Aces’ Reliever Damien Magnifico Encourages Adopting, Not Shopping

 

When he’s not pumping 100 MPH gas on the mound, Aces pitcher Damien Magnifico spends his time fostering animals. The 28-year-old reliever enters his second season in the D-Backs’ organization, but has become a full-time stay at home dog dad while he waits for baseball to come back.

Fostering animals is not new for the right-hander, he’s been doing it for eight years now. And while adopting is always important, it takes on a new level under the current circumstances according to Magnifico.

“It is always better to adopt but it is more important at the moment, because rescues and shelters aren’t able to have events showing off the animals to the public,”

Magnifico said. “Most shelters are still open but by appointment only. Some are able to promote online but not all of them have the resources to promote the animals and not everyone has the access to that technology.”

While Magnifico encourages adoption, especially now, he stresses the importance of preparing for the commitment of housing animals.

“Each rescue or shelter is a little different, but you basically just let the dog (or cat or rabbit) live with you until it finds its forever home. Many organizations make it free to you to foster by providing medical care. We’ve had fosters that stay a few days with us; to ones that stay with us months and months, and one that was with us for over a year,” he said.

“Do your homework – ask what they do/don’t cover so you know before you agree to get the pet into your home. There are a lot of ways to get involved: you can be temporary foster, medical foster, you can transport, and you can even pick the sizes/temperaments/breeds/medical conditions you feel most comfortable with,” he added.

A pitcher that strikes fear in hitters’ eyes by touching triple-digits on the radar gun, Magnifico has spent time in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels. In 2019, the reliever was 3-1 over 53.0 innings pitched out of the bullpen split between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Reno to go with a 3.74 ERA and 68 strikeouts.

All things considered; it may be odd to hear that the fierce competitor has such a soft spot for animals but he described the difference of his personality on and off the field the best way he could.

“The two are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Easiest way to explain it is to compare on-duty Sully and off-duty Sully from Monsters Inc.”

For information about how to adopt or become a foster parent, contact SPCA of Northern Nevada by calling 775-324-7773 or by visiting SPCANevada.org. Or get in touch with the Nevada Humane Society at (Reno: 775-856-2000), (Carson City: 775-887-2171) or by visiting Nevadahumansociety.org.

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PPE Donation Drive Set For April 4-5 At Frawley Stadium

 

Wilmington, DE – Local non-profit organization Donate Delaware has arranged to host a donation drive for PPE and other essential medical supplies in the parking lot of Frawley Stadium – home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks – on Saturday, April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As local healthcare providers continue to anticipate a “surge” in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in our region, Donate Delaware is assisting in the fight against COVID-19 in Delaware by collecting donations of PPE and other essential medical supplies from the general public. All items collected will be donated to hospitals within The First State. The Frawley Stadium drive will benefit Saint Francis Healthcare and the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

To donate items, vehicles are asked to simply pull up outside of the main entrance of Frawley Stadium, located at 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801. Volunteers will approach each vehicle and remove items to be donated, minimizing person-to-person contact.

Donors should place items in the trunk of their vehicle and keep their windows rolled up. Anyone experiencing upper respiratory symptoms should not visit the donation drive.

Items especially needed include:

Regular protective face masks

N95 masks

Face shields

Gowns

Surgical caps/protective caps

Eyeglass shields/goggles

Nasal testing swabs

Lysol or Clorox wipes

Hand sanitizer

Other donations of any kind also will be gratefully accepted.

“We know that businesses, schools, and other organizations may have these types of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and may be willing to donate them to this greater cause,” said Dan Sinnott, President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare. “We have been so moved by the generous donations made by so many already, and we are inspired to continue caring for this community as we have for 95 years. Together, we will survive this battle.”

In addition to the Frawley Stadium drive benefitting Saint Francis Healthcare and the Wilmington VA Medical Center, Donate Delaware is hosting an additional drive in Wilmington at the Brandywine Town Center, located at 5329 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, through Saturday, April 4. That drive, benefitting Nemour/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on supply drives across the state, click HERE.

 

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma Encourage Organ Donation Through Continued Partnership in 2020

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma are continuing their partnership throughout 2020 to assist LifeShare’s mission of gaining and educating organ donors across the state of Oklahoma.

With the start of April and National Donate Life Month, the first 250 individuals to register to become an organ donor at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-shirt, plus have a chance to win four Oklahoma Fidelity Bank Club tickets and a VIP experience at a future OKC Dodgers game. Once registered at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans individuals should screenshot the completed page and email it to [email protected] to secure their T-shirt.

This partnership between the OKC Dodgers and LifeShare will continue throughout 2020, and once baseball season begins, guests to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will be able to sign up during Dodgers home games to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans. Individuals who register in person will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt by visiting the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110.

Last season, 1,400 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games, and since the partnership between LifeShare of Oklahoma and the OKC Dodgers began in 2015, more than 4,500 people have registered to become organ donors at Dodgers games.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again this season to raise awareness about organ donation,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare. “We have had great success in the past with our Everlasting Fan promotion and we look forward to more Oklahomans making a decision to save lives this year as well.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with four transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation. LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

To stay current on the latest information regarding the OKC Dodgers’ upcoming season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

 

Bats Launch “Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up” To Support Local Restaurants

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats today announced they are partnering with ImagineAR – a company specializing in delivering augmented reality (AR) – to help support local restaurant partners whose operations have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The “Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up” initiative offers fans the chance to win a variety of great Louisville Bats prizes by simply ordering curbside pick-up from a partner restaurant and sharing a picture of their trip on social media with a special hashtag.

“The Louisville Bats are committed to helping our community in these challenging times,” said Bats president Vic Gregovits. “We partnered with ImagineAR to offer a unique experience that gives fans the chance to win great prizes, and in-turn, support our valuable local restaurant partners.”

As part of the initiative, ImagineAR has equipped each restaurant with unique AR engagements at their food pick-up locations. When fans arrive to pick up their carryout, they can use ImagineAR’s app to unlock an exclusive AR model of Buddy Bat on their mobile phones.

Fans can then take a photo of the digital Buddy Bat at the restaurant and share the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. Each fan who posts a picture of the AR Buddy Bat with the hashtag will be entered to win a variety of Louisville Bats prizes, including tickets, team gear and game-day experiences.

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up will also feature a grand prize sweepstakes. Fans who visit at least two different restaurants and submit their pictures online via the Bats’ website will receive four complimentary ticket vouchers and be entered to win an ultimate VIP experience for a Bats home game during the 2020 season. The VIP experience includes a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

To participate, visit any of the following restaurant partners:
Bubba’s 33
Chick-fil-A
Hardee’s
Jimmy John’s
Papa John’s
Penn Station
Rootie’s Sports Bar & Grille
Smoothie King
Texas Roadhouse
White Castle

For additional information regarding rules and regulations, visit batsbaseball.com.

Greater Nevada Field to Host Two Food Bank of Northern Nevada Drive by Distribution Events in April

 

The Reno Aces, 1868 FC, and Greater Nevada Field are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to provide drive-thru distributions of the Mobile Harvest program on April 7 & 17 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for community members in need of both shelf-stable and perishable food items.

Community members will have the ability to participate in a grab-n-go food distribution line located in the parking lots adjacent to the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field. Volunteers will be in place to help the flow of traffic.

Because the safety of the clients, volunteers, and staff of the Food Bank are of utmost importance, it is asked that anyone attending a distribution take the following precautions:

  • Please keep safe social distances from others
  • Whenever possible, please limit the number of household members who attend distributions
  • We recommend 1 person per household
  • If you are ill, please do not attend a distribution
  • Clients may have a friend or neighbor pick up from a distribution on their behalf by simply writing a short note to be presented when food is picked up
  • Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with soap
  • Remember to sneeze or cough away from others and into your elbow when possible
  • Volunteers and employees are wearing gloves and sanitizing surfaces for the protection of all served through Food Bank program

If households are in need of help during this difficult time, they are encouraged to reach out to the Food Bank at 775-331-3663 or by visiting the Get Help section of FBNN.org to find the distributions closest to them.

“We are so grateful to the Reno Aces and 1868 FC for allowing us to use their lot for distribution of our Mobile Harvest program,” Jocelyn Lantrip, Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said. “Because of their partnership, we are able to operate drive-through distributions that are much safer for everyone involved. It is so important for the community to work together during this challenging time and we are very grateful.”

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Northern Nevada Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest distribution program by hosting at the Greater Nevada Field parking lots,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We are here for the community and are happy to have found a way to contribute.”

“The Northern Nevada Food Bank is a vital part to this community every single day, and we are here to lend a helping hand during these uncertain times,” 1868 FC General Manager of Business Operations Doug Raftery said. “We appreciate what they do for our area, especially in this time of need.”

For more information on the Reno Aces or Reno 1868 FC, visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com and reno1868fc.com. For more information on the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, visit fbnn.org.

 

2020 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship Deadline Approaching

Cedar Rapids, IA – The application deadline for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 10th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the recent closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium and area high schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
C/O Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the Kernels website at www.kernels.com under the ‘COMMUNITY’ tab.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at [email protected].

 

Carryout lunches are available to general public Tuesday-Friday and delivered to front-line COVID-19 responders on Mondays 

 

The Charleston RiverDogs announced that on Thursday, the ballclub – whose season’s start has been delayed by COVID-19 – will begin drive through lunch service at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Vice President of Food and Beverage Josh Shea, a longtime chef in the Charleston culinary scene, has created a special menu, from which patrons can order for pickup during lunchtime Tuesday through Friday for the foreseeable future. On Mondays, Shea will prepare 100 meals to be donated to various front-line COVID-19 responders in the Charleston area.

The RiverDogs, long-known as one of baseball’s nationwide leaders in food and drink creativity at the ballpark, will roll out a full menu prepared and cooked in the kitchen of the Segra Club at Riley Park. Items for purchase include ballpark favorites (yes, you can get the HomeWrecker) and healthy options, inspired by the RiverDogs’ partnership with MUSC Health.

Online orders can be placed at http://charlestonriverdogs.ehopper.info/. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and available for pickup from the VIP lot directly adjacent to Riley Park. Also included on the menu are Kids Meals, which come with RiverDogs baseball cards, and all meal orders include two free RiverDogs ticket vouchers, good for any game in the 2020 season.

The RiverDogs will also take the chance to give back to the community in this time of need. Individuals can nominate groups of community members working to fight the effects of COVID-19, including first responders and medical professionals, for free lunch for up to 100 through an online nomination form. The RiverDogs will choose recipients and deliver hot lunches each Monday, starting on Monday, April 6. The link for nomination is: https://forms.gle/yQx2sFD1j9HD94fx6.

“We’re not, unfortunately, making final preparations for RiverDogs baseball as we normally would be rolling into April,” said president and general manager Dave Echols. “However, we believe using our resources and talent to offer an option for drive through meals and help those who are hard at work on this pandemic is a way to still be a positive force in this community.”

In offering this special menu, the RiverDogs have enacted additional health measures to ensure the safety of both its employees and its patrons. Additional sanitizers will be placed throughout the ballpark and pickup location, and health checks will be conducted on the limited RiverDogs employees involved in food service. The operation is made possible in large part due to its longstanding partnerships with Sysco and Pepsi.

All links are available at RiverDogs.com.

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is also available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Cutters Seeking Anthem Performer Videos

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters are now looking for National Anthem performers for the 2020 season.

All individuals and groups who are interested in being considered are encouraged to fill out the short application available at Crosscutters.com (link below). Applicants are also required to send in a video of them performing the Star Spangled Banner.

“Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, we are unable to hold in-person auditions this year,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “That said, we hope to receive a wealth of applicants to choose from with these video submissions.”

The Crosscutters are seeking any and all types of performers including soloists, groups, and musicians, of any age. All performances must be 90 seconds or less in length, the traditional rendition and vocalists should sing a cappella.

All applications and videos should be submitted by April 30. Those chosen to perform at a game will be notified and scheduled at a later date.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for June 19 at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule can be viewed online at Crosscutters.com.

CLICK HERE to complete the National Anthem application online.

RubberDucks Launch QuAkron Cares Program To Assist With COVID-19 Relief Efforts

 

(AKRON, OHIO) March 31, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to introduce the QuAkron Cares Program in coordination with United Way of Summit County and the City of Akron. Fans can support those in need with donation to the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund and receive two (2) undated 2020 vouchers.

Included in each $10.00 purchase with the Quakron Cares Program is a $5.00 donation towards the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund as well as two (2) undated vouchers. This package is now available at the RubberDucks online team store.

QUAKRON CARES PROGRAM

VISIT THE ONLINE TEAM STORE

“We know this is a difficult time for many around Northeast Ohio, but we are excited and proud to help those in need with this donation package,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “We are proud to support the hard work of the City of Akron and the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund. We hope these packages will help during this crisis as well as offer a way to celebrate our community when we play baseball again.”

While the RubberDucks front office continues to work remotely, staff members are available by phone and email to answer any questions or concerns. The ticket office can be reached at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Maine Teams Join on Food Fundraiser

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs along with the Maine Mariners and Maine Red Claws are joining forces with Evergreen Credit Union to help Mainers in need of food. The “Fans for Food” campaign benefits Maine’s Good Shepherd Food Bank and associated local food pantries.

Good Shepherd Food Bank’s President Kristen Miale states the help is needed and appreciated. “On a normal day, we provide more than 68,000 meals. With the COVID-19 public health crisis, those numbers will climb and resources to fight hunger will be stretched. Mainers need our support now and will continue to need our help as we emerge from this crisis.”

Working together, campaign organizers encourage their fans and followers to donate on-line through a website managed by Good Shepherd.

The campaign link is https://www.gsfb.org/donate/vfd/4604

In these uncertain times, Adam Goldberg, Vice President of Business Operations, believes, “we don’t want our neighbors in the community wondering where their next meal is coming from. We are thankful to Evergreen and Good Shepherd Food Bank for creating this virtual food drive. Help those in need, be kind and stay safe.”

Dajuan Eubanks, Maine Red Claws President, added, “It is the least we can do to help our community and our fans who have supported us.”

All three local teams have seen their seasons either cancelled or postponed due to the Covid-19 virus, so they share in the economic stress shared by so many businesses and families. Sea Dogs President Geoff Iacuessa stated, “The Portland Sea Dogs are happy to support such an important cause during this challenging time we all face.”

Jason Lindstrom, CEO of campaign co-sponsor Evergreen Credit Union, believes Fans for Food demonstrates the value of businesses working together for the common good. “We are always looking to work with our community partners to better our community and this food drive is so needed at this time.’ He concluded, “We knew our partners would jump at the chance to work with us and provide help to our neighbors in need.”

Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

 

Renegades focus on community-based sales, to assist the Hudson Valley during COVID-19 pandemic.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – The Hudson Valley Renegades, Short Season Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and it’s rippling effects on the local community an initiative to give back to local non-profits.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it’s safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

“As a small business ourselves, our organization and employees feel the hardships being felt by many in the Hudson Valley area and throughout our country,” said Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner. “The Renegades have always worked hard to put our fans and community first and this is more important now than ever! Through our #GadesGivingBack initiative, we hope to rally our fans and community and give back to local organizations that directly assist those in need. This season is dedicated to YOU, and we hope that you will help us support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

The breakdown of purchasing gift cards is as follows:

Purchase (You Pay): $20 Gift Card Value: $30 Donated to Charity: $5

Purchase (You Pay): $50 Gift Card Value: $60 Donated to Charity: $10

Purchase (You Pay): $100 Gift Card Value: $120 Donated to Charity: $20

Purchase a gift card HERE!

The purpose of Dutchess Responds is to provide critical needs such as food, medications and household essentials to individuals experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 virus emergency. Community leaders, in conjunction with Dutchess County government have established the Dutchess Responds fund at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

The next #GadesGivingBack initiative will be when single game tickets go on-sale, which will go live on Saturday, April 11 for online purchases only at hvrenegades.com. The first week, Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18, $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to a charity.

In 2019 the Renegades donated over $170,000 in in-kind donations to hundreds of organizations throughout the community. One of the most successful ways of generating money for organizations was through the Renegades Fundraiser Program. The program allows a group the ability to choose the Sunday through Thursday game they want to attend, the Renegades will set-up an online portal for individuals to purchase. Each package is $13, and includes a General Admission ticket, Gades Group Hat and a $5 donation back to your organization. If this is something your group is interested in participating in please email Tyson at [email protected] with the Subject: Host A Fundraiser.

The Renegades will choose a new non-profit for each community outreach initiative that is rolled out, making sure to reach not just those in Dutchess County but all of our fans in the Greater Hudson Valley Region.

###

Nominations Open for 2020 Kid Heroes Ceremony

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are seeking nominations for their third annual Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony sponsored by O’Brien Family McDonald’s. This special group will represent kids who have used the services of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

The ceremony for the 2020 Kid Heroes will be at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, July 26, 2020. Those children selected as Kid Heroes and their families will be honored on the field prior to the game and will receive four complimentary tickets to that game.

The Kernels will begin taking nominations for the third annual Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony on Monday, March 30th. The first 20 submissions will make it into the group, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Friday, May 8th, OR, until 20 submissions are received.

To give all these outstanding kids the opportunity to be honored in the Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony, we ask that those kids included in previous ceremonies from 2018 and 2019 not be nominated.

Nominations can be made online with our online form. A special thank you is extended to our loyal sponsor, O’Brien Family McDonald’s restaurants and the partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

For more information on the Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony, or if you have questions, please contact Jessica Fergesen at (319) 896-7608 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Click here to access the online form | Kid Heroes Nomination Form
Single-game tickets for the Kernels 2020 season are available online now from May 11-August.  https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/tickets/single-game-tickets

 

ChristianaCare Seeks Blue Rocks Fans’ Support In COVID-19 Fight

 

Wilmington, DE – In a partnership with ChristianaCare, the Wilmington Blue Rocks are reaching out to fans regarding support for much needed medical related donations.

Christiana Care is accepting donations of the following unused items from the community:

All types of unused protective face masks, especially N95 masks

Protective suits and medical scrubs

Goggles, safety glasses and face shields

Cleaning and sterilizing solutions and wipes

Medical gloves

Digital and disposable thermometers

Hand sanitizers

Disposable stethoscopes

iPads – To donate iPads, please clear the security and data first. You can follow these instructions to clear security and data: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201351

You can drop off these items at the following locations:

110 West Market Street, Newport. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30 through Saturday, April 4.

Westown Movies at 150 Commerce Drive, Middletown, DE. This site will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 1.

College Square Shopping Center at 115 College Square, Newark, DE. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4.

Village at Elkton Shopping Center at 801 East Pulaski Highway, Elkton, MD. This site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4.

If you are dropping off supplies at any ChristianaCare donation site, please include the details of your donation on this form and send it to the Office of Development, ChristianaCare, 13 Reads Way, Suite 203, New Castle DE 19720 or email [email protected].

To keep volunteers and donors safe, people bringing donations should pack the items into the trunk of their car and pull into the donation line. Please leave windows up and do not get out of your car. A volunteer will unload the items.

All volunteers at the site are advised to practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet apart. Anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should not come to donation sites.

Please reference the Christiana Care COVID19 website to donate online HERE.

 

Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

 

Since it’s inception in March of 2019, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund has implemented the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ desire to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community through their official team charity. Investing over $71,000 in charitable giving, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours in their inaugural season, the Woodpeckers set out to establish a winning record not only in baseball games, but in their commitment to helping the community surrounding Segra Stadium.

The core program of this initiative, The Community Leaders Program, emphasizes a focus on youth sports and military causes. With the volunteerism and funds contributed by the Woodpeckers’ 2019 Community Leaders Corporate Partners (Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, Inc., and CarolinasDentist), we were able to accomplish the following projects below in 2019.

Youth Sports

  • Sponsored uniforms for 21 youth baseball and softball teams throughout Cumberland County, including the Buddy Baseball Program for special needs children.
  • Purchased and installed a new scoreboard for the Buddy Baseball Program at their home field in Massey Hill. The previous scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.
  • Provided new Nike PG3 basketball shoes for both Men’s and Women’s varsity basketball teams at E.E. Smith High School.

Military

  • Funded 50 scholarships for military children to attend summer camp at Rick’s Place. Rick’s Place is a veteran owned 50-acre park just outside Fort Bragg that provides support for active duty and veteran soldiers and their families. In addition, the Woodpeckers provided all 250 campers with a t-shirt to wear during the duration of camp.
  • In conjunction with the USO of North Carolina and with the help of over 70 volunteers from our corporate partners, the Bird Bath Kits initiative was launched. Over 1,000 Bird Bath Kits, which included various personal care hygiene items, were packed at Segra Stadium and then delivered to elementary and middle schools on Fort Bragg as part of our back to school project.
  • Purchased a new irrigation system to benefit the community garden established for veterans therapy at Rick’s Place. This garden has a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that veterans and their families are able to plant, tend, and harvest free of charge.

Other 2019 Charitable Initiatives: 
Paint the Park Purple, Alzheimer’s Awareness Night – On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the Woodpeckers partnered with McKee Homes to host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Segra Stadium. The team wore custom purple jerseys that were auctioned off in-game, raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The first 2,000 fans through the gates that night receieved custom purple Woodpeckers shirts to wear during the game, while awareness/educational videos played throughout the evening.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund Jersey Auctions – The Woodpeckers held two other impactful jersey auctions that benefited the club’s charity in 2019. The first was a Patriotic jersey for our Independence Day Celebration game on July 3rd and the second was our end-of-season Inaugural home jersey set. These funds were used to help with the above Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund initiatives.
Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Initiative – The Woodpeckers purchased 120 toys for children (infant to 19 years old) to open during the annual Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Party in December.
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hailey Keller’s Home Run for Life & Jacob Moore’s Woodpecker for a Day – The Woodpeckers were honored to have Hailey and Jacob be a part of our Inaugural season. Hailey celebrated her five year anniversary of being cancer free by hitting a “home run” and running the bases during one of our inning breaks to a standing ovation. Jacob signed a one-day contract and enjoyed a full day of team training and fun as an honorary Woodpecker. Jacob has defied the odds and continues to fight while living with terminal neuroblastoma.

In addition to the above, the club fulfilled over 200 in-kind donations to organizations throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Our favorite red-cockaded woodpecker Bunker also made over 100 appearances throughout the region, putting a smile on the face of children and keeping our fans in good spirits!