Archives for January 2017

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2017 Military Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a military hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage active duty personnel, veterans and their families to attend our Military Heroes Night on Tuesday, July 4th at 5:05 PM. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit local veterans groups and we will be honoring all veterans and active duty personnel during the game.

With the strong interest in each of our Military Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a fifth Military Heroes Set for the 2018 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2017.

Dragons Green Team Performing at Area Schools

Opening night for the 2017 baseball season is 10 weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the fifth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Click here for more information on the Dragons School Assembly program.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Fifth Third Field. Each assembly focuses on the benefits of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 18th Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field against the Lake County Captains. On April 1 at Fifth Third Field, the Dragons will host the Cincinnati Reds Futures Game, when the Reds battle a team of their top minor league prospects.

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

Southpaw Asks Kids to “Hit the Books”

Watch Video of Reading Program

Southpaw 2.0 visited Big Island Elementary School Monday afternoon as part of the Hillcats “Hit the Books” Reading Program. The appearance marked Southpaw’s second public outing since he was introduced as the team’s new primary mascot January 9. Southpaw 2.0 made his public debut last week when he kicked off the “Hit the Books” Reading Program at Bass Elementary in Lynchburg.

Southpaw has already committed to visiting 31 schools over the next three months after traveling to 21 last year, and more schools continue to sign up on a regular basis. The bright-green, furry mascot will travel as far as 50 minutes away from Lynchburg City Stadium during his “Hit the Books” crusades.

“One of our organizational goals this offseason was to increase our community outreach in a number of areas,” said Hillcats President Chris Jones. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our community outreach, beginning with our partnership with the Lynchburg Humane Society to kick off the year. Now we are expanding our support for local youth in the area, including a larger number of partnerships with little league teams as well as a greater number of schools participating in our reading program.”

In addition to increasing the number of participating schools, the Hillcats also worked with Lynchburg City Schools to write a new book that emphasizes the core values of Respect, Integrity, Learning and Teamwork. In “Southpaw Goes to School,” Southpaw practices each of the four values to “hit a home run.” Students learn about these four upstanding principles and how to apply them in life by following along as a Hillcats front office member reads the book and Southpaw acts it out on stage.

After learning about the importance of reading from Southpaw and the Hillcats staff, students have a chance to attend a Hillcats game by reading four books on their own. Once they do that, they receive two free General Admission tickets to one of five select Hillcats home games in April and May. The possible dates students can choose include a Fireworks Night and a fan giveaway night.

Season tickets and book ticket packages are on sale now by purchasing online or calling 434-528-1144. Individual game tickets, which include $6 General Admission, will go on sale soon. The Hillcats begin the 2017 season at home in a rematch of the 2016 Mills Cup Championship Series. Lynchburg will host the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. The Hillcats have made the playoffs a franchise-record five straight seasons. Schools interested in hosting Southpaw and the Hillcats staff to help students “Hit the Books” can contact Max Rettig at mrettig@lynchburg-hillcats.com.

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

Canadians Scholarship to Change Lives

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club held its 7th Annual Scotiabank Hot Stove Luncheon on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at the Hotel Vancouver and amidst the festivities came a gesture that still has Vancouver’s philanthropic community buzzing.

As the Canadians held court with Toronto Blue Jays special guests Paul Beeston (President Emeritus), Joe Biagini (Player) and Charlie Wilson (Director, Minor League Operations), Canadians partner Jeff Mooney took to the stage and shortly after giving a powerful speech about the bright future of children from within our Foundation, stepped forward and along with his wife Suzanne Bolton generously announced the creation of a new scholarship fund in the amount of $75,000.00.

The amount goes directly to The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C. to be allocated for five (5), $15,000 educational scholarships awarded to children who showcase a desire to excel in the classroom, on the field and/or in the community.

The scholarship program is offered to children who are a member of The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C., participate in the Vancouver Canadians Youth Baseball League and apply successfully for the scholarship, selected by a panel of Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club staff, The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast B.C. staff and an independent panel.

The vision is that these children who are just starting out in life see the opportunity that has been presented by this new program and work harder than ever before to reach for the stars and become exactly what the dream of becoming.

The Vancouver Canadians Youth Baseball League will welcome it’s 1,500th children onto the hallowed grounds at Scotiabank Field this coming summer.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, click here.

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

PawSox Create New Pawtucket Mentoring Program with Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership

The Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership today announced a collaboration to provide mentors to Pawtucket children at nearby Agnes E. Little Elementary School. The program, announced during National Mentoring Month, features members of the PawSox front office providing their time and attention to third-graders.

In addition, the PawSox Foundation will serve as a Silver Sponsor of the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership’s signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring,” on Thursday evening, April 27, at the Rhodes of Pawtuxet.

“At the RI Mentoring Partnership, our work is all about relationships,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of the Partnership. “We are excited to support the mentoring relationships that will be formed between the PawSox staff and the students at Agnes E. Little Elementary School by coordinating this new mentoring program. The need for mentors is great, and we are hopeful this amazing example set by the PawSox will encourage other community-minded organizations to ‘step up to the plate’ for mentoring.”

“This latest initiative with RI Mentoring Partnership is another example of the true partnership that currently exists between the Pawtucket School District and the PawSox organization,” said Patti DiCenso, Pawtucket School District Superintendent. “It is a shining example of their dedication to providing our students with the positive influences and influential relationships needed to develop into focused students and model citizens.”

“Our interaction with children is rejuvenating,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Even though adults are considered the teachers, we realize that we are the ones learning from our students. The members of the PawSox front office eagerly embrace this opportunity to spend an hour or so each week to fortify a child’s belief in his or her dreams.

“In addition to our hands-on mentoring, we are pleased that the PawSox Foundation will be a Silver Sponsor of ‘Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring’ in the spring. This fundraiser is a key component that fuels the successful programs that the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership operates elsewhere in our state.”

The Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership directly operates programs in five other cites: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. This program is its first in Pawtucket.

In addition to its own programs, the Partnership supports the services of various mentoring programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students.

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

Chasers & Heartland Hope Team Up For “Soup”er Bowl February 4-6

The Omaha Storm Chasers and Heartland Hope Mission are teaming up for the “Soup”er Bowl at Werner Park on Saturday, February 4 and Monday, February 6. Fans who donate canned goods at the ballpark during those two days will receive a special discount at the Storm Front Team Store.

For every two canned goods brought to the Storm Front Team Store at Werner Park during Team Store hours, fans will receive $10 off a t-shirt purchase. In addition from Saturday through Monday, online orders of $40 or more will receive $10 off their entire order. For each online order from February 4-6, the Storm Chasers organization will also donate four canned goods to Heartland Hope Mission.

The Storm Front Team Store at Werner Park will be open on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am until 12:00pm, and on Monday, February 6 from 12:00pm until 5:00pm. The Team Store will not be open at Werner Park on Sunday, February 5, but will still be accepting online orders at www.omahastormchasers.com/shop. Some exclusions apply, and the discount cannot be combined with other offers.

Heartland Hope Mission is a faith-based 501(c)3 charitable organization founded to help the working poor by proving them with some of life’s most basic staples. They provide pantry items, prayer and financial education to help people on the road to self-sufficiency.

For more information on Heartland Hope Mission, please visit www.heartlandhopemission.org.

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

PawSox to Celebrate Life of Jackie Robinson with High School Student-Athletes from Pawtucket

A group of varsity high school baseball students from Pawtucket will gather in the PawSox home clubhouse this Saturday at noon to celebrate the life of Jackie Robinson. Members of the Shea, Tolman, and St. Raphael Academy baseball programs will all represent their schools and hear stories from Red Sox Hall of Famer Tommy Harper, who will discuss how Jackie Robinson paved the way for other African-American baseball players like himself after breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

“Jackie Robinson’s life is as relevant today as it ever was,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who was also instrumental in inaugurating such annual tributes with the Boston Red Sox. “What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to learn the stories, first-hand, of how Jackie Robinson’s courage paved the way for today’s children to be able to dream their dreams, and to pursue those dreams?

“It’s probably inconceivable to children today that there was a time when Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., David Ortiz, or Pedro Martinez would not have been allowed to play Major League Baseball. We have a responsibility to teach our children of the heroic courage demonstrated by Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson. Our lives have been so enriched by their fight to right a wrong.”

Robinson would have turned 98 this Tuesday, January 31, the eve of Black History Month. Commissioner Emeritus Allan H. (Bud) Selig made Robinson’s 42 the first number ever retired by every club in Major League Baseball.

Later, at the suggestion of Ken Griffey, Jr., Selig instituted the tradition that all MLB players wear the number each April 15, the anniversary of Robinson’s big league debut.

Although remaining space is limited, community organizers who would like to bring students can contact Joe Bradlee of the PawSox at jbradlee@pawsox.com. Media interested in attending can contact pr@pawsox.com.

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

Thunder Eclipse $6,000,000 in Community Engagement in Franchise History

Throughout the 23 years that your Thunder have brought affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the greater Mercer and Bucks County region, the team has engaged in community partnerships and projects to aid people and organizations.

The Thunder are pleased to announce that the team’s, 501(c)(3), Grand Slam We Care Foundation has donated over $6,000,000 in goods, services and monetary donations in its history.

“Since our first game at beautiful ARM & HAMMER Park, we have engaged with non-profit organizations, fundraisers, and community organizations to support those in need,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled with the programs and intitiatives that we have currently and look forward to our Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci, building on the momentum of this past season to help even more familes and organizations in 2017 and beyond.”

In 2016, the Thunder engaged in more than 20 community related programs such as the NJM Safe at Home Program, PNC First Strikeout, Good Deed Day, HOPE Week, and Group Sales Fundraising to donate more than $400,000 in goods, services and monetary donations. The team also added new initiatives, one with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and the F.I.E.L.D. Program.

On June 18th, Thunder front office staff members and Thunder players Daniel Camarena, Dietrich Enns, and Jose Rosario shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research through the Vs. Cancer Foundation. The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. Money raised from the event at ARM & HAMMER Park went to national childhood cancer research as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. See photos from the event by clicking here.

The Thunder debuted their F.I.E.L.D. Program on Wednesday, July 20. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development. The program supports youth baseball in the area and in partnership with Merck, a health care leader worked to help the world be well for 125 years, Thunder front office members and volunteers came together to rebuild the fields at West End Little League in Trenton, NJ. As part of the rebuild, Diamond Pro provided professional infield materials and Finch Services Inc. donated equipment delivery in support of the rebuild. See a video recap of the program by clicking here.

The Thunder’s annual Community Grant Program supports organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children in our surrounding area as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. The Grant Program will disperse $10,000 equally to five different organizations this year. In the five-year history of the program, the Thunder have donated more than $50,000 to grant recipients.

Your Thunder will again take part in many community-related programs during the 2017 season.

Friday, April 21 – F.I.E.L.D. Program. The Thunder will again renovate a Trenton-area Little League.
Saturday, May 20 – Trenton Thunder Treasure Hunt. Take part in the annual scavengar hunt around Bucks and Mercer County for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize! To sign up to be a sponsor of the Treasure Hunt, click here.
Tuesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 10 – HOPE Week. A New York Yankees initiative that is designed to reach out to remarkable people and organizations who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities. HOPE Week stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel, the Thunder will honor an outstanding organization and take part in outreach programs during each day of the week.
Saturday, August 5 – Good Deed Day. Do good for those in your community by bringing donations to various non-profit organizations at ARM & HAMMER Park.
Tuesday, August 22 – Vs. Cancer. Following that night’s game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Thunder front office members and players will shave their heads to raise money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation and a local research partner.
Wednesday August 23 – Trenton Economic Development Networking Extravaganza. Join the Thunder for a day of networking at the ballpark and enjoy a night visiting some of the brightest night life in the city of Trenton.

The Thunder will also continue to engage in more than 20 community-related programs throughout the 2017 season. For more information on these programs, contact Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci at 609-394-3300 x118 or at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The 2017 season, the 24th in franchise history, will begin at ARM & HAMMER Park on April 13 when the Thunder host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at 7:00 p.m. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2017. For more information on the Thunder, visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Sky Sox To Host Academy Little League Opening Day

The Sky Sox have announced that they will host the Academy Little League Opening Day Ceremony at Security Service Field to begin their 2017 baseball season.

“The Sky Sox are excited to host Academy Little League’s Opening Day Ceremony at Security Service Field in 2017,” said Sky Sox President & General Manager Tony Ensor. “Each Sky Sox player began their career in youth baseball and as a proud community partner we’re thrilled to support one of the gems of our city in Academy Little League while providing these children with the memory of a lifetime as they celebrate the start of their season on a professional baseball field.”

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains along the Rampart Range, Academy Little League serves the northern communities of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Originally formed in 1995 with approximately 200 players, they now average approximately 62 teams and over 500 players annually. The league name was adopted in recognition of their proximity to the United States Air Force Academy, which is included in their boundary. The league’s logo is red/white/blue and depicts the Academy’s most famous landmark, the Cadet Chapel.

“Academy Little League has always had a great relationship with the Sky Sox organization, enjoying our annual Sky Sox Day at the Park,” said Tamee Lashlee, President of Academy Little League. “After losing our home fields, we were thrilled when Sky Sox management reached out to us during our planning session last year, offering to host our Opening Day ceremonies. Opening Day is such a special day for our 500 kids and their families and holding it at the Sky Sox stadium really pumped up the excitement! We are so pleased that Sky Sox have once again offered to host our Opening Day ceremonies this spring. As the league works hard to fundraise and look to the future for new fields, community support from organizations such as the Sky Sox, allows kids to just be kids and focus on what they love, playing ball. We couldn’t be more grateful!”

The festivities will include the introduction of each individual team in a pre-game on-field ceremony, a special honor guard presentation, recognition of the league’s All-Star teams and the national anthem.

The 30th season of Sky Sox Baseball begins April 6, 2017. For information about the Sky Sox and the 2017 season at Security Service Field, please call (719) 597-1449 or email info@skysox.com. Get the latest Sky Sox news on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

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

Grasshoppers Step Up to Help GUM Food Pantry

GREENSBORO, N.C. – With less than a week’s supply of food on the shelves, Greensboro Urban Ministry’s executive director turned to the community for help on Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore delivered a home run.

The Hoppers presented Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) with a check for $5,000 to purchase needed food items immediately.

“Hunger and food insecurity create a terrible need in our community, and we thought it was the right thing to do to get involved and encourage others to step up so that our neighbors who need food can continue to receive help,” Moore said Wednesday afternoon. “This donation – and the tremendous support it represents – is such a blessing to the households who are counting on food assistance to make ends meet,” said Rev. Myron W. Wilkins, GUM executive director. “We are thankful and grateful for the Grasshoppers’ quick and generous response.”
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are a key partner in GUM and Church World Service’s annual CROP Hunger Walk.

Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Food Pantry is the largest local resource for men, women and families who lack adequate access to food. Requests for assistance continue to increase. In the first 12 business days in January, GUM distributed 49,686 pounds of food through emergency assistance food bags, compared with 59,132 pounds for the entire month of January 2016.

GUM distributed 1,058,152 pounds of food to the community in 2016 through the food pantry and Potter’s House Community Kitchen, which serves lunch daily to anyone in the community who is hungry. The majority of the food, 759,737 pounds, was distributed through the food pantry to men, women and families with children needing food assistance. GUM assisted 38,429 individuals and 20,947 households with food assistance in 2016.

About Greensboro Urban Ministry
Greensboro Urban Ministry, since 1967, has worked to share the love of God with people in need through practical action. The agency’s work centers on several programs: emergency financial and food assistance to help households avoid eviction; shelter for men and women at Weaver House and families at Pathways Center; daily lunch in Potter’s House Community Kitchen; and case management and financial assistance to support men, women and families moving back into permanent housing.

Please learn more about Greensboro Urban Ministry by visiting our website: www.greensborourbanministry.org.

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

Discover great times with Mud Hens Scout Experience

Calling all scout troops: you’re invited to join us for the Mud Hens Scout Experience, a custom learning program created just for you, presented by Camping World. It’s a great way to meet other scouts while having fun at Fifth Third Field.

  • Hands-on pregame activities
  • Meet the mascots
  • Fireworks
  • Run the bases
  • Family-friendly movie
  • Sleepover at the ballpark

2017 MUD HENS SCOUT EXPERIENCE DATES

Boy Scout Sleepover Schedule

  • Friday, June 16
  • Saturday, June 17
  • Saturday, July 15
  • Friday, July 28
  • Friday. August 11

Girl Scout Sleepover Schedule

  • Friday, July 14
  • Saturday, August 12

For more information, click here, or call the Mud Hens Scout line at 419-725-9292 or email scouts@mudhens.com.

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

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

Donations accepted at Trustmark Park in Pearl

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

01/24/2017 3:38 PM ET

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with partners of The Connection, have teamed with The Salvation Army to spearhead a Central-Mississippi drive to aid in tornado relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating storms in the Hattiesburg area over the weekend.

In conjunction with The Connection, which is the area surrounding Trustmark Park including The Outlets of Mississippi, Bass Pro Shops, The Holiday Inn at Trustmark Park and Sam’s Club alongside the M-Braves, donations will be accepted near the main entrance at Trustmark Park starting Wednesday, January 25 at 9:00 AM.

“The Mississippi Braves strive to continue to be great supporters of our communities in Mississippi and feel we have the responsibility to assist wherever and whenever we can when our friends and neighbors in Mississippi are in need,” said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. “However, our feeling of responsibility aside, most importantly, we have the sincere desire to help any way we can.”

The M-Braves will have a truck parked in front of Trustmark Park to collect relief items January 25 through February 3, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Items will later be transported to Hattiesburg by members of the Mississippi Braves staff.

For relief efforts in Hattiesburg, The Salvation Army is in need of the items listed below. At this time, due to storage space in the area, clothing cannot be accepted. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.

  • Monetary Donations (cash/checks made out to The Salvation Army)
  • Non-Perishable Food (canned goods)
  • Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries

“The M-Braves will make a substantial donation of goods ourselves, and we challenge our season ticket holders, sponsors, fans and fellow members of the community to assist,” DeSalvo added. “If we fill up a truckload, that will be fantastic, but we’re not afraid to fill up and deliver 10 truckloads if we can.”

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 115 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is pleased to share the second Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2016. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the many notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

The 50/50 Raffle and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2016 these two programs generated over $27,000 to support local causes including Anderson Animal Shelter, Hesed House, People’s Resource Center-DuPage County, West Suburban Community Pantry, Rush-Copley Foundation and YWCA Victims Support Services of Naperville.

A new charitable contribution for the 2016 season included the Paramount Fence Home Run for Charity. For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House in Aurora which was then matched by the Cougars organization, raising a total of $1,900.

Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K generated funds for the Ozzie’s Scholars program, which awarded $3,000 in scholarships to local students as well as the Waubonsee Community College Foundation. The Cougars Legacy Brick Program shares proceeds with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Kane County Cougars Foundation was pleased to present them with over $1,900 in 2016.

Each year the Cougars Reading Program encourages over 140,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for Ozzie’s Reading Club totaled $562,207 last year.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $14,689 in 2016.

Various other in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics, events and the Cougars on-going commitment to the senior citizen community added to the overwhelming donation total that the Kane County Cougars Foundation was able to provide in support of organizations across Kane County and the surrounding area. The Cougars hope to continue this outreach and remain active in giving back to its supporters and community members.

“As recipients of the prestigious Kane County ‘Sparkler Award’ which recognizes commitment to charitable work in the surrounding community, it’s important to us as an organization that we continue to find new ways to give back to the local organizations that help our community day in and day out,” said Cougars owner, Cheryl Froehlich.

“We are proud to once again share this information with our local community,” added Cougars owner, Dr. Bob Froehlich. “We are humbled by the generosity that has allowed us to support these initiatives and look forward to continuing our charitable outreach in the coming season.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Need a Fundraiser? Try Ours!

CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic, featuring Houston, Illinois, Missouri, and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, is February 24-25-26 at Whataburger Field.

If your club, association, or organization has fundraising needs, we can help.

Your group can sell 2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic tickets and retain half the proceeds!

Including tax, daily adult tickets are $10.83, $5.41 for children 4-12.

To start your Kleberg Bank College Classic fundraiser, contact Tanner Twomey or Zach Kaddatz of the Corpus Christi Hooks at 361-561-HOOK (4665). You can also e-mail them at ttwomey@cchooks.com or zkaddatz@cchooks.com.

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2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic Schedule

Friday, February 24

Houston vs. Missouri, 2 p.m.

Illinois vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 25

Illinois vs. Houston, 2 p.m.

Missouri vs. Islanders, 6 p.m

Sunday, February 26

Missouri vs. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Houston vs. Islanders, 3 p.m.

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

RiverDogs Support Recognized as Charleston is Among ADC’s “Great American Defense Communities”

CHARLESTON, SC – In part thanks to the Charleston RiverDogs’ support of the local military, the Charleston Region was among the honorees recognized as “Great American Defense Communities” by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC).

The RiverDogs were cited among the many reasons for Charleston’s recognition of the honor with the support provided by the club to military families and their loved ones helping Charleston to be tabbed as one of the eight communities included in the 2017 class. Joining Charleston were the following seven communities:

·         The Alamo – San Antonio Region, TX

·         Christian County, KY

·         The Fort Hood – Central Texas Region

·         Hampton Roads, VA

·         Maricopa County, AZ

·         Sierra Vista, AZ

·         The Governments of Southeastern Connecticut

“All eight in the 2017 class of honorees truly embody the ideals this initiative was designed to celebrate – making host communities for our nation’s military installations ‘Great Places to Call Home,'” said ADC President Mike Cooper.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts as the Charleston community receives this important distinction,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The Charleston community has always done an excellent job of supporting local military and their loved ones and the RiverDogs are proud to be a part of this tradition.”

Over the next six months, each community will host a local event recognizing its selection and celebrating the hard work and creativity of the individuals and organizations making their communities great places for service members and their families to live. These events will culminate in a special reception and a congressional breakfast during the Defense Communities

National Summit in Washington, DC, June 19-21, 2017.

In 2016, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family and were recognized with Minor League Baseball’s inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award for their outstanding support of military members.

In addition to hosting several Military Appreciation Nights, the RiverDogs honored a Military Family of the Game with the featured veteran at each home game receiving complimentary tickets, food, and merchandise along with an in-game recognition of their service.

Additionally in 2016, the RiverDogs strengthened their ties with the local military community through the hiring of Alfonso Rogers, a recent sport management graduate of The Citadel and current member of the Air Force Reserves. The club also hired five retired military veterans to their gameday cleanup crew.

The Great American Defense Communities program, developed in conjunction with the House

and Senate Defense Communities Caucuses was designed to highlight the unique contributions of cities, counties and regions that host installations make to improve quality of life for service members, veterans and their families. This 2017 class of communities was selected by a panel of defense community advocates and experts from dozens of nominees based on the broad range of efforts each area carries out on behalf of military personnel and their families, considering factors such as education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation. This year’s program is made possible through generous support from USAA and the National Math + Science Initiative.

ADC is a national nonprofit organization that is the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues and installation management to enhance knowledge, information sharing and best practices. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions and affiliated industry organizations, ADC represents every major defense community/state in the nation.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Single-game tickets and the full promotional schedule will become available in March. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–