LAKEWOOD, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation donated $38,000 to area non-profit organizations and military-based programs through the 2019 Home Runs for Heroes Program. The program is a partnership between the BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, and Townsquare Media.
“We are honored to once again partner with the OceanFirst Foundation for this amazing program,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Our men and women of the military, both veterans and active, risk their lives to keep us safe here at home. This program is a great way to give back and we thank OceanFirst Foundation for their support.”
“The 2019 season was a great success and we’re delighted that BlueClaws home runs resulted in $38,000 of donations by OceanFirst Foundation. This brings our eleven year total awarded through Home Runs for Heroes to $376,000. We thank the BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for giving us the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families with special needs,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.
Home Runs for Heroes grants provide financial support to charities that meet the emergency basic needs of veterans and local service men and women – active and retired – and their families during difficult times. Non-profits were paired with each inning of the game and each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park meant a $1,000 donation to the charity (or charities) corresponding with the inning in which the home run was hit.
The program has now completed 11 seasons and raised $376,000 towards different organizations. See the full 2019 donation table below:
| Organization | Inning | Home Runs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May Coast Guard | 1st | 1 | $1,000 |
| American National Red Cross / GI Go Fund | 2nd | 3 | $3,000 |
| Deborah Heart & Lung Hospital Foundation / Vetgroup | 3rd | 3 | $3,000 |
| Chariot Riders / National Guard State Family Readiness Council | 4th | 1 | $1,000 |
| Army Emergency Relief / Navy Marine Corps. Relief Society | 5th | 5 | $5,000 |
| Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern NJ / Catholic Charities (Trenton) | 6th | 1 | $1,000 |
| Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8867 (Brick) / Operations 1st Response | 7th | 2 | $2,000 |
| Lt. Dennis Zilinski II Memorial Fund | 8th | 3 | $3,000 |
| Citizens Veteran Advisory Committee | 9th + Extras | 4 | $4,000 |
The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The team will open their 20th season at FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, April 16th. 2020 ticket packages are currently available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com/Tickets.
Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 7,500 grants totaling more than $39 million to over 900 local charities throughout central and southern New Jersey.
– BlueClaws / OceanFirst –
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.