clubphilanthropy.com – Page 221 – Charity begins at home [plate]

Phanatic, Military Appreciation Night June 19th

June 12, 2014

First of two Phanatic visits this year

The BlueClaws welcome the Phillie Phanatic to FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, June 19th, and at the game, they will hold their annual Troop Supply and Care Package Drive.

The Phanatic, the world’s most famous mascot, makes the first of two trips to the ballpark this summer and between innings, he will entertain fans like only he can. The Phanatic’s appearance is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

Tickets – For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJNG Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last nine years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The Troop Supply and Care Package Drive takes place on Military Appreciation Night, where military groups will take in the game and there will be various pre-game ceremonies honoring military members.

For more in Military Appreciation Night, call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

Thirsty Thursday – This is also a 66MVP Thirsty Thursday, with dollar beer and soda plus 50-cent wings in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

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

Little Lake Monsters Program Announced

June 12, 2014

The Vermont Lake Monsters and Northwestern Urgent Care are teaming up to reward nine kids in the community with a once in a lifetime experience with a new community program called the “Little Lake Monsters” Community All-Star Team.

Both organizations believe strongly in doing the right things and living a healthy lifestyle. From June 16th – July 6th, kids (between the ages of 5 to 12 years old) will be allowed to register online and submit their answers to three (3) questions for their chance to be selected as one of this years Little Lake Monsters.

Children will be asked to submit answers to questions focusing on sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, and community. A committee will select the nine children based on their answers and experiences that they have written about.

Each of the nine children selected will be rewarded with an experience that will show what it is like to live the day in the life of a professional baseball player. Each of the nine children will be rewarded and anointed the “Little Lake Monsters” and on August 22nd experience the opportunity of a lifetime where they will:

* Be announced at a press conference where they will be presented with their own custom Vermont Lake Monsters jersey (name and number) and official cap

* Be signed to a one-day promotional contract with the Vermont Lake Monsters

* Take a limousine from the press conference to historic Centennial Field

* Have the chance to take batting practice with the Vermont Lake Monsters

* Be introduced to the crowd, recognized for their community efforts, and presented with their pay for they day, which will in turn be donated to a charitable organization

* Throw out a ceremonial first pitch on August 22nd

* Run out on the field for the National Anthem with the Vermont Lake Monsters team

* Have the chance to sit in the dugout with the team for an inning during the game

* Be presented with their very own Vermont Lake Monsters baseball card, which will also be the giveaway for that evening’s game

“All of the things that we are rewarding the kids with are things that we in the business take for granted,” said Nate Cloutier, Lake Monsters General Manager. “Things like throwing out a first pitch or getting up close and personal with the team, may not mean much to some of us, but these are experiences that can change the lives of kids and create lifelong memories. We are trying to create an association with being rewarded for doing the right things. We are thrilled to have found a partner in Northwestern Medical Center, who believes in the same values that we do.”

“Northwestern Medical Center is pleased to team up with the Vermont Lake Monsters to celebrate kids’ efforts to be healthy and encourage families to adopt healthier lifestyles,” said Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “By improving health in Vermont, we all win.”

Free Press Media is a proud media sponsor for both the event and program.

Click here to register for the chance to be a part of this year’s Little Lake Monsters Community All Star Team

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Naturals Community Highlights: June

June 12, 2014

Summer is heating up in Northwest Arkansas and two things the Ozarks region can always count on are Naturals’ baseball and that Strike and the Northwest Arkansas Street Team will be front and center in the community. Check out the schedule below to see where you can see Strike out and about in Northwest Arkansas.

Friday, June 13: Just around the corner, Strike will put on his walking shoes for the Relay for Life event held by the American Cancer Society in Rogers, Ark. The Naturals’ mascot will join participants in walking around the track and mingle about the event. Additionally, Strike will show off his good side and take pictures throughout the day. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement symbolizes hope and the shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people

Saturday, June 14: Strike is excited to follow Friday with another event in the great outdoors on Saturday at the Johnson Days Festival in Johnson, Ark. He will put his rugged feet to use for the second straight day walking around and lending his big fury hands for high fives. Never shy of the camera, Strike will spend time taking pictures at the festival as kids enjoy various activities.

Saturday, June 14: The fun does not end for Strike at the Johnson Days Festival on Saturday for Stirke. He will embark on a trip to Bella Vista to join Rapha House for an event in the Allens Foods parking lot. Northwest Arkansas’ one and only Strike will join folks for a car show with food and family fun starting at 5:00 p.m. with 100% of the proceeds going to Rapha House and the fight against child trafficking in Cambodia, Thailand and Haiti.

Monday, June 16: It will be the Girl Scout Diamonds opportunity to enjoy some time with Strike during a day camp beginning at 8:00 A.M. Strike is already geared up for this one as the event’s theme, that is put on by the girl scouts, is one of his favorite words, sports. Additionally, it’s opening day for the girl scouts day camp, another one of Strike’s favorite things, whether it’s for the promise of the unending possibilities of baseball season or the beginning of summer fun for the Girl Scout Diamonds.

Friday, June 20: Strike will join the United Methodist Church for its annual conference at the Rogers Convention Center. He will help celebrate a feat that has Strike excited as the church has raised over $1 million dollars for malaria in Africa.

Saturday, June 21: It’s time for Strike to don his fleetest of footwear again for the Cancer Challenge at Orchard Park in Bentonville. Strike will be there to help hand out metals at the end of the race. Since its inception in 1993, the Cancer Challenge has invested over $10 million dollars in local cancer programs serving over 300,000 of its Northwest Arkansas friends and neighbors.

Friday, June 27: Arvest Ballpark will open itself to the Springdale Police Department as it will bring a group of kids from a troubled background to the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for a tour.

Saturday, June 28: Strike will walk around and give high fives at the All American Freedom Festival at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers for the Camp Alliance Event. Strike will accompany one his favorite activities at the event, skeeball.

If you would like to have Strike appear at your event, email streetteam@nwanaturals.com or fill out the form on the Naturals’ website, located by clicking on the Community tab at the top of the webpage, then clicking the appearances link. Those interested in participating in the Naturals ticket fundraising program should call 479-927-4900 or email groups@nwanaturals.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Staten Island Yankees to Host Megan’s Lemonade Stand to Support Wounded Warriors Project

June 11, 2014

On Sunday, June 15, the Staten Island Yankees are partnering with the Ajello’s to host a fundraising event at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. All funds generated will go to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Megan’s Lemonade Stand will start when the gates at Richmond County Bank Ballpark open at 3 p.m. Staten Island Yankees fans will be able to donate to the lemonade that is prepared by Megan Ajello to raise money for the Wounded Warriors. Also, the first 2,500 fans in the ballpark will receive a “Megan’s Lemonade Stand” souvenir cup.

About Megan’s Lemonade Stand

The lemonade stand for charity started over five years ago in the Ajello driveway. It was the idea of Megan’s sister, Erin. Erin decided the first lemonade stand would benefit West Shore Little League, which was the first Staten Island Little League to include physically disabled children, the Challengers. The 2008 Megan’s Lemonade stand went to the Strong Kids Campaign for the YMCA. The Ajello family, including parents Linda and Danny, has been members of the South Shore YMCA since 2000. The lemonade stands continued to make thousands of dollars for charities over the years. In 2011, Linda Ajello nominated Megan as a HOPE Week nominee as part of the New York Yankees HOPE Week initiative. The New York Yankees were impressed with Megan’s determination. Megan has cerebral palsy, has a seizure disorder, cannot walk, and has gone for more than five major operations, including a spinal fusion which placed metal rods and over 37 screws in her spine. Megan has never let that stop her, and she is always smiling. The New York Yankees not only picked Megan as their nominee for July 28, 2011, they made Megan’s Lemonade Stand for charity famous. The generous New York Yankees built a lemonade stand that is truly accessible for Megan, supported the Special Olympics and also the Seton Foundation for Education.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Staten Island Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

SKY SOX LOOKING FOR LOCAL HEROES TO BE HONORARY MANAGERS

June 11, 2014

Nominate Your Hometown Hero for the 2014 Heroes Classic on Saturday, June 21

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox will be hosting the 2014 Heroes Classic Charity Softball Game on Saturday, June 21 with Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson in attendance along with many other former Major League players. Despite the many former players that will be on hand to play along side members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members, the Sky Sox are still in need of one important position to fill out each roster, the manager.

In order to fill the all important manager position for each squad, the Sky Sox are asking the Colorado Springs community to nominate local citizens who have performed heroic acts right here in the Front Range region. If you know someone that deserves special recognition for a selfless act please go to www.skysox.com/heroes and fill out the online form created by Verizon Wireless to nominate that individual. The Sky Sox will be taking nominations all this week and will announce the two selected winners on Tuesday, June 17 at 5:00 PM.

The winners will be invited to the game as special VIP guests to serve as the honorary manager for one of the two teams. They will be in uniform in the dugout for the game and will be asked to enjoy the day with their players and work with Sky Sox staff to manage the various events going on throughout the game. Each hometown hero will also be recognized on the field during the game.

About the Heroes Classic: The event will raise funds for three outstanding charities, the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project. For each ticket purchased for the event, five dollars will go towards raising funds for these very worthy organizations. In addition, as part of the game day activities, the teams will don custom made uniforms and these unique, game worn jerseys will be auctioned off during and after the game with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the selected charities. To date, this event has raised close to $40,000 for charity.

During the game, there will be a special silent auction of all the players’ jerseys which will be held in the concourse at the main entrance of the stadium. Following the game, a live auction will be held on the Sky Sox dugout that will feature a select number of jerseys including Brooks Robinson’s. All jerseys will be autographed by the player that wore them and will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The MLBPAA will also auction off a variety of baseball memorabilia during the game with a portion of the proceeds benefitting all three charities.

The two teams playing the game will consist of members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members who will represent the Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition, each team will also include several former Major League baseball players, local media members and local dignitaries. Highlighting the former Major League players who will be attending the event is Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson who will be signing autographs for fans throughout the game. The night will culminate with a tremendous fireworks display following the game.

Tickets for the event come in two different options and can be purchased online at www.skysox.com, in person at the Sky Sox box office or by calling (719) 591-SOXX. Five dollars from each ticket purchased will be donated to and split evenly amongst the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

A limited number of special VIP package tickets are available for $30 and include:
- An Upper Reserved ticket to the game.
- Access to a special VIP autograph session before the game with the former Major League players, including Brooks Robinson
- Membership in the MLBPAA
- Upgrade to a box seat for just $3 more
Regular game tickets to the game will be $10 for Upper Reserved and $13 for Box Seats
Group tickets can be purchased in advance for groups of 20 or more through the Sky Sox group sales department for $7 each.

Former Major League players that will be participating in the game include:

Brooks Robinson: Hall of Fame third baseman, American League MVP in 1964, World Series MVP in 1970, 14-time All-Star, 16-time Gold Glove winner, played 23 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, won two World Series with Baltimore 1966 & 1970.
Bob Knepper: Two-time All-Star, pitcher played 15 seasons with San Francisco & Houston, won 146 games in his career including six season with 10 or more wins.
Mark Knudson: A member of the Rockies inaugural 1993 team, pitcher played in eight seasons with Houston, Milwaukee & Colorado.
Gary Krug: Mitchell High School grad and current Pine Creek JV Baseball Head Coach played for the Cubs in 1981, former Head Baseball Coach at Cheyenne Mountain High School.
Brian Fisher: A 2^nd round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 1980, the righty won 36 games in seven seasons with the Yankees, Pirates, Astros and Mariners.
Bobby Johnson: A catcher & first baseman who played three season with the Texas Rangers. He is also the nephew of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks.

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

Memorial Children’s Hospital and Your South Bend Silver Hawks Partner for Home Run for Life

June 11, 2014

Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks will celebrate Aileen Corona during a special celebration ceremony, Home Run for Life, on Friday, June 13^th.

The celebration will take place in the middle of the 3^rd inning at Four Winds Field. Your Silver Hawks, along with the Lake County Captains, will line the field to join in on the ceremony as Aileen rounds the bases. Upon completing the celebratory home run, Silver Hawks’ Manager, Mark Haley will present her with a personalized Silver Hawks jersey. Home Run for Life celebrates and honors children who have battled serious medical conditions. Each child is honored and takes a home run lap around the bases during a Silver Hawks home game.

At the closing of the celebration staff and volunteers from Memorial Children’s Hospital will pass around donation buckets. Please consider giving a donation to help enhance the care children can receive right here in your community.

Aileen’s Story

When Aileen Corona first arrived at Memorial Children’s Hospital after a diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), she was sad, shy, uncertain and unable to cope with being apart from her mom during long hospital stays.

“Aileen would shed many tears the nights her mom, Noemi, couldn’t be with her,” says Julie Kowalenko, a charge nurse for Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “At times we would have to call mom at work so Aileen could talk with her. I began to notice how Aileen always had her nails done, and to help make her more comfortable and at ease, I would comment on how nice they looked.”

Julie, known in Pediatrics as an “Ambassador of Fun,” suggested setting up a nail salon for Aileen.

“I told Aileen – ‘You could really do something for us because nurses notoriously have the worst nails and our nails need your help!'”

Aileen’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion. With the help of Child Life Specialist Liz Eash, a pink and purple glittery sign announced Aileen’s Nail Salon was open for business on the sixth floor of MCH.

The first of its kind, nurses and patients regularly visit the salon to have their nails painted by the budding nail expert. But first, they have to obtain a ticket from the reception area.

“The tickets have a purpose,” Julie says. “For every five tickets, Aileen gets to pick out a prize.”

Thanks to the salon’s customers and repeat customers, Aileen has earned plenty of tickets and taken home some real goodies, including an MP3 player.

“I’ve painted a lot of nails and picked out several prizes,” Aileen says. “I walk the halls and know everyone by name and what their favorite nail color is. The children’s hospital is a happier place to me because the nurses have helped me feel at home.”

Since the nail salon opened, Aileen’s tears and fears have been replaced with joy, as well as newfound perseverance because of a lengthy course of treatment that comes with Osteosarcoma.

“Despite having to endure dozens of chemo treatments, she has actually blossomed into our little social butterfly on the floor,” Julie says. “She is an amazing, wonderful girl. I think she has done more for me than I’ve done for her.”

When Aileen was first diagnosed, her dad, Alejandro, took the news especially hard since he recently battled and overcame Leukemia.

“It was really hard because I knew what was ahead of her,” he says. “But we have an incredible thing in Memorial Children’s Hospital. The nurses have done more than we could have hoped for to keep our daughter’s energy and spirits up. MCH keeps kids strong.”

With three more treatments to go, Aileen excitedly anticipates a shopping trip with her family to Mall of America to celebrate an intense cancer journey and her victory over the disease.

Aileen will leave MCH with an experience that has given her more than a nail salon and prizes, but expert care and memories that inspire her to become a pediatric nurse one day.

“I love kids and love being around kids, so I want to become a nurse,” she says. In the meantime, Aileen has a colorful childhood left to enjoy, painting nails along the way.

Please join Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks in cheering on Aileen as she completes her Home Run for Life at Four Winds Field on June 13^th . For more information about Memorial Children’s Hospital and Pinwheel Heroes like Aileen, visit qualityoflife.org/childrenshospital .

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Vs. Cancer Foundation Night to be held on June 17

June 11, 2014

Cardinals players and staff join fight against childhood cancer

Roger Dean Stadium has partnered with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium will host the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads will get their heads shaved on the dugouts following the 6:35 p.m. game between the two clubs.

Prior to the event, players and staff members from both the Cardinals and Hammerheads will be collecting donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Donations can be made by visiting Cardinals.vs-cancer.org or Jupiter.vs-cancer.org.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts.

The founder of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is Chase Jones, a former UNC-Chapel Hill baseball player. Chase was diagnosed with Stage IV Brain Cancer at the age of 18. With the help of national research and community support, Chase is six years cancer-free and has now dedicated himself to helping children with childhood cancer through his foundation.

Half of all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit national childhood cancer research, and the other half will help Alliance for Kids, a division of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. The goal of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is to invest in our kids of tomorrow while also helping kids just be kids even while battling cancer.

Roger Dean Stadium’s merchandise manager Linda Hanson will be one of several players and staff members participating in the event. If she receives $2,500 on her fundraising page or in money donated in the Team Store, she will also take part in the head shaving following the game.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday night for the 6:35 p.m. game. You can still purchase tickets at the Roger Dean Stadium ticket office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by calling (561) 630-1828. For more information on the event, visit www.PalmBeachCardinals.com or call (561) 775-1818.

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

M-Braves schedule ALS Awareness Nights

June 10, 2014

Braves to host several upcoming awareness nights to help ‘Strikeout ALS’

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce three upcoming ALS Awareness Nights, benefiting The ALS Association: July 3, July 12 and August 22. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has no known cause or cure and progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord.

We’re honored to have the Mississippi Braves’ support,” said Brandi Nickles, Care Services Director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter of The ALS Association. “These events at Trustmark Park will bring a tremendous amount of awareness to the disease, as well as provide a fun event for those living with ALS and their families. In addition, the dollars raised from these events will provide much needed funding for research for finding a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS.

Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” said Steve DeSalvo, M-Braves General Manager. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.

Since the M-Braves are not home on July 4, the anniversary of Gehrig’s famous speech, the Double-A Braves will honor Gehrig’s legacy and raise money for the fight against ALS on July 3. The Braves will also hold a charitable Tennis Ball Toss following the game prior to the Supersized Fireworks Show Independence Day Celebration. All proceeds will go to the fight against ALS.

On July 12, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage jerseys with ALS patches on the sleeves. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. Players will sign their respective jerseys after the game before handing them over to the highest bidders. 100% of the auction proceeds go to the ALS Association. The Braves will also donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game.

On August 22, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage caps with the ALS and Mississippi Army National Guard logos incorporated on them. Similar to the jerseys, each cap will be signed by the player and auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the ALS Association. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will get one of the free replica caps. Once again, the Braves will donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game along with 100% of that night’s proceeds from the post-game Tennis Ball Toss.

As previously announced, the annual Walk to Defeat ALS has been relocated to Trustmark Park with the M-Braves commitment as presenting sponsor. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

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

Dragons to Honor Community All-Stars Tuesday

June 9, 2014

Vectren Corporation and the Dayton Dragons will host Scott Hannah and Tyler Gregory during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor 35 “All-Stars”-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families with a VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.

Scott and Tyler’s Story

Scott Hannah and Tyler Gregory were unlikely friends. Rivals on their high school cross country team, the two often competed against each other. When their coaches suggested they start running together, Scott and Tyler became fast friends and discovered they had more than just running in common. The teens shared a desire to make a change.

Bullying had become commonplace amongst the students at the school Scott and Tyler attended. While it was something many talked about, no one seemed to be doing anything about it. Scott and Tyler decided to take a stand. The two made an anti-bullying video that included over 70 students at their school. The video was submitted to “The Great American NO BULL Challenge” and was a top 15 finalist.

“When we put the video together, we tried to think about everyone from those being bullied to those doing the bullying and even those that were bystanders and how we could speak to each one,” Scott explains. “After showing the video at our school, students started apologizing to those they had bullied in the past. Bullying became the weird thing to do.”

Scott and Tyler started speaking to schools around the Dayton area about their experiences being bullied and they themselves being the bully which propelled them to team up with “The NO BULL Challenge” as national spokespeople.

“We’ve been to over 25 states and have spoken to over 35,000 students,” Tyler said. “Most students we talk to can say they have been bullied. What is really unique is when students admit they themselves have been a bully. We want to reach everyone and truly change the atmosphere of the schools we visit.”

For taking a stand and making an impact on schools around the nation, Scott and Tyler have been selected as Dragons Community All-Stars. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com. To learn more about the No Bull Guys and how you can help, visit www.thenobullguys.com.

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

M-Braves to host Walk to Defeat ALS

June 7, 2014

Trustmark Park to host awareness walk and other events September 27

In conjunction with The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, the Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce its commitment as presenting sponsor of the 2014 Jackson Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will host the annual event Saturday, September 27.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the community is rallying together to help change that. The ALS Association is a perfect fit for the Mississippi Braves. M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will also host other events over the weekend to raise more money and awareness for ALS.

“Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” DeSalvo said. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.”

Kelly Viator, Executive Director of The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, is excited to have the Braves on board. “We’re very grateful for the Mississippi Braves’ support of our signature event, the Walk to Defeat ALS,” Viator stated.

“This event builds awareness of ALS, raises funds to support patient services and research for treatment and a cure, and brings the community together for an important cause,” she said. “As the presenting sponsor and host for the walk, the Braves will have a significant impact on families living with ALS in the Jackson area. We’re looking forward to a successful partnership.”

In addition to hosting the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Braves will host A Night with The ALS Association on Thursday, July 10 in the Farm Bureau Grill at Trustmark Park. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the work that The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter is doing in the Jackson area and how community business leaders can become involved as corporate supporters.

I was fortunate enough to accompany a group of pALS (persons living with ALS), caregivers, Chapter staff and friends on a trip to Washington D.C. in May to tell their story to the Mississippi legislature,” DeSalvo explained. “This has had a huge impact on me, and I want to ask the Jackson-Metro Area to help ‘Strike out ALS’.

For more information or to attend A Night with The ALS Association, contact Chelsea Moreau at 225-343-9880, ext. 6 or chelsea.moreau@alsalams.org.

Persons with ALS (pALS) will gather with their families and friends at The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Jackson. Many who walk have a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one. Some walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

With a life expectancy of only two to five years, patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care.

Last year’s events in Louisiana and Mississippi raised $535,000. The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter holds six walks throughout the two states annually. The chapter aims to raise $600,000 this year to continue ALS research and to extend local patient services programs. The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the first presenting level sponsor in the history of the Jackson walk.

All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

About The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter

The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter was founded in April 2005 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter works with The ALS Association’s National Office to accomplish a shared mission. Our chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and national advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information and materials. For more information about The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, go to www.ALSALAMS.org.
About the Mississippi Braves

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

Dinner on the Diamond to benefit local non-profits July 24

June 6, 2014

Fun-filled, unique & collaborative night of dinner, dancing & more planned

The Missoula Osprey in conjunction with the Hospice Care Foundation, Missoula Aging Services and Aspen Hospice of Montana announced their partnership on the second annual Dinner on the Diamond that will take place Thursday, July 24 at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

The unique evening will allow event-goers to have dinner on the Blackfoot Party Deck at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. A buffet-style traditional ballpark menu with sides, soda, water and dessert is on tap. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person. Tickets for a family of four to five may be purchased for $100. Call the Hospice Care Foundation for other ticket options.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for a social time, with dinner and games scheduled from 6-8 and music by DJ Aaron Traylor as well as dancing and other activities from 8 – 10 p.m.

The event will also feature a reverse raffle, silent auction and 50-50 raffle.

“The Osprey are proud to help produce Dinner on the Diamond for a second year to benefit these local non-profit groups,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “It is great to use the facility on a non-baseball game day to improve the quality of life in the community.”

“We recognize the importance of collaborative efforts and using partnerships to raise funds,” said Hospice Care Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kevi Berger. “The Hospice Care Foundation is proud to collaborate with these other high achieving partners and the Missoula Osprey to carry out an event which will help to financially support all of the organizations, all while providing an interactive and fun event for the public.”

Tickets for the event are on sale at the MSO Hub Box Office and from the Hospice Care Foundation, Aspen Hospice of Montana and Missoula Aging Services.

The Osprey play 38 regular season home games each summer. The 2014 home opener is slated for June 19 versus Great Falls.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

CYCLONES ANNOUNCE SEAT OF HONOR FOR 2014

June 6, 2014

On a day in our nation’s history that is forever connected to the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces, the Cyclones have announced that they will partner with Rolling Thunder – NYC Chapters to have a Chair of Honor at MCU Park. The chair, which will be painted black and feature the POW / MIA emblem, will remain unoccupied in perpetuity in honor of the more than 80,000 American soldiers who have gone missing in action.

“As a nation, we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made, and continue to make, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that come with being an American,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen. “This is our organization’s way of showing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The seat, which will be located in the first row of section seven, will be unveiled in a pre-game ceremony prior to the July 4th game against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Rolling Thunder for this endeavor,” said Brooklyn Cyclones Account Executive Angelina Tennis, whose husband is an Army veteran that served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a POW / MIA task force, and is heading this project for the Cyclones. “I have a personal connection to the POW/ MIA cause, so I’m especially proud that our organization is the first team in New York City to join with Rolling Thunder for this project.”

Rolling Thunder is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on POW / MIA initiatives. With over 90-chartered chapters across the United States, Rolling Thunder looks to educate the public about the tens of thousands of men and women unaccounted for in past conflicts, while also aiming to protect future veterans from being left behind. The addition of the Chair of Honor at MCU Park is another step towards the Rolling Thunder’s goal of having a POW / MIA chair in every professional sports venue across the United States of America.

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

2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest

June 6, 2014

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Download Application Form »

Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27, 2014. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

Download Application Form »

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

Scrappers Partner With Krinos Group to Honor Members of the Community

June 5, 2014

This season, the Scrappers and Krinos Group, a Family of Financial Services, have partnered together to honor upstanding members of our community who have shown the qualities associated with being Scrappy; resiliency and a determined spirit.

Fan are encouraged to nominate members of the community who encompass these traits and the selected nominees will receive four all inclusive seats in the Mr. Rooter Diamond Club. A different winner will be honored during each 2014 Scrappers home game, courtesy of Krinos Group.

All ages will be considered. Fans recommending nominees should provide a brief overview of why the nominee should be selected as well as contact information for both the nominator and the nominee. The form may be downloaded here.

Nominations can be emailed to astoltenberg@mvscrappers.com or sent to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd, Niles, OH 4446 Attn: Annie Stoltenberg. Nomination forms are available at www.mvscrappers.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Reliant, CCISD, Hooks Team Up

June 5, 2014

MEND Program Takes Center Stage Next Week

Reliant Energy, the Corpus Christi Independent School District and your Corpus Christi Hooks are joining forces to attack the child obesity crisis.

MEND (Mind-Exercise-Nutrition-Do It!) is CCISD’s tool to work with overweight and obese children and their families. Teaching the target audience methods to develop behaviors that support sustainable and healthy lifestyles is the goal.

Reliant Energy has donated 5,000 general admission tickets to MEND program participants over three Hooks game dates – June 8, 9 and 11. On Sunday the 8th, up to 2,000 CCISD students and their families will hear pregame presentations from Corpus Christi manager Keith Bodie, members of his coaching staff and Hooks players about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. That evening, the Hooks play host to the San Antonio Missions at 6:10.

This fall, MEND continues to tackle the issue with free 10-week weight management courses after school throughout CCISD. Fifteen campuses were involved during 2013-14.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.