Archives for October 2016

Chasers Earn Ballpark Digest’s Charity Award

The Omaha Storm Chasers have been announced as the recipient of Ballpark Digest‘s “2016 Charity Award” for the organization’s work in the community throughout the 2016 season. The Storm Chasers were also a finalist for the award in 2015.

“Our organization is truly humbled to receive this award,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manger Martie Cordaro. “While we give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so, it is still rewarding to be honored. I personally thank Ballpark Digest for recognizing our staff as industry leaders in giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization, through its charitable arm Chasers Charities, set an all-time record in charitable giving in 2016, the fourth consecutive year the club has achieved that feat. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities, an increase of $82,558 compared in 2015.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as the “Community Organization of the Night”. Over $20,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, in addition to over $23,000 donated to local charities, including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions.

In total, the organization also combined for over 420 mascot and player appearances in the Omaha Metro community. The Storm Chasers front office also joined forces to record 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday April 11, 2017.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Baysox Accepting Nominations, Donations for Holiday Hope

BOWIE, Md – 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 aided dozens of area families and 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.

“There are some area families that go through tough circumstances around the holiday season,” said Baysox Marketing Director Brandan Kaiser. “The Baysox are honored to be able to assist them through Louie’s Holiday Hope Project.”

“We are happy to continue our partnership with the Louie’s Holiday Hope Project,” said Shawna Lindberg, Clinical Supervisor at Bowie Youth & Family Services. “We have witnessed this wonderful work, which has impacted so many Bowie families in need. This project has made it possible for parents to provide their families a special meal or gifts for the holiday season.”

To ensure that the program reaches as many families as possible, the Baysox welcome help from fans. Members of the community can nominate families that need assistance by e-mailing info@baysox.com. Submissions should include your name and daytime phone number. 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. 2, 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 28) to donate to local families in need.

The Baysox encourage other local groups and organizations to participate in Louie’s Holiday Hope Project. Local organizations that would like to make a contribution to the program can e-mail info@baysox.com or call the Baysox front office at (301) 805-6000. More information about the program is also available on our website.

The Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox season has ended, but the team will return in 2017 to celebrate its 25th Season. The team’s 2017 home opener will be Thursday, April 14 against the Harrisburg Senators at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

“Trick-or-Suite” event raises record donation amount

RENO – The Reno Aces Baseball Club and Reno 1868 FC are thrilled to announce that a record amount of food items were donated by over 3,500 attendees at Greater Nevada Field’s annual “Trick-or-Suite” event.

The event allowed children to “trick or treat” on the suite level in advance of Halloween, with admission being $3 or three canned food items per child. Accompanying adults were permitted free entry. Various games, a bounce house and an appearance by Reno Aces mascot “Archie” added to the fun-filled evening.

“Giving back to the community is our main motive,” said Winter Moreno, promotions and community relations coordinator for the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC. “Hosting an event like this allows us the opportunity to raise charitable items for a greater cause, while enjoying the many costumes and smiling faces from all participants.”

All proceeds benefited the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Both clubs send their appreciation to all volunteers, including the Reno Fire Department and Reno Police Department.

2017 Aces season memberships are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club during the offseason on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook. To purchase a Reno 1868 FC founding membership or 2017 season membership, call (775) 334-7001 or visit www.reno1868fc.com. You can follow the club on Twitter (@reno1868fc) or like the team on Facebook.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Sending Two Children to The World Series

Brian Vanasse, Jr. and Jack Marsella hold their tickets for the 2016 World Series in Chicago as the PawSox, for the 27th year, are sending two youngsters from the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, along with their dads, to the Fall Classic. Dan Rea, PawSox Senior VP and General Manager (far left) and Luke McLaughlin (far right) of the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club visited with the families at McCoy Stadium before sending them off to Chicago.

Two Rhode Island children, together with their dads, will attend the World Series this weekend, thanks to the PawSox and the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation. The children were selected from the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. The all-expense paid trip continues an annual tradition started 27 years ago.

The children, Jack Marsella, 13, of Providence and Brian Vanasse, Jr., 10, of Pawtucket, will be accompanied by Jack’s father, Paul, and Brian’s father, Brian.

The Rhode Island ambassadors will attend Games 3 and 4 at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The historic series features the Cubs, who have not won a Fall Classic since 1908, against the Cleveland Indians, who have not won since 1948.

“This tradition reflects not only our love of baseball, but our love of the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club,” said PawSox Vice-Chairman Mike Tamburro, who has been with the ballclub for 43 years. “Jim Hoyt has run an extraordinary Boys and Girls Club for many years, and we are proud to be a partner.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Welcome Families and Children to Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

The Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The free event on Monday, October 31, includes candy, the opportunity to meet Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“This gesture is one small way to say ‘Thank-you’ to our neighbors,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are pleased to provide a clean, safe, place for children to dress up, meet their favorite mascots, and receive their precious treats-without any tricks. We may even have a prize or two for exceptionally-creative costumes.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dream League Field comes to Berks County

Reading, Pa., Oct. 26, 2016 – Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League, a non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa., raised more than $650,000 towards building Berks County’s first baseball field for special needs players at their kick off Diamonds and Dreams Dinner Under the Stars event hosted by the Reading Fightin Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

At the Diamonds and Dreams Dinner Under the Stars event, the 300 community and business leaders in attendance were introduced to 11 of the leagues’ future players and treated to meals from four of the area’s finest chefs including: Chef Brad Fisher from Berkshire Country Club, Chef Tim Twiford from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chef Dave Brennan from Panevino, and Chef Devin Schwartz & Owner Operator George Zeppos from Willoughby’s on Park. Proceeds from the event will help build the Baseballtown Dream League’s Savage 61 Field of Dreams complex custom-designed for those with physical and developmental disabilities.

“Parents of special needs players in the Miracle League in Lehigh County tell us how their children live for the days when they’re playing baseball. But for many families, the distance to the Lehigh County fields is inaccessible,” said Chuck Domino, president of Baseballtown Charities. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Reading Fightin Phils and community leaders to be able to support the first special needs field in Berks County that can serve families in Greater Reading and surrounding areas.”

Baseballtown Charities was established in 2002 and has since raised more than $1 million to build Gordon Hoodak Stadium, a field of dreams in the heart of inner-city Reading, which has provided more than 1,000 boys and girls who otherwise might not have had the opportunity with a chance to participate in the game. Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League recently expanded its campaign to give those with physical and developmental disabilities the same chance to experience the magic of baseball and thrill of playing on the diamond through custom-designed, turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.

The Savage 61 Field of Dreams is slated to open Fall 2017. Baseballtown Charities will continue to raise funds to support the Baseballtown Dream League complex. Baseball town is also recruiting community members to serve as volunteer “angels” to assist Dream League players at every game.

Parents and community members interested in signing up children, volunteering or donating can email Baseballtown Charities at baseballtown@fightins.com for more information.

About Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. The Savage 61 Field of Dreams will be constructed at Relevant Sports Complex in Temple, Pa. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Chiefs & Dr. Fitzpatick raise $2,000 for Humane CNY

Chiefs GM Jason Smorol with Dr. Fitzpatrick from Beaver Lake Hospital and Christine McNeeley & Jada from Humane CNY (Jeffrey Irizarry/Syracuse Chiefs)

The Syracuse Chiefs are proud to announce that Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick owner of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has donated $2,000.00 to Humane CNY as a part of an annual sponsorship promotion. Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick presented the check to Humane CNY today at the NBT Bank Stadium, the home of the Syracuse Chiefs.

Each season Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital partners with the Chiefs to help raise awareness for the overpopulation of pets. Every time a Chiefs’ relief pitcher strikes out an opposing batter at NBT Bank Stadium, a $10.00 donation is made to Humane CNY. Since 2008, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick has personally donated over $18,000 through this promotion.

Humane CNY is a nonprofit no-kill shelter in Syracuse. Humane CNY is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal shelter, with a mission to find loving homes for the animals who need them.

“On behalf of the Syracuse Chiefs we would like to thank Dr. Fitzpatrick for once again partnering with the Chiefs to raise funds for such a fantastic organization,” Jason Smorol, Syracuse Chiefs General Manager.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fluor Field Hosts SC Veterans Upstate Salute on Friday

The Drive have teamed up with GE, Greenville Health System and Michelin to create a new non-profit organization called the Upstate Veterans Alliance, and in conjunction with our partners, we are proud to announce the first annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this free celebration on November 11th at Fluor Field, as we will honor our local veterans with a night full of entertainment.

The event will begin at 5:00 PM, with the Field Street gates at Fluor Field opening at 4:00. Highlights of the evening include a concert from country music star Tracy Lawrence, a 21-gun salute, parachuters, an aerial flyover and opportunities to meet community agencies supporting veterans and their families. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. The concession stands at Fluor Field will be open throughout the evening.

Registration is required to enter the event, and you can register at the link above or by CLICKING HERE.

For more information, including to learn more about the schedule of events for the Upstate Salute, please visit www.upstatesalute.com or call 864-240-4500. We hope to see you at Fluor Field on November 11th to help honor our nation’s veterans!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle Returns With More Winners Than Ever Before

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is once again holding their annual BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle, with this year’s raffle including a greater chance to win than ever before.

Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold, for $100 each, with proceeds going to BlueClaws Charities. This year, however, there will be seven winners instead of four. Each winner will win a 10-game BlueClaws Luxury Suite package for the 2017 season.

ORDER RAFFLE TICKETS – There are two ways to order. Order online by clicking here, or order on the phone by calling Mike Kasel at 732-901-7000 ext 195.

The seven winners will receive 20 tickets to 10 pre-determined games throughout the season. The games will be split up by day of the week and month of the season. Opening Day is April 13th and the season concludes on September 4th, Labor Day.

Kami Zonin of Zonin Wealth Management was a raffle winner for the 2016 season. “From the very first game in the Luxury Suite, we knew we were in for something special. The staff at the stadium did an amazing job to help cater every game to the person using the Suite. Our staff was able to use it for family birthdays and special occasions. We were also able to give some of our clients the opportunity to use the Suite for their own special occasions. Our clients loved it!”

She added: ” The BlueClaws worked with us to make every game a once in a lifetime experience, and for that we will be forever grateful!”

The last day to reserve a raffle ticket will be March 17, 2017 (but tickets are expected to sell out before that date). All seven winners will be determined via a drawing on March 20th at 10 am. at FirstEnergy Park. Winners do not have to be present to win.

Those that purchase multiple tickets can win multiple shares of a suite. Each share holds a $4,945 value.

Each Luxury Suite provides panoramic views of the stadium from a climate-controlled indoor area, which is completely furnished with cable and has 12 seats on the balcony. Luxury Suite ticket holders also have access to the Upstairs Club as well as wait service within the suite.

The proceeds from the raffle go to benefit BlueClaws Charities, a 501c3 organization and the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

The organization works with 40 non-profit Community Partners each year and donates to hundreds of area organizations and fundraising events.

– BlueClaws Charities –

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toys for Tots Drive to Begin November 1

FREDERICK, Md. -With the holiday season right around the corner, the Frederick Keys are partnering with Toys for Tots. For the fifth straight year, the team will assist the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program by collecting new, unwrapped toys in November and December. These gifts are then given as Christmas presents to underprivileged children.

Nymeo Field collections begin on Tuesday, November 1. Fans who wish to make a donation can drop off toys from 9-5p.m Monday through Friday in the main office. Anyone who participates will receive a Keys hat and two tickets to a 2017 home game.

“Each year it’s amazing to watch how many members of the community come by the stadium to drop off toys for less fortunate kids,” said Keys Director of Marketing Bridget McCabe. “Since we started collecting, donations have been through the roof and we’re excited to continue that trend this holiday season.”

Over the last few years, Nymeo Field has been among the top Toys for Tots collection destinations in Frederick County. Since being approved as an official activity of the Marine Corps in 1995, Toys for Tots has distributed over 512 million toys to more than 237 million less fortunate children.

The Frederick Keys kickoff their 2017 season on Thursday, April 6 at Nymeo Field against the Carolina Mudcats. For ticket information and the latest offseason news, fans can call 301-815-9900 or visit frederickkeys.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Win 2016 Community Involvement Award from Providence Business News

The Providence Business News has awarded their 2016 Community Involvement Award to the Pawtucket Red Sox in an announcement made this past Friday, October 14. The PawSox are one of 12 companies being recognized for business excellence. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 17, at the Providence Marriott.

“The Pawtucket Red Sox have been an engaged member of the community throughout their history,” said Mark S. Murphy, Editor of the Providence Business News. “Their community track record has been especially strong since the 1999 establishment of the ballclub’s charity program, through which the team has donated more than $1 million to organizations serving the underprivileged throughout New England.”

The award marks the second major community recognition that the club has received in the past three years. In 2014, the PawSox received the John Henry Moss Community Service Award presented by Minor League Baseball for outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, along with exemplary leadership within its local community.

“To receive this award is an honor,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles Steinberg. “To serve this community is a privilege.

All of us who love working with the PawSoAnchorx recognize the role that baseball can play in our community. We look forward to doing even more for the people of Pawtucket and the people of Rhode Island.”

With over 120 community appearances made to date in 2016, the PawSox are on pace to triple the number of mascot and player appearances the team made in 2015 to Rhode Island and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

The PawSox have also unveiled successful new community oriented promotions at the ballpark in 2016, such as “My Hero Mondays,” where fans nominated community heroes to be recognized on the field prior to every Monday home game. The club’s new “In Debt to a Vet” in-game program allowed our region’s servicemen and women to be honored and thanked for their service to our country at every PawSox home game.

The support for our nation’s heroes continued at the PawSox Annual 5K Walk & Run in September, where over $6,000 was raised for veteran and military support groups.

Also in the month of September, PawSox players and coaches provided hands-on instruction to over 200 children with various physical and mental disabilities at the Annual Challenger Clinic— led by PawSox manager Kevin Boles.

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center in a revamped drive at McCoy Stadium, generating several times the amount of blood units collected at previous McCoy blood drives.

“The team’s recognition of its unique role in the community, and its determination to use that role to improve that community, is a worthy example for all companies,” Murphy explained. “It makes the PawSox the well-deserved honoree for community involvement in the 2016 PBN Business Excellence Awards Program.”

As playoff baseball continues during the month of October, the PawSox are looking forward to continuing some of their cornerstone community traditions, such as the all-expenses-paid World Series trip to two lucky families from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

Last off-season, the PawSox introduced an additional slate of community events and activities at the ballpark, including a Veterans Day Dinner, luncheons around the holidays for local school children, a holiday caravan with PawSox players and Front Office members, a Black History Month celebration with local youth groups in the PawSox clubhouse, and Valentine’s Day rose deliveries to senior centers in the area. These are all programs that the PawSox are excited to continue this off-season, along with soon announcing a major new educational initiative geared towards local students.

Those who are interested in joining the PawSox on November 17 to accept this special community honor can visit www.pbn.com, where individual tickets to the PBN Business Excellence Awards can be purchased.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Delmarva’s Largest Safe & Free Trick-or-Treat Event is Back for 10th Year

SALISBURY, Md. (October 18, 2016) – The 10th annual Trick-or-Treat Street, Delmarva’s largest safe and free trick-or-treating event, returns to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury on Sunday, October 23, 2016 from Noon to 3:00 PM. The event is hosted by local radio stations Froggy 99.9, Q105, KISS 95.9, and Magic 98.9 in partnership with Delmarva Dental Services, Easter Seals Children’s Therapy Services, Farmer’s Bank of Willards, Sherwood of Salisbury, and Spicer Brothers Construction, Inc.

Families and children under 12 are invited to come out in costume for a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience in a non-threatening environment. Candy is provided for the trick-or-treaters courtesy of Candy Kitchen. Children are welcome to bring their own pumpkin to collect goodies; however, some bags are available courtesy of Easter Seals.

In addition to the free trick-or-treating and candy area, the event will also host a free fall-themed photo area, moon bounce, and other family-friendly activities. A Dunkin’ Donuts Community Cruiser vehicle will also be on-site during the event offering samples of their hot and iced coffees.

Trick-or-Treat Street was first created by station employees as a way to provide Delmarva residents with a safe, family-friendly outlet for Halloween fun. The free event has grown to almost 5,000 annual participants.

For more event information, please visit www.froggy999.com.

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About iHeartMedia Salisbury-Ocean City

iHeartMedia Salisbury-Ocean City owns and operates WWFG, WQHQ, WKZP, WSBY, WTGM and WJDY. With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 85 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. It serves over 150 markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets and smartphones, and on gaming consoles. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (OTCBB: IHRT). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shea wins in ADA ‘Kiss a Pig’ campaign

  Lexington Legends’ President/CEO Andy Shea planted a kiss on a pig Saturday night.

Shea was the winner in the American Diabetes Association “Kiss a Pig” fundraising campaign. He was one of 10 local celebrities in whose names donations could be made.   His total of more than $45,000 raised led the way, and as the winner, he kissed the pig – now named “Pig L” in reference to the Legends famous mascot, Big L.

“My Aunt Debbie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was in eighth grade,” Shea recalled. “She passed away shortly after my 16th birthday, and I still think about her and love her every day. It was a true honor to be a part of such a great event, raise funds for research, and bring awareness to this awful disease. It was even more special being able to share the night with my mom and friends. And we’re all very excited about the addition of Pig L to our family and the ballpark!”

Pig L will be a part of the Shea household, and is expected to occasionally visit Whitaker Bank Ballpark for some Legends’ games next season.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Nashville Sounds Foundation to Host 2nd Annual “Suites-N-Treats” Event October 26

The Nashville Sounds Foundation will host its second annual “Suites-N-Treats” event on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at First Tennessee Park.

The pre-Halloween event is designed as an opportunity for underprivileged youth in the greater Nashville area to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun environment. Children can walk the Club Level at First Tennessee Park and visit each uniquely decorated suite to collect treats.

Other activities for children include decorating their own trick-or-treat bags, face-painting, complementary food provided by Centerplate and drinks provided by Coca Cola. Each child will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sounds mascot Booster.

The Sounds have teamed with several non-profit organizations to invite children to the private event. Close to 600 children will participate with the help of the following organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Steps, Dreams and Wishes, and the Martha O’Bryan Center.

“The Sounds organization is very thankful for the support from these tremendous non-profit organizations,” said Adam Nuse, Sounds General Manager and COO. “With their help, our goal of providing a safe and memorable trick-or-treating experience for these children will be made possible.”

“Suites-N-Treats” will take place on the Club Level with the help of the Sounds’ suite holders, who were invited to decorate their suite so the children could experience a true Halloween-based trick-or-treat experience. The Sounds’ front office staff will also decorate select suites and dress up as part of the festivities.

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation is to positively impact the thriving Middle Tennessee community through various programs and initiatives. The Nashville Sounds Foundation supports programs that energize and influence youth through education, physical development and by maximizing community service. For more information on the Nashville Sounds Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.nashvillesounds.com and click on the Community tab.

The 2017 season will be the Sounds’ 40th in franchise history and their third as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Free to Breathe Run/Walk at Fifth Third Field Sat., Oct. 22

Dayton, Ohio- Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, October 22 at the Fifth Third Field. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. – Registration & check-in
9:30 a.m. – Opening rally
9:45 a.m. – 5K run/walk & 1-mile walk
11:15 a.m. – Closing rally

REGISTRATION FEES/DEADLINES

ONLINE (CLOSES OCT. 19)

$25/$15*

EVENT DAY (BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M.)

$30/$20*

*youth ages 12 & under

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Entry into the 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk, 2016 branded Free to Breathe event t-shirt, refreshments and entertainment. All online registrants who participate are guaranteed an event t-shirt. A limited quantity of t-shirts in limited sizes will be available for those registering on event day.

It’s easy to join the ranks of these lung cancer heroes. Simply register, raise funds, and run or walk. “By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those touched by the disease,” said volunteer event chair Kathy Fennig of Dayton. “More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance.”

The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $14 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. This year the organization will be funding two new lung cancer research grants totaling over $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk by raising over $33,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2016, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. In Ohio alone, an estimated 10,550 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

This year’s event will feature a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. The day will also include a silent auction, a variety of kids activities, the chance to meet Gem, the Dayton Dragons mascot and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/dayton.

Free to Breathe

Free to Breathe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.