clubphilanthropy.com – Page 200 – Charity begins at home [plate]

Celebrate National Siblings Day at April 10th Game

March 26, 2015

Includes $1 tickets and post-game fireworks

Join the BlueClaws and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County for National Siblings Day at the Friday, April 10th BlueClaws game which starts at 7:05.

Tickets for the game are just $1 thanks to the Asbury Park Press and there will be post-game fireworks thanks to River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar.

Fans are encouraged to send in a funny picture(s) with their siblings prior to the game. The best ones will be used during the game on the video board (bonus points for pictures taken at FirstEnergy Park or in BlueClaws gear). Please email all photos to Ryan Cassirer at rcassirer@blueclaws.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will have a table on the concourse, and fans can take pictures with their siblings at the table and share on Twitter & Instagram using the hashtag #BCSibsDay. Winners will be selected and prizes, including tickets to a future game, will be awarded.

There will also be sibling movie clips shown throughout the game as well plus on-field promotions pitting siblings against each other.

To order tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or order online by clicking here.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, please click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

New Raffle to Benefit Ronald McDonald House

March 26, 2015

50/50 to Split Proceeds with Local Charity

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) have been a win-win proposition for years. The partnership of the world’s most famous and successful baseball team’s top-tier farm club with outstanding, affordable, family-friendly entertainment has meant victory for all of NEPA. In 2015, add another possible triumph to the list. The team has added a 50/50 raffle with half of the proceeds going to a lucky winner and the other half heading to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton.

“The people of Northeastern Pennsylvania are so generous and eager to help others,” said Patricia Stella, president of the McDonald’s Association of Northeastern PA and a local owner/operator. “This season, in partnership with the RailRiders, we encourage fans who attend the games to participate in the 50/50 raffle. The money that is raised will help our Ronald McDonald Houses in Scranton and Danville continue to reach out to the local community and help families with seriously ill children.”

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during every home game throughout the 2015 season from a roaming seller or at a kiosk located behind home plate on the main concourse. Ticket sales will begin when gates open and close at the end of the seventh inning.

“We appreciate this valuable opportunity to share the mission of the Ronald McDonald House with our community,” said Rich Bradshaw, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Scranton. “Truly it is only through the support of our local community that we are able to help so many families all year round. We are pleased to count the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as one of our mission supporters and proud to have them as our friends.”

The gross prize amount will be displayed on the main scoreboard throughout the game. The winning number will be posted on the main scoreboard at the conclusion of the eighth inning. To claim the prize, the winning fan will visit University of Scranton Guest Services in the entrance plaza or call 570-969-BALL (2255) for more information.

“We are delighted to partner with the good folks at McDonald’s and the Ronald McDonald House,” said RailRiders interim GM Jeremy Ruby. “We view ourselves as NEPA’s team and hope this effort with half the money helping the local community and the other half creating a very happy and lucky fan in the stands demonstrates our continued efforts in that regard.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Local Military Members Honored In Squirrels Card Set Giveaway

March 25, 2015

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the World Champion San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce they are currently accepting nominations for their inaugural Military Card Set Giveaway on May 26^th presented by Verizon. The trading card set will be comprised solely of current or former members of the military that have been nominated by fans. Nominations will be accepted through April 10^th online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com or at any Verizon Wireless Store in Central Virginia. Military card sets will be distributed to the first 2,000 fans on May 26^th at The Diamond. Gates open on May 26^th at 5:30PM and a pre-game ceremony to honor all Military members will take place before the first pitch against Harrisburg. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE

“We have always had strong a place in our heart for our Military personnel and all they do to protect our freedom and allow us to do what we do for and in our community,” Said Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “We could not be more pleased to highlight these heroes in this commemorative and limited edition card set.

Any questions regarding the Military Card Set Giveaway can be directed to erin.mcdonald@squirrelsbaseball.com. The Flying Squirrels 2015 season begins on Thursday, April 9^th. Single-Game tickets are currently on sale at The Diamond, over the phone and online. Opening Night April 9^th will feature the Squirrels first eve dueling fireworks and dueling piano show. For a full list of the 2015 season promotions, visit www.squirrrelsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Four youth ball field renovations set for April 16

March 25, 2015

‘4 in 24’ will see four fields renovated in under 24 hours

The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets to revamp the ball fields of four local youth baseball/softball leagues: Cohoes Little League, Coxsackie-Athens Little League, Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball/Softball League, and Niskayuna Baseball. Known as the ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, the work will take place within a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 16.

The four fields will receive brand new sod, bases, a home plate and pitcher’s mound, and the baselines will be measured to the correct specifications.

Cohoes Little League is implementing a Challenger Program, but the host field has been damaged due to the harsh winter.

“We wouldn’t have been able to obtain the field conditions needed to support this program without assistance,” said Mike Smith, President Cohoes Little League. “This renovation will give us the opportunity for children with all abilities to have a safe place to play baseball this season.”

Coxsackie-Athens Little League has had a softball program for some time, which has gained popularity in recent years. Following the work of the ‘4 in 24,’ the field will be fit enough to become home to the newly formed Coxasckie-Athens Girls Softball.

“Coxsackie-Athens Little League is excited that Rainey Field has been selected by the Tri-City ValleyCats as a ‘4 in 24’ field,” said league President Steve VanHoesen. “As volunteers, preparing and maintaining the field is a perpetual struggle. With help of the ValleyCats, Isabella C. Rainey Field will once again be put back atop of that pedestal and reclaim its diamond status in the community.”

The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball / Softball League is still feeling the effects of hurricane flood damage, and their primary field is filled with sandy dirt and large stones.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to have the ValleyCats organization assist us in providing the best experience possible for our youths,” said league president Tony Thayne. “After the flood a few years ago, we have done our best to recover the fields, but are still in need of help in getting them done correctly.”

Niskayuna Baseball has seen its league size grow over the past few years, which now consists of 50 teams and approximately 600 players. With the growth comes the need for greater field options and maintenance requirements.

“On behalf of Niskayuna Baseball, its Board of Directors, and most importantly the baseball community that we represent, I want to say thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” said Christopher Mennillo, Niskayuna Baseball President. “This renovation will make the playing surface more conducive for multiple age groups, expand the flexibility from a league scheduling standpoint, and better position the league to host future tournaments.”

The ‘4 in 24’ is the marquee event and kick-off of the Community Grounds Crew Program, which assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer. This will mark the fifth straight season of the Community Grounds Crew, which the ValleyCats widely consider to be one of their most important yearly initiatives.

“As a part of the Capital Region since 2002, the ValleyCats recognize the importance of being an active member of the community and an ambassador for the great game of baseball,” said Rick Murphy, ValleyCats Vice President / General Manager. “Over the years, our field renovation program has been a key component in furthering this mission. Through our partnerships with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, the 4 in 24 program will officially reach 20 fields renovated this year as we seek to provide continued opportunities for our youth to grow and excel.”

“BlueShield is proud to continue our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities. Playing on a safe and well-maintained field is good for our region’s children, and it’s good for our community. ”

“By helping to improve these playing fields, Hannaford is investing in two of the things that matter most to us – healthy kids and healthy communities,” said Brian Fabre, Hannaford community relations specialist. “Hannaford is committed to providing healthy options to our customers and to strengthening our communities. Through this partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and the ValleyCats, we will be helping our young people to play and to compete in a safer, more-enjoyable environment.”

The efforts will also be aided by the support of Admar Construction and Turface, who will provide the necessary equipment and materials to complete the renovations. Other support comes from the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, whose contributions come from past events held at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Honor Your Hero On Opening Day

March 24, 2015

BlueClaws to honor 15 heroes during pre-game ceremony on April 9th

In celebration of the start of the BlueClaws 15th season, the team will be honoring 15 BlueClaws Community Heroes on Opening Day!

Fans are encouraged to nominate their heroes – first responders, teachers, coaches, parents, or anyone else – by emailing heroes@blueclaws.com.

Please include your hero’s name, connection to the nominating individual, a description as to why they are being nominated (such as why your hero is important to you or what he/she does for your family or the community) and contact information.

15 winners will be selected and honored on the field in a pregame ceremony on Opening Day. Plus, all 15 heroes will take the field with BlueClaws players during the traditional player introductions. Each will also receive two complimentary tickets to the game.

Winners will be notified via phone call. All submissions must be made by April 1st.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Adopt-a-Field Program Returns in 2015

March 23, 2015

Submissions Due March 29, Voting Begins March 30

There’s something special about a pristine baseball field. Add kids to the scene and you have the storybook home run. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) hope to help area youth enjoy America’s pastime by renovating three fields as part of their Adopt-a-Field Program in 2015.

Two youth softball or baseball fields and one high school field will receive a renovation. Fans can send photos of their field to the RailRiders and write as to why they should be selected. Field nominations should be sent to the RailRiders’ community relations director Rachel Mark (rmark@swbrailriders.com). Submitted fields must be within 30 miles of PNC Field.

This year the RailRiders are proud to partner with Pro’s Choice and Fisher and Son who will graciously donate the materials needed for the renovation of the three fields.

Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Fans will be able to vote on the fields on the RailRiders’ website starting at noon on Monday, March 30. Links to the voting page will be available through social media and the RailRiders’ website. Website voting will end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, and the winners will be announced on Monday, April 6. The first renovation is planned for April 16.

The program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. The teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don’t have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

Media members and fans will be invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day at each site. Other dates and all sites will be announced at a later date once voting concludes.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Chihuahuas and Gatorade Announce “Gatorade GO PLAY” Community Initiative

March 20, 2015

Promotes and celebrates kids living an active lifestyle

Athletes of the Miracle League of El Paso were treated to a surprise last night as Chico, the Chihuahuas mascot, and Andy Imfeld, the Chihuahuas on-field emcee, launched the Gatorade GO PLAY Community Program. Along with a visit from Chico the athletes received Gatorade donated by Pepsi.

“The surprise visit was a huge hit and our athletes had a blast,” said Sandie Olivar, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of El Paso. “The disabled community normally lives a very sedentary lifestyle that does not get the opportunity to get outside and play. The Miracle League gives them the outlet to be active and play baseball while having some fun too.”

Gatorade GO PLAY’s mission is to celebrate and promote kids living an active lifestyle. Chico and Andy will be going around the Greater El Paso Area to surprise kids who make the choice to be active rather than live a sedentary way of life.

“Along with Gatorade and Pepsi, we are proud to work with the inspirational athletes in the Miracle League. These kids exemplify desire and determination,” said Brad Taylor, general manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Included in the Gatorade GO PLAY program is a social media component. The Chihuahuas are asking how kids “GO PLAY”. Fans are encouraged to take a picture of themselves or their team being active and share it on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram using the markers #GatoradeGoPlayEPC and @epchihuahuas.

The best pictures and examples of living an active lifestyle will be featured by the Chihuahuas on their social media sites.

Chico will continue to make surprise visits over the next few weeks. Children are encouraged to remain active and keep an eye out for him.

Olivar concluded, “Last night was an incredible evening for our four competitive teams – Yankees, Longhorns, Fearless and Young Guns. Thank you to the Chihuahuas and Chico for a memorable night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

B-Mets, Maines Team Up for Big League Dreams

March 19, 2015

The Binghamton Mets, along with Maines Food & Party Warehouse, are reaching out to local Southern Tier Little Leagues with the B-Mets Big League Dreams program. New for the 2015 season, Big League Dreams, a youth baseball initiative, gives Little Leagues in the Binghamton area the chance to earn unbeatable rewards from the B-Mets.

To enter the drawing, a representative from each League is invited to acquire an application from Jesse Scaglion at the Binghamton Mets via email (jesse@bmets.com) or phone (607) 723-6387. The deadline to enter is Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 17.

Five Little Leagues selected in the drawing will win terrific prizes including a $500 gift card to Maines Food & Party Warehouse and the chance to take the field at NYSEG Stadium alongside B-Mets players as part of the Field of Dreams program. Winning Leagues will also get a visit from B-Mets players and mascots at their field during the season. Maines will provide a concession stand makeover for all five winning Leagues.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Binghamton Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Garrett Brockway Baseball Clinic set for May 9th

March 19, 2015

The Burlington Bees/Garrett Brockway Memorial spring baseball camp is set for May 9th for ages 7-14 at Community Field from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The cost is just $25 per child.

Bees players will be on hand to teach the basics of hitting, throwing, and fielding. All proceeds will benefit the Garrett Brockway Foundation.

Garrett Brockway was only 10 years old when he passed away in March of 2013. He loved to play baseball and attended many Bees games.

For more information or to print out a sign up form, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact the Bees at (319) 754-5705.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Burlington Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Hit the Books Underway in Area Elementary Schools

March 19, 2015

Annual reading program assists children in setting & achieving goals

The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Sylvan Learning, kicked off the club’s biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books, in nearly 30 area elementary schools.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and have seen participation grow over time. 4,777 students spanning 241 classrooms are participating in the 2015 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin said. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement and is entered to win a Kindle Reader. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot Ollie, and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2014.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” Griffin said. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

Superhero jerseys highlight Pelicans Special Olympics Night

March 19, 2015

Law Enforcement Torch Run aiming for growth in year three of partnership with Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will host the third annual Special Olympics Night in conjunction with Superhero Night as part of “Geekend” on Saturday, April 25 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This season, the Pelicans will wear unique superhero-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off to benefit the Special Olympics as well.

This marks the second time that Special Olympics Night will overlap with Superhero Night, although it is the first time that the Pelicans will wear superhero-themed series on this night. “The superhero theme is a natural fit for Special Olympics Night,” remarked Pelicans Senior Director of Community Jen Borowski. “All the Special Olympics athletes are superheroes in my eyes.”

Fans who wish to donate to the Special Olympics at the game will be able to do so at the Special Olympics table in the concourse or at the Guest Services booth. Proceeds from the jersey auction and 50/50 raffle will also benefit the Special Olympics.

Those that wish to bid on jerseys will be able to do so whether in attendance or not, as select jerseys will be available for bidding online. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the corresponding player or coach immediately following the game, and fans at the game will have the opportunity to take a photo with the player or coach as well.

Over the past two seasons, the Pelicans and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have helped raise over $23,000 for the Special Olympics of South Carolina through the proceeds from this event.

“This is a real passion for many of us here locally in law enforcement,” remarked Lance Corporal Felix Cruz, who is part of the LETR, which runs a handful of events in the area to raise money for Special Olympics. “We want to get as many people out there to the game as possible to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The money allows athletes locally, regionally, and nationally to train and compete in Special Olympics events, and without the financial support, many of the Special Olympics athletes would not be able to do so.”

In addition to raising money for the Special Olympics, the night also serves as a platform to highlight the Special Olympics athletes. The athletes will take part in a pre-game parade on the field, participate in a variety of on-field games and in-park promotions, and take the field with the Pelicans players at the start of the game.

Pelicans players and coaches will also hold a private meet-and-greet and autograph session with the Special Olympics athletes prior to first pitch.

The LETR runs a number of events in Horry county to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, including: Teacher on the Roof, Capture the Flag Tournament, Dip, Duck and Dive Dodgeball Tournament, Tip the Waiter, St. James Got Talent, a Fashion Show at St. James, and Krispy Kreme Cops on Doughnut Shop. The Pelicans help the LETR support a number of these programs and recognize Special Olympics athletes outside of Special Olympics Night as well, including an on-field ceremony during the 2014 Carolina League postseason, in which athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games were recognized prior to the Pelicans game.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Cougars Announce Charity Partnerships For 2015 Season

March 19, 2015

Partnerships with multiple organizations to positively impact local causes in 2015

The Kane County Cougars have announced a community outreach partnership for the 2015 season in which four organizations will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through Ozzie’s Outreach Foundation, the Cougars’ charitable arm. Those four organizations are Project Backpack (April/May), DuPage Pads (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and Family Shelter Service (August/September). Also, the Cougars through their partnership with Acres Group, have announced that the Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this season’s “Pitch In For Charity” promotion in which fans, following select games, purchase and throw numbered tennis balls onto a target in order to win a prize.

Project Backpack (project-backpack.org) is a community-based initiative led by Elgin Community College that benefits local students who are in need of necessary school supplies.

DuPage Pads (dupagepads.org) has the solution to end homelessness with housing coupled with support services and employment which leads to improved health and economic sustainability.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) works with 800 community food pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties to solve hunger in northern Illinois by providing nutritious food to more than 71,000 people at risk of hunger each week. Volunteers can assist at one of their three centers including their west suburban location in Geneva.

Family Shelter Service (familyshelterservice.org), founded in 1976 and located in nearby Wheaton, transforms lives by offering help and hope to those affected by domestic violence.

Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers (recovergateway.org) have provided the answers that individuals and their families need about drug and alcohol treatment. The organization has several treatment centers throughout Illinois, including nearby Aurora.

“Since the franchise’s inaugural season in 1991 and continuing through our upcoming 25^th anniversary season, the Cougars’ organization has strived to be the best possible neighbor by giving back to the community in many ways,” said Cougars Vice President/General Manager Curtis Haug.

“Through these types of initiatives, fans can see how deep our commitment is as an organization towards helping others in need,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich.

Added Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich: “We are reminded more than ever when these milestone seasons occur, that the Cougars organization is aware of how much support that has been shown to us over the years and how critically important it is to give back.”

For more information on the Kane County Cougars and the organization’s upcoming 25^th anniversary season which begins on April 9, fans can visit kccougars.com. Fans are also encouraged to ‘like’ the Cougars on Facebook while following the team via Twitter and Instagram at kccougars.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kane County Cougars. Click here to view the original story.

2015 Timber Rattlers Golf Outing to be held on July 27

March 17, 2015

wisconsintimberrattlers_2015-03-17 — The Timber Rattlers Golf Outing is unlike any other golf outing. The 2015 event will be held on July 27 at Shamrock Heights in New London. (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers/Ann Mollica)

Charity outing at Shamrock Heights Golf Course to benefit The Miracle League of the Fox Valley

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will be teeing off for a good cause at their annual Golf Outing on Monday, July 27. The day of fun and golf will be held at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in New London and benefit The Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

A foursome may register for $350. Foursomes have the opportunity to play with a Timber Rattlers player, but that chance is based on a first come, first serve RSVP. Individuals may register for $100.

The outing tees off with registration beginning at 8:00am and a shotgun start at 9:00am. Lunch is included with registration and will be served at the turn. Snacks will be available after the round of golf from 2-4pm. A raffle drawing and awards presentation will conclude the event.

If you wish to participate in the 2015 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Golf Outing, please contact Hilary Bauer at (920) 733-4152 or hbauer@timberrattlers.com by Monday, July 20. Registration forms are also available at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium and online at timberrattlers.com.

Persons unable to golf, but looking for a way to contribute may consider a hole sponsorship package at $100 or an in-kind donation toward raffle/hole prizes.

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organized baseball league for children aged 4-19 with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, was formed in 2008 by Fox Valley parents Lisa and Mark Robbins. Registration is open now through March 30 for players and volunteers for the 2015 Miracle League of the Fox Valley season, which starts on June 8. The league plays their games at the John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field in Appleton’s Memorial Park.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Easter at the Ballpark

March 17, 2015

Generals to host concert, Easter service with Englewood Baptist

The Jackson Generals are proud to partner with Englewood Baptist Church on Easter Weekend festivities at the Ballpark in Jackson. The church will a concert and fireworks show on Saturday, April 4 and a service and egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Admission to all events is free of charge.

The weekend will begin on Saturday night with a concert headlined by contemporary Christian music artist Travis Cottrell at 7 pm. Cottrell has been nominated for 16 GMA Dove Awards in his musical career, winning two times. His 2011 single “When the Stars Burn Down” debuted atop the Billboard Praise and Worship Chart. He currently serves as the Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church.

Christian hip-hop and spoken word artist Propaganda will also perform at the Ballpark on Saturday night. Fireworks provided by the City of Jackson will follow the show at approximately 9 pm. Gates open on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

Englewood Baptist Church, one of the largest religious institutions in Jackson, will hold their Easter service at the Ballpark at 10 am on Easter Sunday, April 5 with gates opening at 8 am. The service will include music from the Englewood choir and a message from Senior Pastor Jordan Easley. An Easter Egg Hunt will follow the service at 11 am in the outfield.

“We are extremely excited to host Englewood Baptist Church at our ballpark Easter weekend,” Generals’ General Manager Jason Compton said. “This a fantastic opportunity for the Generals. We hope that the Ballpark at Jackson can be a venue for more events like this in the future.”

The Jackson Generals will be providing buffets for both breakfast and brunch on Easter Sunday. Tickets must be purchased from the Generals in advance for both. Breakfast will begin when gates open at 8 am for $10 per person, and brunch will follow the service at 11:30 am for $12 per person. A menu for both meals can be found on the attached flyer.

Additionally, concession stands at the stadium will be open and serving breakfast food for purchase for those who did not buy a buffet ticket in advance.

This is the first time the Generals have hosted Englewood’s Easter Services. For more information on the weekend’s events, visit englewoodeaster.com.

For more information or to buy your buffet tickets, call the Jackson Generals at (731) 988.5299 or visit the Ballpark at Jackson.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Jackson Generals. Click here to view the original story.

Cougars Announce 2014-15 Ozzie’s Scholars

March 16, 2015

Winners and their families to be recognized at July 19 game

The Kane County Cougars have designated a total of eight Chicagoland youth as “Ozzie’s Scholars” for the 2014-2015 school year. The Cougars’ reading scholarship program encouraged current and former members of Ozzie’s Reading Club to submit a brief essay explaining how their love for reading was furthered through the Cougars’ reading incentive program.

Since the program’s inception 20 years ago, more than 2 million Chicagoland youth have participated in Ozzie’s Reading Club, which tracks the progress of a students’ reading around the bases of a baseball diamond. Each participating teacher may determine his or her own reading requirements. Students completing the program’s requirements “hit a home run” and earn a free ticket to a Cougars game designated by their school, along with a pre-game parade, Cougars drawstring bag and food voucher.

The following winners have been awarded a scholarship to be used for educational purposes from Ozzie’s Outreach Foundation, the charitable arm of the Cougars organization.

Kayla S. (Ontarioville Elementary, Hanover Park)
Sean L. (Our Lady of Peace School, Darien)
Matthew E. (Newark HS)
Mitchell B. (Batavia HS)
Zachary L. (Hawthorne Elementary, Wheaton)
Paige U. (Meadow Glens Elementary, Naperville)
Olivia G. (Lord & Savior Lutheran School, Crystal Lake)
Logan C. (Clinton Elementary School, South Elgin)

Winners and their families will be recognized on the field before the Sunday, July 19^th Cougars game.

“Congratulations to all of our 2014-15 Ozzie’s Scholars applicants and winners as once again this year, we were encouraged by how many of our young fans have credited their participation in Ozzie’s Reading Club as an important part of their reading development,” Cougars Ozzie’s Reading Club Coordinator Amy Mason said. “We are looking forward to recognizing our winners, along with their families on July 19^th.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kane County Cougars. Click here to view the original story.