House in Toms River; Proceeds to ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are pleased to hold their 15th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on Wednesday, May 27th from 6 pm – 8 pm. The event will be held for the first time at Tuscan House in Toms River, and once again all proceeds from the event will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Phillies.

The ALS Celebrity Waiter Event features all BlueClaws players serving as the waiters and BlueClaws coaches serving as the bartenders. The players will pose for pictures and sign autographs throughout the night while helping to raise money for a great cause.

20% of all bills and 100% of all tips will be donated directly to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia. This event has raised over $125,000 for the ALS Association in its first 14 years of existence.

“This has been our top community outreach event since its inception in 2001,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Director of Community Relations. “We are thrilled to partner with Tuscan House this year and are very much looking forward to another spectacular ALS Celebrity Waiter Event.”

Reservations can be made by directly calling Tuscan House at 732-797-2570.

There will also be a 50/50 and a silent auction, with merchandise from both the BlueClaws and Phillies available, again with all proceeds going directly to the ALS Assocaition of Greater Philadelphia.

BlueClaws Charities is the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws and supports over 40 Community Partner organizations and hundreds of non-profit organizations and fundraising events each year.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Blood Donors Score Naturals Tickets: May 1 – May 15

April 27, 2015-Each Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) donor May 1 through 15, will score two premium tickets to a Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball game. Anyone 16 years and older* is urged to come to the ABI donor center at 5300 S. U St., Fort Smith, or find an area blood drive listed on arkbi.org. Vouchers for Monday through Thursday evening games in May will be awarded to donors. Each can be redeemed at the Arvest Ballpark box office for two seats behind the dugout.

“Being an active community partner is extremely important to our organization, and this furthers that initiative for us,” said Naturals General Manager Justin Cole.

A ‘hero’ T-shirt also awaits each donor. If preferred, a donor can forgo the T-shirt to support Global Blood Fund (GBF). For each donor who chooses this option, a contribution to GBF will be made by Arkansas Blood Institute. GBF is a nonprofit that provides blood center technology and supplies to struggling blood centers around the world, so they can meet local needs through voluntary blood donation.

Donors with Arkansas Blood Institute exclusively provide blood needed by all patients in River Valley hospitals and some 15 other medical facilities in the region.

Appointments to donate are not required but can be made at 877-340-8777 or arkbi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

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

Kay Yow Cancer Fund to join Mudcats for “Strikeout Cancer Weekend”

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ZEBULON, NC – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and member of the historic Carolina League, are proud to announce the Kay Yow Cancer Fund as an official partner of the “Strikeout Cancer Weekend” event being held at Five County Stadium on May 15, 16 and 17 when the Mudcats play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will be the official charity for Friday’s May 15 game in Zebulon at 7:00 p.m. Fans wishing to attend the game and support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund can purchase specially priced tickets through the Mudcats front office. A portion of those ticket sales will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Contact Yogi Brewington or Aaron Freeman in the Mudcats front office for more information at (919) 269-2287.

Additionally, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will be on hand at Friday’s game (May 15) with an information booth available for fans. Representatives from the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will also participate in pregame on field ceremonies.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Mudcats also plan on honoring cancer survivors before the game with a unique on field ceremony. Fans hoping to participate, or wishing to nominate a friend or relative for participation in the ceremony should contact Mr. Brewington or Mr. Freeman at (919) 269-2287.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women’s basketball coach.

Kay Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and passed away on January 24, 2009, after facing her third bout with the disease. Before her death, she joined forces with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and The V Foundation for Cancer Research to form the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women’s cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.

For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund or to make a donation, please visit www.kayyow.com and follow them on social media @kayyowfund.

“Strikeout Cancer Weekend” at Five County stadium will take place May 15, 16 and 17 when the Mudcats play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Mudcats players will wear specially designed jerseys for all three games in the series. Those game worn jerseys will then be made available to fans through a special auction.

All of the proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to local cancer-fighting charities including the “Kay Yow Cancer Fund,” the “Vs. Cancer Foundation” and “Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure.”

The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The 2015 “Braves New World” season is the first for the Mudcats as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and their fourth straight in the historic Carolina League. First established in 1991, the Carolina Mudcats are entering their 25th straight season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.

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

Five Guys Team Up With Lake Monsters For Annual “May Days” Fundraising Campaign

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters are excited to announce Five Guys as a partner for their annual May Days fundraiser to benefit non-profits from across the state of Vermont. “Five Guys May Days” fundraiser will launch May 1st as a month-long program devoted to helping raise funds and awareness for state wide non-profits.

Support of local non-profits has demonstrated the strong commitment both the Lake Monsters and Five Guys have to the greater Burlington community. The goal of this program is not only to provide the opportunity for organizations to raise money, but also raise awareness for their programs while providing a chance for supporters to come together at the ballpark.

COTS is just one of the many local non-profits who has benefited from participating in Five Guys May Days and will continue the tradition this year. “COTS very much appreciates the support we receive from our local community, and the Lake Monsters fundraiser is a great example of how we can work together to raise awareness about homelessness in Vermont” said COTS Executive Director Rita Markley.

Participating non-profits will have the entire month of May to promote and sell $6 Lake Monsters tickets through a specific URL link designated to their organization for a specific game during the season. After the month of May is completed, the Lake Monsters will donate half of the proceeds back to the organization. Following the selling period, Five Guys will donate up to $500 to match the amount raised by the highest selling non-profit in the program. Organizations will then be recognized on field with a check presentation at a Lake Monsters game this season. This opportunity is an easy way to fundraiser for non-profits, simply by reaching out to your employees, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors with the URL link. For more information or if your non-profit is interested in participating contact Kali Ackerman at 802-655-4200 or kali@vermontlakemonsters.com.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award March Grant to Kidsplosion Nation Corp.

Organization receives $1,000 “Salute to the Arts” themed grant

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of March. Kidsplosion Nation Corp. has been awarded the “Salute to the Arts” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that supports art programs or education.

Kidsplosion Nation enables youth to “Discover, Develop, and Display” their gifts and talents at camps throughout economically challenged areas of Gwinnett County. The organization provides afterschool and summer programs that include courses in dance, karate, comedy, music, art, cooking, acting and more.

Those activities provide children with an opportunity to discover what they enjoy, develop those talents through instruction and display their gifts through shows at the end of camps or afterschool programs. The organization partners with Gwinnett Parks and Recreation and Gwinnett County Schools to offer camps in their facilities. It also provides breakfast, lunch and snacks for free.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will be used for the purchase of snacks and Kidsplosion T-shirts to give campers, as well as website hosting and upkeep costs.

“We are so completely excited to be March’s grant recipient,” Kidsplosion Founder and CEO Carlena Evans said. “This grant will help us purchase summer camp shirts for about 200 students, which makes for a lot of happy campers. We thank the Gwinnett Braves on behalf of Kidsplosion staff, parents and campers.”

About Kidsplosion Nation Corp.: Kidsplosion Nation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization started in 2010 by Carlena Evans. The organization offers camps and afterschool programs for economically disadvantaged children in Gwinnett County areas with the highest need for affordable youth programming. Those programs enable youth to “Discover, Develop, and Display” their gifts. Kidsplosion also provides free breakfast, lunch and snacks for its campers. Kidsplosion partnered with Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation in 2013 and expanded into Gwinnett County Schools in 2014 with a desire to reach all children. For more information, visit www.kidsplosion.com.

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.

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The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Follow the G-Braves at GwinnettBraves.com, facebook.com/GwinnettBraves1 and twitter.com/GwinnettBraves. Tickets are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office, call 678-277-0340.

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

4th Annual Paint the Park Purple Night is May 1st

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The Lynchburg Hillcats are teaming up with Relay for Life of Lynchburg and the American Cancer Society on Friday, May 1st at 6:30pm for the 4th Annual Paint the Park Purple Night and T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia!

Gates will open at 5:30pm and general Admission Tickets for the game will be $11 with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life of Lynchburg will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 and is an overnight relay style walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society, as well as honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer. Local participants have been able to sell tickets to Paint the Park Purple Night as a part of their fundraising for their relay team. Fans will also be able to participate in a 50/50 raffle during the game, proceeds of which will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

Approximately 1,596,000 people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States last year and it is estimated that over 41,000 new cancer cases will be reported in 2013 for the state of Virginia alone. The American Cancer Society raises funds worldwide for research programs to find cures for all forms of cancer, and helps those diagnosed to find treatments and support. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about staying healthy and preventing cancer, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

The Hillcats thank the following Paint the Park Purple sponsors: Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA (Title Sponsor); Brownstone Properties; Cintas; Courtyard by Marriott; Mortgage Atlantic; W.E.M. Masonry; Westover Dairy; Yellow Sub; 105.5 KD Country; 93.7 & 106.9 KHF; and WIQO/ESPN Radio.

To purchase tickets for the Paint the Park Purple Night, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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

Red Sox to Host Kids Take Over the Park Day on June 14

Kids ages 5-12 given opportunity to run the show for Salem Sox game

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox and Blue Eagle Credit Union are teaming up for the first-ever Kids Take Over the Ballpark day on Sunday, June 14 at LewisGale Field. When the Red Sox take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 4:05 p.m., nearly 30 kids ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to run the show at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

Children selected to participate in the event will have the opportunity to shadow one of the following positions: on-field host, public address announcer, grounds crew, diamond crew, radio broadcaster, box office representative, bat boy and camera operator. A casting call is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. prior to the Red Sox game against the Potomac Nationals. A table will be set up prior to the game for those interested in auditioning.

In addition, there will be a social media audition for kids who would like to help manage the Salem Red Sox for a day. All children interested in auditioning for manager should post a one minute video explaining why they would like to be selected and post it on the Salem Red Sox Facebook page or mention the Salem Red Sox on Twitter.

For more information on Kids Take Over the Ballpark day, please e-mail either Lindsey Schmidt (lschmidt@salemsox.com) or Chelsea Booth (cbooth@salemsox.com) or call 540-389-3333.

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