Recently, Minor League Baseball Charities sent out a report that ranked the Harrisburg Senators 7th amongst the 162 Minor League Baseball teams for the 2016 calendar year in total charitable giving. The Senators contributed over $880,000 directly back into the Central PA community in 2016 which comes mostly in the form of direct monetary contributions and in-kind donations.
The Senators give in various ways including the proceeds from the annual Hot Stove Dinner in February and the in-season charity dinner in August. Also included are the proceeds from the many special event jersey auctions and raffles, fundraiser tickets sold to non-profit organizations, ticket and merchandise donations, and in-person appearances by front office staff and players.
In 2016, the Senators front office staff and players made over 230 appearances. Last year, the team wore six specialty jerseys which were auctioned and raffled with the proceeds going to charity. Additionally, over $82,000 was donated through fundraisers. The Senators made in-kind donations of tickets and merchandise to organizations throughout central Pennsylvania totaling $697,358.
“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish in recent years in terms of our community involvement and charitable giving,” said Harrisburg Senators’ President Kevin Kulp. “It’s a big part of our mission. We take our summertime platform in this community very seriously. While we always strive to provide affordable family entertainment, being a part of this community and being able to give back is a big part of who we are.”
“We want to use our platform to raise awareness for local non-profit organizations and help them raise necessary funds so that they can continue their good work. Our staff works tireless hours doing what we do and I think that one of the most rewarding aspects of our jobs is knowing that we are fighting the good fight and we ARE making a difference. $880,000 for us is a good number and one in which we are extremely proud.”
The goal in 2017 is to hit the million-dollar mark in charitable donations and the team is off and running. Organized by Senators Community Relations Coordinator, Blair Jewell, the Senators have already made over 130 appearances and recently had the entire team going to the Central PA Food Bank on Wednesday, April 5. While at the Food Bank, the team put together over 150 boxes of food for families. Manager Matt LeCroy, along with several players and staff members, have already made the first of several appearances this season to the Penn State Children’s Hospital. They played bingo with kids, answered questions and learned about the youngsters during their visit.
“It means a lot to our patients and families when the Senators take time out of their schedules to come in and visit,” said Sarah Miller, Child Life Support Associate at Penn State Children’s Hospital. “There are always plenty of smiles to go around when they stop by!”
The Senators look forward to continuing to raise money for local non-profit organizations. The players and front office staff will continue to make appearances throughout the season. The Senators not only work with charitable organizations in the community, but also aid organizations through ballpark promotions.
Some examples of season long in-park community initiatives include free parking when fans donate clothes to Community Aid on Thursday nights. On Monday nights, members and former members of the armed forces receive free tickets and their families receive half price tickets. Each game the Senators spotlight a different community organization as part of the “Community Organization of the Game” program which allows a non-profit organization to come to the ballpark and provide information to Senators fans about them. Every game you come to the ballpark there is likely a group in attendance that is making money as part of their easy fundraiser program where organizations can make as much as $4 per ticket sold.
This is the 31st season of Harrisburg Senators baseball since returning to the Eastern League in 1987 and while the Senators organization will continuously strive to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price, the team will also continue to strive to make a difference in the community.
If you have any questions or would like further information about the Harrisburg Senators charitable donations, please contact Blair Jewell at 717-231-4444 or via email at bjewell@senatorsbaseball.com.
The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.