clubphilanthropy.com – Page 227 – Charity begins at home [plate]

Jacob G. Smith Wins Doubles for Technology Grant

April 25, 2014

Thomas and Hutton supports technology needs with generous donation

The 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Sand Gnats were fantastic to watch throughout last season. While their pitching was dominant from Opening Night through the League Championship, one offensive stat will pay dividends for school children in the Savannah area.

Thanks to a generous pledge from Thomas & Hutton and 116 doubles at Historic Grayson Stadium from the potent Gnats’ lineup, Jacob G. Smith Elementary will receive a $2,900 technology grant. Thomas and Hutton will present the check to the school on the field at Historic Grayson Stadium just before the Sand Gnats game on Friday, May 16.

“This is a great partnership between Thomas & Hutton and the Sand Gnats,” said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. “Both of our organizations are passionate about education and we’re excited to be able to help Jacob G. Smith Elementary expand their access to technology.”

“Thomas & Hutton is excited about providing this grant to Jacob G. Smith Elementary for their use in expanding technology,” stated Ben Jones with Thomas & Hutton. “Our partnership with the Sand Gnats provided us with a great opportunity to place technology directly into a classroom and to help our students prepare for a successful future.”

J.G. Smith Elementary was named a “Title I Highest-Performing Reward School” in 2014 by the Georgia Department of Education and is ranked among the top five percent of Title I schools in Georgia, having the highest absolute performance over three years for the “All Students” group on the statewide assessments.

The grant will be used for the school to purchase Chromebooks, providing second grade students and their teachers the opportunity to utilize another technology resource that will enhance instructional practices in reading and math and help students prepare for testing such as the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Additionally, students will be more prepared for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) which begin in the third grade.

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

Squirrels Announce Charity Boxing Event

April 24, 2014

Politicians, Police, Fire Fighters and Brewers Box For Youth Fields

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce the first ever Charity Big Gloves Boxing Throwdown on Saturday, May 17th at The Diamond. Proceeds from this evening of punishment, punches and mayhem will go directly to Operation Renovation, a community impact project to renovate 12 Richmond area youth baseball fields. Tickets are $10 and will be available at www.squirrelsbaseball.com. Several matches for the event have been announced and are listed below. Additional matches will be announced soon. The Main Event features political power with a display of regional cooperation. The official boxing ring will be placed near home plate and will include a referee and celebrity judges. The event runs from 6-8:00PM and Happy Hour drink specials will be available for the entirety of the Throwdown.

MAIN EVENT: REGIONAL COOPERATION

Hanover County Administrator “Of Punishment” Rhu Harris vs. Richmond Chief Administrator Officer Byron “Mauling” Marshall

ABV – ALL BREWER VIOLENCE

Strangeways Head Brewer “The Barbarian” Mike Hiller vs. Center of the Universe Head Brewer “The Chairman” Mike Killelea

FEELING SQUIRRELY

Squirrels VP Todd “Parney” Parnell vs. Squirrels CEM Chuck “Duking” Domino

UNDERCARD: MOUTHING OFF

VCU Rams Radio Voice Robby Robinson vs. Whoever Will Listen

MASCOT MANIA DANCE COMPETITION

VCU’s Rodney the Ram vs. U of R’s WebstUR vs. Nutzy the Flying Squirrel

ROADHOUSE

RMC Events Billy Gordan vs. RMC Events David Dillard

“This is another FUNN way we can get together for a positive force in the community, said Flying Squirrels VP and boxing undercard participant Todd “Parney” Parnell. “We are proud of all the participants who have stepped up to step in the ring for a charitable cause.”

Gates will open at 5:00 PM with the first bout set to begin around 6:00 PM. “This event promises to be one of the most fun and unique times that you and your family and friends could have for a great cause,” said Flying Squirrels CEM Chuck “Duking” Domino.

All proceeds will go directly to the Smooch-A-Pig Campaign and Operation Renovation – a dedicated community project to renovate 12 designated youth baseball fields in the Richmond area. Tickets are on sale now at squirrelsbaseball.com. Questions or suggestions for additional opening matches can be sent to Flying Squirrels Media Relations Manager Jay Burnham at jay.burnham@squirrelsbaseball.com.

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

2014 RockHounds Scholarship Recipients

April 23, 2014

2014 Scholarship Recipients

Austen Wade (Midland High School)
Blake Loyd (Robert E. Lee High School)
Jordan Williams (Robert E. Lee High School)
Audrey Adkins (Permian High School)

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

The Midland RockHounds/Sockers FC will be awarding four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors for the 2014 Fall College Semester. Two of the scholarships are reserved for students entering the field of Sport Management or involved in sports, and the other two will be for any field of higher education.

The scholarships will be available only to students who attend Midland or Odessa public and private high schools. This will be offered to any student attending a four-year college, junior college, vocational, technical, or health-related college. The four applications that best suit our prospectus will be granted the scholarship starting with the 2014 Fall Semester at any Texas or out-of-state college. All recipients will be honored on the field during a RockHounds or Sockers game of their choosing.

This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship funded through the West Texas Sports Banquet.

Extra copies for those interested in applying will also be available in our Security Bank Ball Park Office and on the link above.

Check back for the 2015 application.

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

Smokies & Remote Area Medical Join Forces

April 23, 2014

RAM Announced As Smokies’ “Charity Of Choice” For 2014 Season

The Tennessee Smokies announced today the Remote Area Medical® (RAM®) as the team’s “charity of choice” for the 2014 season. Proceeds from jersey auctions and additional activities at Smokies games this year will benefit the non-profit organization financially and provide a platform for RAM® to make its mission better known in the community.

Remote Area Medicial® was founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, who developed the idea for the organization after a medical ordeal in South America while being isolated from urgent care. After returning, it was Brock’s mission to establish the non-profit in order to help bring medical aid to those living in the isolated and underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.

“We could not be more supportive of Remote Area Medical® and Stan Brock’s cause,” said Smokies President Doug Kirchhofer. “With this partnership we are focusing our efforts to help them achieve their vision.”

Brock starred on the popular television show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, with the program winning four Emmy Awards, and went on to create, direct and star in Stan Brock’s Expedition Danger for eight years. He has written three books on his experiences, scribed articles for Reader’s Digest and Outdoor Life, and featured in TIME Magazine.

“We are honored to team up with The Smokies to help restore hope and improve lives for underserved communities in our region,” said Brock. “The Smokies really care about their fans and want to take active steps to help children and their families in need of basic medical care.”

“Our partnership with the Smokies means more people can be helped who cannot afford healthcare and we thank them for their compassion for our community, state and region,” Brock continued. “We look forward to sharing life with the Smokies on this journey of a shared mission, and together we can make a real impact and footprint in our communities that will literally change the lives of thousands of people.”

According to the organization’s website, over 80,000 volunteers and healthcare professionals have helped deliver more than $75 million dollars of free quality medical services since RAM®’s founding in 1985.

Along with the focus on Remote Area Medical®, the Smokies will continue to be involved with other non-profit organizations and causes in the East Tennessee Community.

For more information on Remote Area Medical®, or to learn how to volunteer or donate to the organization, whose headquarters are located in Rockford, Tennessee, please visit them on the web at www.ramusa.org, or contact them by phone at (865) 579-1530.

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

Join Fifth Third Bank And The Dragons As We Strike Out Hunger

April 23, 2014

Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have partnered with the The Foodbank, Inc. in efforts to assist families fighting hunger in the Miami Valley. From April 28-May 1, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the plaza at Fifth Third Field, donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items will be accepted. Items will be donated to The Foodbank, Inc. to provide meals for those in need.

“Each Fifth Third Day, May 3rd, Fifth Third and our employees celebrate our commitment to our communities and to fighting hunger,” stated Doug Compton, Fifth Third Bank’s Dayton City Executive. “Through volunteerism and donations, we’re proud to partner with the Dayton Dragons and their fans in support of The Foodbank, Inc. and efforts to Strike Out Hunger.”

Michelle Riley, CEO of The Foodbank, expressed the need for the donations. “Throughout our tri-county region, our member hunger relief charities serve about 16,000 meals every day to children, families and seniors,” she said. “We cannot respond to the enormous need for food assistance without the generous support of community partners like Fifth Third Bank and Dayton Dragons.”

Please help Fifth Third Bank reach their goal for Fifth Third Day (May 3) of providing 530,000 meals for the hungry. For more information, visit daytondragons.com. You can text MEAL to 41444 to give a one-time or recurring gift by credit card.

The Foodbank, Inc. is in need of the following food items:

•Chili/Soup

•Cereal

•Peanut Butter & Jelly

•Canned Fruit & Vegetables

•Pasta & Canned Sauce

•Rice & Beans

•Baking Mixes

•Canned Meat & Fish

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

Fisher Cats to “Take the Show on the Road” with Citizens Bank

April 23, 2014

All the excitement of a Fisher Cats game brought to one lucky youth baseball league

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Citizens Bank have teamed up this season to bring the Fisher Cats entertainment experience on the road! Later this season, the Fisher Cats will ‘Take the Show on the Road’ to one youth baseball league’s local field.

The Fisher Cats will bring their inflatable games, mascot, PA Announcer, promo team, and turf manager to create the fun and exhilarating entertainment that everyone is used to at each Fisher Cats home game. The winning league will also be rewarded with 100 tickets to a Fisher Cats game where they will be recognized as the winner of the ‘Take the Show on the Road’ promotion presented by Citizens Bank.

“We are excited to partner with Citizens Bank to create a new, fun opportunity for youth sports leagues across the region,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “We look forward to bringing our Show to a community ballpark and teaming up with the winning league to put on a fun day for their fans, teams, and players.”

“Citizens Bank believes that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through healthy, active recreational activities, such as those provided through youth sports leagues,” said Joe Carelli, President, Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens, New Hampshire. “We are proud to partner with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to ‘Take the Show on the Road’ to a league that not only inspires active living but good sportsmanship as well.”

Three lucky entrants will also be selected at random to receive 25 tickets to a game with a VIP Ballpark Tour and the opportunity to meet Fisher Cats players, or one luxury suite rental with 18 tickets and two VIP parking passes.

Leagues are encouraged to send in an application stating how their league exemplifies sportsmanship and why they should be considered to have the Fisher Cats entertainment experience at their local field. Leagues interested in applying can download applications and fliers at the Fisher Cats’ ‘Take the Show on the Road presented by Citizens Bank’ webpage at www.nhfishercats.com.

If you have any questions about ‘Take the Show on the Road presented by Citizens Bank,’ please contact Mike Ramshaw, Senior Vice President of Sales, at 603-606-4187 or mramshaw@nhfishercats.com.

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

Dragons Team Up With Cohen Recycling to Recycle Used Electronics

April 23, 2014

The Dayton Dragons and Cohen Recycling will be teaming up to help Miami Valley residents recycle unwanted electronics for free. Cohen Recycling will be collecting unwanted electronics on August 2 on the Fifth Third Field Plaza.

Recycle your old computers, cell phones and other unwanted electronics! Bring them to the plaza at Fifth Third Field on August 2 from 2pm – 6pm and Cohen will do the rest. You can meet the Dragons mascots, Heater and Gem, and the Green Team! Kids can play some inflatable games, get balloon animals and glitter tattoos. Each car will get a FREE Dragons t-shirt and an entry to win a “VIP Experience”, which includes a behind-the-scenes tour, an opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a game, or a trip for two for an amazing vacation. For a list of items that you can recycle, visit daytondragons.com.

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

Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) Partners with the Augusta GreenJackets to Launch Annual Strike Out Hunger! Food Drive

April 22, 2014

Today, Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) announced it is going to bat with the Augusta GreenJackets – to launch Strike Out Hunger! This community food drive will run from April 18 through May 3 (“Fifth Third Day” on 5/3) and is aimed at collecting enough products to feed 5,300 families in the Atlanta Metro area.

Members of the community are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items – such as canned fruits and meats, peanut butter and boxed cereal – to participating Fifth Third Bank financial centers. While supplies last, the bank will give baseball game tickets to those who make a contribution to the food drive, courtesy of the Augusta GreenJackets.

“We believe that a continual investment in our community can make a meaningful impact. Each year, the bank recognizes its employees, customers and the communities it serves on the third day of the fifth month – or 5/3 on the calendar,” said Randy Koporc, president of Fifth Third Bank (Georgia). “We’re proud to be working with top-notch organizations like the Augusta GreenJackets, the Gwinnett Braves, Kennesaw State University, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Golden Harvest Food Bank to help families and children in need throughout the Atlanta area.”

After the month-long food drive, the bank will deliver food donations to the Golden Harvest Food Bank, which will in turn feed thousands of families.

“The need for food in our community continues to grow, and the donated items will directly help people right here in our own backyards,” said Rebecca Hersey, Chief Advancement Officer for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. “Last year, we distributed more than 16.2 million pounds of food through our network of more than 300 agencies – translating to more than 438,000 families who benefit from our efforts annually. We are grateful that Fifth Third Bank has once again focused on contributing to our mission to fight hunger and provide hope.”

“We are proud to be able to partner with Fifth Third Bank on the Strike Out Hunger! food drive,” said Tom Denlinger, General Manager of the Augusta GreenJackets. “As we continue to build on our community impact here in the CSRA for 2014, we look forward to seeing the community support this great initiative and be rewarded with a ticket to our Saturday, May 3 game at 7 p.m.”

To take part in fighting hunger and receive tickets to the Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 7 p.m., residents can drop off food donations at financial centers in Martinez and Augusta from April 18 through May 3.

** Disclosure: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Offer available only at participating Fifth Third locations. Offer valid April 18, 2014 – May 3, 2014. Donations may be made during regular business hours. Limit one ticket per donated item with a maximum of four tickets per person. Offer good only while supplies last.

Food collection bins are set up at all 32 Fifth Third financial centers in the following counties: Columbia, Richmond, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Walton, and Cobb. Location addresses are available at 53.com.

About the Golden Harvest Food Bank
Golden Harvest Food Bank is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that provides quality food and other grocery products to those in need. We do this with local community support through direct service programs, food pantries, and community education about hunger. The Food Bank was founded in Augusta, Georgia, in 1982, and now operates from three distribution centers – Augusta, GA and Aiken and Liberty, SC. Golden Harvest is a locally-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grocery products to the hungry through direct service programs and a network of more than 300 food pantries and soup kitchens. Golden Harvest distributed more than 16.2 million pounds of grocery products to those in need in fiscal year 2013.

Golden Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America. For more information on how you can help eliminate hunger in our community, visit www.goldenharvest.org. You can also find Golden Harvest on Facebook and Twitter.

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

Silver Hawks to provide a Peanut Free Suite

April 22, 2014

Your South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday, May 18th will provide a peanut free area located in the Home Plate Suite in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week. Food Allergy Awareness Week helps educate the public about food allergies, a potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise in children; more than 3.5 million Americans suffer from it. There are 8 types of food that are responsible for more than 90% of allergic reactions, peanuts being one of those 8 foods.

“I am excited that we are able to do this again in 2014. Last year’s event was a huge hit and we were able to provide a fun day at the ballpark that many people were not able to experience in the past. We had one family in which their son had never been to a professional baseball game before because of his peanut allergies. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience a Silver Hawks game, so we will do whatever we can to make it a reality. Because of last year’s success I expect the tickets to sell out quickly and as result, we have already started looking at dates for an additional night.” states Joe Hart, Team President.

Tickets can be purchased through the Silver Hawks’ Box Office for $17.00; space is limited to the first 50 people. Price includes a game ticket, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. Call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by the Box Office, located on W. South Street to purchase tickets for the peanut free suite.

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL. To purchase tickets to a game visit www.SilverHawks.com , call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by between 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

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

MiLB donates to Snohomish United Way

April 22, 2014

Contribution to help disaster recovery after Oso, Wash. landslide

Minor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish (Wash.) County’s Disaster Recovery Fund to aid in the relief efforts related to the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Wash. More than three dozen people have lost their lives and several others are still missing as a result of the devastating incident. The mudslide occurred just 30 miles from the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League Baseball club in the Northwest League.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

The AquaSox will present the $10,000 check, on behalf of MiLB Charities, to the United Way of Snohomish County on Friday. A formal check presentation will be made to the organization prior to an AquaSox game this summer.

The club is also donating all walk-up ticket sales from its June 16 game to the relief and recovery efforts.

“As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation.”

Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Visit http://milbcharities.milbstore.com to make a tax-deductible donation to MiLB Charities or http://charities.milbauctions.com for additional opportunities to show your support.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Short Season Northwest League. Click here to view the original story.

AquaSox & MiLB Partner to Assist Oso Relief

April 22, 2014

The Everett AquaSox announced today that they are dedicating their June 16 game towards relief efforts related to the Oso mudslide. All walk-up ticket sales from this game will go directly towards relief and recovery efforts caused by the mudslide that occurred only 30 miles from the AquaSox on March 22.

“So many families and businesses have been impacted locally by the mudslide,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer, “As we enter our 30^th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy.”

In conjunction with the AquaSox’s efforts, Minor League Baseball™ Charities, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, has donated $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish County’s Disaster Recovery Fund for Mudslide Relief. The AquaSox will present the check to the United Way of Snohomish County on behalf of MiLB on Friday, April 25^th.

“We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation,” said Backemeyer.

A formal check presentation to the United Way will be made prior to an AquaSox game later this summer. To donate directly to the United Way’s Disaster Recovery Fund, and to find out how else you can help, please visit www.uwsc.org.

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

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on May 17th

April 21, 2014

All donors receive a ticket to a BlueClaws game

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center will partner on a Blood Drive on Saturday, May 17th that runs from 7 am – 2 pm.

The drive will take place in a blood mobile located outside the ballpark, and each donor will receive a pair of tickets to a future BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center encourage all fans to donate, as this is the time of the year when donations are in the greatest need.

To register online, click here. Donors can also register by calling 732-842-5750 ext. 225.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

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

High School Baseball Returns to Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

April 21, 2014

Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe to Play at Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

All Games Sponsored by MAC Athletics;

Double-headers scheduled for Friday and Saturday

Dayton, Ohio- Fifth Third Field and the Dayton Dragons will host high school baseball for the ninth straight season in 2014 with the action starting on Tuesday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. Overall this spring, 30 high schools will play regular season games at the home of the Dragons.

High school baseball at Fifth Third Field also serves as a fundraiser for the participating schools. This year’s series of games will raise approximately $30,000 for the schools to help with the cost of uniforms, equipment, and bus transportation.

All games are sponsored by MAC Athletics, experts in athletic facility planning, design, construction, and equipment acquisition. Go to macathletix.com for more information on their services.

Monday evening’s game features the Franklin-Monroe Jets and the Arcanum Trojans. In the most recent Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association poll, the Trojans were ranked as the third best team among Division IV schools. Arcanum claimed a 2013 Division IV Southwest District Championship. Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe both compete in the Cross County Conference. The game will be broadcast live on 97.5 WTGR and online on the Gem City Sports Network.

The Dayton Dragons have been hosting the Miami Valley’s best baseball teams since 2006 and are proud to continue the tradition for a ninth year. A complete list of high school baseball games scheduled to be played at Fifth Third Field can be found at daytondragons.com.

All games are free to attend and the media are invited to cover them. Gates will open one hour prior to the first game played that day. High schools may provide their own PA announcers, cheer squads, and national anthem singers. Some even bring their own radio broadcasters to the ballpark. Participating high schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs.

–See remaining schedule below–

Day	Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team
Monday	4/21	7:00 PM	Arcanum	Franklin-Monroe
Thursday	4/24	4:30 PM	Lebanon	Piqua
Thursday	4/24	7:00 PM	Sidney	Wayne
Friday	4/25	4:30 PM	Dayton Christian	Troy Christian
Friday	4/25	7:00 PM	Vandalia-Butler	West Carrolton
Saturday	4/26	11:00 AM	Valley View	Greenville
Saturday	4/26	4:00 PM	Beavercreek	Miamisburg
Sunday	5/4	4:00 PM	Fort Loramie	New Knoxville

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

Pelicans team up with HTC and Backpack Buddies

April 18, 2014

Partnership renewed to bring much-needed essentials to underprivileged youth

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

“The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we’re honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need,” remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She’s a true hero and we’re fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community.”

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

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

Bisons sponsorship of Buffalo Public High School baseball program reaches 8th year

April 18, 2014

Team has contributed more than $500,000 since 2007.

As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the 'Junior Bisons' team that plays in the CEBA. — As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the ‘Junior Bisons’ team that plays in the CEBA.

As part of the Buffalo Bisons‘ long-standing sponsorship of the City of Buffalo Public High School baseball program, City high school games will return to Coca-Cola Field starting this Saturday, April 19. The Bisons wide-ranging sponsorship, which enters its eighth year in 2014, has successfully revitalized the game within Buffalo Public High Schools as well as prepared young athletes to compete at the collegiate level.

The year’s games begin Saturday, April 19 (10 a.m.) at Coca-Cola Field as City Honors hosts Nichols High School (schedule below).

Since 2007, Bisons owners Bob and Mindy Rich have contributed nearly $500,000 towards the enhancement of high school baseball throughout Buffalo’s Public High Schools.

The Bisons support for the program includes providing team uniforms, paying league and umpire fees, funding stipends for assistant coaches for each Buffalo Public High School team and the use of Coca-Cola Field’s diamond and indoor batting cages year round. Additionally, $250,000 was provided for the renovation of Johnny B. Wiley Stadium, providing the City of Buffalo a top-notch athletic facility for their teams to play in and for the community to share.

Part of the Bisons’ adoption also includes the formation of the Junior Bisons baseball team. The top players from each of the City of Buffalo high schools are joined together to compete in the County of Erie Baseball Association (CEBA) throughout the summer. The focus of the team has always been team-building, fundamentals and life skills teachings. The Junior Bisons have made the post season four times and two former Junior Bisons are currently playing baseball at the collegiate level.

City of Buffalo HS Games this week
City Honors vs. Nichols (Saturday, April 19 -10 a.m.)
South Park vs. J.F.K. (Saturday, April 19 -12 p.m.)
Olmsted vs. CSAT (Monday, April 21 -11 a.m.)
Hutch Tech vs. Roy-Hart (Monday, April 21 -2 p.m.)
McKinley vs. Maritime CS (Tuesday, April 22 -4 p.m.).

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