Owlz Support Little League Teams

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As the Pioneer League affiliate of Angels Baseball, the Owlz have enjoyed a long standing tradition of excellence on the field. The Owlz have qualified for the playoffs in each of the 11 seasons the team has been in existence, and been fortunate enough to capture 4 Pioneer League Championships. Many of the fundamentals that have helped our players find success on and off the field were learned playing Little League Baseball.

The Owlz would like to help your team as they prepare for the upcoming season. As part of the special offers for your team the Owlz are proud to offer a 20% discount off your order from our online store, The Perch. The discount applies to all items in the store including sale items! This coupon code can be used by your players and also by friends and family members of your team as they help cheer on the next generation of Owlz players. To receive your coupon code, please contact Owlz General Manager Brett Crane by sending an e-mail to brett@oremowlz.com.

We also would like to feature your team on our website. Once you have taken a team photo, please send it to brett@oremowlz.com along with a brief 2-3 sentence description of your season highlighting your record and labels featuring your players and coaches.

We always love hearing about our Owlz teams from around the country. We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming season, and appreciate your support of Orem Owlz Baseball!

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

“An unforgettable moment”

Local kids steal the show at 2nd Annual Scotiabank Hot Stove Luncheon

Scotiabank's David Poole gives a high-five to a future baseball star. (Paul Yates)
Scotiabank’s David Poole gives a high-five to a future baseball star. (Paul Yates)

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – When nearly 30 young, bright-eyed children began running through the aisles at the 2nd Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation Hot Stove Luncheon, the show had officially been stolen.

Friday afternoon, the Canadians hosted their annual Hot Stove Luncheon which featured Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Paul Beeston who was overwhelmed by the support shown by the sold out crowd all tucked inside the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

“I’m speechless,” said Beeston who’s keynote address tipped largely toward his organization’s support of the Vancouver Canadians.

“What Jake, Jeff and Andy have done here in Vancouver is unbelievable. The way Vancouver has supported this team is something that should become a blueprint for other teams at any level of baseball”.

The afternoon program kicked off with Canadians owner Jake Kerr giving the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation membership his ‘State of the Franchise’ address which included his praise to the Toronto Blue Jays for delivering on their promise to make Vancouver a Northwest League Champion.

Kerr was followed by longtime friend and co-owner Jeff Mooney who gripped the sold out venue with a stirring story and introduction of the newly-formed Vancouver Canadians Baseball League, a 28-team, eight-game season built for kids between the ages of 5-10. Mooney announced that the Canadians through their Foundation would support nearly 300 local children in need each summer.

Included in the commitment is league fees, transportation, food and all equipment covered by both the Canadians and a host of corporate sponsors including Scotiabank, BC Hydro and The Sports Exchange. A number of local supporters also worked to give these children a summer to remember including Al DeGenova and the Mooney Family. Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton donated $50,000.00 toward the Foundation to kick-off the afternoon.

Just before Mooney wrapped up his request to help support the VCBF, he trotted out 28 bright-eyed, excited children in full uniform all there to give our guests a high-five and ask for their support this summer.

Smiles filled the room as the kids from The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vancouver dazzled with plenty of energy to spare and high-fives to go around to each and every guest. It was one of the most talked about elements of the afternoon.

The stage then became Paul Beeston’s who promised to keep building back in Toronto and committed to tell the story of the Vancouver Canadians who had ‘blown him away’ with what they had been able to accomplish within the community.

The afternoon wrapped up with a Live Auction that exceeded the hopes of the Canadians organization thanks to the generous support of our membership.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club, Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and Scotiabank would like to thank each and every person associated with the Foundation for a fantastic afternoon that ensured more than 300 children from our own community got the chance to play baseball this coming summer.

For more information, please visit our Foundation page right here at canadiansbaseball.com
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox to Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia

Salem Will Donate $3,159 Raised During Annual Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet

Salem, VA (February 1, 2012) – The Salem Red Sox, Advanced Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will donate $3,159 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Roanoke, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring organizations serving children, their families, and communities. Since its inception in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in all 50 states and 13 countries around the world.On Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame held their annual banquet at the Salem Civic Center. The Salem Red Sox held an auction during the event with items donated from local restaurants and businesses, along with national organizations and sporting teams. Items included tickets to a Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees series, as well as local area gift cards, and various baseball memorabilia. Guest speaker, Billy Sample, a Salem native, was in attendance to show support for the four inductees and the cause.

“The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet and induction ceremony was a wonderful opportunity for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia. We appreciate the great generosity from the auction proceeds and the support of the Salem Red Sox and all those who made the event very meaningful for us!” stated Marguerite Hansell, Fund Development Associate with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

All of the proceeds from the auction went to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

“The auction went off without a hitch,” said Todd Stephenson, general manager of the Salem Red Sox, “there were some high bid wars going on, all for a great cause.”

For more information about the Salem Red Sox’ various fundraising programs, visit our fundraising page.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most successful national network of mentoring organizations serving children, families, and communities. Our mission is to help children in southwest Virginia who are facing adversity fulfill their potential through strong and enduring professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that provide a measurable impact and change their lives for the better. Big Brothers Big Sister of Southwest Virginia currently supports over 350 Big and Little matches. The money that is raised and donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia goes to supporting our matches in southwest Virginia. For more information visit www.bigslittles.org.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Louie Honors Reading Program Poster Winners

The Baysox lovable mascot Louie made visits to two local schools last week to congratulate some very special students. Louie wanted to congratulate the winners of the annual poster contest that kicks off the Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program.

Caroline Kerr of Crofton Middle School in Crofton, Md. and Caroline Cooney of Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie, Md., each received special visits from Louie to receive their prizes.

Louie would also like to congratulate Southern Maryland winner Myles Williams of William B. Wade Elementary School in Waldorf, Md., who has moved out of the area and was unable to claim his prize.

The students’ poster designs were selected as the winner for all schools in their respective regions. Caroline Kerr was the winner in Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s counties and Caroline Cooney was the winner in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Louie surprised the winners during special school assemblies, rewarding them with a framed poster of the design, 12 Baysox tickets and a collection of Baysox gear. The students also get a chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Baysox Reading Night game for their county.

Prince George’s County winner Caroline Cooney’s parents were told ahead of time that their daughter was the winner and they were on hand for the presentation. “I am so proud of Caroline,” said Julie Cooney. “She loves drawing and to have something she has done selected is beyond words. I am so excited.”

Caroline Kerr’s Language Arts teacher Diane Wagner was thrilled that her student was the one selected to be the Anne Arundel County winner. “Caroline is an exemplary student, the kind of student that I wish I had 30 of,” Wagner said. “She is a straight A student, she is involved in athletics and she is well-liked. I can’t think of a more deserving young lady.”

The Baysox would like to thank Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for their support of the program. This is the eighth year that Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has sponsored the reading program.

In all, 224 schools are registered to participate in the reading program this year. Any student in participating schools who reads at least four books is rewarded with a free ticket to a Baysox game. Louie will be visiting students throughout the weeks leading up to the season to show them how fun reading can be.

Akron Aeros Lend a Paw to Summit County Animal Control

Akron-AerosThe Aeros front office staff fell head over paws as they traveled to the Summit County Animal Control to cheer up homeless, yet hopeful, dogs and cats last Tuesday, January 24.

The Summit County Animal Control takes in stray animals in the greater Akron area, aiming to reunite owners with lost pets, find homes for animals eligible for adoption and providing dog licensing required by the state.

Their mission exemplifies the county’s goals to “protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens and animals…through law enforcement, compassion towards animals and promotion of responsible pet ownership.”

Like all of the Summit County Animal Control volunteers, the Aeros staff had the freedom to roam the facility and partake in anything from walking, bathing, watering and playing with animals of their choice.

“We want our volunteers to want to come back again,” Summit County Animal Control Manager CHRISTINE FATHEREE said.

This open attitude left staff members feeling their time spent was not only efficient, but even more valuable.

“I enjoyed this experience because it gave me the opportunity to work with many animals. It was gratifying knowing that just a simple walk or exercise really put a wag in their tail,” Aeros Food and Beverage Director NATE MICHEL said.

Every staff member left with warm and fuzzy feeling and an outfit covered in hair to match, yet they wouldn’t want it any other way.

As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros staff volunteers at local non-profit organizations each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community.

For information on volunteer opportunities with the department or how to adopt an animal, call (330) 643-2845. For additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

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Group Sales Representative Mitch Cromes gets love from our four-legged friends.
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Lene Spahn, Media Relations Coordinator and IT Specialist, is smitten with this kitten.

 

Cats Receive Honor from the Friendship Service Center

ROCK CATS RECEIVE HONOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Amy Helbling (Rock Cats), Jason Howey (Okay Industries), and Rocky the Rock Cat
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Amy Helbling (Rock Cats), Jason Howey (Okay Industries), and Rocky the Rock Cat
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Pam Vatti (Liberty Bank), Rocky the Rock Cat, Amy Helbling (Rock Cats)
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Pam Vatti (Liberty Bank), Rocky the Rock Cat, Amy Helbling (Rock Cats)

The Friendship Service Center of New Britain – a decades-old community-based organization dedicated to assisting the area’s poor and disadvantaged – took time at its 43rd Annual Meeting yesterday to recognize the Rock Cats as their “2011 Business of the Year.” The New Britain franchise enjoys a proud history of supporting worthy community causes and, as such, has been pleased to partner with the Friendship Service Center for several years.

Located on Arch Street, the Center provides a range of essential community living services, including emergency shelters and transitional and permanent housing, to families in need.  Ms. Ellen Perkins Simpson serves as the organization’s Executive Director.

Assistance to the Center from the Rock Cats has come in many different forms including food and clothing donations, the provision of complimentary tickets to ball games, and the delivery of Thanksgiving Dinners and other Holiday gifts to families identified by FSC.

Another of the Rock Cats’ fabulous sponsors – Liberty Bank – was also present at yesterday’s event and took the occasion to present the Friendship Service Center with a check for $3,700! As a valued partner of the Rock Cats, Liberty Bank set aside $100 each time a New Britain player blasted a home run during the 2011 Season. As the ‘Cats swatted 37 round ‘trippers, Connecticut’s oldest mutual bank put together a kitty of $3,700 – and yesterday generously donated the entire amount to FSC!  What a great gesture – and a wonderful cause. Bravo to all parties!

By the way, Liberty Bank noted that they plan to open their 44th branch location at 747 Farmington Avenue in New Britain in the Spring. Maybe some of next year’s home runs will bounce off their new roof!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Britain Rock Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters banquet raises $4,500 for charity

Bresnahan inducted into Bowman Field Hall of Fame

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 6th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction with the Phillies was a great success while raising $4,500 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr, former Phillie Andy Tracy, former Phillies GM Ed Wade and others entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

Tracy, who will manage the Crosscutters in 2012, discussed his excitement about his first year as a manager this summer in Williamsport and helping young players advance through the Phillies farm system. In talking about ending his playing days after the 2011 season, he remarked, “I was ready to enter the next phase of my baseball career.”

The night, presented by HB Rentals, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat signed by Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco, baseballs signed by Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, hall-of-famers Goose Gossage, Rod Carew, Jim Rice and many others.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Dave Bresnahan into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Bresnahan played for the Double-A Williamsport Bills in 1987 and gained national and worldwide notoriety for his trick play that involved using a potato instead of a baseball in a game that season against the Reading Phillies.

At the event, Bresnahan entertained the audience by describing in detail the trick play and it’s planning. The play was ruled illegal and Bresnahan was released by the parent Cleveland Indians the next day. He made numerous TV and radio appearances across the nation in the days, weeks and years following the stunt which has been dubbed “The Great Potato Caper”.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Andrew’s Special Kids Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “Provide special needs children with every opportunity in life which will enable them to reach their full potential by providing them with adaptive equipment, special education opportunities, safety equipment, therapies and financial assistance for out of state travel.”

At the conclusion of the festivities, Dean & Amy Kriebel the founders of the charity along with their son Andrew, accepted a check for $4,500 to help the charity and its mission.

The Crosscutters 2012 season opens on June 18. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Staff volunteers in Charleston Parks Beautification

The Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff participated in their monthly Staff Volunteer Day for January on Tuesday the 17th. Members of the staff volunteered with the Nonprofit organization Charleston Parks Conservancy to assist with the beautification of Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston.

“We are really excited we were able to assist the great folks at Charleston Parks Conservatory help keep Brittlebank Park beautiful,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was a fun day all around, and we are very happy we could help.”

RiverDogs Front Office Staff helped prune and trim bushes throughout the park, rake and clear flower beds, and plant new plants throughout Brittlebank Park. This is the second time in the past year the RiverDogs have volunteered with Charleston Parks Conservancy.

Members of the RiverDogs Front Office Staff dedicate one day each month to community service efforts throughout the Charleston area. Other Nonprofit Organizations the RiverDogs have assisted with in the past include Lowcountry Food Bank, Pet Helpers Inc., and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Sales Manager, Jake Terrell, planting bulbs
Staff planting new bulbs at Brittlebank Park

From left to right: Charleston Parks Conservancy Horticulturist Kellen Goodell, Director of Media Relations – Sean Houston, Director of Merchandise – Mike DeAntonio, Sales Manager – Jake Terrell, Director of Promotions – Noel Blaha, Director of Special Events – Melissa McCants Azevedo, Box Office Manager – David Cullins, Sales Rep – Annie Fuller, Director of Community Relations – Lauren Allio and Charleston Parks Conservancy Volunteer Director – Neves Richards

BayBears, BMW of Mobile Team-Up for Charity

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In honor of Black History Month, the Mobile BayBears, The Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum and BMW of Mobile have joined forces for a greater cause.

For the entire month of February, with each vehicle sold, BMW of Mobile will make a donation to the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum. “This is our way of giving back to the community and celebrate Black History Month,” BMW of Mobile general manager Lloyd Steeves said. “We are honored to partner with the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum and support their efforts in assisting our at-risk youth.”

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum, through its partnership with the Mobile County Public School System and Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama, provide at-risk in our community a historic look at the life and career of Hank Aaron, which hopefully inspires them to chase their dreams.

“We are very thankful for the support of BMW of Mobile during Black History Month,” BayBears President/COO Bill Shanahan said. “This donation will further our efforts in impacting the lives of children in our community.”

For more information, please contact Lloyd Steeves (BMW of Mobile) at (251) 476-2550 or Bill Shanahan (BayBears Charities) at (251) 479-2327.

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

Farrell/Monsters Team To Give Back

Two $5,000 Scholarships Through Folds of Honor Foundation

BURLINGTON, VT — Farrell Distributing and the Vermont Lake Monsters teamed up to raise money during the 2011 season to give back to those who gave so much for us. Now through Budweiser’s Folds of Honor Foundation, Farrell Distributing and the Lake Monsters will be giving away two (2) $5,000 scholarships to eligible applicants.

The mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation includes “giving back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country through scholarships and other programs”, according to the Foundation’s website.

The website also states that “the unique scholarships awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation are intended to offset the rising costs of post-secondary tuition and fees, textbooks, room and board, course-required tools, approved tutoring, and other school-related expenses. Scholarships can be used immediately, or can be held with the Foundation on behalf of young children until their time of enrollment.”

“Once we learned of the Folds of Honor Foundation it was clear we wanted to do more to support our nation’s heroes and establish a scholarship” said David J Farrell, President of Farrell Distributing. ” Our partnership with the Vermont Lake Monsters provided a perfect vehicle to build awareness and raise money for these honorable families.”

“It is an honor to team up with Farrell Distributing and the Folds of Honor Foundation to say thank you to those who have risked so much for us,” said Lake Monsters General Manager, Nate Cloutier. “It is a nice feeling knowing that there are organizations out there that can help these families realize their dreams and put a smile on their face.”

Interested individuals should complete and submit either an immediate or future-use application as appropriate, as well as satisfactory evidence that they qualify according to the existing eligibility requirements.

For more information and eligibility information, please visit the Folds of Honor Foundation website at www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.

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

BayBears to Honor MLK with Free Museum Admission

The Mobile BayBears, Baseball America’s Minor League Team of the Year, will grant free admission to the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum on Monday, January 16th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum was opened to the public on April 14, 2010 and is located at Hank Aaron Stadium. This is the actual home that Hank Aaron and his family lived in which was built by his father, Herbert Aaron. Numerous artifacts are on display from his career including a number of items on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Museum is a tribute to the values, ethics and passion of Mobile’s own, Hank Aaron.

To pay tribute to the efforts of Dr. King, the BayBears would like to offer our hometown the opportunity to visit the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, January, 16th. For more information, please call 251.479.2327 or go to www.mobilebaybears.com.

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

Non-profits invited to participate in the Community Organization of the Night program with the Legends!

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2012 season.

The Community Organization of the Night program, sponsored by Waffle House, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility each and every game and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. We’re so pleased to continue this program, and we thank Waffle House for their continued support as the title sponsor of our Community Organization of the Night program.”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night throws a ceremonial first pitch and is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game. Solicitation is not permitted.

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please download and fill out the 2012 CON Registration Form and send the completed form to Sarah Piester, the Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at 859 422-7855, or email her at spiester@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will open their home season April 12 against the Kannapolis Intimidators at 7:05pm with a Legends Poster Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gates, along with $1 Beers & Pepsi and a postgame Ford Firework Show.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Front Office Staff Volunteer Days

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Lowcountry Food Bank. On December 20, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering at the Pet Helpers Adoption Center.

The team met with Erica Marcus, Volunteer and Off-Site Adoption Coordinator, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of Pet Helpers, before getting started. Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the Pet Helpers staff by unloading and washing the event van, raking leaves off the walking trails, preparing dog treats, and playing and walking the adoptable dogs. “I really enjoy our Staff Volunteer Days. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to really make a difference in our community,” commented Sean Houston, RiverDogs Director of Media Relations.

Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501c 3 Adoption Center and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.pethelpers.org

Top Row (from left to right): Director of Food and Beverage, Josh Gilkey; Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio; Sales Representative, Annie Fuller; Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston; and Box Office Manager, David Cullins.
Bottom Row (from left to right): Assistant General Manager, Harold Craw; Director of Promotions, Noel Blaha; and Assistant General Manager, Andy Lange.

Fisher Cats Staff Gives Back During Holiday Season

Manchester, NH – Fisher Cats front office members were in the holiday spirit as they volunteered their time and resources for several community organizations this week. On Thursday, they spent the day volunteering with non-profit organizations for the Fisher Cats Day of Caring. Earlier in the week, the team participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program, contributing gifts to brighten the holidays of a local family.

“This is one of the most enjoyable weeks for our team every year,” said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats President. “Getting to work with these organizations on such worthy causes is a privilege for our entire staff. We are honored to be able to partner with them as they enhance the holiday season for so many families.”

The annual Fisher Cats Day of Caring arranges for staff members to spend the day with a non-profit organization each December. This year, some of the staff headed to New Horizons for New Hampshire to assist its staff with the preparation of holiday food deliveries. At the Manchester Animal Shelter, another group helped the morning crew of workers with their daily chores, including walking and feeding dogs and cats and general cleaning around the shelter.

Prior to the Fisher Cats Day of Caring, the entire staff contributed a bundle of gifts as they adopted a family for the holidays. In conjunction with the Salvation Army, staff provided toys, clothing, and Fisher Cats tickets and merchandise to a family in need in southern New Hampshire.

Participation in these programs has been a holiday tradition for the Fisher Cats front office for several years. During that time, the team has worked with several non-profits organizations.

Opening Day is Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 6:35 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Fisher Cats 2012 Mini-Ticket Plans and Season Tickets are on sale now at the Fisher Cats Ticket Office at 1 Line Drive, Manchester, NH 03101, online at www.nhfishercats.com, or by calling the Fisher Cats at 603-641-2005.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive

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The Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealerships will be collecting non-perishable food items this holiday season, during the 2nd annual Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive in support of local food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. The 2011 edition of the Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive is scheduled to culminate on Monday, December 19 at 11:30AM, when a convoy of Toyota Tundra pick-up trucks will deliver the collected non-perishable food items to the Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse in Allentown.

Included in the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers is Krause Toyota in Fogelsville, Bennett Toyota in Allentown and Milham Toyota in Easton. When asked about the importance of the Tundra Food Drive Milham Toyota Owner Kurt Koch stated that “It is very important to the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers that we put our best efforts in supporting hunger relief initiatives in the Lehigh Valley. We are so proud to be working hand and hand with our partner the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the local media and the great people at Second Harvest to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get a warm meal this holiday season.”

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be supporting the 2011 Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive by way of food collection and providing special appearances by Lehigh Valley IronPigs mascots. “We are thrilled to partner with the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers to support Second Harvest Food Bank this holiday season. The Toyota Tundra Food Drive is a great opportunity to help those in need in our local community; we encourage our fans to participate by bringing donations to their local Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealership or the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park” said Lehigh Valley IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes of partnering with the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers in the annual food drive.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania provides food and grocery products to more than 66,000 individuals each month through a network of more than 200 member agencies. These agencies include emergency pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and child care, rehabilitation, and senior citizen centers. “Donations from community food drives provide much needed variety to the product that we can offer to our members. Variety is not only the “spice of life,” it can lead to improved nutrition for program participants. We greatly appreciate the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers contribution to our efforts to end hunger” said Ann McManus, Director of Second Harvest Food Bank.

“As a proud member of the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers we are honored to donate food to Second Harvest Food Bank during the Toyota Tundra Food Drive” said Chris Zerfass, General Manager of Bennett Toyota in Allentown. “Second Harvest Food Banks mission aligns with our desire to help people in need of food and to distribute that food right here in the Lehigh Valley.”

These thoughts were echoed by Bob Krause, Owner of Krause Toyota in Fogelsville who insisted that “the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers are very proud to be a driving force towards hunger relief in the Lehigh Valley. With the support we have received from our customers we are excited to have collected supplies for Second Harvest Food Bank. We are hopeful that this will make a difference in the lives of Lehigh Valley residence in need and for better times ahead.”

The Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers is comprised of Bennett Toyota in Allentown, Krause Toyota in Fogelsville and Milham Toyota in Easton. Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania is located at 2045 Harvest Way in Allentown.

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