Walsh Jesuit, Alliance Set To Face Off At Canal Park July 18

 

(AKRON, OHIO) July 17, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are thrilled to bring another Senior Night celebration to Canal Park this summer as the Walsh Jesuit Warriors and the Alliance Aviators on July 18. This edition of Senior Night features two schools with rich histories in Summit and Stark counties and will begin with first pitch of the nine-inning game at 7:05 p.m. at the home of the Akron RubberDucks.

Due to the high school baseball season being cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, each team will be able to celebrate Senior Night in a memorable way as players will have their pictures on the video board and pregame celebrations will commemorate the occasion. Post-game fireworks for this event will begin shortly after the conclusion of this game.

“We are thrilled to give these student-athletes one more opportunity to play together this year and to see our community come together in this special celebration for the Class of 2020,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander, “We have been working hard to offer safe events at Canal Park this summer, and we can’t wait for our community to be able to see these athletes compete in a safe, socially-distant setting.”

The Akron RubberDucks will continue to follow all social distancing protocols as outlined by Gov. DeWine, Mayor Horrigan, and state and local health officials. The attendance for this event will be limited to 1,000 fans at Canal Park, socially distanced within the seating bowl.

TICKETS

Tickets to this event are available for $10 and can be purchased by directly contacting the Akron RubberDucks sales team at (330) 253-5151 or emailing [email protected]. Each fan in attendance will need to present their ticket—either printed in advance or displayed on a mobile device—at their designated point of entry into the ballpark with all members of their party together at the time of entry.

INSIDE THE BALLPARK

No outside food or beverage is permitted, but Canal Park concessions will be available for purchase via CASHLESS purchases. All guests at Canal Park will be required to wear face coverings at all times, except while sitting in their assigned, socially-distanced seating location.

RubberDucks 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.

Archbishop Hoban, St. Vincent-St. Mary Renew Rivalry At Canal Park, presented by Goodyear

 

(AKRON, OHIO) June 29, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to once again host the annual matchup of crosstown rivals the Archbishop Hoban Knights and the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish this year at Canal Park. This year’s edition of the baseball version of the “Holy War” will begin with first pitch of the nine-inning game presented by Goodyear at 7:05 p.m. at the home of the Akron RubberDucks.

Due to the high school baseball season being cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, each team will be able to celebrate Senior Night in a memorable way as players will have their pictures on the video board and pregame celebrations will commemorate the occasion. Post-game fireworks for this event will begin shortly after the conclusion of this game.

Can’t make it to the game? This rivalry game will also be broadcast over the radio at 640 WHLO, the new home for Akron RubberDucks Baseball beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.

“As an alumnus of Archbishop Hoban, I am very familiar with this rivalry and thrilled to see these student-athletes have this tremendous opportunity to play one last game together” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander, “This annual event has taken place at Canal Park every year since 1997 when these schools played the inaugural game at our ballpark, and it’s safe to say this year’s edition will be a quite memorable one.”

The Akron RubberDucks will continue to follow all social distancing protocols as outlined by Gov. DeWine, Mayor Horrigan, and state and local health officials. The attendance for this event will be limited to 1,000 fans at Canal Park, socially distanced within the seating bowl.

TICKETS

Tickets to this event are available for $10 and can be purchased online or by directly contacting the Akron RubberDucks sales team at (330) 253-5151 or [email protected]. Each fan in attendance will need to present their ticket—either printed in advance or displayed on a mobile device—at their designated point of entry into the ballpark with all members of their party together at the time of entry.

INSIDE THE BALLPARK

No outside food or beverage is permitted, but Canal Park concessions will be available for purchase via CASHLESS purchases. All guests at Canal Park will be required to wear face coverings at all times, except while sitting in their assigned, socially-distanced seating location.

RubberDucks 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.

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.

Akron RubberDucks To Honor Negro Leagues and Play as Akron Black Tyrites July 31

 

BUY TICKETS FOR FRIDAY, JULY 31

2020 RubberDucks Promotional Schedule

(AKRON, OHIO) March 20, 2020 – In celebration of the heritage of Negro Leagues baseball, the Akron RubberDucks will be undergoing their third rebrand of the season on July 31, donning the jerseys of the Akron Black Tyrites.

The 2020 season marks the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball, and the Akron RubberDucks and Trenton Thunder will both be honoring that heritage by wearing the jerseys of the Akron Black Tyrites and the Jacksonville Red Caps.

The RubberDucks are honoring Akron’s short-lived Negro League baseball team, the Akron Black Tyrites Ball Club, which played their only season in Akron during the summer of 1933. Be sure to come out to Canal Park and be a part of the celebration!

Three Job Fairs Announced For February, March

 

(AKRON, OHIO) February 10, 2020– The Akron RubberDucks will be holding three job fairs for the 2020 season– the Food & Beverage Job Fairs on Thurs., Feb. 26 and Tues., March 9, and the annual Akron Baseball Job Fair on Tues., Feb. 25, for game-day and part-time positions. All job fairs are at Canal Park and run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Food & Beverage Job Fair on Feb. 26 and March 9 covers positions working the concessions stands, suites, and The Game Grill + Bar. Positions available include: Bartenders, Cashiers, Cooks, In-Seat Servers, Food Runners, Stand Managers, and Warehouse Associates, Hosts/Hostesses, and Servers. Applicants are asked to bring a resume and prior experience is preferred.

For the Akron Baseball Job Fair on Feb. 25, available positions for the 2020 season (70 home games) include: Clean Team, Daytime Suite Cleaners, Fun Zone Attendants, Gameday Grounds Crew, Gate Security, Suite Lobby Attendants, Ticket Takers, and Ushers.

“We are looking for the best of the best to provide outstanding customer service here at Canal Park for all 70 of our home games in 2020, and our ballpark employees are crucial to achieving that goal,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “The RubberDucks offer a great work environment ranging from those students who are home from college to those looking for a fun, part-time job working outside during the summer months.”
2020 Food & Beverage Job Fairs Details – Feb. 26 (5-7 p.m.) & March 9 (5-7 p.m.) :

What: Job Fair for all food and beverage-related positions at Canal Park and The Game Grill + Bar.

When: Wed., Feb. 26 & Tues., March 9 starting promptly at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Where: Candidates should enter Canal Park through the administrative office entrance at 300 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.

Positions Available: Bartenders, Cashiers, Cooks, In-Seat Servers, In-Seat Vendors, Runners, Stand Managers, Warehouse Associates, Bussers/Barbacks, Hosts/Hostesses, and Servers.

Applicants are asked to bring a resume and prior experience is preferred.

No interviewing for the Akron Baseball Job Fair positions will take place during the Feb. 25 & March 9 Food & Beverage Job Fairs.

2020 Akron Baseball Job Fair Details – Feb. 25 (5-7 p.m.):

What: Job Fair for seasonal game-day and part-time positions for the 2020 season.

When: Tues., Feb. 25, starting promptly at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Where: Candidates should enter Canal Park through the administrative office entrance at 300 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.

Positions Available: Clean Team, Daytime Suite Cleaners, Fun Zone Attendants, Gameday Grounds Crew, Gate Security, Suite Lobby Attendants, Ticket Takers, and Ushers.

For more information about either Job Fair, candidates can call 330-253-5151 or go to www.akronrubberducks.com.

RubberDucks to Host 2019 Internship Fair on Jan. 5

The Akron RubberDucks announced today it will be holding its 2019 Internship Fair on Saturday, Jan. 5 at Canal Park starting at 10 a.m.

Positions for the 70 home games during the 2019 season include: community relations, corporate partnerships, field operations/groundkeeper, finance, food & beverage, graphic design, hospitality & special events, in-game entertainment/production, media and public relations, merchandise, promotions & marketing, stadium operations, and ticket operations.

Interested candidates are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. at Canal Park’s administrative office entrance on S. Main St. The Internship Fair will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with an introduction of the RubberDucks’ full-time staff, followed by a chance for candidates to interview with the various departments.

Interested candidates can come for the open-interview period or can setup a pre-scheduled interview. Candidates should bring his or her resume and any references. To pre-schedule interviews, candidates should send his or her resume to Jeff Campano (jcampano@akronrubberducks.com) by Dec. 21 with the departments of interest in the subject line. Pre-scheduled interviews will be arranged at the discretion of the various department directors.

2019 RubberDucks Internship Fair Details:

What: 2019 Akron RubberDucks Internship Fair

When: Saturday, Jan. 5, starting promptly at 10 a.m. Candidates should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

Where: Candidates should enter through Canal Park’s main administrative office entrance located at 300 South Main Street.

To Apply: The Internship Fair will have time for open interviews and a pre-scheduled interview period. Candidates should bring multiple resume copies and any references.

To Pre-Schedule Interview: By Dec. 21, candidates should send resume to Jeff Campano (jcampano@akronrubberducks.com) with the internship position(s) of interest in the subject line. Pre-scheduled interviews will be arranged at the discretion of the various department directors.

For more information about the 2019 Internship Fair, candidates can call 330-253-5151 or go to www.akronrubberducks.com.

Soap Box Derby Named as Charity Recipient for Corbin Bernsen-headlined 2019 Hot Stove Banquet

(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”

The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.

Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.

“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.

The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.

2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:

When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow

Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)

Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”

What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)

Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com

Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®

About the Akron RubberDucks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.

For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.

RubberDucks Offer Special Labor Day Ticket Deal for Hurricane Harvey Relief

(AKRON, OHIO) Sept. 1, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today a special ticket deal for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, to raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. Reserved tickets, which are normally $11, will only be available online until midnight Sunday for $7 with $2 from each ticket set to be donated.

Monday’s game is the annual Fan Appreciation Day and is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves. Fans can purchase the Hurricane Harvey relief tickets directly at https://groupmatics.events/event/HurricaneHarvey or through a link on the front of http://akronrubberducks.com.

“Even though our season winds down at Canal Park with a fun fireworks-packed holiday weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Texas who have had their lives thrown into chaos by Hurricane Harvey,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “Our tremendous fans have always supported us with great enthusiasm, and we know they will show that same level of support helping out in this crisis.”

FAN APPRECIATION MONDAY, September 4 at 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves, presented by Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills

Probables: Erie – RHP Sandy Baez (0-1, 7.20) vs. Akron – RHP Shane Bieber (2-1, 2.42)

  • Fan Appreciation Day (1:05 p.m. start)
  • Fans will have a chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the game such as 2018 RubberDucks tickets, autographed baseballs, and pre-game experiences! All fans will also receive a 10% discount with their game ticket at the BRAND NEW Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills.

Regular-season RubberDucks tickets start at $5 and fans can purchase tickets by stopping at the Akron RubberDucks box office at Canal Park weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on a game day starting at 10 a.m. and running until gates open one hour before the scheduled game time. Tickets are also available by calling 330-253-5151 or on www.akronrubberducks.com.

All RubberDucks games are broadcasted on Fox Sports 1350 AM, the WARF iHeart channel, and the TuneIn Radio App. All RubberDucks home games are also available via MiLB.TV.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and defending Eastern League champions. The 2017 season is the franchise’s 21st since moving to Akron. For more information about the team, please visit akronrubberducks.com, on Facebook facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

“CHALLENGER DAY” Returns to Canal Park on June 4

(AKRON, OHIO) June 2, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks and Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball are partnered again to bring back “Challenger Day” on Sunday, June 4 at 12 p.m., prior to the finale of the three-game series between the Akron RubberDucks and the Reading Fightin’ Phils, which starts at 2:05 p.m. It will be the 19th year Challenger Day will be hosted at Canal Park, with the annual tradition started in 1999.

Challenger Day provides an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to play a baseball game at Canal Park, and to meet and be cheered on by some of the RubberDucks players. Each participant will get to hit and play in the field, and get to experience what it is like to be a professional ballplayer for a day. Ages range from as young as seven to as old as 25.

“Challenger Day is one of the annual highlights of our schedule,” said RubberDucks general manager Jim Pfander. “It is important to be able to give these young baseball players a chance to play at a facility like Canal Park, but the real fun comes from the smiles on the athletes’ faces and those on the faces of the RubberDucks players who are there to cheer them on.”

Challenger Day participants play in area Little League programs that include the Challenger program or in the Ohio Challenged Athletes program. Participants this year will be from teams in Hudson, Tallmadge, Green, Canton, Tuscarawas County, Barberton, including players from Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

Participants are scheduled to warm up at 11:45 a.m. with the game scheduled for 12 p.m. and it will last approximately one hour. At the conclusion, a team photo will be taken of the participants and the RubberDucks who cheered them on. Gates will open at 11:45 a.m. for any spectators.

Media are welcome to attend. If credentials or photos are needed, please contact director of public and media relations Adam Liberman at aliberman@akronrubberducks.com to make arrangements.

The RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5151 or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. The RubberDucks are on Facebook www.facebook.com/akronrubberducks and Twitter @AkronRubberDuck.

Challenger Day Returns to Canal Park Sunday

The 2015 Challenger Game competitors had a lot of fun last Saturday at Canal Park showing their skills off for the RubberDucks players! (David Monseur)
The 2015 Challenger Game competitors had a lot of fun last Saturday at Canal Park showing their skills off for the RubberDucks players! (David Monseur)

 

(AKRON, OHIO) May 8, 2015 – The Akron RubberDucks are partnering with Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball again to bring back “Challenger Day” on Sunday, May 10 at 12 p.m., prior to the finale of the three-game series between the Akron RubberDucks and the Binghamton Mets, which starts at 2:05 p.m. It will be the 17th year Challenger Day will be hosted at Canal Park, with the annual tradition started in 1999.

Challenger Day provides an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to play a baseball game at Canal Park, and to meet and be cheered on by some of the RubberDucks players. Each participant will get to hit and play in the field, and get to experience what it is like to be a professional ballplayer for a day. Ages range from as young as seven to as old as 25.

“Challenger Day is one of the annual highlights of our schedule,” said RubberDucks general managerJim Pfander. “It is important to be able to give these young baseball players a chance to play at a facility like Canal Park, but the real fun comes from the smiles on the athletes’ faces and those on the faces of the RubberDucks players who are there to cheer them on.”

Challenger Day participants play in area Little League programs that include the Challenger program or in the Ohio Challenged Athletes program. Participants this year will be from teams in Hudson, Tallmadge, Green, Canton, Tuscarawas County, Barberton, including players from Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

“The opportunity for these special athletes play baseball with the RubberDucks at Canal Park never ceases to be special,” said Tom Giffen, President of NEO Roy Hobbs. “We thank the RubberDucks for their support and involvement in this experience. It’s memorable for the youngsters and their parents as well as the RubberDucks players.”

Participants are scheduled to warm up at 11:45 a.m. with the game scheduled for 12 p.m. and it will last approximately one hour. At the conclusion, a team photo will be taken of the participants and the RubberDucks who cheered them on. Gates will open at 11:15 a.m. for any spectators.

Media are welcome to attend. If credentials or photos are needed, please contact director of public and media relations Adam Liberman at aliberman@akronrubberducks.com to make arrangements.

The RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5151 or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. The RubberDucks are on Facebook www.facebook.com/akronrubberducks and Twitter @AkronRubberDuck.

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

Ducks Team with Oak Clinic to Send MS Quaking

Ducks play catch with kids on field prior to MS awareness day at Canal Park.
Ducks play catch with kids on field prior to MS awareness day at Canal Park.

 

(AKRON, OHIO) May 4, 2015 – The Akron RubberDucks hosted the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis’ second annual Diamond Oak fundraiser during the Sunday, April 26 game at Canal Park, helping to raise almost $60,000 of dollars for MS awareness.

Funds were raised through a pre-game 1K Fun Run on the field and family catch in the outfield, and the Oak Clinic’s ticket sales for the game. The 1K Fun Run had 108 children participating and the almost 1,000 tickets were sold by the Oak Clinic.

“On behalf of the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis, I would like to thank the Akron RubberDucks for their support of our MS community. The overwhelming support from our friends, family, and community assisted the Oak Clinic in both raising almost $60,000 and educating over 2,200 grade school students about MS,” said Oak Clinic Director of Development Sue Arnold.

“We are proud to partner with the Oak Clinic and help raise funds and awareness to such a great cause,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “On behalf of the Akron RubberDucks, I want to thank everyone from the kids who raised money to participate in the pre-game Fun Run, to the volunteers, patients, families and supporters of the Oak Clinic who attended the game. Seeing the Canal Park filled with fans wearing orange to recognize MS awareness was a humbling moment and we are excited to help the community and those affected by MS.”

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2015 season is its 19th since moving to Canal Park and its second as the RubberDucks. For more information featuring the Akron RubberDucks, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. They are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

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

Akron Aeros Lend a Paw to Summit County Animal Control

Akron-AerosThe Aeros front office staff fell head over paws as they traveled to the Summit County Animal Control to cheer up homeless, yet hopeful, dogs and cats last Tuesday, January 24.

The Summit County Animal Control takes in stray animals in the greater Akron area, aiming to reunite owners with lost pets, find homes for animals eligible for adoption and providing dog licensing required by the state.

Their mission exemplifies the county’s goals to “protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens and animals…through law enforcement, compassion towards animals and promotion of responsible pet ownership.”

Like all of the Summit County Animal Control volunteers, the Aeros staff had the freedom to roam the facility and partake in anything from walking, bathing, watering and playing with animals of their choice.

“We want our volunteers to want to come back again,” Summit County Animal Control Manager CHRISTINE FATHEREE said.

This open attitude left staff members feeling their time spent was not only efficient, but even more valuable.

“I enjoyed this experience because it gave me the opportunity to work with many animals. It was gratifying knowing that just a simple walk or exercise really put a wag in their tail,” Aeros Food and Beverage Director NATE MICHEL said.

Every staff member left with warm and fuzzy feeling and an outfit covered in hair to match, yet they wouldn’t want it any other way.

As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros staff volunteers at local non-profit organizations each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community.

For information on volunteer opportunities with the department or how to adopt an animal, call (330) 643-2845. For additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Akron DSC_0294 01-25-12
Group Sales Representative Mitch Cromes gets love from our four-legged friends.
Akron DSC_0315 01-25-12
Lene Spahn, Media Relations Coordinator and IT Specialist, is smitten with this kitten.

 

Akron Aeros Help Paint A Picture for Hope

The Akron Aeros front office staff made their way to ACCESS earlier this month to help the local shelter prepare recreational rooms at their facility.

Upon arrival, the staff got straight to work with paint and brushes in hand. They started with painting a Teen Room, and then moved to painting an office at ACCESS.

“It was inspiring to volunteer at a place like ACCESS. To think of all of the individuals they help after these people have been turned down elsewhere, really puts things into perspective. Our staff has really enjoyed this experience, paint clothes and all,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.

ACCESS, or The Akron Citizens’ Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services, was created to meet the need for the 625 monthly requests for shelter in the Akron area. With only 150 beds available and just 18 reserved for women and children, ACCESS helps fill the void by providing emergency shelter for those women and children. ACCESS also provides meals, group support, children’s programming, parental programming, and a Care Clinic.

“When I picked up a brochure after leaving ACCESS, I read the first line, ‘Providing Help When It’s Needed The Most.’ That quote seems to resonate throughout this organization. They certainly help those in need to the best of their ability. But there’s always more that can be done. That’s where volunteers come in,” Aeros Executive Vice President/COO JIM PFANDER said.

As a part of their ‘Helping Hands’ program, the Aeros volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as ACCESS. Next month, the Aeros will assist The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County.

For information on ACCESS, visit access-shelter.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Director of Sales, Greg Berry and Manager of Promotions, Calvin Funkhouser prepare the Teen Room before painting at ACCESS shelter in Akron.
Aeros staff is all hands on deck, painting the Teen Room at ACCESS.

Akron Aeros Volunteer at Salvation Army in More Ways Than One

The Akron Aeros front office staff traveled to The Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel last month, extending their Helping Hands program in the facility’s soup kitchen, pre-school and storage rooms.

The Aeros had the opportunity to see the dynamics of an organization that helps the local community in such diverse ways. The staff assisted with food preparation and dispersion in the soup kitchen, while mingling with those dining and the full-time volunteer staff.

Others assisted at the preschool, helping to prepare and deliver lunches to the kids, while spending quality time before naptime for the children.

The staff also worked behind the scenes, sorting and organizing the Salvation Army’s arts and crafts supplies, donations and records.

“I was able to volunteer on all different ends of the spectrum. You really get a chance to see how dedicated The Salvation Army is to the community. We especially loved spending time with the kids, and they were really enthusiastic. That’s what makes this Helping Hands program so rewarding,” said NICOLE BLUM, Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator.

Based on the Christian faith, The Salvation Army aims to fulfill their motto, “Doing the most good,” which was evident to the Aeros staff, who left with a clearer vision of the organization and its purpose. From church services, to after school programs, and providing financial assistance, shelter and free meals, the Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel epitomizes their 135-year-old motto.

Each month, the Akron Aeros front office staff volunteers at locally based organizations as a part of their Helping Hands program. In addition to the Salvation Army, the Aeros plan to assist Akron’s Habitat for Humanity as their next venture.

For information on the Salvation Army and its locations, visit salvationarmyusa.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, contact Nicole Blum at 330.253.5151 x310 or visit akronaeros.com

The staff gathers for a group photo after serving hot meals during the Salvation Army lunch hour.

Akron Aeros Lend a Green Thumb at Hale Farm and Village

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

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

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

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

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

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