2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

Bradenton-MaraudersA pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

Pirates-Community-Commitment-Program-logoAs part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.
Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

Shorebirds Asst. GM named President of BBBS

Jimmy Sweet to run Big Brothers Big Sisters locally

 

 

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce that team Assistant General Manager, Jimmy Sweet, has been named President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lower Eastern Shore. Sweet will continue his duties with the Shorebirds while serving as the president of BBBS on the Eastern Shore.

Sweet has been on the board of BBBS for five years in a variety of roles.

“I’m honored to take over for John Allen to help area youth prosper through the many outstanding programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers,” said Jimmy Sweet. “I’m very grateful to be in leadership roles for two great teams, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lower Eastern Shore.”

Sweet joined the Shorebirds front office staff in 2003. He has served in his current role of assistant general manager for eight years.

Sweet is pictured with BBBS outgoing president, John Allen.

For more information about the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112.

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

Kevin Nolan Named Blue Jays Community Service Winner

Nashua Native Honored as Blue Jays Community Service Winner

NewHampshireFisherCats_2013-09-25

 

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Toronto Blue Jays, parent club of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, have announced that shortstop Kevin Nolan is this year’s winner of the Blue Jays Community Service Award. The 25 year-old New Hampshire shortstop has proven his commitment to the community through his tireless efforts and positive attitude.

“Kevin’s efforts in the community enhanced many lives beyond the diamond and this recognition is extremely well deserved,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “The Blue Jays and their players know the importance of giving back to the communities where they spend their summer, and Kevin represented himself, the Fisher Cats, and the Blue Jays with class all season long. We appreciate all of his efforts.”

Nolan participated in nearly all of the team community appearances, always representing the organization with class and professionalism. A native of Nashua, Nolan contributed his time in many ways, including;

* Joining 100+ kids at a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Baseball/Softball Camp as a camp counselor at the first camp of the season
* Visiting, speaking to, and signing autographs for 100+ kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua on August 6, 2013
* Inviting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua to two (2) Fisher Cats games during the 2013 season; greeting the kids, signing autographs and helping to provide ice cream during the 7th Inning Stretch
* Taking time out of his pre-game routine to host special meet-and-greets with kids that expressed a personal interest in meeting him and growing up to be “just like him”
* Greeting patients from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and families alongside WMUR’s Jason King for a special batting practice for CHaD Kids
* Appearing at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashua New Hampshire for the spring registrations for Nashua Little League providing well-wishes to kids for their season

Nolan will be coming back to New Hampshire as a guest of honor at the annual Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on Nov. 23. The event, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Expo Center in Manchester, raises money for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

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

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

BlueClaws-Charities-logoOther honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

Lakewood-Chamber-of-Commerce-logo“This is very special for the BlueClaws and especially for BlueClaws Charities,” said DeAngelis, who has been with the BlueClaws since their 2001 inception. “We work very hard with a wide variety of non-profit organizations and of course this year, after the storm, was especially tough on everyone.”

BlueClaws Charities raised thousands of dollars for those impacted by Superstorm Sandy through t-shirt sales, Restore the Shore Fridays, a BlueClaws Restore the Shore jersey auction, and private donations. The organization then collected grant applications and was able to hand out over $50,000 in grants to help area families.

Meanwhile, BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partners, area non-profit organizations who raise money through the BlueClaws. These organizations also benefit through various BlueClaws Charities fundraising events throughout the year like jersey auctions, “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” the “BlueClaws Charities Nine and Dine” golf outing, and more.

This article originally appeared on the BlueClaws’ website.  Click here to see the original article.

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

Thousands of Hours, Over $200,000 Given Back to NEPA

Moosic, Pa. – It’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5

Player hours volunteered: 202.5

Mascot appearances: 130

Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)

Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092

Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued with another new tip of the cap, Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, stopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

On Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals). The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

September 27: Relay for Life

Event begins at 6pm and runs through night

Come out to Wicomico County Relay for Life on September 27
Come out to Wicomico County Relay for Life on September 27

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds and Arthur W. Perdue Stadium are once again proud to host Wicomico County Relay for Life in support of the American Cancer Society. The event begins at 6pm on September 27 and runs into September 28th. The event is free and open to the public.

The 2013 event is the 20th anniversary of Wicomico County Relay for Life.

Over 70 “teams” and over 700 participants are already signed up for Relay for Life.   Over $120,000 has already been committed to the American Cancer Society.

To view more about the specific events that will take place like the opening ceremonies and the luminaria ceremony, click here.

To learn how your group can become involved, click here.

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

Caronia Honored for Community Service

Shorebirds IF wins award from Orioles

Anthony Caronia recieved the Minor League Community Service Award
Anthony Caronia recieved the Minor League Community Service Award

Salisbury, MD – Shorebirds utility infielder Anthony Caronia was honored on Sunday by the Orioles Player Development Department as the 2013 Elrod Hendricks Community Service Award recipient. Caronia represented the Shorebirds on numerous appearances during the summer and was a crowd favorite at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Caronia went on several appearances to local schools and community events. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand at games by catching a ceremonial first pitch.

Caronia became a crowd favorite during the season because of his willingness to sign autographs and talk to fans.

“Anthony was a great ambassador for Shorebirds baseball,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “He was quick to volunteer for community appearances and he was always ready to make a kid’s day by signing an autograph or giving a kid a high five.”

Former Shorebirds manager Gary Kendall was named the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award while former Shorebirds pitcher Mike Wright recieved the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.

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

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

Will receive award from Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on October 24th

LakewoodBlueClaws_2013-09-09

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

Other honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

“This is very special for the BlueClaws and especially for BlueClaws Charities,” said DeAngelis, who has been with the BlueClaws since their 2001 inception. “We work very hard with a wide variety of non-profit organizations and of course this year, after the storm, was especially tough on everyone.”

BlueClaws Charities raised thousands of dollars for those impacted by Superstorm Sandy through t-shirt sales, Restore the Shore Fridays, a BlueClaws Restore the Shore jersey auction, and private donations. The organization then collected grant applications and was able to hand out over $50,000 in grants to help area families.

Meanwhile, BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partners, area non-profit organizations who raise money through the BlueClaws. These organizations also benefit through various BlueClaws Charities fundraising events throughout the year like jersey auctions, “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” the “BlueClaws Charities Nine and Dine” golf outing, and more.

Fans that are interested in attending the reception are able to do so through ordering a ticket to the event. The reception, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30, includes an open-bar passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold stations, and dessert. Please click here to download an order form.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Fifth Third Field to Host MVDSA Buddy Walk

11th Annual Event Takes Place on Saturday, September 7th

DaytonDragons_2013-09-04

 

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the 11th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk on Saturday, September 7th from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. The Buddy Walk, which raises awareness and promotes inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome, will take place at Fifth Third Field for the second-consecutive year. Registration is open to the public and costs $10 for anyone aged nine or older, with every dollar benefitting the MVDSA.

Fifth Third Field will open its gates for day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 7th, but pre-registration is available at http://mvdsa.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=500. Donations will also be accepted online or at the registration table.

Activities around the ballpark begin at 9 a.m. The Entertainment Fun Zone will be open with face painters and games. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. The one-mile walk around Fifth Third Field begins at 10 a.m., with the post-walk fun continuing until noon when raffle prize winners will be announced.

ABOUT THE MVDSA

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association is a network of parents, health care providers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters providing help and support to people throughout the Miami Valley with Down Syndrome. Through the generous support of the community, the MVDSA is able to develop programs and services that will help to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mvdsa.org/

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

PRMC Flu Clinic at Stadium on Oct. 3 & 4

Get your annual flu shot at Perdue Stadium

The PRMC Flu Clinic returns to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in October
The PRMC Flu Clinic returns to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in October

Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s “Drive-Thru” Flu Clinic is returning on Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4, 2013 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road in Salisbury, Maryland. Vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older. A physician’s order is not necessary. A donation of $10.00 per vaccination is requested (cash only; exact amount is appreciated.)

The Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be conducted from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on both days.   Flu vaccinations are encouraged for persons over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm. For additional information, please call 410-543-7137 or 1-800-955-PRMC.

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

“Score 4 for Hunger” Raises $14,000

Sea Dogs, Dead River Company Partnership Generates $14,000 Donation

PortlandSeaDogs_2013-08-31 PortlandSeaDogs1_2013-08-31

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs partnership with Dead River Company, “Score 4 for Hunger” resulted in a $14,000 donation to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

The “Score 4 for Hunger” campaign featured a $400 donation from Dead River Company to Good Shepherd Food Bank every time the Sea Dogs scored four or more runs in a home game this season, up to a $14,000 total. Through August 30th, the Sea Dogs had scored four or more runs at home 44 times, generating $14,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

During the third inning of the August 31st Sea Dogs game Bob Moore, the CEO of Dead River Company, presented  the check to Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. They were accompanied by Bill Phillips, Market Manager for Dead River Company in Scarborough and Dana Guay, Dead River Company Market Manager in Biddeford.

September kicks-off Hunger Action Month. The Sea Dogs and Dead River Company held a food drive at the game and collected hundreds of non-pershiable food items to donate to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Additionally, Dead River Company presented the first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark on August 31st with a Sea Dogs ballcap.

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

Hurl the Pearl a Big Hit for Boys & Girls Club

RailRiders & Kost Tire to Present Check on Wednesday after Season-Long Fundraiser

Moosic, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) have found a number of ways to further their community impact. A creative fan-favorite this season has been the “Hurl the Pearl” contest, presented by Kost Tire. For the contest, fans purchase “pearls”, soft baseballs, to hurl at the team’s pinstriped truck for prizes as it circles the warning track. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. This unique fundraiser has raised $11,877 so far, with Wednesday’s game still left to add to that total.

“Kost Tire and Auto Service has been a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club for over 10 years now because they do such a great job of keeping the kids in our community safe,” said Erwin Kost, Jr., Kost Tire vice president and club secretary.

The RailRiders and Kost Tire will present a check to the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA at the end of the sixth inning during Wednesday night’s game at PNC Field. This will come on the heels of the final “Hurl the Pearl” half-inning of the season, as fans will help add to the $11,877 total being donated.

“We’ve stepped up our community involvement in a number of ways, but ‘Hurl the Pearl’ is one of my favorites,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “This unique event is not only fun for fans to purchase a pearl and try to toss it into a moving truck, but it also provides an avenue to make an impact with a very important organization in NEPA, the Boys & Girls Club.”

Nightly “Hurl the Pearl” winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Kost Tire and Auto. The grand prize winner receives four tickets to a Yankees game; a $50 gas card; the chance to throw out a first pitch at PNC Field on Opening Night 2014; and a suite at PNC during the 2014 season. There will be a grand prize drawing on Thursday and participants must be in attendance to win.

The RailRiders will return home for their final two home games of the season on Wednesday night, and will host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies) as the two teams continue the inaugural IronRail series. SWB trails in the rivalry series, 7-5. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday is both Public Service Appreciation Night and a Kid’s Eat Free Wednesday thanks to Minooka Subaru. Every child 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, bag of chips, and soda. Gates will open at PNC Field at 6 p.m. and the game will air live locally on My Network TV with the Voice of the RailRiders, John Sadak, on the call alongside FOX56 sports director Bob Ide. The RailRiders will play the final regular-season game of their inaugural season on Thursday. It will be Fan Appreciation Night at the ballpark, and a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser. Thursday’s game is also a 7:05 p.m. first pitch and will include post-game fireworks.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

First Military Appreciation Day at Werner Park Ends Regular Season

Ticket and Team Store Discounts offered with Military ID, Pre-Game Swearing In Ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – The final weekend of the 2013 season will be an exciting one for the Omaha Storm Chasers as the race for the American Conference North Division may come down to the final game of the season. That 12:05 p.m. game on Monday September 2 is not only important for a third straight division title but will also serve as the first ever Military Appreciation Day at Werner Park, presented by U.S. Bank.

More than 900 tickets have already been donated to local Military personnel by U.S. Bank and also through the season-long “Hat For Heroes” promotion at the Storm Front Team Store. In addition to donated tickets, the Storm Chasers will honor all the individuals that keep our country safe by offering any Military personnel a free McDonald’s Berm ticket by showing a valid Military ID.

Pre-Game on the field will feature the United States Air Force Delayed Entry Program swearing in ceremony, led by Lieutenant Colonel Steven E. Phillips. The ceremony will feature 20-40 Military members being sworn in, while Lieutenant Colonel Phillips will also throw out a first pitch for the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates of Werner Park will receive a special Camouflaged Apron courtesy of U.S. Bank, with gates opening at 10:45 a.m. In honor of Military Appreciation Day, the Storm Front Team Store will offer a 20% discount to any Military member that shows their valid Military ID on full-priced merchandise, and the 87 Storm Chasers who purchased “Hats For Heroes” will receive in-game recognition.

Ovations will feature a discounted food and drink menu for all fans in attendance. Patriotic music will be played throughout Werner Park and local Military branches will be honored on the video board to say thank you to those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Storm Chasers currently lead the Memphis Redbirds by one game in the American Conference North Division with six games left in the season. The final weekend will feature four games against the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, after the team returns home from the series with the Iowa Cubs.

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

Donations Good for Naturals Game Ticket

Proceeds Benefit NWA Food Bank

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have joined Arvest Bank’s effort to fight hunger in our area. Donate $5 or 10 nonperishable food items at a Naturals game Aug. 26-29, and you can be part of the team, too.

The Naturals ticket offer is a warm-up for Arvest Bank’s 1 Million Meals initiative, which officially begins Sept. 4, and aims to raise a million or more meals to fight hunger. All donations made at Arvest Ballpark will benefit the NWA Food Bank.

Considering $1 = 5 meals, you can make a big difference by donating $5 or 10 nonperishable food items. In return, you’ll receive a reserved ticket for that evening’s game. Come watch the Naturals play the Arkansas Travelers on Aug. 26, or the Tulsa Drillers Aug. 27-29.

Some of the most-needed food items, which can be dropped off at the Naturals team van near the ticket office, include:

• canned meat
• canned vegetables
• fruit cups
• macaroni & cheese
• boxed dinners
• cereal

In its third year, 1 Million Meals runs Sept. 4-Nov. 2 and challenges Arvest associates, customers and communities to help fight hunger in the more than 120 communities the bank serves. Last year, the initiative raised 1.38 million meals. This year’s effort benefits 53 organizations in the four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma – Arvest serves.

 

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