Groups raise over $66,000 with Naturals

55 schools and local organizations have participated

Seat your group all together and raise money at a Naturals game.
Seat your group all together and raise money at a Naturals game.

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Naturals, through ticket fundraising programs, have helped local groups raise over $66,000 during the first two months of the baseball season.

Through the first 23 home games of the 2011 Naturals baseball season, 55 local groups comprised of school groups, church groups, and other local organizations have raised $66,462 by coming out to Naturals games and selling tickets for the same game to friends and family members.

Several of these groups have also partaken in activities on the field such as playing the National Anthem, tours of the ballpark, and playing pre-game performances.

The average ticket fundraiser group has raised $1208 with the Naturals this season. 45 of the 55 participating groups raised at least $800 dollars (by selling 200 or more tickets). The total money raised through these programs is already $7,000 more than the money raised all of last season, including playoffs.

“At our core we are a service organization, and we want to help our entire community be successful,” said Eric Edelstein, Naturals General Manager. “The dollars raised has far exceeded our expectations, and we can’t wait to see these numbers grow through the remainder of our season.”

The Naturals currently have availability to help groups raise money all summer long on Sunday through Thursday home games following the July 4th holiday weekend. For more information about fundraiser groups as well as other group offerings, visit nwanaturals.com or call 479-927-4900.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Joplin relief efforts total over $6,500

Club has held jersey, memorabilia auctions during homestand

Naturals' catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)
Naturals’ catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals visited the tornado stricken city of Joplin, Missouri on Monday on the heels of a six-game homestand that saw the Naturals collect $6,659.66 in donations and nearly $7,000 total in cash and items to contribute to the relief effort.

The donations will be made to the Red Cross of Northwest Arkansas and highlighted during the game during a short check presentation on the field.

Catcher Ryan Eigsti along with left-handed pitcher Buddy Baumann, General Manager Eric Edelstein, and the Naturals’ mascot Strike visited Joplin earlier Monday to assist in serving a lunch to tornado victims and volunteers helping with the relief efforts.

During the first five games of the Naturals’ current six-game homestand, the club has held a jersey auction, sports memorabilia auction, nightly post-game launch-a-ball, and optional donations at Red Dirt Outfitters. The club also extended an offer for free tickets for Joplin residents during this homestand.

In addition, the Naturals’ parent club, the Kansas City Royals, via its Royals Charities non-profit arm made a $25,000 donation to Heart to Heart International for its relief efforts in the city of Joplin. In addition, Royals fans generously contributed more than $18,000 during an in-stadium collection held earlier this homestand that will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Mississippi Braves and Bass Pro Shops Flood Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves along with Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, and Uncle Bucks Grills have joined forces to aid the victims of the Mississippi River Floods.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, The Braves and Bass Pro Shops presented a $5,000 check to The Salvation Army to help jump start the relief effort. Furthermore, prominent members of the community such as Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner, Vice President of Business Development for MiLB Tina Gust, and Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers came to show their support and encouragement during this tragic time. The Salvation Army’s Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, MS State Representative Ray Rogers, and MS State Senator Dean Kirby also attended the pre-game ceremony.

The Braves further aided the cause by donating 100% of the revenue generated by a special silent auction during the game. The silent auction featured various items for fans to bid on, such as autographed baseballs, bats, photos, and jerseys of various Braves players.

As a further way of providing assistance, the M-Braves encouraged fans to donate items such as clothing, shoes, water, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items to The Salvation Army. The Braves did so by providing fans who donated items to the cause a 50 percent discount on field seat tickets. Plus, the first 500 fans that donated items to the relief effort received their choice of a free Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann or Jeff Francoeur 8 x 10 color photo.

The Braves are still encouraging fans to continue to donate items for the relief effort, and drop them off at Trustmark Park throughout the year.

Check presentation to The Salvation Army. (From left to Right: General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Patrick Renegar, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, and General Manager of the Mississippi Braves Steve DeSalvo
General Manager Steve DeSalvo helping load the donated items onto the Salvation Army Truck.

Tour de Habitat

OremOwlz_2011-06-02

The Orem Owlz and Habitat for Humanity of Utah County will be teaming up on Saturday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. for the Third Annual Tour de Habitat, Lakes to Peaks Bicycle Ride. Owlz mascots Hootz and Holly will be the guests of honor to kick off the Family Ride which will be part of the pre-parade activity for the Orem Summerfest. Those participating in the Family Ride will receive reserved seating for parade viewing later that evening, an event t-shirt, and Owlz 2011 game tickets. For more details and to register please visit www.habitatuc.org/events/tour-de-habitat.html.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Orem Owlz. Click here to view the original story.

TinCaps launch walking program

Ballpark concourse open to public

"Conquer the Concourse" invites walkers to keep track of their progress. (Brad Hand)
“Conquer the Concourse” invites walkers to keep track of their progress. (Brad Hand)

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps have partnered with Majic 95.1 to encourage downtown workers and visitors to “Conquer the Concourse” at Parkview Field this summer. In conjunction with the opening of the ballpark’s Field of Greens cart for summer lunches, the TinCaps and Majic 95.1 are encouraging those visiting the ballpark to join in the challenge to see how many laps they walk between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Walkers and runners are encouraged to stop by the Field of Greens cart between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to fill out a “Conquer the Concourse” registration form. Throughout the summer the number of laps walked during each visit to Parkview Field can be recorded on their registration form which will be available each weekday at the Field of Greens cart (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Those walking at other times of the day are encouraged to keep track of their laps and periodically update their lap totals throughout the summer.

“We’re excited to partner with Majic to bring attention to the availability of Parkview Field as a walking and running option downtown,” TinCaps Vice President of Marketing Michael Limmer said. “The concourse measures exactly one third of a mile, so it’s easy to be able to figure out the distance you’ve covered. We will have upwards of two hundred people walking or running throughout the day. It’s great to have that kind of energy in the ballpark and that level of usage. It’s what we envisioned an ‘open to the public’ ballpark being able to bring to downtown Fort Wayne beyond just baseball.”

“Several of us at the radio station were already taking advantage of the ballpark during lunch time to run,” said Barb Richards of Majic 95.1. “We got together with the folks at Parkview Field and figured out a way to create a bit of an incentive to get people moving during the summer. It’s a great venue, why not encourage people downtown to enjoy it?”

Throughout the summer Majic 95.1 will acknowledge random participants with prizes. There is no cost to be a part of the program and there is no prize for whoever walks the most laps. “Exercise is it’s own reward,” Limmer said with a smile. “We’re trying to encourage people to be healthy and to be aware that Parkview Field can be a resource to exercise in a safe, controlled environment. The fact we’re able to throw in a few incentives from time to time is a bonus to those that conquer the concourse.”

The Field of Greens cart, open 11:00am to 1:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, has health-conscious menu items including salads, wraps, and sandwiches as well as chips and drink options.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Mississippi Braves Partner with the Salvation Army for Southeastern Tornado Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, Gwinnett and Rome Braves, 680 the Fan and Rock 100.5, corporate partners, and The Salvation Army have joined forces to raise money, awareness, and support for the Southeastern tornado relief efforts. The Mississippi Braves parent club began the effort Monday, May 2, by donating $100,000 to The Salvation Army.

As Atlanta’s AA team in the heart of Mississippi, the M-Braves will be a central location in the Jackson Metro Area for a drive to collect the most needed items for the victims of the devastating tornados.

“The tragic impact these tornados have had on the entire Southeast Region have greatly impacted all of our lives and the community in which we live,” said M-Braves General Manager, Steve DeSalvo. “As a member of this great community, it is important that we work together to rebuild what was lost which is why the M-Braves wish to help in any way we can.”

In response to this announcement, Ken Chapman, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/ Corps Officer, remarked, “The Salvation Army has always regarded the Braves as wonderful corporate citizens and we are grateful for their caring hearts to serve those in need during this time of devastation.”

Currently, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams have been deployed and are in the process of helping the thousands of people in need. In addition, The Salvation Army is asking for various donations which will be distributed across the six states devastated by these brutal storms including Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Below is a list of the various items most needed:

· Household items (Laundry detergent, bleach, towels, bed sheets, blankets)
· Toiletries (Toothpaste, mouthwash, body soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, razors, toilet paper)
· Paper kitchen products (Disposable dishes, utensils, cups, paper towels
· Baby Products (Diapers, formula, baby powder)
· Cleaning supplies (Mops, brooms, Lysol, trash bags)
· Flashlights
· First-aid kits
· Non-perishable food items (Canned/packaged food, bottled water, sports drinks)
· School supplies (paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, book bags, folders, etc.)

Ports host two successful Education Days

Education Days are two of the biggest days of the season for the Stockton Ports, Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, but this year they were bigger and better than ever. This year, the Ports Education Days were held on May 11 & May 23, both 11:05 AM day games. A total of more than 50 different schools attended the Education Days. Each child and teacher received a $6 package that included a ticket to the game, a hot dog, chips and a drink. Not only do schools use these days as an end-of-the-year field trip, but the students have a chance to interact with the players, as well as learn new things about baseball.

Before the games on May 11 & May 23, four students were chosen to ask Ports pitchers Josh Lansford, Gary Daley, Jr., AJ Huttenlocker, Chris Mederos and Scott Deal educational questions down on the field in front of the crowd. Afterwards the students were able to get autographs from the players.

During each game, students were randomly chosen to be a guest PA announcer, Radio announcer, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, as well as start the game as our Play Ball Kid and to lead the crowd in “Take me out to the Ballgame”. Stockton’s very own 6-year-old super star Kayla Talania from Creekside Elementary blew the crowd away with her version of the national anthem on May 11. Sisters Micah & Grace Ann sang for the crowd on May 23.

Clifford the Big Red Dog from Barnes and Noble was at both games, as were many local businesses promoting their education programs including Sylvan Learning Center and University of the Pacific.

“This is my first year with the Ports, so it was my first year coordinating the Education Days,” said Account Executive Peter Lopez. “With two sold out crowds, I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. You could tell that all the kids were having a great time and were really enjoying their time at the ballpark.”

For more information on the Ports Education Days, contact (209) 644-1900.

Ports pitchers Chris Mederos, Scott Deal, Josh Lansford & AJ Huttenlocker take a picture with students from Carroll Fowler Elementary School after the pre-game educational Q&A on the field at Banner Island Ballpark.
A 6-year-old Kayla Talania belts out the national anthem during Education Day.

The Staten Island Yankees Host the First Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

The Staten Island Yankees helped support the Staten Island Children’s Campaign by hosting a fundraising event on May 22, 2011. The fundraiser was held both inside and outside of Richmond County Bank Ballpark, gathering the community together in an effort to support the local non-profit organizations of Staten Island.

Touch-A-Truck events take place throughout the country and allow children to participate in a fun-filled day of exploring and learning about their favorite trucks and other vehicles. Guests were allowed to climb inside, honk the horns, sit in the passenger seat, and take pictures with the twenty plus trucks that were located in the parking lot. While the trucks and majority of the event took place in the parking lot, other events such as face painting, tattoos, coloring, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, and the excitement of inflatable’s were held on the field and were enjoyed by kids of all ages.

The Staten Island Children’s Campaign is a charitable trust sponsored by the Staten Island Advance to raise funds for 17 non-profit organizations that provide educational, health, recreational, and counseling services to 60,000 underprivileged children on Staten Island.

Every dollar raised by the campaign is equally distributed among the following groups: American Cancer Society of Staten Island, Catholic Youth Organization, Camelot Counseling Center, Children’s Aid Society-Goodhue Center, Community Resources, Geller House-Jewish Board of Family & Children Services, Grace Foundation, Have a Heart Foundation, Jewish Community Center, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mt. Loretto, Project Hospitality; Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island Mental Health Society, the YMCA, United Activities Unlimited, and the Universal Temple of the Arts.

Over 2,300 tickets were sold for the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event, raising over $17,000 for the Staten Island Children’s Campaign. The Staten Island Yankees would like to thank the following companies for their support: The Staten Island Advance, AFL-CIO, Spectra Energy, Manfredi Auto Group, Verizon, Atlantic Express, Scaran Heating, Staten Island Towing and all of the non-profit organizations that are part of the Staten Island Children’s campaign. We are looking forward to next year’s event!

Kids of all ages enjoyed the trucks and activities at the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event.

Mariners announce “100 Bike Giveaway” in honor of Bike Virginia

The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski announce bike giveaway to benefit NRV Christmas Stores

(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman
(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman

PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski wish to honor the Bike Virginia participants by starting a “100 Bike Giveaway” donation to benefit local Christmas stores in the New River Valley.

The goal is to donate 100 bicycles to children or adults in need. Residents are encouraged to donate new and used bikes that will be divided between each of the Christmas Stores of the New River Valley.

Walmart stores in the region have taken the initiative of donating the first 10 bicycles to the “100 Bike Giveaway”. The Walmart stores of Wytheville, Galax, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, Stuart, and Martinsville have each generously donated a bike. And the Walmart stores of Dublin and Fairlawn have each donated two bikes.

Cash donations are also welcomed and can be made out and sent to the Pulaski Christmas Store, P.O. Box 2464 Pulaski, VA 24301. The Pulaski Christmas Store will be the coordinating charitable recipient and donations may be tax deductable. Cash donations can also be sent to any of the three title sponsors of the “100 Bike Giveaway”. In general, a $50.00 donation is sufficient to buy a new child’s bicycle.

The deadline to donate bikes for the “100 Bike Giveaway” will be on Friday, June 24th, 2011. Bike totals will be announced at Calfee Park on June 25th before the Pulaski Mariners take on the Princeton Rays at 6:00 pm.

Bikes may be dropped off at the Southwest Times, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, or Calfee Park during regular business hours.

For any questions about the “100 Bike Giveaway”, please contact Peggy White at 540-674-1991 or Abby Lyman at 540-980-1070.

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

Naturals to Salute Armed Forces

Jun. 3 game will feature expanded discount, pre-game ceremony

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will honor the commitment of those who have served and continue to serve this country when the team holds Salute to Armed Forces Night on Friday, Jun. 3 when the team takes on the Frisco RoughRiders at Arvest Ballpark.

For this game, the Naturals will expand their military discount to provide buy one, get one free tickets to anyone who presents a valid Military I.D. at the ballpark’s ticket office. This discount is based on availability and cannot be combined with any other ticket offer.

Leading up to the start of the game, the Naturals will recognize the efforts of military members with an on-field ceremony. As is the case on each Friday night, post-game fireworks will follow the evening’s 7:00 contest.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.

 

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

Hot Rods Host Relay For Life Night

The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, were pleased to host the first annual Relay For Life Night at Bowling Green Ballpark on Friday, May 13th.

In conjunction with the local American Cancer Society, the Hot Rods reached out to local Relay For Life teams and presented them the opportunity to not only fundraise for ACS, but also the chance to enjoy a ballgame, be honored on field pre-game and share their personal stories with fans.

Relay For Life is an over-night event hosted across the country that celebrates survivors, honors those who have lost their battle with cancer and all while raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life team representatives threw out first pitches to kick off the night and participated in a on field check presentation. Over 700 Relay participants were on hand for the festivities. Through the fundraising program with the Hot Rods, over thirty Relay For Life teams from four separate counties raised $3,580 for the American Cancer Society.

Akron Aeros Lend a Green Thumb at Hale Farm and Village

The Akron Aeros were delighted to aid Hale Farm and Village in their yearly gardening and grounds preparation, Wednesday, May 11.

The Aeros traveled just a few miles north of Canal Park to the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Hale Farm and Village, an outdoor living history museum, reflecting Northeastern Ohio life of the mid-1800’s.

Upon arrival, the Akron Aeros office staff was split into groups, cleaning and weeding lines of oak trees and the village’s vegetable garden. Equipped with shovels, buckets and gloves, the staff enjoyed getting their hands dirty and soaking up the sunny May day.

While touring the village the staff also had the chance to witness live historical re-enactments performed for local elementary school children.

“It was a great opportunity to contribute at Hale Farm. It’s such a unique place for the community to visit and learn about history right before their eyes. We were proud to assist in some way so that the community can continue to take advantage of all Hale Farm has to offer,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.
As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros volunteer at a local charity each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community. Next month, the office staff will volunteer at the Salvation Army.

Dan Foust, Assistant General Manager, Media and Marketing, takes a break from gardening to smile for the camera.
Aeros’ office interns David Dugan and Jason Thomas collect weeds for removal.

Ports Hit Home Run with Challenger Little League Game

The Stockton Ports and District 8 Little League hit a home run yesterday, May 12, after hosting the first Challenger Little League game at Banner Island Ballpark. Participants from the Special Children’s Sports League took to the diamond Thursday with the Stockton Ports players for what some might say the highlight of their little league careers.

“You could just tell how much fun the kids were having,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “This was the first time that we have held an event like this, and it was a huge success. I think our Ports players had just as much fun as the kids did! We are already looking forward to having another game next season!”

It was the orange Tigers versus the maroon Bulldogs, but it was all friendly competition. With on-field MC ‘Hot Rod’ on the mic introducing each batter, every child had a chance at bat with help from their buddies as well as the Ports players. Pitchers Scott Deal, AJ Huttenlocker, Dan Straily, Murphy Smith, as well as position players Rashun Dixon, Michael Choice, Max Stassi, Mitch LeVier, and Myrio Richard, took part in the event and couldn’t have been happier to be involved. When AJ Huttenlocker was told that a hug from him had made a little girl’s day, he in turn said, “No, she made mine.”

At the end of the game, everyone gathered together for a big group photo and autographs from the Ports players. This gave all the parents and families the opportunity to snap a few photos of their children with the Ports and mascot Splash.

A special ‘thank you’ to Dee Dee Martinez, District 8 Little League Administrator, for helping put the event together.

Ports pitcher AJ Huttenlocker hangs out with one of his biggest fans.
Group shot with Ports mascot Splash.

Earth Day Clean-Up

On April 29th, in recognition of Earth Day 2011, National Grid along with 50 members of the Staten Island Yankees and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce spent the day restoring the Alice Austen House in Rosebank. The Staten Island Yankees staff and mascot Scooter – The Holy Cow painted fences, while other volunteers cleaned up the beach area and removed trash and weeds from the area around one of Staten Island’s historic landmarks.

This year, National Grid participated in the “Billion Acts of Green” movement by sponsoring 12 community events that will display the Power of Action by helping restore and conserve the environment in their local communities. Staten Island was fortunate enough to be one of the company-wide community Earth Day events that took place throughout New York and New England.

All the volunteers wore Power of Action T-shirts, which were designed by elementary school students who participated in an Earth Day art contest sponsored by National Grid and the Green Education Foundation.

Scooter – The Holy Cow, Joe Rende of National Grid and Joe Riccutti of the Staten Island Yankees roll up there sleeves to get some painting done.

Celebrity Softball Game Delivers Fun and Funds

The Albuquerque Isotopes’ first celebrity softball game turned out to an immense hit, as around 30 celebrities ended up raising $10,000 for YDI in Albuquerque.

Billed as “Breaking Bad” vs. “In Plain Sight,” the game featured actors from those two shows as well as others shooting projects in the area, such as Cobie Smulders from “How I Met Your Mother,” and even local luminaries like Mayor of Albuquerque Richard J. Berry.

Each roster also featured a number of local news celebrities including Dean Staley and Jessica Garate from KRQE 13, Jeremy Jojola from KOB 4, Chief Meterologist Joe Diaz from KOAT 7, and Nikki Stanzione and Kristen Van Dyke from New Mexico Style on KASA Fox 2. Assorted radio personalities TJ Trout (94 Rock), Buck, Dex and Baxter (104.1 The Edge), Jeff Siembieda (610 The Sports Animal) and Albuquerque Journal Sports Editor Randy Harrison also took part in the fun. Voice of the Isotopes Robert Portnoy and Myles Copeland from Big I 107.9 served as emcees.

Team “Breaking Bad” was managed by three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, while the “In Plain Sight” side was helmed by the star of that program Mary McCormack. In the end, it was McCormack who ended up pulling all the right strings, leading the “In Plain Sight” team to an exciting 5-4 win.

The real winners, however, were Youth Development Inc. of Albuquerque, which was the recipient of $10,000 thanks to generous support from Wells Fargo.

All in all the game featured a lot of fun, a lot of funds, and a ton of smiles from both those participating and those fans watching.

Over 30 celebs took part in the Isotopes’ celebrity softball game benefiting YDI.

This story was originally posted on the Albuquerque Isotope’s website. Click here.