Archives for April 2020

Cardinals join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardinals fans are encouraged to #FlyTogether and visit www.MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Springfield Cardinals as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Southwest Missouri community and the Ozarks Food Harvest. For every $10 donated, the Cardinals will donate one ticket (and up to 500 tickets) to a future home game to local heroes of the pandemic.

“Springfield and all of Southwest Missouri has done such a great job coming together as a community over the past six weeks, and the donations that will come from this program will help so many avoid hunger during this difficult time,” Cardinals Vice President & General Manager Dan Reiter said. “Community is at the center of what the Cardinals are all about and what Minor League Baseball is all about. This initiative is such a perfect partner to our #FlyTogether community campaign to benefit Springfield during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”

According to Feeding America, school closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Cardinals fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Springfield Cardinals at www.MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine to be honored on Heroes Night, July 22nd

 

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with American National Insurance Company to present Heroes Night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Wednesday, July 22nd. Nine heroes within the Capital Region community will be recognized during a special on-field ceremony prior to the game vs. the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The “Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine” will be chosen through a fan nomination process and will be recognized on the ‘Cats social media platforms.

The ‘Cats and American National Insurance Company are encouraging fans to nominate hospital staff, health care workers, military, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children and everyday people that have helped make a positive impact within the Capital Region.

“The opportunity to recognize local heroes is something that we look forward to each and every year,” said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats General Manager.” In light of these unprecedented events and challenging times, we feel that it’s more important than ever to showcase and celebrate the efforts of people making a positive impact in the Capital Region community.” The Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine will also be treated to a luxury suite as guests of American National Insurance, with complimentary food and beverage.

“American National Insurance Company is proud to partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats in honoring heroes who go above and beyond in making our community a wonderful place to live,” said Jim Marotta, Vice President of Human Resources, American National Insurance Company.

Fans who want to nominate a community hero can do so by filling out the form located online at tcvalleycats.com/communityheroes. The deadline for submissions is Monday, June 22. In the event that the 2020 season is delayed, the starting nine will be recognized at a later game, or during the 2021 season.

Individual tickets, Season tickets, mini plans and flex vouchers for the ValleyCats’ 2020 season are currently available for purchase online at tcvalleycats.com. In the event that the 2020 season is not played, tickets will become vouchers for the 2021 season.

Round Rock Express to Donate Weekly Meal Kits to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are teaming up with RS3 Strategic Hospitality, Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation to donate weekly meal kits to doctors, nurses and hospital administrators at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center who are fighting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic on the front lines.

The Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality previously teamed up to provide family meal kits for purchase by the community through the Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka at Dell Diamond. With the help of Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the program has expanded to include the donation of a minimum of five to ten meal kits per week to healthcare professionals through a partnership with St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“We are proud to be able to assist some of our local heroes fighting the Coronavirus pandemic right here in Round Rock,” Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Our goal is to grow this program through additional community support so that we can help alleviate some of the stress of grocery shopping and meal preparation for our doctors, nurses and hospital administration staff.”

Donations are currently being accepted to help expand the meal kit program to even more frontline heroes. Through the help of the Nolan Ryan Foundation, businesses and individuals can purchase meal kits to be designated for donation to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center personnel when ordering online. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. The Express will work with St. David’s to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Dell Diamond, each meal kit comes complete with five unique meals with four servings each as well as several grocery staples, which may include paper towels, toilet paper, milk, bread, butter and more. Cooking and reheating instructions are also included in each kit.

Following the success of the family meal kit initiative in Round Rock, RS3 Strategic Hospitality teamed up with their partners at the Comerica Center in Frisco to offer meal kits to the North Texas community. RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Beef are proud to extend the program to include the donation of meal kits to doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City Healthcare in Frisco.

Public donations are also being accepted to assist healthcare heroes in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. More information on the meal kit program at Comerica Center and can be found by clicking here.

“Like so many of us throughout Texas, Nolan Ryan Beef wanted to give back to our local frontline heroes during this pandemic. We are honored to be able to assist in these donations,” Nolan Ryan Beef President and CEO Perry Coughlin said. “We hope that these donations can help ease some of the burdens faced by our healthcare professionals during this difficult time, and we encourage those in Central and North Texas with the means to donate to help us reach even more of these heroes.”

Just like in Round Rock, the meal kits in Frisco are prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Comerica Center and include four servings of five unique meals as well as general groceries. The Comerica Center is home to the practice facility and executive offices for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars business and hockey operations, as well as a 6,000 seat arena that hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), concerts, family shows, corporate conferences and other sporting events. Dallas Stars staff will work in conjunction with Medical City Healthcare to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Led by Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan and Don, Bret and Brad Sanders, Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment is the parent company of the Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Foundation as well as RS3 Events & Entertainment and RS3 Turf. For more information about the Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment family of companies, visit RS3Sports.com.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Everett AquaSox Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

EVERETT, WA, April 29, 2020 — The Everett AquaSox today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AquaSox fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Everett AquaSox as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Everett community. For every $10 donated, the AquaSox will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“Supporting the local community is a top priority for the AquaSox, so we are happy to join Minor League Baseball in this nationwide effort,” said AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “This effort will allow us to not only support our local food banks at this very difficult time, but also recognize our essential workers for all they are doing for the community.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from AquaSox fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Everett AquaSox at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About the Everett AquaSox

The Everett AquaSox have been the Seattle Mariners’ short-season single-A affiliate since 1995, offering affordable entertainment for families in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with the Frogs, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook or visit AquaSox.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Delmarva Shorebirds Announce Inaugural Fly Together Virtual 5K

 

SALISBURY, MD. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce their first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K with all the proceeds going towards Operation We Care from May 7 – 10. The Shorebirds Virtual 5K is family fun for all and we encourage you to get up and get active while supporting a great cause.

There are two different ways for people to participate in the Shorebirds Fly Together Virtual 5K with registration open now until May 10. The first option — $10 — includes your entry into the 5K and a certificate of completion. The second option — $20 — includes entry into the 5K, certificate of completion, and 2 Upper Reserved Tickets to a Shorebirds future game date (Exclusions Apply and Based on Availability).

“We are excited to kick off our first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K to help support our community, Operation We Care, and all those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19,” said Shorebirds General Manager, Chris Bitters. “The Fly Together Virtual 5K is a community-focused event that provides a fun, healthy, and safe activity for all people as we await the beginning of baseball season.”

How the Fly Together Virtual 5K works is simple. All you have to do is register online at www.theshorebirds.com, grab your walking/running shoes, and walk or run a 5K. Once you have completed the 5K, send your pictures and/or times to the Delmarva Shorebirds via social media using the hashtag #FlyTogether, and don’t forget to wear some Shorebirds gear!

“We hope everyone is able to join us for the Fly Together Virtual 5K to support a great cause in Operation We Care,” said Bitters. “Our goal with the 5K is to bring everyone together, but apart with a fun community activity as we continue to fight through these challenging times together as a community.”

Lastly and possibly the best part, you can walk/run the 5K all from your home in one shot or you can split it up over the course of the weekend. For more information in regard to the Fly Together Virtual 5K or to register, please visit the Shorebirds website at www.theshorebirds.com.

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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LLC, which also owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds will celebrate their 25th season in 2020 and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland in 1996. The team captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 and successfully hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com

Round Rock Express Hosting Blood Donation Drive on May 14

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are joining forces to host a blood drive to benefit We Are Blood on Thursday, May 14 inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. The drive will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is by appointment only. Those wishing to donate can sign up by clicking here.

“We are grateful to the Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing for partnering with We Are Blood to host a mobile blood drive to collect critical donations at Dell Diamond,” We Are Blood Vice President of Community Engagement Nick Canedo said. “Blood donations collected at Dell Diamond are critical for patients in need at Central Texas hospitals. We are thrilled to see community partners like these joining together with generous blood donors to protect vulnerable Central Texans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser’s initiative to host temporary blood donation drives at prominent sports venues across the country, the Express teamed up with Brown Distributing at the local level to share resources and benefit We Are Blood’s mission in Central Texas.

“Budweiser has been a part of American culture for generations and Brown Distributing wanted to do our part to help the people of Central Texas in a time when it’s needed most,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Together with our many partners, we have worked as one team to extend our resources to support the surrounding areas that have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, like blood supply.”

Additional safety measures have been implemented to protect both donors and staff. Scheduling an appointment in advance is mandatory and no walk-ins will be allowed. Donors must wait to arrive until their specified appointment time and wear a protective face covering. Donors must also agree to have their temperature checked at registration and again during their standard health pre-screen. We Are Blood staff will be providing hand sanitizer and enforcing social distancing policies during the blood drive at Dell Diamond.

“Dell Diamond has been a local landmark in Central Texas since 2000 and we are honored to be able to use our resources to help our community, especially during these difficult times. With the additional safety measures that We Are Blood has in place, we encourage those who are willing and able to donate on May 14,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “We want to thank Brown Distributing for helping us organize this donation drive to benefit the lifesaving work that We Are Blood is doing throughout our community.”

Please note, We Are Blood is unable to test for COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies. Diagnostic tests are unavailable to We Are Blood as they are currently administered by health officials and physicians. Antibody tests are also not available to We Are Blood at this time.

Anyone who is feeling unwell or has experienced any symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or has cared for, lived with or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to attempt to donate. Those who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 must refrain from donating for 28 days since their last symptom or potential exposure date.

We Are Blood is a nonprofit blood center that has been serving Central Texas since 1951. We Are Blood is the sole provider of blood donations to over 40 hospitals and clinics in Central Texas, including all St. David’s HealthCare locations. For more information on We Are Blood and to sign up for the May 14 blood drive at Dell Diamond, click here.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Tampa Tarpons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tarpons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tampa Tarpons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tampa Bay community. For every $10 donated, the Tarpons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Tarpons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Tampa Tarpons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

Altoona Curve join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY first campaign

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curve fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Altoona Curve as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Altoona community. For every $10 donated, the Curve will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Curve fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Altoona Curve at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365_. _

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Louisville Bats Lend a Helping Hand

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats are proud to help serve the Kentuckyiana area and continue to unveil programs this offseason to provide support to those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The team has launched six initiatives during April alone and looks forward to continuing to offer help during this time of need.

Below are the programs launched this offseason with information/links if fans wish to become involved or view additional details:

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up: Through a partnership with ImagineAR, the Bats are encouraging fans to order takeout from local restaurant partners. Fans who activate the ImagineAR app when picking up their to-go orders can spot a digital Buddy Bat on their cellphone. After taking a picture of the AR Buddy Bat, fans will be entered to win a variety of team prizes by simply sharing the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. The initiative also features a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up

Team Kentucky T-shirts: The Bats partnered with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League Baseball teams the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals) on a limited-edition T-shirt available for online purchase. The shirts honor each of the three baseball teams and a portion of the proceeds from each shirt sale benefit a respective local charity. Shirts are available for just $15 through the Bats team store, with proceeds benefiting One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
**Click here for additional information on Team Kentucky T-shirts

Live at Home(Plate): To provide an entertainment outlet for fans wrestling with cabin fever, the Bats streamed a free live concert from within their ballpark on their Facebook page. The concert was hosted by staff member and longtime local singer-songwriter, Jeremy Sharfe, who performed rousing covers of all-time classics and treated fans to several of his own original songs. The Facebook Live stream reached more than 50,000 fans over the 90-minute show.
**Click here for additional information on Live at Home(Plate)

Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse: The Bats and Texas Roadhouse treated customers to an in-person special delivery from Buddy Bat and Andy Armadillo for curbside orders during the restaurant’s Kids Night. Fans who stopped by during a select time period had the chance to win a free membership to the Bats’ Kids Club for the upcoming baseball season and the opportunity to be a Play Ball Kid at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse

MiLB CommUNITYFirst: The Louisville Bats partnered with Minor League Baseball in a league-wide initiative to raise money for local chapters of the Feeding America Food Bank and provide a free ticket for an upcoming home game for a local hero. Each $10 donation under the Louisville Bats’ name on the website goes directly to Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank and provides one game ticket to a local hero such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others.
**Click here for additional information on MiLB CommUNITYFirst

Hometown Heroes: The Bats launched the Hometown Heroes program to recognize individuals in the Kentuckiana area who provide a vital service for our hometown community. From healthcare employees and police officers on the front lines, to those helping behind the scenes like truck drivers and utility workers, the Bats are honoring a different hometown hero each week with special, dedicated posts on social media. Fans are invited to nominate a hometown hero by simply filling out the form on the following link:
**Click here for additional information on Hometown Heroes

Fan Donations to Benefit Local Food Bank, Provide Free Ticket to Local Heroes

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the launch of MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed with Feeding America® to raise funds for local food banks and honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the initiative, the Louisville Bats are accepting donations that will benefit Louisville’s local Feeding America Food Bank, the Dare to Care Food Bank, and provide a free ticket for an upcoming Bats home game to a local hero.

Fans can visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Simply select the “Louisville Bats” from the “participating team name” drop down menu on the website to activate our team’s donation to the program.

Each $10 donation will provide one ticket to a future Bats home game to a local hero, such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others. The monetary donations will go directly to the Dare to Care Food Bank as they continue to support our community during this time of need.

Fans are also encouraged to use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show their support.

Pigs raise more than $20K to battle COVID-19 

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are proud to announce that $21,704 has been raised from their “In This Together” t-shirt and #HopeningDay celebration to help the local battle against COVID-19. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network will receive 100% of the proceeds.

“We are grateful to the entire Lehigh Valley for their outstanding support and coming together to help raise funds to fight this dreadful disease”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network have both been tremendous partners and do incredible work within our community. We’re both proud and thankful to help fund their efforts and support their employees on the front lines of this battle.”

The ”In This Together” t-shirt campaign was the initial response to the battle against COVID-19 and to bring awareness throughout the community. Over the two-week campaign, the IronPigs sold over 1500 t-shirts and raised $19,254.04. T-shirts were purchased throughout the Lehigh Valley and the state of Pennsylvania but were also sold in 18 other states such as: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, California, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Virginia.

#Hopening Day was a weeklong celebration of support of the community and the IronPigs, culminating a televised two-day, two-game series on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 and Service Electric TV2 Sports. The goal was to bring additional awareness and support to fight against COVID-19. A GoFundMe fundraiser courtesy of IronPigs Charities raised $820 throughout the two-day, two-game series.

Valley Prep Meal Prep’s “Eat like a PIG” promotion – a $15 home-delivered ballpark meal package that featured a hot dog, popcorn, Coca-Cola beverage and Philly Pretzel rivets – raised $1,630. The ballpark meal package was sold throughout the Lehigh Valley and areas around the region.

Here is a list of the money raised for the Covid-19 efforts:

• “In this Together” t-shirt: $19,254.04

• Valley Prep Meal Prep “Eat like a PIG” promotion: $1,630

• IronPigs Charities GoFundMe courtesy of #HopeningDay broadcasts: $820

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

CommUNITY First: SWB partners with MiLB

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local benefactor is the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

RailRiders fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the NEPA community. For every $10 donated, the RailRiders will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“In these trying times, we should do what we can to help those in need around us,” said John Adams, the RailRiders Team President. “Minor League Baseball, as an industry, has always done a great job in community-driven events and focused efforts like this. Donations to this cause will help benefit our region immensely. While we are certainly aware that times are tough financially, this is a tremendous way for those who can donate to make an impact.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from RailRiders fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times.

Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Modesto Nuts Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign 

National Initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Modesto, CA, April 28th, 2020 – The Modesto Nuts today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nuts fans are encouraged to visit CommUNITY First through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the “Modesto Nuts” as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Modesto/ Central Valley community. For every $10 donated, the Nuts will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Nuts fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Modesto Nuts at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call (209)572-HITS (4487)

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS JOIN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’S COMMUNITY FIRST CAMPAIGN

 

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Northwest Arkansas Naturals today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naturals fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Northwest Arkansas community. For every $10 donated, the Naturals will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The Naturals are proud to participate in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY program,” said Justin Cole, Naturals Vice President/General Manager. “This program is a great way to help those in need, and we appreciate the efforts of Minor League Baseball to aid communities across the country during this time.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Naturals fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About Northwest Arkansas Naturals

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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Round Rock Express Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to join MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and select the Round Rock Express as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Central Texas Food Bank, the local affiliate of Feeding America. For every $10 donated, the Express will also donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“A core pillar of the Round Rock Express and Minor League Baseball is giving back to the community. Through MiLB’s CommUNITY First initiative, we look forward to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region with donations to the Central Texas Food Bank,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Especially during these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for all of us to come together as a community and support those in need.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner said. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue the fight against hunger across America during this pandemic.”

In response, contributions from Express fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Fans can join the national campaign by donating and selecting Round Rock Express at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show support.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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