Archives for May 2021

In Memory of Mom: Indianapolis Indians Charities Donates to Riley Children’s Cancer Center

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Today on Mother’s Day, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) donated $2,000 to the Riley Children’s Cancer Center in support of Indians pitchers Geoff Hartlieb and Cody Ponce. Both men lost their mothers to cancer – Hartlieb’s mom, Wendy, passed away from lung cancer in April 2015, and Ponce’s mom, Jennifer, died in Dec. 2017 from Stage 4 brain cancer. One-thousand dollars went to programs related to mothers of children undergoing cancer treatment in honor of Wendy Hartlieb and another $1,000 went toward brain cancer research in honor of Jennifer Ponce.

Fans wishing to join the donation efforts can make their monetary contributions here.

“As we celebrate moms across the country, our organization understands that Mother’s Day can be uplifting for some and a day of remembrance for others,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “Both Cody and Geoff are great competitors for us on the field, and we know their moms are with them every step of the way. We are honored to support them as they collectively wanted to bring awareness to cancer research.”

Additionally, Cody and Geoff will be donating their own autographed Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms and cleats to two families who have children undergoing treatment at the Riley Children’s Cancer Center.

PaddleHeads Commit $25,000 Match to YWCA Swing Big for Kids Campaign

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign “Swing Big for Kids” to support the YWCA Youth Activities Program and to “let kids be kids” despite experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. The fundraising campaign, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $25,000. The “Swing Big for Kids” campaign will run from May 6th to May 21st.

“At The Meadowlark, YWCA Missoula’s new family housing and domestic violence shelter, we will have anywhere from 40-60 children living in the building at any given time.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “We know that growing up in a home filled with the sights and sounds of domestic violence, or experiencing the stress of homelessness or food insecurity, can have a profound impact on children. But we also know that because of the brain’s ability to adapt and change, we can begin to help these children heal while they are still young and developing. We can’t erase painful memories but we can help them to build new positive memories and experiences. One critical way that we do this is by offering enriching, trauma-informed summer and after school programs— so that kids can just be kids.”

Supporters will have two ways/timeframes to donate to the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program.

The first, through May 6th and May 7th donate to YWCA Missoula’s “Missoula Gives” campaign here: (https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/ywca-missoula)

Second, May 6th through May 21st donate directly to YWCA Missoula here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=41)

During the Swing Big for Kids campaign, every dollar donated will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $25,000!

YWCA Missoula’s comprehensive Youth Services Program serves infants through teenagers. Contributions will cover general operations for the program.

Your contribution will help provide:

  • Weekly activities, including swim lessons and outdoor recreation, for young kids ages 0-5 to participate in with their parents.
  • Biking lessons and rafting/ water sports for older kids and teens.
  • Enriching afternoon programs during the week.
  • Drop-in child care; so that parents can attend meetings with case managers, support groups and counseling.
  • GUTS! leadership programs for girls and gender-diverse youth in the community.

Together, we can give kids in crisis the chance to learn new skills, build resilience, and regain hope for the future.

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is every child’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and to enjoy being a kid! We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.

Check on your neighbors and friends. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The “Swing Big for Kids” fundraiser for the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program will only run from May 6th to May 21st. Donate directly, double your impact, and support those in need.

Opening Day of the PaddleHeads’ 48-game home slate is tabbed for May 22, with the first month of games set at 50% capacity, and a limited number of season tickets available, fans are encouraged to act fast and purchase tickets online in advance, to secure their desired seating locations. Tickets are available now online at http://bit.ly/GETTIX21 or by visiting the PaddleHeads Post (140 N Higgins – 406.543.3300).

Mount Carmel and Columbus Clippers Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

 

Columbus, Ohio – “Take me out to the ball game; take me out to get my COVID-19 shot.”

It may not be how the old song goes, but that’s how the Columbus Clippers and Mount Carmel will be celebrating the return of baseball to the Arena District in downtown Columbus next week.

From Tuesday, May 11th through Sunday, May 16th — the Clippers’ first home stand of the season — the Clippers and Mount Carmel will be offering a week-long COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Huntington Park. Fans ages 18 and over can visit the first-aid center located behind home plate from the time gates open through the end of the third inning to receive the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. The J&J vaccine provides full vaccination with a single shot.

Clippers President & GM Ken Schnacke: “We believe that we are one of the first professional sports teams in the country to offer their fans a “shot and a beer” while enjoying a ballgame. This unique opportunity to get your J&J Vaccine while actually enjoying a Clippers game is the ultimate in multi-tasking! So come out to Huntington Park, see the Clippers play and get your vaccine shot to help central Ohio become safer for all of our citizens. Leave the game with your vaccination card and hopefully fond memories of a Clippers victory!”

“We’re thrilled to partner with our hometown heroes to offer one more opportunity for our community to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Mark Herbert, Mount Carmel infectious disease physician and long-time Clippers fan. “Being vaccinated is our best path forward for ending the pandemic and we strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to do so. We invite them to come for some peanuts, crackerjacks, and great baseball and leave with added protection from COVID-19,” added Dr. Herbert, who will be singing the National Anthem during the home opener.

The Clippers open their first home stand of the season on Tuesday, May 11th against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 6:15pm. For tickets and informations, call 614-462-5250 or order online HERE.

About Mount Carmel Health System

Mount Carmel Health System, a member of Trinity Health, has provided high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services in central Ohio for more than 130 years. Our team of more than 9,000 colleagues, 2,000 physicians and 550 volunteers provide compassionate, people-centered primary and specialty care at our four hospitals—Mount Carmel East, Mount Carmel Grove City, Mount Carmel New Albany and Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, along with Diley Ridge Medical Center, an affiliation of Mount Carmel and Fairfield Medical Center. The health system is comprised of Mount Carmel Medical Group and Mount Carmel Health Partners’ network of physicians. MediGold, a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan, and the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, one of Ohio’s largest baccalaureate nursing degree programs, are also integral members of the health system. Mount Carmel also includes surgery centers, emergency and ambulatory care centers, and hospice and home care services.

Scrappers Seek Volunteers for 2021 Season

 

NILES, OH – The Scrappers are looking for volunteers to work home games to raise money for their organizations. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work 3-6 games in exchange for a donation back to their organization.

Volunteers will also receive ticket vouchers to be used at a future Scrappers home game

For additional information, please contact Matt Thompson at 330-505-0000 or by email [email protected].

Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

The South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive Present Teacher Appreciation Night

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are excited to partner with Jordan Automotive for another Teacher Appreciation Night at Four Winds Field on Wednesday, June 9.

To honor the hard work done by all who work in the education system across Michiana, Jordan Automotive will be offering two complimentary tickets and two ballpark food vouchers to teachers and school administrators to see the South Bend Cubs take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7:05 p.m. Each food voucher is good for one hot dog, bag of chips and a fountain soda but only 600 vouchers will be available.

Fans attending the game will be treated to a special Wednesday night fireworks show.

It has been an incredibly challenging time over the last year to be working in education, as classes moved to Zoom and remote learning became ubiquitous. Teachers lost invaluable in-person time with their students, sacrificing and adapting to make sure that kids continued to learn and grow in this new fluid educational environment.

The South Bend Cubs will honor all teachers at the ballpark by asking them to please stand and be recognized by the rest of the crowd during a break in action in the middle of the third inning.

Teachers and administrators can pick up their two complimentary tickets by showing their school ID at the Four Winds Field box office. The box office is open during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays when there’s a home game from 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the game.

The South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive look forward to honoring all teachers from Michiana for their hard work and dedication with a fun night of baseball at Four Winds Field.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Yard Goats Announce Vaccinations will be Available for Fans at Selected Games in May

 

(Hartford, CT) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, along with Hartford HealthCare, announced that vaccinations will be available for fans at selected Yard Goats home games at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in the month of May. The announcement was made this afternoon at a press conference at Dunkin’ Donuts Park which included United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, Governor Ned Lamont, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, President and CEO, Hartford HealthCare, Jeffrey A. Flaks, and Hartford Yard Goats team President Tim Restall.

The vaccinations will be available during weekday Yard Goats games on Tuesday, May 11th (Opening Night), Wednesday, May 12th, Tuesday, May 18th, and Wednesday, May 19th from 6:30-8:30pm. Weekend vaccinations will take place on Sunday, May 16th and Sunday, May 23rd from 12:30-2:30pm. All fans who get vaccinated at a Yard Goats game will receive four tickets to a future game and a Dunkin’ hot card courtesy of Dunkin’. No appointment is necessary but if you would like to register in advance you may do so on the Hartford HealthCare website https://hartfordhealthcare.org.

“We are thrilled to team up with our longtime partner Hartford HealthCare to provide vaccination shots for fans attending our games,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said. “The Yard Goats Fan experience is the most important part about attending home games and what better way to improve on that than having fans get their vaccinations at Dunkin Donuts Park.

“We are delighted to work with The Hartford Yard Goats in this important endeavor,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, President and CEO, Hartford HealthCare. “Partnerships like this ensure that everyone has access to the COVID vaccine. This is how we will get to the other side. Every day we are committed to doing more to ensure no one has a barrier to the vaccine. We will do whatever it takes to reach all of our communities, including our most vulnerable.”

The Yard Goats open the home portion of the schedule next Tuesday, May 11th at 7:05 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox affiliate) at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

Safe Addition: SWB adds Sensory Safe Suite

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 5, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at PNC Field. Suite 6 on the Geisinger Champions Club Level will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to help better enjoy the game.

The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a comforting, relaxing and less stimulating space for guests to experience RailRiders games while still being fun and functional. This allows guests in the suite to decompress and enjoy baseball with their family away from the louder, hectic and often over-stimulating environment in other areas of the ballpark.

“We are happy to sponsor this great initiative with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate SWB RailRiders” states Dr. Joan Fallon the CEO of Curemark. “Bringing baseball with the creation of this space affords individuals with autism and special needs and their families a day or night at the ballpark. At Curemark, we feel that these families should have a sensory safe space so that our National Pastime is accessible and enjoyable for all”.

For the 2021 season, one family will be chosen to use the room per game at no charge. In accordance with PNC Field capacity restrictions, the Sensory Safe Suite can have a party of up to 12 people on any given game night. Families can request use of the room by filling out the request form on the Sensory Safe Suite page under the Community tab.

Fun and Function designed the look and furniture for the Sensory Safe Suite. Fun and Function is a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are thrilled to work with Curemark to create this new suite at PNC Field,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “This is a truly important space to add to our great ballpark and we anticipate expanding the features and capacity as time goes on. With Curemark’s help, we look forward to making a difference in how children can experience RailRiders games.”

The RailRiders will be working with local non-profit groups such as Brighter Journey’s, Abilities 21 and SAFE to promote awareness of the Sensory Safe Suite and have the opportunity to request access.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

Coca-Cola Park to host Covid-19 vaccinations 5/6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Ventola

Office: 610-841-1317

[email protected]

Coca-Cola Park to host Covid-19 vaccinations on

Thursday, May 6 at the IronPigs’ home game

From 5-7 p.m. the Allentown Health Bureau will administer Covid-19 vaccines at the entrance plaza

Allentown, Pennsylvania (5 May 2021) – Getting vaccinated is a GRAND SLAM! The Allentown Health Bureau is coming to Coca-Cola Park on Thursday, May 6 from 5-7 p.m. to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to adults 18 and older just prior to the IronPigs game that evening at 7:05pm.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are encouraging everyone 18 and older to get vaccinated. For those who do receive a vaccination tomorrow, Thursday, May 6, those individuals can show their new vaccination card at the Provident Bank Ticket Office and receive a FREE game ticket to the game to see the IronPigs play the Rochester Red Wings immediately after their shot.

“We want to do our part to encourage vaccinations so that all of us can return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible and to help keep our entire community healthy,” said Kurt Landes, President and General Manager of the IronPigs. “It’s time to strike out Covid once and for all. Ballparks have hosted vaccination drives before, but never AT a game and while providing a free game ticket in return.”

“We’re trying to cover all our bases and get the vaccine into as many arms as possible,” said Allentown Health Bureau Director Vicky Kistler. “We’re happy to partner with the IronPigs to score more victories over the COVID-19 virus.”

The Allentown Health Bureau is distributing only the Moderna vaccine. Guests who receive a Covid-19 vaccination on Thursday, May 6 will be able to receive their second dose on Thursday, June 3 at the Allentown Fairgrounds any time from 8:30-2:30 p.m.

In addition to hosting the vaccinations, it is Nurses Night, presented by Bayada Home Service at the IronPigs game tomorrow evening and it is also the first Happy Hour of the year featuring $1 Berks hot dogs and alcoholic drink specials from 5-7pm.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Scrappers and the Ohio Lottery Announce Teacher Appreciation Award 

 

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Ohio Lottery will be teaming up to recognize teachers in the Mahoning Valley throughout the 2021 season. One teacher will be selected monthly to be featured on the video board during a Scrappers game for the Teacher Appreciation Award. Winning teacher will receive a night out at a Scrappers game and a prize pack courtesy of the Ohio Lottery. Nominations are currently being accepted for your favorite teacher at mvscrappers.com.

NOMINATE by clicking HERE.

The Scrappers home opener at Eastwood Field is Wednesday, May 26 against the State College Spikes. Ticket packages and group sales opportunities are on sale now. Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Indianapolis Indians Charities, Teachers’ Treasures Announce Whiteboard Double Play Campaign

 

INDIANAPOLIS – You donate, we match! Today, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) and Teachers’ Treasures introduced the Whiteboard Double Play campaign, an initiative where IIC will match all donations made to Teachers’ Treasures up to $10,000 through Monday, May 10. Teachers’ Treasures is a nonprofit that obtains and distributes school supplies free to teachers in need. On average, teachers in Marion County spend $800-1,200 per year on school supplies for their students.

“With Central Indiana schools adjusting to a virtual, e-learning experience because of the pandemic and teachers and students now returning to their respective classrooms, the Indianapolis Indians and IIC are proud to partner with Teachers’ Treasures to ensure students receive the items they need to learn and grow every day no matter the classroom setting,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The Whiteboard Double Play campaign will be a home run on all accounts, and we look forward to contributing funds to this great initiative.”

IIC compiled 500 booklets for students across Marion County in May 2020 and donated desks, office chairs and mini refrigerators, among other items, to Teachers’ Treasures last December. Now, IIC will double the impact of every donation made to Teachers’ Treasures through May 10. Donations can be made here starting as low as $5 with donation impact detailed below:

$5 = 4-pack of dry erase markers for one student
$10 = Dry erase board, 4-pack of dry erase markers and an eraser for one student
$25 = Dry erase boards and 4-packs of dry erase markers for 10 students
$50 = Dry erase boards for an entire class
$100 = Dry erase boards for two classes and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie
$250 = Dry erase boards for an entire school and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie

“Teachers’ Treasures partnership with Indianapolis Indians Charities has provided a pillar of support during a turbulent year to 270+ schools within Marion County,” said Alicia Van Rensburg, Teachers’ Treasures Development Manager. “Through masks and distance learning, the need for personal whiteboards and supplies has been indispensable to our teachers and students.”

Fluor Field to Serve as COVID Vaccination Site Thursday

 

Consistent with its ongoing “Front Porch Of The Community” focus, the Greenville Drive are excited to announce today, in partnership with Prisma Health, a series of COVID-19 vaccination events to occur at Fluor Field throughout the Drive’s 2021 season. The Drive announced plans this week to host the first vaccination event on Thursday, May 6th during their doubleheader against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

On Thursday, vaccinations will take place from 6-8pm in the Power Alley hospitality area of Fluor Field, directly inside the Main Street entrance to the stadium. No appointments are needed; vaccinations will be offered on a walk-up basis and administered by officials with Prisma Health. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered free of charge; those 16 years of age or older, needing their first or second dose, will be eligible. For those needing their second dose, it must be a minimum of three weeks since their first dose, but no later than six weeks.

To help encourage participation, all of those that get vaccinated on May 6th at Fluor Field will receive a complimentary ice cream at the Drive’s destination ice cream stand Sweet Caroline’s as well as a complimentary ticket to any remaining 2021 regular season game.

“Getting vaccinated is the most critical thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. By partnering with Prisma Health to offer vaccinations at our games, we can help our community move closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Drive Owner & President Craig Brown.

Stripers Accepting Grant Applications for 2021

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, are now accepting applications for the 2021 Stripers Grant Program. The program will award a $2,500 grant to a different nonprofit organization each month from June through September.

Each month will focus on a different category of nonprofit organizations, all fitting within the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are:

  • June: Service-oriented programs
  • July: Military programs
  • August: Youth programs
  • September: Health and wellness programs

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Interested nonprofit organizations may apply online at GoStripers.com/grants through May 14. Organizations deemed qualified will be contacted by the Stripers to provide supporting documents by May 17. One organization will be selected by the Stripers as the recipient of a $2,500 grant each month and will be recognized during a Stripers game at Coolray Field.

The Stripers have partnered with the Atlanta Braves Foundation to award grants to nonprofits since 2009, totaling $185,000 in donations. After awarding $1,000 grants from 2009 to 2018, the Stripers increased the total to $2,500 in 2019.

“We are proud to continue the Stripers Grant Program in 2021, an initiative that allows us to make a positive impact on Gwinnett County and surrounding communities,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “The Stripers are committed to supporting local nonprofit organizations and their essential missions.”

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

Tortugas seek National Anthem performers

 

SUBMIT VIRTUAL AUDITION HERE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas are launching a virtual search for National Anthem performers for the 2021 season.

In lieu of in-person auditions this year, all interested singers, vocal groups and musicians should enter a digital submission (video or audio) here. Candidates who have been chosen from the virtual auditions will be contacted to schedule a date to perform the National Anthem.

The Daytona Tortugas open the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4 at the Palm Beach Cardinals (STL). Opening Night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark is set for Tuesday, May 11 vs. the St. Lucie Mets (NYM).

For any questions, please contact Josh McCann, Community Relations & Outside Events Manager, at [email protected].

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are a proud affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the year.