Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Discovery Center

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations across the country to adapt how they operate in order to continue to find ways to serve their community.

In Springfield, the Discovery Center (DCS) has done that and much more, establishing itself as a leader on both the local and the national level as one of just two science centers in North America that remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in early March when schools, offices and everything else was beginning to shut down to save lives, the Discovery Center adapted. Because just when everywhere else was telling its employees and students to stay home, healthcare workers were busier than ever, and many of their kids suddenly had nowhere to go.

On March 17, 2020, the Discovery Center started a five-day transition from an award-winning science center into a licensed, emergency childcare facility for healthcare workers and first responders with displaced school-aged children. This service was provided for free to over 1,000 children since March 23—seven days a week for 14 hours each day.

In total, DCS provided 100,000 free childcare hours, over 50,000 free meals and snacks and over 1,000 child enrollments.

All of this and more is why the Discovery Center is this week’s Non-Profit Hero, presented by American National Insurance.

“We here in the Ozarks are always helping and caring for each other,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “Springfield might be one of the larger cities in Missouri, but it sure feels like a small town on most days. During this crazy time our world is in, there are stories all over, but I don’t want people to miss out on a great story right here in Springfield.’

“In the middle of all this chaos they are providing one of the most organized and safest opportunities for these students.”

Discovery Center staff—which came to be known as Team Incredibles—provided three meals a day to kids at their facility in addition to preparing boxes of food to send home to families of frontline workers. Each day they created lesson plans for kids—live streaming virtual lessons, organizing hands-on experiments and crafts, assisting with school work, and providing experiences in the museum itself and focusing on science-based education when it is needed more than ever.

The Center’s health and safety standards went above industry standards, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department borrowed from the Center’s COVID-19 safety measures to model for COVID childcare guidelines.

An average of 3,000 people used the Discovery Center’s free virtual lessons every single day.

“Mister Rogers taught us to look for the helpers,” Discovery Center Executive Director Rob Blevins said. “But we knew from the beginning that we should be doing more than just looking. We knew we needed to help the helpers. And we knew we had the best place for these kids to be.’

“We focused on not only childcare but also making sure that kids felt normal, that they weren’t experiencing a loss in learning by providing schooling based lesson plans, and that they were so well taken care of that their parents could focus on keeping our community safe.”

When talks of how to handle a new school year during COVID-19 began, the Discovery Center adapted again. On July 27, 2020, they announced the opening of the Discovery School, a private K-5 model, and the Learning Support Care Program to assist with Springfield Public School’s plan for in-person schooling. DCS education staff serves as guides and tutors to help children complete SPS virtual curriculum.

The Discovery School at the Center is an independent school run by the Discovery Center for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year. The education staff has over 20 years of combined education experiences and is creating curriculum in humanities, fine arts, world languages, literacy, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, computer coding, robotics, 3D printing and more with teaching partnerships with organizations such as NASA and the Smithsonian Museums.

“The kids we cared for navigated the crisis in a fun way that only the Discovery Center could offer,” Blevins said. “We are a top tier community asset. This is our mission. When SkyZone closed down, we took those families in and gave them free admission and free birthday parties. When the opioid epidemic hit Springfield, we became the first science center in the world to offer the science of synthetic endorphins and pharmacology. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that when our helpers needed help that our doors would be wide open.”

Over five million people worldwide have been inspired by Team Incredibles at the Discovery Center. Click here to learn how you can contribute.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with the Discovery Center, contact them at [email protected] or visit discoverycenter.org.

For more on what the Discovery Center is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/discoverycenterspringfield.

Tulsa Opera to Perform at ONEOK Field

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The Tulsa Opera will open the company’s 2020-21 season at ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with an outdoor presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto. It will mark Tulsa Opera’s first-ever performance at ONEOK Field. The outdoor semi-staged, baseball-themed production will be directed by James Robinson.

For complete information on Rigoletto, visit the Tulsa Opera by clicking HERE.

Sea Dogs Virtual Sell Out to Help Strike Out Cancer in Kids

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CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Portland, Maine– Throughout the month of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Sea Dogs are asking fans to help virtually sell out Hadlock Field to raise money for the Sea Dogs’ official charity- Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

The Sea Dogs and Maine Children’s Cancer Program are hoping to sell 7,368 virtual seats, representing the capacity of Hadlock Field, at $10.00 per seat, with all the money generated benefitting Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Fans can purchase their virtual seats and contribute to the fundraiser at seadogs.com. The virtual sell out fundraising campaign will run from September 1st -30th.

Everyone who purchases a ticket will be entered to win a Sea Dogs prize pack. Winners will be drawn weekly throughout the fundraising campaign.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to sell out any games this season at Hadlock Field,” stated Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “We have the best fans in baseball and we know that they will help us achieve the most meaningful sell out of them all, the one that helps children and their families in Maine battling cancer.”

During a normal season, the Sea Dogs’ Strike Out Cancer in Kids program, raises money through fan pledges per strikeouts thrown by Sea Dogs pitchers. In 25 seasons of the program, more than 5 million dollars has been raised for Maine Children’s Cancer Program. With the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, the virtual sell out, is a crucial program for the Sea Dogs to still be able to deliver the fundraising that Maine Children’s Cancer Program counts on us and our fans on to provide so that they can help strike out cancer in kids.

“Unfortunately, childhood cancer does not let up during a pandemic, which is why support from community members like you remains as vital as ever,” stated Maine Children’s Cancer Program Philanthropy Manager Ashton Hunter-Sildve. “For 25 years, the Portland Sea Dogs have made it their mission to “go to bat” for local children battling cancer. The funds raised through Strike Out Cancer in Kids over the last 25 years has helped our team at MCCP provide world-class cancer care in a closer to home setting, support services for the entire family through their journey with childhood cancer and research opportunities that continue to bring us closer to a cure! Join the Portland Sea Dogs as they virtually sell out Hadlock Field to continue making a difference in the lives of Maine’s youngest cancer fighters.”

Ports Virtual Back to School Drive

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The Ports are excited to launch it’s Virtual Back to School Drive, starting today and running until September 14!

The purpose of this event is to support local schools in the community and provide schools, teachers, and students with the proper supplies and visual learning materials to enhance both online and in person education. This drive gives the Ports the opportunity to interact with the community and give back to those schools, especially during times where many schools are dealing with the downfalls of COVID-19. Schools we will be supporting are Hong Kingston Elementary, Pittman, Pulliam Elementary, John Adams Elementary, John F. Kennedy Elementary and Cleveland Elementary.

In order to follow safety protocols and guidelines regarding COVID, we will allow the local community to contribute to the back to school drive without having to leave their house! We are asking for Monetary Donations that will be used towards gift cards for teachers to purchase software educational enhancements to best supply their students with the proper learning material for virtual learning. Gift cards will be to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, Teachers Paying Teachers, etc.Donations can be done online on the Ports Website. Donation values are in increments of $5, $10, $20, and $50, but multiple donations are able to be combined to add up to $15, $30, $40, etc.

Donor names will be featured on “The Honor Roll” page on the Stockton Ports website. Donors also have the opportunity to win one of the three special gifts – the more you donate, the more chances you have to win a gift!

Gift 1: A suite with 16 tickets to a game in 2021
Gift 2 and 3: 2020 Giveaways (One of each of the 2020 Giveaways)

Learn more and donate HERE!

To donate a specific amount, contact Christine in the Ports Front Office at 209-644-1967.

For additional information or questions, contact Jordy Feneck at [email protected]

Chihuahuas help local food bank achieve its mission 

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El Pasoans Fighting Hunger among CommUNITY grant recipients

The El Paso Chihuahuas have partnered with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for as long as the team has been an existence, establishing ties with the nearby food bank during the team’s inaugural season of 2014. From hosting staff volunteer events to conducting food drives at the ballpark, the Chihuahuas have seen EPFH’s important work in the community up close.

Given that longstanding relationship, the Chihuahuas’ front office didn’t have to look far when deciding which organization to nominate for one of Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grants.

“We are proud to see our friends at EPFH benefit from the generosity of MILB Charities,” said Brad Taylor, the Chihuahuas’ senior vice president and general manager. “Their work in El Paso and the surrounding areas is never ending and this will surely help their mission.”

That mission, according to EPFH, is to “combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically procuring and distributing nutritious food through community partners,” crucial work with a need that has grown significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The El Paso community has been impacted so severely by the pandemic that EPFH has already surpassed its 2019 food distribution numbers. Last year the food bank distributed more than 32.5 million pounds of food in the Borderland area; this year through May, EPFH has already distributed more than 50 million pounds, with 15 million pounds distributed in May alone.

What does all that mean for the children, single-parent households, veterans, senior citizens and working class families the organization serves? Simply stated, quite a lot.

EPFH has been providing food to 8,000 families daily via their drive thru program since the beginning of the pandemic — numbers are on par with what food banks in much larger markets like Detroit and Chicago but with a fraction the staff. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network, the organization also recently launched a home delivery service for families impacted by COVID-19 as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Of course, getting that much food into the community requires a lot of volunteers, and EPFH does its best to keep everyone safe in the age of social distancing. The $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities will help toward the purchase of food boxes, of course, but also personal protective equipment for volunteers to give them peace of mind to continue their efforts.

“We are thankful for this generous gift, which will provide 3,500 meals to El Pasoans who are struggling with food insecurity,” said EPFH chief executive officer Susan Goodell, who added that the total will actually be 7,000 meals when you add a matching gift from the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. “These food boxes will not only provide individuals and families with the nourishment needed to sustain themselves, but will allow households to redistribute their expenditures as necessary – on housing, utilities, medical care or education needs. As a result, parents of food insecure households will begin to create a path for financial and longer-term sustainability.”

In addition to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the other winning organizations of a CommUNITY grant were Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs) and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (Birmingham Barons).

“A program like this one shows that even without games, Minor League Baseball can deeply enhance and improve their communities,” said Taylor.

Knights help Charlotte youth lead the way

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Nonprofit selected as one of five CommUNITY grant recipients

For Charlotte’s Megan Smithers, nominating an organization for Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grant program was a no-brainer, given the team’s relationship with and appreciation for the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Knights’ director of community relations selected YBLA for its involvement with Black youth in the Charlotte area. Founded in 2006, YBLA works to “educate and develop young black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond.” Through its flagship Ambassador program, YBLA identifies student leaders in high school, helps get them ready for college and their early professional years while also training them to mentor students of all grade levels.

Recently, in light of social justice issues that have come to the forefront, YBLA launched another campaign called Community Conversations — a three-tier program aiming to educate, collaborate and solve disparities affecting the Black community in Charlotte.

“Community Conversations has been a great way to create positive communication,” Smithers said. “They’ve been able to create a platform where people can come join and talk openly and really either educate themselves or listen to other people.

“I think the leaders and founders of YBLA realized the opportunity to create positive conversation. This also showed these young Black youth that they are helping to further their careers and further their education. It allowed them to get involved.”

Members of the Young Black Leadership Alliance enjoy a Knights game. Charlotte Knights

Eager to recognize the important work of nonprofit organizations in 2020, Minor League Baseball came up with the idea of awarding five $500 grants to organizations spanning the country that are supporting their local and diverse community in an impactful, relevant way. YBLA joins Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs), El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas) and ¡HICA! (Birmingham Barons) as recipients receiving that grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

“YBLA is doing some really great things in our community,” Smithers said. “They make sure (their ambassadors) succeed, go to college and become good community advocates.”

This is not the first time the Knights have helped recognize the efforts of YBLA. In 2017, Charlotte awarded the organization a $3,500 grant as part of its Safe at Home campaign. The Knights also work closely with YBLA for education opportunities in the sports industry, serving as a community liaison.

“If they have kids in their program that have sports-tracked minds or want to go into sports, we are a good advocate for them,” Smithers said.

COVID-19 has forced YBLA’s in-person sessions for the 2020-21 school year to be conducted online. However, that hasn’t hindered the organization’s ability to impact and inspire the Charlotte community. Community Conversations still take place online every Tuesday, and the sessions are open to the public.

“This allowed the youth to get involved, which was a different aspect hearing how things are affecting them,” Smithers said. “It’s definitely a cool way that they were able to engage with all the demographics during this kind of unrest.”

Katie Woo is an editorial producer for Minor League Baseball. Follow her on twitter at @katiejwoo.

Amarillo Symphony To Perform Outdoor Concert at HODGETOWN

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The Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to bring great music to the community in a fun and safe way with “Hollywood at HODGETOWN” on Saturday, September 19. The open-air, socially-distanced concert at HODGETOWN, home of the Sod Poodles, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m.

The Amarillo Symphony, conducted by Jacomo Bairos, will perform a variety of patriotic and cinematic works, including “Stars and Stripes Forever_” and themes from _Harry Potter_, _The Magnificent Seven_, and _Star Wars_, among others. The concert will end with a fireworks finale set to Tchaikovsky’s _1812 Overture.

“Performing on the field at HODGETOWN will bring a new experience to audience and musicians alike,” said Andrew Hay, Executive Director of The Amarillo Symphony. “I’m excited to see Maestro Bairos and the orchestra play in the ballpark, and we are honored to be able to offer this experience to the community at this time.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Amarillo Symphony on this one-of-a-kind event,” said Tony Ensor, Sod Poodles President and General Manager. “We look forward to bringing this unique Hollywood concert to life in our ballpark setting for the entire community to enjoy and create memories this summer together in a safe and healthy outdoor environment.”

Advanced ticket pricing ranges from $10 to $18 depending on seat location. Guests can purchase tickets starting Thursday, September 3. Online tickets will be available at www.SodPoodles.com starting at 9 a.m. Guests can purchase by phone at 806-803-9547 or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office starting at 10 a.m. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available, but a $2 increase will be in effect and ticket availability is not guaranteed.

Hospitality options for groups are available as well including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, please call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

A pre-concert band, “The RagTown Chiefs,” will delight and entertain the crowd just after gates open to shortly before the symphony performance begins so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

This symphony performance is generously sponsored by Street Toyota, Amarillo National Bank, Underwood Law Firm PC, NCW Risk Management, Paul and Jo Tyler Engler and media partner NewsChannel10. The pre-concert band and finale fireworks are brought to you by FirstBank Southwest.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

Hometown Hero: Stacy Kitchens

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SPOKANE, Wash. – The COVID-19 pandemic has created several stress factors in hospitals as protocols change, capacity is reached, and employees are susceptible to contracting the virus. It’s essential that leaders in healthcare continue to be positive and supportive for coworkers and patients alike. The Spokane Indians were excited to be able to meet Hometown Hero, Stacy Kitchens. Stacy is an Emergency Room RN (registered nurse) at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital. She has a reputation of treating others like family. Stacy has been an integral person in the emergency room through her leadership, adaptability, and willingness to help others through challenging times.

SI: How long have you worked for MultiCare? What is your current role?

SK: I started at Deaconess Hospital in 2005 as a phlebotomist while I was working my way through nursing school. I then started out as a new graduate RN in the Emergency Room in 2008 and have never left. I currently am a Charge Nurse there.

SI: How have your day-to-day duties changed during this pandemic?

SK: My duties at work have definitely changed during this pandemic. I wear a mask for the entire twelve hours of my shift. I also wear eye protectant if I am around any patient for more than 15 minutes. As a nurse I have always been trained on proper use of personal protection equipment and the specialized equipment we use when taking care of COVID positive patients or patients being tested for COVID. Now I just use the equipment much more often and feel very comfortable and confident doing so.

SI: What inspired you to become a nurse?

SK: I was intrigued by the idea of nursing. I thought it would be fun to help take care of people and make a difference in their lives so I decided to volunteer at a local emergency room and absolutely loved it. It was fascinating to me. I loved the excitement of the emergency room and the opportunity to help make people feel better in difficult situations.

SI: What is a piece of advice that you would give anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare?

SK: I would say you should absolutely do it. While going to school or researching different careers in the medical field, you should volunteer or take an entry level job in a hospital or medical setting so you can find your fit. Healthcare has so many different opportunities for you to find what you’re truly passionate about.

SI: are some hobbies that you enjoy when you aren’t working?

SK: My absolute favorite thing to do when I am not working is being on my boat with my family. We love traveling to different lakes in the amazing PNW. My husband and I are teaching our kids how to surf and are loving every minute on the water.

SI: What is your favorite quote?

SK: You become what you believe, so believe in yourself.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank Stacy and all healthcare workers for making sacrifices and taking care of people in need. To submit nominations for future Hometown Hero’s, visit: https://www.milb.com/spokane/community/hometownhero

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at Avista Stadium. The Spokane Indians Team Store is open for online orders and curbside pickup.

Concert, testimonials highlight Family Faith Night

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PURCHASE FAMILY FAITH NIGHT TICKETS HERE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Performances from Christian recording artists Josh Wilson and Summer Frost and comedian Ron Barnett and a testimonial from former Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR cheerleader Shenette Doyle highlight the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Family Faith Night presented by Sight & Sound Productions. The event is set for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at 121 Financial Ballpark, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

Socially-distanced tickets are available in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl for $10 per person in increments of two ($20 total), four ($40), six ($60) and eight ($80) by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or ordering via this link. For larger groups, please call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

Wilson, who is headlining the event, has amassed multiple Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Christian Singles charts, including “Savior, Please,” “I Refuse,” “Fall Apart,” “Carry Me,” “Before the Morning,” and “That Was Then, This Is Now.” A multi-instrumentalist and live-looping enthusiast, he’s been known to play and record as many as 20 instruments on stage at any given time.

A native of Jacksonville, Doyle cheered as a Jaguars ROAR cheerleader from 2008-14, reaching the role of captain during her final season. Doyle is the founder of Holy Girls Rock Purity, a movement that challenges young ladies to make a choice to stand for P.U.R.I.T.Y. (Publicly Unwavering Righteousness In Today’s Youth). The group meets monthly with the intention of learning how to live healthy, empowered, faith-filled and happy lives and impacts girls in the city through scholarship funding and community involvement.

Frost is a singer songwriter with a folk/indie/contemporary Christian sound. She plays guitar, keyboard and flute, and her EP “Worth The Wait” came out in May.

Barnett is a stand-up Christian comedian and musician. He enjoys finding the funny in everyday situations and performs regularly at comedy clubs and private events.

Free parking is available in Lot Z behind the video board, with entry to the ballpark at the Third Base Gate. Entry is cashless. Additionally, no outside food or beverage is permitted. Full concessions and adult beverages will be available for cashless purchase, meaning guests must come prepared with card payment options. The Jumbo Shrimp Souvenir Store will also be open for card payment options.

All Jumbo Shrimp employees will be wearing face coverings throughout the event and all guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and while they move about the ballpark. Face coverings may be removed once guests arrive to their socially distanced area.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Tortugas High School Ambassadors plan community beach cleanup

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Tortugas Care Foundation will also unveil new beach cleanup station

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas will host a community beach cleanup and unveil a new beach cleanup initiative on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The event is being planned and produced by the Tortugas High School Ambassadors, a group of high school students from across Volusia County who explore careers in the sports and entertainment business as part of the team’s partnership with Volusia County Schools.

The public is invited to join in Wednesday’s cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon at Sun Splash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave. Supplies and water will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring reusable gloves and a reusable bucket or bag if possible. Want to participate but can’t make it to the park? Go to your local beach and do your own cleanup with family and friends! Don’t forget to post about your cleanup on social media using #TugasCleanup.

The event will also include a ceremonial unveiling of a new beach cleanup station established by the Tortugas Care Foundation. TCF has partnered with Volusia County and Fill A Bag, a Key Biscayne nonprofit organization, to create and maintain the station.

Fill A Bag stations make it easy to turn walks on the beach into meaningful cleanups. Starting Wednesday, the public is invited to grab a bucket from the station and pick up trash while walking the beach. Once finished, users should empty the collected items into the nearby trash or recycling bin and return the bucket to the station for future users.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. 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 season.

ABOUT THE TORTUGAS CARE FOUNDATION

The Tortugas Care Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization of the Daytona Tortugas. It was established in 2016 and supports the community through financial and in-kind contributions with a focus on youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Community Partnership of the Ozarks

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A quick trip to the online home of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) reveals three overarching pillars that make up their goal for the Springfield and Southwest Missouri community: building resilient children, building healthy families, and building strong neighborhoods and communities.

CPO embraces those pillars even in normal times, but it’s what they’ve done over the past five months during the COVID-19 pandemic that makes them one of our Non-Profit Hero award winners, presented by American National Insurance.

Over the two-week nominating period, CPO received nine nominations–the most of any single non-profit in a series that received over 100 nominations. Learn more about Non Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, at SpringfieldCardinals.com/heroes.

Community Impact During COVID-19

For many individuals, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of fear and uncertainty. CPO has been there to help calm those fears with the individuals that it was already committed to helping by checking on neighbors, bringing food, medication and supplies to those who couldn’t leave their homes, sheltering vulnerable homeless families, and so much more.

In fact, throughout the course of the pandemic, CPO has sheltered 150 vulnerable homeless individuals at a time–providing showers, meals and other services meant to keep them as safe as possible. They have ensured that childcare workers are recognized as essential workers and ensured that their needs are met. They produced a series of messaging and videos to help people cope with isolation, withdrawal and other mental health challenges brought on by COVID-19. They have become a coordinated communication hub where people can go to find available resources to help deal with the pandemic.

And the list goes on and on.

“Community Partnership’s leadership and staff understood from the beginning of the pandemic that it was crucial to stay engaged with our community,” CPO Vice-President of Communications Jacqué Breedlove-Harness said. “We did what we are here to do–collaborate with our partners to find creative and innovative solutions to fill the gaps in services throughout the communities we serve.’

“From connecting with neighbors at a grassroots, door-to-door level to meeting people virtually across the region, we collected and shared important information face-to-face and on multiple digital platforms, making sure everyone remained connected to the education, resources and services they need during this difficult time. How we serve currently looks quite different from before, but we know how important it is that we continue to find ways to build resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods and communities.”

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with CPO, contact them at [email protected] or visit cpozarks.org.

For more on what the Community Partnership of the Ozarks is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cpozarks.

Students participating in Weller Elementary School’s Bulldog Basketball Academy, sponsored by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, learn more than basketball skills. They also learn important life and social skills, as well as developing positive relationships with mentors.

Graduates from Community Partnership’s first Parent Leadership Training Institute developed lifelong friendships and systems of support as they learned how to advocate and spark change for our community’s children.

¡HICA! selected as a recipient of the 2020 MiLB CommUNITY grant

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.– Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced today that the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), a long-time partner of the Birmingham Barons, will receive a $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

The new MiLB CommUNITY grant recognizes five nonprofit organizations from across the nation that support diversity within their local MiLB community. Grant recipients show dedication to promoting unity, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion in their community through impactful programs.

“¡HICA! Is beyond honored to receive this gift from MiLB,” said ¡HICA! Executive Director Isabel Rubio. “Our partnership with the Birmingham Barons is a real treasure- we love the opportunity to bring communities together through such an American institution as baseball. Thank you for recognizing our work.”

Founded in 1999, ¡HICA! Focuses on community development and advocacy for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. It offers economic development, citizenship and naturalization, family, and civic engagement programs that assist families transition to life in America as well as helps them become an integral part of their local communities. The Barons partner with ¡HICA! annually for Los Barons night at Regions Field. The night includes specialty jerseys, dancers, and bands as a way to celebrate Latino culture and raise awareness about ¡HICA!’s mission. Los Barons night has been a prominent night in the Barons season since 2013.

“¡HICA!’s work bridges cultural gaps in our community while providing resources for Latino and immigrant families to grow and thrive,” said Birmingham Barons General Manager and President Jonathan Nelson. “We value our long-term partnership with them and are excited to see them recognized for their hard work.”

The four additional MiLB CommUNITY grant recipients include Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston River Dogs), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), and the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas).

RubberDucks To Feature Sports Industry Leaders In First Women In Sports Virtual Panel Sept. 2nd

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(AKRON, OHIO) August 25, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to announce their first ever Women in Sports Virtual panel featuring a variety of women who have established themselves as leaders in the sports from all across the country on September 2, brought to you by State & Federal Communications. This virtual panel is free to the public via Zoom invite link, beginning promptly at 7 p.m. on September 2, and is expected to run until 8:30 p.m.

Attendees can sign up to join this free Zoom webinar by visiting https://www.milb.com/akron/team/registration and a confirmation email will be sent to attendees by 5 p.m. the day they sign up. The Zoom webinar link will be sent the morning of September 2 with relevant login information. This live panel will be emceed by RubberDucks lead broadcaster, Marco LaNave, and will feature the below executives who have graciously offered their advice and insight on their experience working within the sports industry:

Panelists:

  • Linda McNabb – VP of Sales & Marketing, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  • Jan Burke – Director, Ticket Sales and Services, Canton Charge
  • Emily Gates – Director of Sport Management Baseball, Field Hockey and Volleyball, Ohio High School Athletic Association
  • Donna Orender – CEO, Orender Unlimited. Former president of the WNBA and Senior Vice President of the PGA
  • Joey Arrietta – Director of Fastpitch Operations, Racers Foundation and Founder/President of Akron Racers Softball

Each panelist will introduce herself and reflect on the topics below, which will then be followed by a Question & Answer segment where Zoom attendees will get the chance to speak with top sports industry executives.

Some of the topics these respected leaders in the sports industry will reflect on include:

  • How they began their journey in the sports industry, and how they subsequently rose through the ranks into the top leaderships they held throughout their careers
  • The challenges that these leaders faced while starting in an industry predominantly run by men
  • What factors and experiences shaped these women into the respected leaders they have become in the sports industry
  • The benefits and value of strong mentorship in order to empower future generations of women to break into the sports industry
  • What challenges still exist and affect women’s ability to break into and advance within the sports industry

“The RubberDucks are proud to offer the opportunity to hear from experienced female executives with broad and diverse backgrounds in the sports industry,” said Jim Pfander, General Manager of the Akron RubberDucks. “These women have worked hard and have overcome many obstacles on their way to the leadership roles they hold, so their insight and advice is invaluable to any person looking to enter the sports industry.”

Attendees will walk away from this event having the knowledge that women can be, and currently are, leaders in the sports industry and to showcase the sisterhood that exists among women currently working in sports. This event will give all attendees a strong understanding of some of the hurdles and challenges that they may encounter along their career path. The goal for this panel is to help all attendees become better prepared for their journey into the sports industry by hearing from these five well-regarded, top executives.

For any questions regarding this event, please contact Ticket Sales Associate, Jenna Smith by phone at (330) 375-1715 or by email at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Public Education Partners and Greenville Drive Announce My Drive to #Teach864 Campaign

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Public Education Partners (PEP) and the Greenville Drive announced today that they will continue their support of Greenville’s public school teachers through the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign. The annual #Teach864 Night between the two organizations is a celebration of teachers across all Greenville County Schools, and is one of the most highly anticipated events at Fluor Field each year.

However, Covid-19 and the cancellation of the Drive’s 2020 baseball season prevented the event from taking place in its usual format this year – but that’s not stopping the team from going to bat for teachers.

As school doors reopen, PEP and the Drive will be launching a two-week community fundraising effort – My Drive to #Teach864 – to support programming focused on teacher health and wellbeing, appreciation, and access to professional development for the 2020-21 school year. These programs represent one of PEP’s three strategic priorities – Elevating Teachers – which is focused on recruitment, retention, and morale initiatives that cultivate increased teacher satisfaction.

In celebration of PEP’s 35th anniversary and the Drive’s 15th anniversary, the organizations are committed to raising $35,000 from August 24th through September 7th by asking individuals to pledge $8.64 a month or make a one-time gift of $100, $50, or $25 in support of Greenville County’s teachers. Corporate sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are also available in support of the campaign.

Pledges to the campaign, as well as more information on PEP’s programming, can be made online at www.pepgc.org.

“Statewide data shows that teachers are leaving the classroom earlier in their careers than ever before. In Greenville County, 40% of teachers leaving the profession did so within the first five years,” stated Catherine Schumacher, PEP CEO & President. “Understanding that teachers are facing more hurdles than ever as they return to school this fall, PEP is doubling down on our commitment to teacher retention and morale. We are lucky to have community partners like the Greenville Drive that also recognize the importance of this moment and are joining us in thinking innovatively about how we support teachers.”

“While we may not be able to hit home runs at Fluor Field this season, that will not prevent us from hitting them in the classroom with PEP and Greenville County Schools,” Craig Brown, Greenville Drive Owner & President. “During our first 15 years our mission has always been, and will continue to be, a part of the fabric of the Upstate Community. Despite not having a Drive baseball season this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have doubled-down on that support, which includes our support of Greenville County Schools and Public Education Partners. We look forward to watching this campaign deliver valuable resources and opportunities to teachers.”

In addition the Drive, significant financial pledges have been made to the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign by Greenville Federal Credit Union, and others.

Tulsa Symphony Coming to ONEOK Field

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Tulsa Symphony is coming to ONEOK Field! On Saturday, September 5, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will go outdoors for its 2020 Opening Night with a powerful, all-Beethoven program in honor of the famed composer’s upcoming 250th birthday. The “Celebration of Beethoven” concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display.

The unique concert will be the first of its kind at ONEOK Field, which is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers baseball club and to the F.C. Tulsa soccer team.

The performance will spotlight world-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman who will play the historic Piano Concerto No. 3 in C-Minor that was premiered by Beethoven, as the soloist, in 1803. Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor, will also conduct the turbulent Coriolan Overture and the captivating Symphony No. 7.

Masks will be required for all attendees, and social distancing will be accomplished by limiting stadium capacity to only 19%; therefore, tickets are limited.

The stadium will also employ its disinfecting system and sanitary stations that have been used extensively at recent baseball games.

Tickets for this open-air, socially-distanced performance are available by clicking HERE.

For any questions or concerns, please call the Tulsa Symphony box office at (918) 584-3645.

THE LINEUP FOR CELEBRATION OF BEETHOVEN AT ONEOK FIELD
Beethoven – Coriolan Overture
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Yefim Bronfman,Piano
Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor

Please note that this performance was initially scheduled for September 12. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.