AgCarolina Agriculture Night Set For June 10

ZEBULON – The Carolina Mudcats once again team with AgCarolina Farm Credit for Agriculture Night on Friday, June 10 at Five County Stadium. Agriculture Night is highlighted by post-game fireworks and a one-of-kind souvenir t-shirt giveaway for the first 1,000 fans with paid admission at Five County Stadium.

AgCarolina Farm Credit’s Agriculture Night starts with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch, but the Five County Stadium gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.carolinamudcats.com.

For the full schedule, visit www.carolinamudcats.com/schedule. Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, mini plans, suite and DRB HOmes Sky Lounge packages in the US Foods Club Level are all on sale now at www.carolinamudcats.com, (919) 269-CATS (2287), and the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.

The Carolina Mudcats are the officially licensed Carolina League, Class-A, affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the Mudcats have provided affordable family fun for over 30 years at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Follow the Mudcats online at www.carolinamudcats.com, and on social media at facebook.com/carolinamudcats, twitter.com/carolinamudcats, tiktok.com/@carolinamudcats and instagram.com/carolinamudcats.

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.

Bulls Partner With BASF, Cree|Wolfspeed to Create Pollinator Garden at DBAP

 

Today the Durham Bulls announced a partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, a leading supplier in the agriculture industry creating sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers, and Cree|Wolfspeed, a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on silicon carbide and GaN technologies, to create a pollinator garden at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The collaboration, sponsored by BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed, will contribute to the Durham Bulls commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change in the Triangle. The garden, which will be planted in mid-November, will feature both annual and perennial pollinator plants including Goldenrods, Stoke’s Aster, and New Jersey Tea and reflect the Bulls colors – blue, white and orange.

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed to provide the Triangle with another interactive space to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the food chain,” said Mike Birling, Durham Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations. “We know the importance of building these spaces in urban settings and are delighted to play a role in the sustainability of our local environment and in the education of the community.”

Approximately 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, making pollinators vital to both the ecosystem and the food supply chain. In addition to supporting our food supply, there are many other environmental benefits of wild flowering plants including producing oxygen to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, purifying water and returning the moisture to the atmosphere after it rains.

Downtown Durham is host to several beehives, making the DBAP an ideal location to help sustain the pollinator population native to the area. The goal of the pollinator garden is to expand the availability of food sources to surrounding pollinators. While the honeybee and monarch butterfly are some of the most iconic pollinators, patrons of the DBAP will see beetles, moths, birds, and many other insects.

“At BASF, one of our goals is to educate the public on various ways to improve and impact sustainability, which is why we are partnering with the Durham Bulls and Cree|Wolfspeed to establish a pollinator garden,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions North America. “We hope partnerships like these can continue to shed light on the vital role pollinators play in our food supply chain and ecosystem.”

“At Cree|Wolfspeed, we believe every individual should have a home, enough to eat and an opportunity to excel. Partnering with BASF to help the Durham Bulls create a teaching pollinator garden adds an educational and fun science-based activity for our neighbors,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe. “We cannot wait for the community to be able to learn more about the pollination process and its importance to the food supply, while watching the garden grow in the heart of downtown Durham.”

Video from the kickoff event can be found here.

Former and Current Owners of the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club Team up to Donate $250,000 to the Visalia and Tulare County Community

 

VISALIA, CA- The former and current owners of the Visalia Rawhide have jointly contributed $250,000 to establish the Visalia Rawhide Charitable Fund at the Central Valley Community Foundation to serve the community where Visalia Rawhide fans live, work and play.

“The Visalia community provided great support over our 18 years with the Rawhide ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community during this time of great need, in partnership with the Rawhide and the Sigal family. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Rawhide championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.”

To support families with childcare costs, food, distance learning supplies, and other essential services, an initial grant from the new fund of $50,000 has been donated to First 5 which supports six family resource centers, including the Visalia Family Resource Center. During the COVID pandemic, family resource centers in Tulare County are experiencing, on average, a 50% increase in the number of calls for assistance, many from families that have never sought help before.

A second $50,000 grant will help fund The Healthy Harvest Program in Tulare County. The local ag industry is essential and has continued the food production we all rely upon. This new program expands messaging to the Valley’s food production industry about coronavirus safety. It will provide access to testing, house workers who need to self-isolate and provide food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

“It takes all of us coming together to make a difference in this national crisis”, said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the Rawhide and Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “ The Healthy Harvest Program is a partnership that brings together state, federal, industry, and philanthropic dollars.” Among the agencies that support The Healthy Harvest Program are the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau.

“It is an honor to team up with the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Family Resource Centers, and the Healthy Harvest Program, said Sam. “Although professional baseball is in a pause due to the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in the years ahead. For now, the health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

In April, at the beginning of the pandemic, the Sigal family donated over $30,000 to support Central Valley non-profits. In collaboration with the Central Valley Community Foundation, support was directed to emergency relief funds, food bank distribution efforts and local hospitals.

“The Visalia Rawhide has been an iconic presence in Tulare County by tipping its hat to the Ag industry that propels our community. And by stepping up to help financially support our Healthy Harvest program, the Community Care Coalition in Tulare County can bring much needed supportive services to our farmworkers and their families affected by COVID-19,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, Executive Director of United Way Tulare County and Francena Martinez, Division Manager, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. “We applaud their efforts in making sure this critical program is available to those that need it.”

For more information about the efforts of the Central Valley Community Foundation in the fight against the Coronavirus, contact Hannah McAbee ([email protected])

###

The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. For more information, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Front Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

Timber Rattlers Donate over $3,600 from Udder Tuggers Sales

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The final numbers are in and June was a great month for Wisconsin Udder Tuggers sales in the Snake Pit Team Store and that means it was a great month for a pair of local charities supported by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Fans purchased nearly $18,500 in Udder Tuggers merchandise in June. The Timber Rattlers are donating 20% of those sales to Hunger Task Force Free & Local and Wisconsin Food & Farm Support Fund.

“We want to thank all of our fans who purchased Udder Tuggers merchandise during the month of June to help support the charities supported by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin,” said Dayna Baitinger, Director of Community Relations for the Timber Rattlers. “The donation will help support our state’s farmers and encourage consumption of milk and other agriculture products to ensure farmers continue to have a place to sell their products, and provide Wisconsinites access to nutritious, high-quality foods.”

The amount donated is $3,686.81.

A note to fans who pre-ordered the new Udder Tuggers hats in late June: Those hats have not arrived in the Snake Pit Team Store yet. Your order will be shipped as soon as they arrive.

The Snake Pit Team Store is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and has all the latest Timber Rattlers merchandise. Fans may also order from the online team store through this link at the Timber Rattlers website.

Pulaski Yankees release 2019 charitable contributions

 

PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees today announced the organization made over $282,000 in charitable contributions during the 2019 calendar year, an increase of over $250,000 from 2018. Through the new Calfee Cares community relations program, the Yankees made $253,587 in gift in kind donations and $28,833 in cash donations from in-stadium fundraising efforts.

“When we introduced Calfee Cares in May of 2019, our goal was to prioritize our community relations efforts and continually find and create opportunities to give back to the fans, businesses, and community organizations in Pulaski who support us all season long,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. “We could not be more thrilled with the results from 2019 and the contributions our organization and players made last season.”

Yankees players and staff members totaled 536 hours in volunteer efforts and community appearances during 2019 across more than 35 different events, including the Yankees’ annual HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) initiative presented by Gay & Neel, Inc.

22 of the team’s 34 regular-season home games had a community tie, most notably Agriculture Night 2.0 presented by Farm Credit of the Virginias which led to a $4,250 donation to the Virginia Tech Agriculture Extension and Pulaski County 4-H, and fan favorites such as Heroes Night (SERVPRO of Pulaski County) and Military Appreciation Night (Pulaski Health & Rehabilitation Center).

The Yankees participated in five MiLB Charities national initiatives, including Sun Safety Awareness (American Cancer Society), Domestic Violence Awareness (Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation), Stars & Stripes Caps (New Era Cap Co.), MiLB CommUNITY (Allegiant Airlines), and Hope at Bat (American Cancer Society).

Calfee Park also hosted three community-focused special events – the first-ever Pulaski Yankees 5K benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia, Homers for Hearts benefitting the American Heart Association, and Guns and Hoses benefitting the New River Valley Agency on Aging.

Additionally, the Yankees began partnerships with the American Cancer Society (also an MiLB Charity Partner) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia, joining a lineup of local community partners that includes Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future and the Pulaski County 4-H.

“Our community partnerships are so important to us and our efforts to give back to the community,” Haugh said. “We look forward to working with these four again in 2020 and introducing a few new community partnerships for the coming season.”

Including Pulaski’s $282,420, the Appalachian League’s reported contributions from 2019 total $2,347,712.

Season tickets and flex packs are now on sale for the 2020 Pulaski Yankees season, which gets underway at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park on June 22. Tickets can be purchased online at pulaskiyankees.net, by phone at (540) 980-1070, or in person at the Calfee Park offices. Individual game tickets will go on sale on April 1.

The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie level affiliate of the New York Yankees playing in the Appalachian League. Pulaski is celebrating its 54th season in the Appalachian League in 2019. Calfee Park has won league championships in 1948, 1969, 1986, 1991 and 2013. Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park opened in 1935 and was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015. The Pulaski Yankees were named the recipient of the John H. Johnson President’s Award, Minor League Baseball’s top honor, in 2019. For more information, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net or follow the Pulaski Yankees on social media, @PulaskiYanks (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Grizzlies unveil Community GARden at Chukchansi Park

Click here to see photos from the event.
FRESNO, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies unveiled the Community GARden presented by GAR Tootelian, Inc. at Chukchansi Park. The Community GARden, located behind the center field fence, is a sustainable garden created to give students the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture and growing fruits and vegetables.

“It’s important we give students the opportunity to learn about agriculture, and the Community GARden is a great way to do just that,” said Derek Franks, Fresno Grizzlies President. “We encourage all Fresno Unified students to get involved and learn more about agriculture and the Community GARden here at Chukchansi Park.”

Students from Fresno Unified School District, in particular, Sunnyside High School, Roosevelt High School, Edison High School, and Hoover High School will learn how food is grown from seed to crop. They will maintain the garden and get invaluable first-hand experience while learning about automated drip control irrigation and how it helps save water and increase yields.

“Being the founding partner of Farm Grown, when the Grizzlies approached us with the Community GARden concept we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in,” said Karen Musson, Partner at GAR Tootelian, Inc. “We believe in providing opportunities for students to learn about how food is grown and giving them the ability to source food on their own.”

“I’m excited our students will have the opportunity to care for this garden on their own, learning water saving techniques and other useful skills,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

In partnership with Bennett Water Systems, WiseConn, Mid Valley Disposal, and Life Flower Tech, the Community GARden was created with 100% donated and recycled materials including compost, mulch, and raised-bed garden boxes.

Partnering with Roosevelt High School’s Culinary Arts program and the Fresno Grizzlies Executive Chef Jason Westerfield, students will produce a true farm-to-fork concept that showcases the garden’s yield by creating a plate to serve in The Kodiak Club presented by KY Farming on My Job Depends on Ag Night in April 2020.

Fruits and vegetables harvested from the GARden will be sold as part of the Community Engagement initiative at the Fresno Grizzlies’ Friday Night Farmers’ Market during the 2020 season, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Central California Food Bank.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Yankees present donation to Pulaski County 4-H

PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees today presented the Pulaski County 4-H with a donation of nearly $3,000 in funds raised from the team’s Agriculture Night presented by Farm Credit of the Virginias on August 22. The theme night featured two fundraising opportunities – a raffle to win a live cow and the auction of game-worn specialty cow jerseys. Through these efforts, the organization raised $2,906 to benefit the local 4-H in Pulaski County.

“Our Agriculture Night was a huge success both for the ballpark and the community,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh.
“We were thrilled by the fan support we received for this promotion and are excited to make this donation to the 4-H to help support agriculture and youth development in our area.”
The Pulaski County 4-H is 100 percent community funded, with money raised going back into local operations.
“We’re appreciative of this partnership and the opportunity to use the funds to put back into our local program,” said Senior 4-H Extension Agent Chris Lichty.
In addition to the cow raffle and the specialty jerseys, Agriculture Night – sponsored by Farm Credit of the Virginias – featured a petting zoo at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park and a plush mascot giveaway of the Yankees’ mascot, Calf-E, for the first 250 children in attendance. The winner of the cow raffle, Adam Phillips, was given the choice of accepting the cow living or after processing, provided by Thompson’s Meats.
“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this,” said Farm Credit of the Virginias Branch Manager Brian Repass. “We enjoyed it and thought it was very beneficial. We’re glad we were able to help out the local 4-H, which is part of our mission.”
The Pulaski Yankees, Pulaski County 4-H, and Farm Credit of the Virginias plan to partner together again in 2019 for another Agriculture Night promotion. Information about season tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2019 Pulaski Yankees season will be available in the coming weeks at pulaskiyankees.net or by calling the team’s front office at (540) 980-1070.

The Pulaski Yankees are the Rookie level affiliate of the New York Yankees playing in the Appalachian League. Pulaski is celebrating its 53rd season in the Appalachian League in 2018. Calfee Park has won league championships in 1948, 1969, 1986, 1991 and 2013. Calfee Park opened in 1935 and was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015. For more information, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fightin Phils to raise awareness of Spotted Lanternfly on June 26th

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced they will be hosting Agricultural Appreciation Night to stop the Spotted Lanternfly on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:15 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will receive a Fightin the Spotted Lanterfly T-Shirt courtesy of Anewalts Landscape Contracting and Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.

Since 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly has threatened the state’s grape, fruit tree and logging industries. Adult lanternflies have a black head and grayish wings with black spots and their body seems to glow red. They have been a threat to the local wine industry because of their negative impact on grapes.

“Growing quality grapes are the first crucial step into making premium wine,” said Kari Skrip, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. “The Spotted Lanternfly has the ability to cause major damage to our vines and as a result to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. It is imperative that we find solutions to this pest for our vines, wines and our livelihood.”

“Although beautiful, the spotted lanternfly can do immeasurable damage to our local and greater community,” said Lori Anewalt, owner of Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting. “It is our duty to be on the cutting edge of what a lanternfly can do and to treat it with great urgency. We are deeply concerned about the future of the fruit industry, especially that of Clover Hill Winery being that they are close family of the Anewalt’s.”

At the game, State Sen. Judy Schwank will have a table with informational flyers about the spotted lanternfly.

“The spotted lanternfly is a serious problem and is having a huge impact on our communities and on our farmers,” Schwank said. “Everybody needs to be engaged on this issue. Come out on June 26 to learn more.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has three steps to help eradicate the spotted lanternfly:

1.      Kill them

2.     Scrape the eggs off your trees

3.      If you are in a new area report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing badbug@pa.gov or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189

For individual tickets visit fightins.com/tickets or call 610-370-BALL.

For group outings, please reach out to Director of Groups Sales Jon Nally at jnally@fightins.com or Assistant Director of Group Sales at bwells@fightins.com

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge Delivers Record 180,000 Meals In Fight Against Hunger On Delmarva

SALISBURY, MD. – As part of a company commitment to hunger relief, Perdue Farms teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds – the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles – and three Delmarva food banks for the annual season-long 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva to deliver a record 180,000 meals across Delmarva communities.

“We’re proud of the collaboration we have with the Delmarva food banks, the Shorebirds and its fans, and the community at-large,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “The way in which everyone responded to the Strike Out Hunger Challenge again this year reflects the passion and commitment our communities have for helping those in need.

“We’re delighted that the Strike Out Hunger Challenge continues to provide a large platform to raise awareness about the problem of hunger on Delmarva and provide much-needed relief to those in need,” she said.

The 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva provided the forum to continue the awareness and community engagement that began with Perdue’s sponsorship of the 2011 South Atlantic League “Perdue Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game” promotions. Since then, the Shorebirds and food banks have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more three quarters of a million meal equivalents for those in need on Delmarva.

“It’s amazing that the Strike Out Hunger campaign made such a significant jump (40,000 meals) over last season,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “The Shorebirds look forward to working with Perdue moving forward to surpass 200,000 meals next season.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Perdue 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, funds collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season.

Additionally, Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter up to $5,000.

“Eastern Shore residents challenged by hunger continued to find support through community partnerships pledging to donate food, funds and their time through volunteerism in support of the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge,” said Jennifer Small, managing director of the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “Our collaborative efforts have helped provide Maryland’s hungry with more than 260,000 meals. This initiative remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the daily needs of those who struggle to feed their families.”

As Chad Robinson, director of strategic initiatives for the Food Bank of Delaware in Milford, explains, “Strike Out Hunger has been a vital part of summer for the Food Bank of Delaware. The challenge from Perdue and the Delmarva Shorebirds helps us to ensure that we are able to feed hungry Delawareans throughout the summer months, when donations can be low. It also presents a great opportunity for families to have an easy way to give back, as they enjoy America’s greatest pastime.”

Charmin Horton, branch manager of the Foodbank of the Eastern Shore in Tasley, Va., said the partnership helps provided much needed service to more than 12,000 people. “Our long-term partnership with Perdue and now the Shorebirds has enabled us to provide much-needed food and programs to those facing food insecurities here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. These programs provide meals and nutrition education to families, children and seniors who are currently facing issues of hunger.”

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 third-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.

We focus on continuously improving everything we do, constantly learning, and sharing those insights across different production methods. That innovative approach is driving change throughout the company and onto farms. This continuous advancement is leading us toward our vision of becoming the most trusted name in food and agricultural products.

            The PERDUE® brand is the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S., and Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2020, 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 and pork, and in USDA-certified organic chicken. We’ve increased our support for the family farm by creating new markets, including specialty crops. Through agricultural services, we give farmers more options for the acre, including conversion to organic production and products and services that increase the sustainability of conventional agriculture. Learn more at www.perduefarms.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Perdue Farms, Delmarva Shorebirds Launch ‘2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva’

SALISBURY, Md. (Monday, April 24, 2017) – As part of a company commitment to fight hunger in our communities, Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds announce the launch of the annual season-long “2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva” in partnership with the region’s three food banks.

To jumpstart the challenge, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation – the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms – has issued a $15,000 challenge grant to the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Eastern Shore Branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

The campaign provides the forum to continue the awareness and community engagement in hunger relief that began with Perdue’s sponsorship of the 2011 South Atlantic League “Perdue Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game promotions. Since then, the Shorebirds, their fans and the food banks have embraced the challenge to provide more than 700 meal equivalents for those in need on Delmarva.

“At Perdue Farms, we believe that in a country as rich as ours, no one should have to go hungry. The Strike Out Hunger Challenge has provided a wonderful forum to raise awareness about those struggling with hunger on Delmarva,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Foundation. “We are proud to be part of this unique collaborative partnership for the greater good of the Delmarva community.”

As Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds, said, “The Shorebirds look forward to working again with Perdue this season to bring awareness to hunger relief in our communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors. Since 2011, we have made major strides together to keep hunger top of mind, while generating hundreds of thousands of meals to help the hungry.”

How The ‘Challenge’ Works

The first $10,000 of the Foundation’s challenge grant will be divided equally among the three Delmarva food banks as a challenge to involve the Delmarva community in the regional fight against hunger. Each food bank must raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim its share of the $10,000 challenge grant. Any combination of pounds of food collected, funds collected and donated, or volunteer efforts from the Shorebirds’ home opener on Wednesday, April 13, through the final game of the regular season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 4, will count toward each food bank’s challenge goal.

Perdue has also committed to donate $10 for each time a Shorebirds’ pitcher strikes out an opposing batter (up to $5,000). The $5,000 will be split equally between the three food banks.

Shorebirds Plan Promotions To Support Strike Out Hunger

The Shorebirds plan a variety of promotions to generate interest in the Strike Out Hunger Challenge at their 70 home games.

The Shorebirds have designated the season’s 11 Sunday home games as “Strike Out Hunger Sundays.” If fans bring two non-perishable food items to the stadium they can receive an upper reserved ticket to that day’s game for $3. Food collected from the 11 Sunday home games will be distributed equally among the three food banks.

In addition, food donation barrels will be located at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, making it easy for fans to help by bringing food items to the game or just stopping by the stadium.

If you, or your organization, would like to get involved in the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or one of the three participating food banks: Maryland (410) 742-0050, Delaware (302) 424-3301 or Virginia (757) 787-2557.

About Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products. Since our beginning on Arthur Perdue’s farm in 1920, to our expansion into agribusiness and the introduction of the PERDUE® brand of chicken and turkey under Frank Perdue, and continuing with our third generation of leadership with Chairman Jim Perdue, we’ve remained family owned and family operated. We are the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Through our PERDUE®, PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART®, PERDUE® HARVESTLAND®, COLEMAN PREMIUM® and COLEMAN ORGANIC® food brands; agricultural products and services; and stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, we are working to become the most-trusted name in food and agricultural products. Learn more about Perdue Farms at www.perduefarms.com.

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.®

Caption: Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds joined food bank representatives to launch the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Hunger at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Friday, April 14. From left are Charmin Horton, branch manager of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Mike Hooks with the Maryland Food Bank, Chris Bitters, general manager of the Shorebirds, Steve Evans, president of Perdue Foods, and Chad Robinson, Milford branch manager of the Food Bank of Delaware.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services and Timber Rattlers start a ballpark vegetable garden

Produce to benefit St. Joe’s Food Program

Wisconsin-Timber-Rattlers-2014The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and GreenStone Farm Credit Services have partnered on a vegetable garden at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

In its inaugural year, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and green peppers are among the fruits and vegetables that will be harvested from the GreenStone Garden. The produce that is grown will be donated to the St. Joseph’s Food Program.

St. Joseph's Food Program“We are thrilled to have the GreenStone Farm Credit Service team up with the Timber Rattlers to Grow a Row for St. Joe’s,” said Karen Ziemke, development director of the St. Joseph Food Program. “This donated produce will help broaden the nutritional options for our client families.”

“Fresh, local produce is greatly appreciated by our clients,” Ziemke said. “St. Joseph Food Program couldn’t provide the current level of nutrition without the help of our community and this partnership is a great example of how we can all work together to accomplish great results!”

The garden is located beyond the left field grass seating area at Neuroscience Group Field. It is 20′ wide by 30′ long.

“The GreenStone Garden provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase agriculture while benefiting our community. From the traditional farmer to the country home owner, GreenStone Farm Credit Services provides financial solutions to the rural needs of our local members,” said Amanda Kroll, financial services officer for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “By involving other community organizations including the Freedom FFA Chapter to maintain the garden and the food pantry, we are able to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders and provide wholesome food to those in need. It is truly a homerun for everyone involved.”

“We are excited to partner with GreenStone Farm Credit Services on such a unique idea and utilize an area of the ballpark that had previously gone unused,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “The St. Joseph’s Food Program is such a vital part of our community and we are happy to contribute in any way we possibly can.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Agriculture Zone to be built inside Chukchansi Park

Fresno Grizzlies and Gar Tootelian, Inc. enter into new partnership

FresnoGrizzlies_2014-01-30

 

FRESNO, Calif – Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation and Gar Tootelian, Inc. have partnered with the Fresno Grizzlies to become the official sponsor of a new Agriculture Zone at Chukchansi Park. The zone, which will be completed by 2014 Opening Day, will be named the Gar Tootelian Agriculture Zone and will promote the Grizzlies Community Fund’s (GCF) Farm Grown program that supports Central San Joaquin Valley agriculture, education, sustainability, and health and wellness. The sponsorship agreement includes the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 baseball seasons.

“Baseball and Farming are true Americana traditions and have shared many fields – so, it is only natural that Gar Tootelian, Inc. and their Charitable Foundation partner with the Grizzlies to cultivate agricultural awareness and educate fans and consumers of all ages on the value and importance of agriculture,” stated Karen Musson of GAR.

The Gar Tootelian Agriculture Zone will feature a farm-themed setting on the outfield concourse behind left field. The Ag Zone will include displays and signage boards that will highlight the Central Valley’s agriculture business, as well as partners of the Farm Grown program. The larger-than-life interactive zone will also feature an oversized baseball and bat, making it one of the more unique stadium elements in the United States.

“We believe Central Valley farmers and the Ag industry as a whole should be recognized for their commitment in feeding the nation and being a major contributor to the world economy,” said Grizzlies Director of Corporate Partnerships and Community Fund Jerry James. “The dedication GAR and their foundation have shown to raise awareness for agriculture and sustainability is precisely what our Farm Grown program has been established for. We’re excited to break ground on a signature feature inside Chukchansi Park that educates and highlights our area’s past, present, and future.”

GAR joins the growing list of Farm Grown partners and supporters working to promote agriculture in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

ABOUT FARM GROWN

Established in 2012, the Grizzlies Community Fund’s (GCF) Farm Grown program promotes the agricultural heritage and philanthropic vitality of the Central San Joaquin Valley through the building of meaningful partnerships in support of education and healthy living. Farm Grown has been a central component to the GCF’s Wild About Reading program, in which 100,000 students annually receive a Farm Grown magazine that serves as a call to action for reading outside of the classroom.

ABOUT GAR AND ESTHER TOOTELIAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Founded in 2003, the Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation was established to recognize the achievement of their founders and as a tribute to the vast contribution Central Valley Agriculture makes to the health and freedom of our communities and nation. Over the last 10 years, the Foundation, with the assistance of Gar Tootelian, Inc., has given $1 Million in gifts. The Foundation’s gifts are focused on scholarships, promoting Agricultural literacy, and showing appreciation and respect for the value of agriculture.

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

RiverDogs Promote “Going Local”

They are seen working in the community. Charlie T. RiverDog is seen all over the Lowcountry. Stories are told about how much fans love coming to The Joe and how much the local organization means to the area.

In that local spirit, the organization has announced a formal relationship with Lowcountry Local First for the 2011 season.

The mission of Lowcountry Local First is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support for independent and locally-owned businesses and farmers.

“We want to stress the fact that supporting local businesses helps to strengthen our local economy,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols.  “We are an active player in this region – whether we are in season or not – and we want to do all we can to help our local businesses.  As a result, we hope that our fans will recognize the importance of supporting local businesses and artisans while at the same time allowing Lowcountry Local First members an opportunity to reach our fans, all while enjoying a night of relaxation and entertainment by attending a RiverDogs game.”

Part of the RiverDogs’ involvement with Lowcountry Local First will consists of locally owned businesses having the opportunity to provide information and promote awareness through various table displays near the entrance of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Saturdays.

Fans who come to the ballpark for Saturday home games will not only have the chance to interact with those local businesses, but if they show proof of residency in the Greater Charleston area, they’ll receive $1 off their ticket purchase upon entering The Joe.

Lowcountry Local First is an alliance that educates the public on the importance of supporting the local economy, and encourages businesses and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. They are the 44th network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), North America’s fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses that are comprised of more than 80 community networks representing 22,000 independent business members across 30 states and Canadian provinces.

These networks create local living economies through the building blocks of independent retail, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green building, local zero-waste manufacturing, community capital, independent media and local arts and culture.