clubphilanthropy.com – Page 256 – Charity begins at home [plate]

2014 School Celebration Days are fun and educational!

January 15, 2013

All public and private high school, junior high and elementary students, educators, teacher’s aides, chaperones and bus drivers are invited to the 2014 Mud Hens School Celebration Days.Three dates to choose from in the 2014: Monday, May 12, Wednesday, May 14, Wednesday, May 28.

To place your order over the phone contact Brock Chambers at 419-725-9258 or make your reservations by e-mail at bchambers@mudhens.com.

More info at www.mudhens.com/school.

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

Shorebirds Honor Contest Winner

January 8, 2013

Kassidy McConaghy wins 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Kassidy McConaghy (middle) is the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds named Kassidy McConaghy of Milford Middle School the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest on Tuesday. Sherman and Shorebirds staff members presented Kassidy with her award during lunch hour at Milford Middle School.

McConaghy’s winning bookmark design will be distributed to all participating students in the Hit the Books program. Over 40,000 students from over 100 schools are involved in this years program.

Knights Raise Money for Salvation Army

December 23, 2012

The Charlotte Knights’ season of giving continued on Thursday, December 20 at the Six Pence Pub in Fort Mill. For over three hours, front office staff members volunteered their time to raise money for the Salvation Army.

The Knights arrived around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, eager to learn a new trade and give back to the community. With help from seasoned professionals – a.k.a Six Pence Pub bartenders, the crew quickly got the hang of things.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., staff members served drinks and food to the crowd.

Becka Leveille, Knights Merchandise Director, and Justin Fulbright, Knights Assistant Groundskeeper, both stepped right in and began making drinks.

“It was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Leveille. “I learned a few things about bartending and I got to talk to some passionate Knights fans. I may have found my second career!”

Erik Hassy, GM of Ovations, and Knights Media Relations Director Tommy Viola, were also on-hand to help with the volunteering efforts on Thursday. Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski came out to support the Salvation Army and his team’s efforts on Thursday.

Every 30 minutes, Viola rang a bell located behind the bar and announced a raffle prize. Lucky fans won shirts, tickets to a 2013 Knights game, a Knights jersey signed by the 2012 team, a Brian Anderson autographed bat, and more.

“It was great to get behind the bar, serve drinks, announce raffle prizes, and talk to our fans,” stated Viola. “There’s nothing like getting out in the community and meeting Knights fans. It was especially gratifying to know that all of the money we raised was for the Salvation Army.”

Knights Community Relations Director Lindsey Roycraft also played a key role on Thursday. Thanks to her strong ties with the community, events like the one on Thursday are made possible.

“It was a very positive event,” said Roycraft. “I look forward to working with Ray and the entire Six Pence Pub staff again during our upcoming 2013 season. Next time, we’ll bring a Knights player or two.”

Overall on Thursday, the Knights and Six Pence Pub raised $625.00 for the Salvation Army.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.Earlier in December, the Knights held a toy and coat drive at Knights Stadium during the team’s first-ever “Winter Wonderful” event. The team also worked with Angel Tree this year to make sure two boys received all of the presents they asked for this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff members will volunteer at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Classroom Central.

“Volunteering and giving back is a big part of what we enjoy doing,” added Roycraft. “We look forward to keeping that going in 2013 and beyond.”

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

66ers Partner with Joe Baca Foundation to Host Free Baseball Clinic & Little League Sign-Up

December 19, 2012

San Manuel Stadium Will Be Site of Open Baseball Clinic

San Bernardino, CA– The Inland Empire 66ers and the Joe Baca Foundation will be hosting a free baseball clinic at San Manuel Stadium on January 12, 2013 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The festivities will also include the District 43 little league sign-ups. This will be the first year that this event has been put on, all in an effort to encourage little league participation as well as a fun and educational clinic for baseball and softball players ages 4 – 18. Participants in the clinic do not have to sign up for little league. This is an open clinic for all children.

This event will mark the first community function that the Inland Empire 66ers are holding in 2013. The team’s mascot, Bernie, will make an appearance and there will be inflatables set up for children to play in. Children of all levels will be able to participate in the clinic and enjoy drills that are based on their individual skill levels.

66ers Community Relations Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach-English stated, “The 66ers and local little leagues have had a strong partnership since the team was known as the Spirit and played their games at Fiscalini Field. Every year, we assist local teams and leagues in their fundraising efforts and we hope that with this free community event, we will be able to assist in the increase of participation for their 2013 season.”

The Joe Baca Foundation’s mission is to “build a better future…for our children.” These types of clinics allow them to meet their goal of emphasizing physical health and teaching the basic fundamentals of baseball to under-served youth in our communities.

The little league sign-ups for District 43 as well as several other Inland Empire little league districts, will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information on this exciting day, please contact Inland Empire 66ers Community Relations Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach-English at 909-495-7658 or via e-mail at kelsey@66ers.com.

More information can be found by visiting www.district43.org or www.facebook.com/district43.

The 2013 season will kick off on Thursday April 4, 2013 at San Manuel Stadium when the 66ers take on the Modesto Nuts. Inland Empire fans can now purchase season ticket and group packages for the 2013 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 909-888-9922. Additional information is available online at www.66ers.com. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Joey Seymour, Director of Ticket Operations and Media Relations, at 909-495-7638.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

Legends back BlueClaws in ‘Restore the Shore’

December 12, 2012

The Legends' front office staff donned "Restore the Shore" T-shirts in support of the Lakewood BlueClaws' campaign to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. — The Legends’ front office staff donned “Restore the Shore” T-shirts in support of the Lakewood BlueClaws’ campaign to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends and the Lakewood BlueClaws are South Atlantic League rivals on the baseball field, but the Legends are enthusiastically supporting the New Jersey-based BlueClaws on their “Restore the Shore” campaign in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The Legends purchased “Restore the Shore” t-shirts in support of the efforts by the Blue Claws to help victims of the super storm. The campaign will continue through Memorial Day. While the BlueClaws are working closely with individuals and businesses in their area, support is welcome from anywhere. Atlantic Physical Therapy and Ergo clothing are sponsoring the campaign.

“Supporting the BlueClaws in the Restore the Shore efforts was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “As a member of the South Atlantic League baseball family, we wish we were able to do more to help those affected. The hope is that our contribution to our friends in Lakewood and surrounding areas will highlight the importance of reaching out and supporting communities outside of your own, and will encourage other teams and individuals to do the same. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved.”

Each Friday until Memorial Day, participants will wear the t-shirts, and each person will make a donation every Friday. Details are available at BlueClaws.com/Restore.

Businesses that participate will be honored in a ceremony at a 2013 BlueClaws game.

“Obviously, there were so many of our friends and neighbors impacted significantly by Hurricane Sandy,” said Dave Manzo, co-founder of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. “Through this program, we can raise money in a fun way over the next several months.”

In early 2013, those impacted by the storm will be able to fill out an application, and donations will be made to as many families as possible.

“We have an opportunity to help many re-build after Sandy’s devastation,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re looking forward to helping, and we hope that there are a lot of businesses and families that can help us make an impact.”

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

RiverDogs volunteer with Crisis Ministries

November 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In November, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Crisis Ministries. Members of the staff prepared and served nutritious meals to guests of the shelter.

“I really enjoyed our time at Crisis Ministries,” says RiverDogs Special Events Manager Kristen Wolfe. “It was a very humbling experience.”

Founded in 1984, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency with the mission to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

Along with serving a daily meal to community members in need, Crisis Ministries’ services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services, and Veteran services. Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding Crisis Ministries has served over 1,800,000 meals, sheltered over 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

November 16, 2012

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving Central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Miracle hat on sale to support Sandy Relief

November 16, 2012

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 12, 2012) – The Fort Myers Miracle are holding a hurricane relief sale to help raise funds for those in need after Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the northeastern United States in late October.

The Miracle will offer the official 2012 on-field fitted cap with the 20th anniversary logo for $20 with $5 of each sale donated to Hurricane Sandy relief. The hat is all navy blue and features the “M” logo on the front.

“Playing any role we can to help and assist all affected by Superstorm Sandy is very important to us,” said Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour.

Click here to order!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Our visit to Feed My Starving Children

November 15, 2012

The Kane County Cougars front office staff has been fortunate to send their staff to do a 2-hour shift at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, which is about 20 minutes from their ballpark in Geneva. FMSC is a non-profit Christian organization that relies on volunteers to hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. Those meals go to nearly 70 countries around the world.

The photo below shows how many meals Cougars staff packed during their shift. FMSC has several locations. It’s an incredibly fun atmosphere. Everyone has a role in the packing process – some are pouring the ingredients into the bag, others are weighing the items, others are boxing up the meals and placing the boxes in their warehouse. Upbeat music is playing the entire time and it really builds up a sense of camaraderie among our staff who are offering their time. We’d encourage any other minor league team to see if they are close to a FMSC, and have their staff and players volunteer to help.

Oftentimes during the busy portion of the season, it’s tough for our staff to simply be around each other, outside of the ballpark. These monthly initiatives we’ve set up really build team morale among our staff. More importantly, the giving of our time for these causes and seeing the impact we can make in the community (and in the case of FMSC, the world), it’s incredibly rewarding.

Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc. makes $5,000 donation to Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

November 15, 2012

The Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, today presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund of Central New York.

The donation is the result of a year-long partnership between the two organizations that was highlighted by Breast Cancer Awareness Night on July 20 at Alliance Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Chiefs hosted a “Pink Cocktail Party” fundraiser in the Hank Sauer Room during that evening’s game against the Norfolk Tides. Among the highlights of the cocktail party was a visit from actor Billy Baldwin, who joined his mother Carol M. Baldwin, in thanking Chiefs fans in attendance for their support.

In addition, volunteers from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund also sold breast cancer awareness merchandise, including bracelets, t-shirts, flip-flops, lanyards, and rings, on the main concourse during every Chiefs home game this season.

“We applaud the outstanding efforts of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “It is an honor to work with one of the premiere non-profit organizations in this area to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.”

“I would like to thank the Syracuse Chiefs and the Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation for their commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer,” said Elizabeth Baldwin, Executive Director of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. “This has been a very successful partnership for the last several years and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”

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

More than 35,000 Kids Taking Fisher Cats Reading Challenge

November 13, 2012

Students at Henry McLaughlin Middle School join Slider for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by CCSNH.

It’s only November, and already nearly 35,000 children have been introduced to the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire. Those kids represent almost 100 schools that are using the challenge to highlight the importance of reading in a fun way.

Fungo and Slider, the Fisher Cats’ mascots, are visiting schools and delivering bookmarks with a special challenge. Each student who reads at least five books outside their normal school curriculum will receive a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Night during the 2013 season, courtesy of CCSNH. On the night of their game, they’ll be honored during a pre-game parade highlighting their achievements.

These students are also representing their schools in a team competition. The school with the highest percentage of participation could win up to $3,000 from the Fisher Cats Foundation.

By the end of the school year, the challenge is expected to reach more than 55,000 students in over 150 schools throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. To get your school involved in the challenge, contact Meg Shea at (603) 641-2005 ext. 102 or mshea@nhfishercats.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders Plan Salute to Military

November 11, 2012

Searching for Area Foursomes to Honor Each Game

The team has honored our nation's armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013. — The team has honored our nation’s armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013.

MOOSIC, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ community outreach continues. Today, the team announced a new initiative for the 2013 season that will pay tribute to those that serve in our nation’s armed forces and their loved ones in NEPA.

Each 2013 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game. The team is actively searching for a title sponsor of the program that will all the more solidify PNC Field as NEPA’s community ballpark.

“I could not be more thrilled to create a program like this that in some small way helps say thank you to those in uniform and their loved ones,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the club. “Many kids look up to our ballplayers, and we certainly appreciate that, but these are the true heroes living right next door to us.”

Area veterans, active military and families thereof are encouraged to submit their military story to the team’s community relations department. E-mails can be sent to SWB’s community relations manager, Rachel Mark, at rmark@swbyankees.com. Or fans may mail their tales to the address below:

SWB RailRiders
ATTN: Community Relations
50 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 101
Moosic, PA 18507

-All Aboard-

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

SWB’s “Big Reveal” & Red Cross Partner for Sandy Relief

November 10, 2012

A New Jersey for New Jersey Coincides With “Big Reveal”

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees have announced a partnership with the local Red Cross offices to collect money and non-perishable food for New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy. As part of the “New Jersey for New Jersey” collaboration, the two entities will accept donations at Genetti Manor on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The effort coincides with the club’s “Big Reveal” of a new team name, logo, colors, etc. To incentivize participation, the very first official team jersey for the club’s soon-to-be-revealed rebranding will go to one of the generous donors.”It feels good to do good,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the SWB Yankees. “We have donated to those in our backyard of NEPA. It just seems right to also use this tremendous opportunity of a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience to carry goodwill to our neighbors heavily affected by this tragic storm.”

Each dollar or non-perishable canned good donated that night will result in one entry for a raffle that will reward one lucky fan with the hottest piece of sportswear in NEPA.

“In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many lives have been irrevocably changed,” said Carmon Flynn, executive director of the Red Cross of Lackawanna, Bradford-Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming. “Fundraising efforts such as this one help our neighbors in New Jersey weather the effects of Superstorm Sandy and empower the American Red Cross to provide a quick and compassionate response. Whether it is a meal, a warm blanket or a place to sleep, our community’s support of the Red Cross makes this possible. We are grateful to our partners with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees for holding this benefit.”

Remember, the team’s “Big Reveal” party will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Genetti Manor, 1505 Main Street, Dickson City. The free event is open to the public.

At the event, the long-awaited new team name will be announced, along with the unveiling of new logos and player uniforms. The family-friendly party will also feature free food and beverages (alcohol excluded), inflatable games, jugglers, caricature artists, face painters, balloon artists and much more.

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

IronPigs Announce Drive to Benefit Lakewood

November 9, 2012

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are asking fans for their support of a fellow Phillies affiliate, the Lakewood BlueClaws, in an effort to assist in the relief efforts for those impacted in the Lakewood community by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“Our entire organization has been deeply saddened by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation throughout the region, including in Lakewood, New Jersey, where the community of a fellow Phillies affiliate has been deeply affected,” said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We ask our fans to assist our efforts in any way possible during our week-long drive to support the Lakewood community.”

SJ Giants Assist With Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort

November 8, 2012

Fans can donate to the Red Cross or New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation

SAN JOSE, CA- Devastating Hurricane Sandy that hit the east coast last week has left thousands of people in need of basic services and supplies. As we process the images of the destruction from this event, we are reminded of the thousands of people that need our help. People who are willing and capable of donating to the relief efforts can do so via the “Hurricane Sandy” donation page.

Two Minor League Baseball organizations, the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees also suffered significant damage during the storm as well. The New York-Penn League is asking for help to support the Brooklyn and Staten Island clubs, their staff and their communities. Members of the community can contribute to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation (a 501©(3) organization), which will help provide funds for items such as food, cleaning supplies and, one of the area’s greatest needs, gasoline. Please send donations to:

New York-Penn League
Attn: Hurricane Sandy Relief
6161 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street North
Suite 205, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Make checks payable to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

The San Jose Giants have made a donation to the relief efforts and are asking those who are in a position to help to do the same. Please join the team in sending hope and strength to these clubs and the entire region.

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