RiverDogs Wrap Up 2nd “Inning” of Reading Initiative

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have completed the second inning of their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, which emphasizes the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

In the program’s second year, the number of participating schools has increased from nine to twelve local elementary schools. Participating schools for the 2011-2012 school year are Burns, Chicora, Goodwin, Mary Ford, Mitchell, Dunston, Hursey, Sanders-Clyde, North Charleston, Pinehurst, Memminger and James Simons elementary schools.

“The program is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of reading and exercising, while associating the two with Charlie T. RiverDog” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The RiverDogs are pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District, and we hope to continue to increase participation each year.”

Two third-grade classes from each school participate in the program, which consists of four six-week “innings” with first, second and third place ribbons awarded in each individual class after the completion of each inning and at the conclusion of the program. After an inning is finished, the class with the most points in each school holds the school’s trophy and bragging rights until the next winner is determined after the following inning.

Children receive points each time they reach a designated reading or fitness goal. One point is awarded for every 20 minutes a child spends reading and for every 20 minutes exercising, while two points are awarded if the exercise is done for the good of another (washing a car, raking leaves, walking a neighbor’s dog, and the like).

Each child’s points log must be accumulated outside of class and class assignments. Parents must sign off on the kids’ reading/exercising log. In order to further help the effort, Charlie will visit the kids each inning to pump them up about exercising and reading, and RiverDogs’ staff members will read to the classes during each inning. At the end of each inning and the entire program, Charlie will hand out prizes for the children’s hard work.

Charlie visits M.C. Hursey Elementary School in North Charleston, SC. (photo courtesy of the Charleston RiverDogs)

Staten Islanders Take the Plunge

The 5th Annual Staten Island Polar Bear Plunge was held on December 4th 2011 at the Great Kills Beach.  While the sun was shining and the temperature sat at a brisk 53 degrees, the water in the Atlantic Ocean still ran shivers down your spine.

This event was a fundraiser to raise money for the Special Olympics of New York that serves more than 30,000 athletes across all 5 New York boroughs. While the crowd varied from the youngest plunger of 11 years old, to high school participants, adults, athletes, college students and community volunteers, more than 700 people took the plunge at noon into the icy ocean.  Some participants dipped their toes in while others fully submerged and continued to splash around in the water after the initial plunge was over.

Among the participants were Jill Wright of the Staten Island Yankees who did not wear a wetsuit for fear of cheating and made sure to dive into the ocean like a true sport and supporter of the Special Olympics. While Jill was the only brave heart of the Staten Island Yankees to take the plunge, other volunteers helped take pictures, run registration, and set up and break down the event. Volunteers included: Michael Kitlas, John DeLuca, Heidi Silber, Matt Magnani, Ryan Woodley, Chris Anderson, Kerry Haley and of course, Scooter the Holy Cow.

The event was expected to raise over $100,000 and fun was had by all.

Taking the plunge, in action!
Local high schools participants along with Scooter, Plunge Bear and Chicken

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

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The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.

IronPigs Charities is presented by The Air Products Foundation. Thank you to The Air Products Foundation for their continuous support of IronPigs Charities and the Lehigh Valley community.

IronPigs Charities is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors. The Board meets four times annually (March, June, September, December). The 2011 IronPigs Charities report can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information on IronPigs Charities, please call Sarah Marten at (610) 841-1213.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Suns Collecting Toys For Tots

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HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Hagerstown Suns will once again partner with the Marine Corps Reserve to be an official drop-off location for Toys For Tots this holiday season.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made in the Suns front office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays before December 22. These gifts will be distributed to local social welfare agencies and churches to distribute to needy children on Christmas Day.

The Toys For Tots program only accepts new, unwrapped toys.

Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps’ premier community action program. Annually, an average of 15,000,000 toys is distributed to needy children over the holidays. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium and are a Class “A” affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Opening Day will be in Hagerstown April 5, 2012 against the West Virginia Power. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group packages with the Suns are now on sale. For more information, call 301-791-6266, or visit www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Hagerstown Suns are owned by Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.

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

Drillers Announce Anti-Bullying Program with TPS

Hornsby to Visit Elementary Schools with Anti-Bullying Program

Hornsby is joined by Andre'a Murrell of Williams, Jacqueline Gallegos of The Parent Child Center, Dr. Keith Ballard the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and Heather Johnson of the Tulsa Metro Chamber to announce an Anti-Bullying program that will be presented at TPS Elementary Schools. (Rob Gardenhire)
Hornsby is joined by Andre’a Murrell of Williams, Jacqueline Gallegos of The Parent Child Center, Dr. Keith Ballard the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and Heather Johnson of the Tulsa Metro Chamber to announce an Anti-Bullying program that will be presented at TPS Elementary Schools. (Rob Gardenhire)

The Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Public Schools jointly announced today that the baseball club is joining the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Partners In Education program to deliver an anti-bullying curriculum to elementary schools in the district.

The Drillers mascot, Hornsby, will visit children in grades K-6, accompanied by The Parent Child Center of Tulsa’s “Kids on the Block” puppets. These child-sized puppets, accompanied by performer Jacqueline Gallegos, will present a bully awareness skit. Kids on the Block are frequent visitors to classrooms to teach children how to protect themselves in difficult situations, including bullying, “stranger danger” and physical abuse.

“The Tulsa Drillers take sportsmanship behavior very seriously, both on and off the field,” said Mike Melega, general manager of the Tulsa Drillers. “We think it is important to educate students early about healthy responses to bullying, and how to recognize it. Hornsby will be a great advocate for students as he makes his way into elementary schools with the Kids on the Block.”

“TPS is thankful to the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Chamber for helping us to shed light on bullying in our schools,” said Dr. Keith Ballad, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. “Our teachers and principals are always on the look-out for bullying behavior, as it takes many different forms. As vigilant as we are, however, the sad fact is that we have to equip students to be supportive of each other and to seek help before trouble escalates. Our goal is to create a safe learning environment for all students.”

Bullying is a problem of national proportions, as the spotlight has been cast recently on a number of high-profile incidents. Recent research has shown that over 20 percent of students feel unsafe at school due to direct or observed teasing, threats, bullying and other stressors.

Studies have also shown that children who have been identified as a bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age 24. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more prone to becoming child and spouse abusers.

At TPS, reported instances of bullying have increased in recent years, in part due to better tracking. During the 2010-11 school year, the TPS board strengthened its policy on bullying, and the district has invested heavily in staff development for teachers and administrators to aid in their awareness of bullying behaviors.

Schools interested in learning more about the Anti-Bullying Program, can contact Jacqueline Gallegos with The Parent Child Center of Tulsa at (918) 699-0550.

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

ROCKY AIDS IN GIRLS SCOUT’S GOLD AWARD PROGRAM

Surprises Students With Visit To Holy Angels School

Rocky Bluewinkle and director of community relations Kevin Linton performed to the delight of all those in attendance. (Lisa Zimmerman)
Rocky Bluewinkle and director of community relations Kevin Linton performed to the delight of all those in attendance. (Lisa Zimmerman)

Newark, DE – As a prelude to the 2012 Rocky’s Reading Challenge, Blue Rocks mascot Rocky Bluewinkle surprised the kindergarten through fourth grade students at Holy Angels School in Newark. Rocky entertained the children by acting out his favorite story, “Rocky at the Bat”, a varied rendition from the original story, “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer.Rocky surprised the students because he was assisting his friend, Hannah Zimmerman, who was working on the completion of her Gold Award project, sponsored by the Girl Scout Council. Her Read-A-Thon project included creating both a bulletin board in the hallway and a reading corner in the library at Holy Angels School. To cap off the project, Zimmerman designed a program similar to Rocky’s Reading Challenge, where kids need to read a minimum of 10 books over a four-week period.

Zimmerman is currently a sophomore at Saint Mark’s High School in Newark and is an alumna of the Holy Angels School.

Information will be coming soon regarding the 2012 Rocky’s Reading Challenge and school visitation. We look forward to having each and every school participate this year. For more information on the program, e-mail communityrelations@bluerocks.com.

For 2012 Blue Rocks ticket information, please call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com. Season tickets are on sale now. CLICK HERE for more information on season tickets. CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the Blue Rocks’ 2012 schedule.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!
www.bluerocks.com

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

Mahoning Valley Scrappers join the Spread the Red to Feed Hungry Families Campaign

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The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have teamed up with YSU Football and First Place Bank to help feed the hungry families of our Valley. Together these three organizations will use this partnership to help Valley families who are struggling to keep food on the table.

On Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Scrappers are hosting their Annual Trick or Treat Event at Eastwood Field. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. That evening, the Scrappers and First Place Bank are asking families to drop off canned or boxed food donations to help feed the hungry families in our Valley. The first 500 people that bring in a perishable food item and drop it off at the First Place Bank table will receive a free First Place Bank cinch bag.

“We are happy to partner with YSU football and First Place Bank at this event to make sure that we continue the effort to fight hunger in the Valley”, stated Jordan Taylor, General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

“The First Place Bank team will continue to find ways to help put food on the tables of hungry families right here in the Mahoning Valley”, stated Steve Lewis CEO First Place Bank. “We hope that Valley residents will join us the week of October 31st through November 4th and stop by one of our branches to make a donation,” he concluded.

About First Place Financial Corp.: First Place Financial Corp. is a $3.1 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio, with two wholly-owned subsidiaries: First Place Bank and First Place Holdings, Inc. Through First Place Bank, the Company operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 24 loan production offices. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Place Holdings, Inc. include First Place Insurance and Title Works Agency, LLC. Additional information about First Place Financial Corp. may be found on the Company’s web site: www.firstplacebank.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

United Way Pancake Breakfast

United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Central Oklahoma Combined Federal Campaign, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign officially began their 2011 fundraising campaigns Friday, September 9 at a pancake breakfast at RedHawks Field at Bricktown.

At the morning event, Campaign Chair, Martha Burger, announced a fundraising goal of $21.2 million before a crowd of more than 850. The community campaign runs September 9 through November 18, 2011.

That evening, RedHawks Field at Bricktown held a movie night for the United Way of Central Oklahoma donors, volunteers, and employees. Guests enjoyed popcorn, snacks, and drinks while watching a movie from the outfield grass.

Guests enjoying pancakes cooked by local celebrities and public figures.

Thirteenth Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field

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The Scrappers and Buckeye Online School for Success present the thirteenth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ, WBCB, and Mix 98.9. The event will take place Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Companies that are involved will receive a free table and banner space on our concourse. The participating businesses may pass out information and decorate their table however they choose. We are allowing distribution of items and flyers, however we ask that no registration sign-ups or contests be held. You are welcome to invite employees from your company to represent your business. If this is not possible, volunteers are available that can assist you. In addition to your materials, we ask that your company provide candy for an estimated 2,000 children. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Please contact Heather Sahli at the Scrappers office by Friday, October 21st if interested. Space is limited and is available to the first 30 companies who reply.

For further information, contact the Scrappers team office at 330-505-0000.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

Frisco-RoughRidersFor the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Frisco-Foundation-LogoOver 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

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Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.
Frisco 2011-Kids and Ts
A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

 

Fang’s Reading Program

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, in partnership with local schools, strive to emphasize the importance of reading by encouraging youth to read regularly. Offering an incentive- based rewards program in conjunction with great family entertainment can only enhance this education experience for students, teachers, and families alike!

This past season, over 160 schools/libraries and 38,000 students participated in Fang’s Reading Club. All students that complete the program by reaching their individual reading goals receive a free ticket to a Timber Rattlers game in April or May. Many schools choose to pick a “Family Night” where the entire school is invited out to the ballpark. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in the Goodwill Book Drive and bring any new or gently used books.

For the 2011 season, the Timber Rattlers collected 1400+ books through Fang’s Reading Club. All books donated are given to Goodwill Industries for distribution. In turn, the donations help support programs and services that enrich individual lives and our communities!

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Charleston-RiverDogsThanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logo“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

CSC Winwood Farm Presentation 2011

‘Dogs Donate $1,000 to Teacher’s Supply Closet

Money raised from public address announcements goes to Tri-county school supplies provider

Charleston-RiverDogsSchool supplies are vital toward providing a great education for all children, but they can be expensive. In the Lowcountry, that’s where the Teacher’s Supply Closet steps in to provide pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and the like to Tri-County schools.

During Sunday’s game with the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs presented a $1,000 contribution to the organization as the culmination of a year-long effort to boost their ability to outfit children with everything they need to succeed in school. The funds come from the money fans have paid to have their messages read over the public address system.

“Involvement in local schools is a point of pride for the Charleston RiverDogs, and we are pleased to know that we and our fans helped better the grade school experience of Lowcountry youth.”

CSC teacher supply closet 2011

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Charleston-RiverDogsEveryone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy logo“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

 The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

CSC Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Donation 2011

Win a scholarship at College Preview Night!

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Come visit with top colleges and universities at the Fifth Third Bank ‘College Preview Night’ event, taking place at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Enter to win one of four scholarships, too! Details and RSVP info at www.mudhens.com/collegenight.

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