Patriots Tropical Storm Ida Relief Fundraising Reaches $35,000

 

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that recent fundraising efforts by the team have raised $35,000 for Tropical Storm Ida relief in Central New Jersey.

The team collected $17,500 through an online auction and 50/50 raffles at the ballpark. That amount was then matched by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“Patriots fans once again demonstrated why they are truly the best,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer. “When our community needed them most, our fans showed up to support their neighbors and friends. Their generosity has inspired our family and our dealerships to do our part and match the fundraising total to assist in the recovery efforts.”

The online fundraising was done in partnership with MiLB Auctions and featured memorabilia, as well as experiences donated to the team. The top selling items included four tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway with a pre-show dinner at Bond 45 (donated by The Actors Fund), a Derek Jeter signed bat inscribed “HOF 2020” (donated by MLB), and a foursome at Trump National Golf Course Bedminster (donated by the Kalafer family).

Donations included items from the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and the New York Mets. Teams throughout the Double-A Northeast League sent autographed baseballs of their top prospects and recent alumni to help the cause.

“We want to thank everyone that donated items, and of course all the bidders, that made the auction such a success,” said Somerset’s President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Each of the teams and organizations that donated items did so on short notice with the understanding of the pressing need to get help to those affected by the floods. We would not have been able to raise these funds without them.”

The Patriots hosted 50/50 raffles at the final three home games of the season and collected money at the ballpark and online to add to the fundraising totals.

“The next steps will be to get the money to the non-profits that will do the most good for those affected in Central New Jersey,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer. “It was important to our team, our family, and the dealerships, that the fundraising would be distributed locally and in a timely manner. Our community needed help, and we wanted to show that we are here for them.”

The Patriots are planning additional fundraising efforts to continue raising money for Tropical Storm Ida relief. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

Dragons to Conduct Auditions for Green Team, Other On-Field Entertainment Positions

DAYTON, OH —The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team.

The Dragons are holding auditions for the “Green Team,” on-field entertainment hosts, and mascot performers for the 2022 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions.

What is the Green Team?

Green Team members facilitate all in-game entertainment skits and entertain fans during home games and special events at Day Air Ballpark. Other duties include: selecting contestants, welcoming fans as they enter the stadium, preparing contestants for skits, assisting mascots and hosts, dancing on the dugouts, shooting t-shirts to the crowd, and creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Host with the Most

The Dragons on-field hosts serve as the emcees of the entire entertainment show that takes place during inning breaks throughout Dragons home games. The hosts introduce contestants, skits, and contests; provide personality and enthusiasm; and deliver witty commentary.

Mascot Performers

The Dragons’ two primary mascots, Heater and Gem, are the central characters and most visible entertainers at the ballpark. They dance, are part of nearly every skit, and constantly interact with fans as they visit various areas of the ballpark. Mascots also make appearances within the community outside of Dragons games.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2022. They must be able to work nights and weekends; have strong communication skills; an outgoing personality; and be reliable, responsible, and confident performing in front of large crowds.

Individuals can audition for any or all of these three positions. Interested individuals can visit daytondragons.com/greenteam for more information. Applicants should submit a headshot, résumé with references, and cover letter to [email protected] by November 4, 2021, to begin the audition process.

Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change Collect Over 200 Books to Donate to Local Little Free Libraries!

 

Throughout the 2021 season, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change collected books for children to donate to local Little Free Libraries through the Wicomico Rotary Club.

In partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, every Tuesday night, fans had the opportunity to bring new or gently used books to the Shorebirds game in exchange for a $5 Flock Shop Merchandise Discount through the Tuesday Merch Book Exchange Promotion. In total, the Shorebirds collected over 200 books to donate to the local little free libraries of the Eastern Shore.

“We are very appreciative of our generous fans and their donations to the little free libraries throughout our local community” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “By partnering with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, we are thrilled to be able to assist in growing youth literacy in our community and extending the reach of the Wicomico Rotary Club’s initiative to impact as many lives as possible through reading.”

Residents will be able to start picking up these books in little free libraries very soon scattered throughout the local community.

To learn more about Shorebirds community initiatives, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also stay tuned for 2022 season information as the Shorebirds are slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages.

Fright Night 2021 at Parkview Field

Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
Time: 5:00-6:45 p.m.
Event: Scavenger Hunt
Description: Come out to Parkview Field and search for all the hidden items around the ballpark! Attendees can take as much time as they need during the hours of 5:00pm to 6:45pm to take part in the Scavenger Hunt. The fan who guesses the correct number, or closest to that, will win a special prize pack from the TinCaps and Parkview Field! We will also have limited concessions available for attendees to enjoy! Suitable for all ages.

Click here for more information on Fright Night 2021 around Downtown Fort Wayne!

BlueClaws Spooktacular – Nightmare Before Christmas on October 29th

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Halloween weekend starts early with the BlueClaws, with the team hosting a Nightmare Before Christmas movie night at the ballpark on Friday, October 29th. The event is presented by RWJBarnabas Health and the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

Gates will open at 6:00 pm with the movie shown on the 1,857 square foot video board beginning at 7:00 pm.

Ticket Information: Tickets are just $10 and include popcorn plus soda/water. Kids ages 2 & under are free. Additional food and drink will be available for purchase. CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE.

“Our movie nights were extremely popular last summer, especially our Halloween-themed night, and we’re looking forward to another great night this year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Watching the movie from the field is a very unique experience plus we have other fun on tap as well. It promises to be a great night out for all!”

Additionally, the event includes a costume parade for kids, and fun, safe, and low-contact trick-or-treating. There will be a costume contest as well with the winner earning a Luxury Suite outing for a 2022 April/May game.

As part of the Nightmare Before Christmas festivities, Santa Claws will be here for pictures with fans as well.

Partner participation includes Bimbo Bakeries with others to be added.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up. Fans are permitted to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch the movie from the field.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Over 7.8 million fans have enjoyed BlueClaws baseball since the team’s inception in 2001. The 2022 schedule has been released with Opening Night at the Jersey Shore set for April 8th. For additional information on 2022 ticket packages and group outings, visit BlueClaws.com.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

River Cats participate in Homers That Help campaign

 

West Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento River Cats are proud to have partnered with Minor League Baseball to participate in the Triple-A Final Stretch “Homers That Help” campaign, in which the California Fire Foundation was selected as the local charity to benefit.

“We’re honored to be chosen as part of the Triple-A Final Stretch Homers That Help campaign,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. “We’ve all seen how destructive this year’s fire season has been, which has left many needing a helping hand. There are many organizations working hard to make a difference, and we are honored by the support and recognition.”

For each home run hit by the River Cats during the 10 Triple-A Final Stretch games, Minor League Baseball donated $50 to the California Fire Foundation. Additionally, the team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span generated an extra $5,000 donation.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

On Monday, it was announced the Homers That Help campaign raised $20,700 for 501(c)3 charities across the 30 Triple-A communities. By leading the Final Stretch with 24 home runs, the Omaha Storm Chasers also claimed the overall Homers That Help prize, a $5,000 donation for their charity, the B&B Sports Academy in Omaha.

With 13 home runs hit during the final 10 games, the River Cats created a $650 donation to the California Fire Foundation.

“We are very pleased that the stretch drive of the Triple-A season not only generated excitement for fans but also donations to deserving organizations in our communities across the country,” Woodfork said. “We thank our players and clubs for their efforts throughout our return to the field this year and look forward to an even more exciting 2022.”

Public Invited to Halloween with the Hooks on October 28

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – We’re putting a spell on Whataburger Field as H-E-B presents Halloween with the Hooks on Thursday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

All activities will take place on the field, including trick-or-treat candy stops around the warning track, carnival games and a pumpkin patch “photo BOOth” at second base. A costume contest will begin near home plate at 6:30 p.m.

“H-E-B has been a long-time supporter of the family-friendly entertainment the Hooks organization brings to Corpus Christi,” said Krystal Houck, H-E-B Director of Marketing & Merchandising. “We are excited to partner with Rusty, Sammy and the rest of the Hooks team to bring this exciting, safe option for local families who want to celebrate Halloween.”

The seventh annual Halloween with the Hooks coincides with CC Movie Nights, presented by Reliant. The Disney classic “Hocus Pocus” will begin playing on the videoboard at 7 p.m.

Attending guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which has received more than 400 pounds of food in past years.

“We’re excited to bring this special community event onto the field,” said Maggie Freeborn, Hooks Director of Business Development. “The Hooks are thankful for the support of H-E-B and our local businesses who help provide a fun, safe night for trick-or-treating and activities.”

Ballpark food, soda and beer will be available for purchase. Pets are not allowed.

Companies who wish to participate in trick-or-treat for free may contact Maggie Freeborn via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Shorebirds to host Hocus Pocus Halloween Movie Night and Trick or Treating Event Saturday, October 23 presented by T-Mobile

 

On Saturday, October 23, the Delmarva Shorebirds will be hosting a special Halloween Movie Night featuring the film Hocus Pocus along with Trick or Treating prior to the film at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium presented by T-Mobile. Gates will open for Trick or Treating at 5 PM on the second level concourse with the movie Hocus Pocus being shown on the Shorebirds high definition videoboard beginning at approximately 6:30 PM.

Admission to the Shorebirds Movie Night is $5 per person, which includes entry for Movie Night and Trick or Treating along with one (1) free small popcorn and a canned Pepsi product or bottled water. To purchase tickets for Shorebirds Movie Night, please visit theshorebirds.com and all kids 3 and under get in free. The Shorebirds encourage people to buy tickets in advance online at theshorebirds.com or by clicking here as a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available on the day of the event at the gates.

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with T-Mobile to host another Movie Night and incorporate Trick or Treating into the festivities this season,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We are thrilled to continue to bring the community together after a successful 2021 season and partner with great local businesses like T-Mobile for fun and exciting community events here at Perdue Stadium.”

Parking for the event will be free and candy will be distributed by local businesses on Delmarva. If your business is interested in reserving a table to market your brand and pass out candy, please contact Ben Vigliarolo by email at [email protected] or call the office at 410-219-3112. Booth space is limited to the first 20 businesses.

Concessions and bathrooms will be open during the event and fans will be able to choose a seat anywhere in the seating bowl on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, if fans want to sit on the grass berm located down the left field line, the Shorebirds recommend bringing a blanket, pillows, etc. to sit on during the show.

For any questions, please call the Shorebirds front office at 410-219-3112 or email the Shorebirds at [email protected]. The Shorebirds thank you for your support and can’t wait to see you for Shorebirds Movie Night with Trick or Treating prior to the show on October 23 presented by T-Mobile.

Safe Trick or Treating Event Returns to Four Winds Field on October 25

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the fourth year in a row, the South Bend Cubs will partner with the South Bend Police Department for Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 25 at Four Winds Field. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and trick or treating will run until 7:30 p.m.

This event will be limited to 8,000 ticketed guests. Tickets can be picked up at the South Bend Police Department and the Cubs Den Team Store beginning Monday, October 11. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Additional locations to pick up tickets will be announced on the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page. Tickets will not be made available on the day of the event and only those with a ticket will be allowed to enter. Those interested in attending are encouraged to get their tickets early to guarantee entry.

Families with tickets for each member will be allowed to enter the stadium through the centerfield gate, located at the corner of Western Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, between the buildings of The Ivy at Berlin Place. Guests will be allowed to park in any paved lot around the stadium for free with the exception of the Ivy at Berlin resident parking lots.

The trick or treating line will split in two once inside the stadium. Guests will only be allowed through one line. Distribution tables will be placed throughout the stadium and candy will be distributed by vendors and placed in the bags or buckets of the trick or treaters. Guests will exit the stadium through Gates A or B, which are the gates on the home plate side of Four Winds Field. In order to keep the flow of traffic moving in one direction, guests will not be allowed to backtrack through the line.

The Cubs Den Team Store will be open to the public during the event. Access to the Cubs Den Team Store will be available through the William Street entrance only.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information. This is a rain or shine event.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Safe Trick-Or-Treat Night Oct. 23 at FirstEnergy Stadium

 

The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to offer another safe Trick-or-Treat opportunity for the community. On Saturday, October 23rd, fans can experience a safe Halloween at FirstEnergy Stadium filled with lots of fun, candy, and the perfect movie. Join us for our Halloween at the ballpark thanks to Tomkins VIST Bank & Berkshire Hathaway Homesale – Gary Lando. .

Have more than one Halloween night with your family this year! The R-Phils are starting the holiday season early so that you can have another opportunity to Trick-Or-Treat with family and friends. Don’t miss out on an exciting outdoor event in a safe environment.

Limited passes will be available for this event for only $3 when purchased in advance. Passes will increase to $6 each the day of the event. Passes may be purchased here! A portion of the proceeds will go to Baseballtown Charities.

The gates will open at 4:00pm, with the Trick-or-Treating taking place on the warning track of the field! Family friendly live music will play in the Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza. The event will conclude with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” movie on the FirstEnergy videoboard. The movie run time is 25 minutes.

All attendees are encouraged to dress in costume or Halloween attire. R-Phils classic ballpark concessions will be open for dinner and drinks along with merchandise store.

The organization is committed to bringing exciting events to the ballpark this fall. This is a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors in a safe, community environment. Don’t miss out on one of the last events at the ballpark this season! Buy a pass today: CLICK HERE!

For all information about this night and all events at FirstEnergy Stadium please visit rphils.com/events. FirstEnergy Stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Soul Bowl Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium Brings Welcome Community Boost 

 

For the first time in its three decades, the Soul Bowl didn’t happen in 2020. Another unfortunate event cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That void has created an emotional backdrop for Saturday’s 29th annual youth football showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which organizers were determined to make happen.

“It was extremely important we have the Soul Bowl,” said Lumon May, long-time director of the Southern Youth Sports Association, along with serving on the Escambia County Commission.

“I have been around sports all my life,” said May, 51, who has been part of this event since the first one was staged. “And so to not have the Soul Bowl… something as significant, particularly to the African-American community in Pensacola as this is… it was very sad, very odd last year.

“This year, all the coaches, all the parents, they were not worried about cancelling the season. They said, ‘If we don’t play any other games, if we don’t play any other Saturday, let’s just play the Soul Bowl. Even if we can’t finish the season, we want to go down to the Wahoos Stadium and play the Soul Bowl.’

“That’s what the Soul Bowl has meant.”

The event will feature five games among five different age divisions between the SYSA Tigers and Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers. This will be the first football played on the newly resodded Blue Wahoos Stadium, after last Saturday’s scheduled game with the University of West Florida was cancelled.

The continued concern and effect of COVID-19 in the community has led to alterations for this year’s Soul Bowl. There will be Soul Food vendors outside the stadium — a decision reached Thursday — but not the mass variety as before.

The Unity Circle celebration in early afternoon Saturday will instead be a solemn memorial to those with ties to the Soul Bowl who passed away from complications involving the horrific virus.

“We’ve lost coaches, cheerleader coaches, volunteers who had been part of this game for a long time,” May said. “So it’s going to be emotional.

“We know we will have some hiccups. But if we can just get the kids out there to play, that’s the biggest win. We may not have the Soul Food trucks and all the outside activity we’ve have had in the past.

“But I thought it was important for the community to have this and most important for the children involved that we do something for them.”

May said there was some debate on whether to put on the Soul Bowl this year. But after talking with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who led the way 10 years ago for the Soul Bowl to move into Blue Wahoos Stadium from its previous two neighborhood park venues, it reaffirmed a push to stage the 2021 event.

The day-long event is made possible through sponsorship of attorney Troy Rafferty, shareholder in the Levin, Papatonio, Rafferty Law Firm, along with Cox Communications, the Blue Wahoos and other sponsors.

“Quint said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that was great,” May said. “.And thanks to Quint Studer it has become the signature event for inclusion in downtown Pensacola.”

With favorable weather forecast, the expectation Saturday is for a festive atmosphere and celebration of youth football, which includes parents and spectators setting up tailgate tents inside the stadium and picnic-style atmosphere around kids playing football.

“It’s just a fun thing to see,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director who has coordinated as stadium host the past four Soul Bowl games. “The stadium is packed, the music is loud, little kids are everywhere, parents are taking pictures, parents are excited.

“And it really has found its niche here. I feel like people expect it to be here. It’s a well oiled machine from their side (Soul Bowl organizers) of things. Parents know what to expect, coaches know what to expect.”

29th SOUL BOWL YOUTH FOOTBALL

WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers

WHEN: Saturday, games are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.. 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

ADMISSION: $8 general admission (good for all games) if purchased Thursday or Friday; $10 on Saturday. Children 3-under admitted free.

FORMAT: Games begin with teams ages 6-under, then 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, 14-under for final game. Stadium gates will open at 8 a.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Food purchased outside at one of the food vendors will be permitted inside stadium. But no other outside food or beverage will be permitted to be brought into stadium. Concessions will be open before the first game.

Wahoos Octoberfest Is Month-Long Array Of Popular Community Events 

 

The field transformation at Blue Wahoos Stadium into a football venue has ushered another change, which has evolved in recent years.

It’s now viewed in a different realm as a fall events place.

From the annual Soul Bowl youth football event on Saturday (Oct. 2), it begins the stadium’s own version of an Octoberfest.

Events in the month include a specialty Bingo Night on Oct. 7, the First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 9, a first-time appearance by the Nitro Circus motorcycle stunt riders on Oct. 14, the Light Up Learning gala on Oct. 21, a Halloween weekend event (Oct. 29), along with University of West Florida football games on Oct 16 and Oct .23, plus high school homecoming parties.

“There’s not a weekend — from now until the end of the year — that we don’t have something going on,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “Either on a Friday, a Saturday, a Sunday or on multiple days the same weekend.

“I see more people interested in booking something at the stadium. It’s become a place where a lot of people can get together in a safe way.”

It’s now approaching 20 months into the coronavirus pandemic and its effect and reshape of the entertainment and sports world. After making a quick pivot a year ago in a 2020 summer without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have continued to find the ballpark viewed as a safe haven for events.

A full October calendar at the stadium is proof of that.

“COVID showed us a lot about what we can do here,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We were doing movie nights, dinner nights, bingo nights, trivia nights (in 2020) and I think it gives people an option during COVID as far as having a place to go that is outdoors and a safe environment.

“I think that is still a thing for us. Especially among a lot of non-profit organizations, who are having their events here. You don’t get any more open air than Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“Even in our version of a suite area, the Hancock Whitney Club, it is open air. So no matter where you are, as far as a event, this is a great place to have that. And having Shannon Reeves to drive that has been great.”

Whether it’s through baseball games or special events without connection to sports, the stadium has provided the Blue Wahoos options to meet the quest for year-round activities.

It is something baseball team owners Quint and Rishy Studer wanted to ensure when pitching a multiuse stadium project more than a decade ago.

“Quint built the stadium as a community space and my job is to keep it a community space and pack these events in here,” Reeves said. “With our Blue Wahoos staff, we have all these fantastic minds coming together about. ‘let’s do this or have that.’

“Just super creative minds in the community to bring these events to our stadium.”

The First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch event moved to Blue Wahoos Stadium last year. Thousands of pumpkins were sold. It was the first time all pumpkins were sold. This year, a couple thousand people are expected for the day-long Oct. 9 event.

“I started here four years ago, and really not a lot of people knew about our events,” Reeves said. “In the last four years our team has come together and we’ve turned the stadium into a space where we’re holding everything under the sun here.

“And with that comes different audiences. When you host a variety of events, it brings a variety of new eyes, new audiences and this new awareness of, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what they can do here.’

“So it’s not just seen as a baseball stadium. We’ve really worked to make it a year-round events center.”

WAHOOS OCTOBERFEST

Biggest public events in October at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Oct. 2 – Soul Bowl Youth Football (All day).

Oct. 7 – Bingo Night (6-10 p.m.)

Oct. 9 – First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch (2-6 p.m.)

Oct. 14 – Nitro Circus (7-9:30 p.m.)

Oct. 16 – UWF Football Homecoming Game vs. West Georgia (4 p.m.)

Oct. 21 – Light Up Learning Fundraiser Gala (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 23 – UWF Football vs. Shorter (4 p.m.)

Oct. 29 – Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Movie Night, Fireworks (5 p.m.-9 p.m.).

Tickets/Info: www.bluewahoos.com and www.goargos.com.

Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Returns October 29

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in association with the City of Williamsport, have announced the return of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat, a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark parking lot on Friday, October 29 from 6pm-8pm and is sponsored by UPMC and Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe, trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “Due to the overwhelming success of this event last year, with over 700 kids in attendance, we wanted to bring it back bigger and better this year to give area children and their families a safe trick or treating experience.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. Those attending the event are asked to enter the Muncy Bank Ballpark lot via the West 4th Fourth Street entrance only. All vehicles will exit at the back of the stadium on Blaine Street.

Any local businesses who would like to be part of this event, at no charge, can contact the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Donates Food Truck to Food Bank of CNY 

 

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets and the Food Bank of CNY will host a food drive in the parking lot at NBT Bank Stadium on Thursday, September 30th in conjunction with the game that night.The Food Bank of CNY is using this game to debut the new refrigerated food truck donated to the Food Bank of CNY by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The food drive will begin at 5 p.m. and will last until 7 p.m. The first 150 people to donate non-perishable food items will receive an Amazin’ Mets Foundation tote bag.

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is proud to support the great work of the Food Bank of Central New York and the communities in Syracuse,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are committed to providing needed services and opportunities to underserved groups, especially when it comes to hunger relief, which continues to be a growing issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in all of our affiliates’ communities and neighborhoods.”

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is making a huge impact in the Central New York community, and we are privileged to be working with them, alongside the New York Mets,” said Jason Smorol, Syracuse Mets General Manager. “The Food Bank does so much to support people around our community, and this donation will help them focus and spend on food instead of vehicle maintenance. This donation by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation is just that, Amazing!”

The Syracuse Mets will play the Buffalo Bisons on Thursday, September 30th, and fans attending the game are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate before entering the stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

“We are thrilled to reveal our new refrigerated straight truck during Thursday night’s Syracuse Mets game,” said Karen Belcher, Executive Director at Food Bank of Central New York. “The Amazin’ Mets Foundation and the Syracuse Mets are terrific partners of the Food Bank, providing funds, awareness, and support for our work to provide nutritious food in the community for people struggling with hunger. This truck, funded by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, will be on the road every day helping to pick up food donated to us from local retail partners for distribution in various locations in the community later that same day!”

Tickets for September 30th and all remaining Syracuse Mets home games for the 2021 season are available at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone (315-474-7833), or in-person during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online anytime at syracusemets.com.

2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge On Delmarva Delivers 173,000 Meals For Hunger Relief

 

SALISBURY, MD. (Tuesday, September 22, 2021) — As part of Perdue Farms’ “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors®” hunger-relief initiative, the company teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team and three Delmarva Peninsula food banks to deliver 173,000 meals across the region’s communities in the season-long 2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.

“The impact of the pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and challenge to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “After pausing the Strike Out Hunger Challenge last year because of the pandemic, we’re pleased that this year’s campaign once again provided a collaborative platform to raise public awareness about the problem of hunger and food insecurity and deliver much-needed relief to our neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

According to research from the food banks, on average one in seven people on the Delmarva Peninsula are challenged by food insecurity. One third of that food-insecure population is children.

Since 2011, Perdue, the Shorebirds, food banks and the community at-large have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more than 1.2 million meals for those in need on Delmarva.

“The Delmarva Shorebirds are so proud of this collaborative partnership that continues to put food on the table for so many of our neighbors in need during these difficult times,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “We look forward to continuing our work with Perdue in this important effort to improve the quality of life on Delmarva.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Foundation — the charitable giving arm of the company — to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Each of the food banks were required to engage the Delmarva community to raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their equal share of the first $10,000 of the Foundation challenge grant. This included any combination of pounds of food collected, monies collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season. Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter, up to $5,000.

“This annual campaign remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the needs of those who struggle to feed their families,” said Jennifer Small, senior regional program director for the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “As a result of our longstanding partnership with Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the support committed through the Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, we are able to provide more food to Eastern Shore Marylanders challenged by food insecurity.”

As Chad Robinson, community relations manager for the Food Bank of Delaware, explains, “We are so grateful for Perdue’s leadership with this annual initiative. Partners like Perdue play a critical role in not only raising much needed funds, but bringing awareness of the critical issue that so many in our community face.”

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms

We’re a fourth-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores, and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

About the Delmarva Shorebirds

The Delmarva Shorebirds were founded in 1996 and have been the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 1997. The Shorebirds have won two South Atlantic League championships in 1997 and 2000 and were named the MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year in 2019 after going 90-48 in the regular season. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, the Shorebirds are proud to represent the entire Delmarva Peninsula and have hosted two SAL All-Star Games in 1999 and 2011. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, based in Stockton, California headed by Chairman Tom Volpe and President Pat Filippone.