Fluor Field Hosts SC Veterans Upstate Salute on Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Toys for Tots Drive to Begin November 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

PawSox Win 2016 Community Involvement Award from Providence Business News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About iHeartMedia Salisbury-Ocean City

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

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

Shea wins in ADA ‘Kiss a Pig’ campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENT SCHEDULE

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

REGISTRATION FEES/DEADLINES

ONLINE (CLOSES OCT. 19)

$25/$15*

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

$30/$20*

*youth ages 12 & under

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

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

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

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

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

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

Free to Breathe

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

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

Kernels Take the Lead charities raise over $36,000 in 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA – This season, three Kernels Take the Lead charities: Transamerica K’s for Kids, Millhiser Smith Home Runs for the Iowa Donor Network, and CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates, helped raise over $36,000.

Transamerica K’s for Kids: The Transamerica Foundation donates $25 for each strikeout recorded by a Kernels pitcher, at home and on the road, to Kids First – an organization that provides focused legal services for children. This season, Kernels pitchers recorded 1,231 strikeouts for a total of $30,775 to Kids First.

Millhiser Smith Home Runs: Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donate to the Iowa Donor Network for every home run the Kernels hit at Perfect Game Field. This season the Kernels hit 36 home runs as Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donated $2,500 to the Iowa Donor Network.

CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates: CarePro Health Services donates one plate of hot, nutritious food, the equivalent of $5, for every run the Kernels score at home and on the road to Horizons Meals on Wheels. This season, the Kernels scored 669 runs and CarePro Health Services donated $3,345 or 669 plates of food to the Horizons Meals on Wheels program.

The Kernels would like to thank the continued support of the Transamerica Foundation, Millhiser Smith, West Bend Insurance and CarePro Health Services for their continued support of these Take the Lead charities.

Take the Lead Mission Statement
From the Front Office to the dugout “Take the Lead” exemplifies how teamwork and collective efforts support and benefit the Cedar Rapids Corridor. The Kernels are committed to being the community beacon for education, social and recreation programs.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

3,142 Vaccinations Administered at PRMC’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic

Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to 3,142 people on Delmarva who were vaccinated against the flu during the Medical Center’s 2016 Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on October 13 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

PRMC appreciates the community making sure they “live well” through annual vaccinations against the flu. We also thank the Delmarva Shorebirds for our long-standing partnership and the use of the ballpark to host the Medical Center’s largest and best attended annual community healthcare event.

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

Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Returns Thursday Oct. 13

Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Live Well “Drive-Thru” Flu Clinic is returning on Thursday, October 13, 2016, but as a single day event at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road in Salisbury, MD. Vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older. A physician’s order is not necessary. A donation of $10.00 per vaccination is requested (cash only; exact amount is appreciated). This year’s shot is quadrivalent, meaning it protects against four strains of the virus.

PRMC’s Live Well Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. only this one day, Thursday Oct. 13. Flu vaccinations are encouraged for persons over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm.

For additional information, please visit the PRMC website at www.peninsula.org and click the Drive-Thru Flu Clinic homepage story/banner. English and Spanish flu shot consents forms for PRMC’s Live Well Drive-Thru Flu Clinic are available on the site and may be filled out in advance and brought with you to the event.

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

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 15. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

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

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

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

10th Annual Canadians Thanksgiving Delivers Again

Save-On-Foods Store Manager Kevin Smith delivers a family-sized turkey in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in co-operation with Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army spent Wednesday afternoon helping 100 local families in need with some holiday cheer in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend.

Save-On-Foods generously donated 100 family-sized turkeys with serving trays and instructions on how to properly cook the meal to a number of local families that had been put forth by The Salvation Army.

“We are so fortunate to have organizations like the Vancouver Canadians and Save-On-Foods come forward and make a difference with many of our families who will be able to enjoy a warm meal this upcoming weekend,” stated Salvation Army Major James Hagglund who along with his staff, the C’s and Save-On-Foods were on-hand in Vancouver to personally hand out the turkeys.

“Canadians Thanksgiving” was the first annual community initiative to be put in place by owners Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney as this year marked the 10th anniversary of this impactful community partnership. Since 2007, the Canadians have provided more than 1,000 local families with family-sized turkeys and ways to come together to enjoy the holiday season.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club wishes to thank both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army for both their generosity and effort to bring these families together and make a difference in our community.

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

Trick-Or-Treat with Mason this Halloween!

COLUMBIA, SC – The costume is picked out. The candy bag will soon be over-flowing. Now, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the trick-or-treating with Mason! Fireflies Kids Club members (Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now) who submit an essay of 100 words or less titled, “Why I Want to Trick-or-Treat with Mason,” will have the chance to go door-to-door on Halloween with Columbia’s most adored Firefly.

Mason will join the winning youngster and his or her family and friends for a fun-filled hour of trick-or-treating on October 31. Essays can be dropped off at Spirit Communications Park, mailed or emailed to Mason:

Mason@ColumbiaFireflies.com

Attn: Mason

Spirit Communications Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by October 19 at 5:00 p.m. and Kids Club members are urged to include their names and contact information in their essays. Winners will be notified on October 24th.

Happy Halloween from Mason and the Fireflies!

Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now. It’s free to join and open to all kids 12 and younger.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. The Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the Commons at BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

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