Honor a Loved One Affected by Cancer with the Drive’s Special Package

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The Greenville Drive, along with Bon Secours and the American Cancer Society, will be creating a specially designed Survivors jersey to honor and celebrate those in our community affected by cancer.

Packages are available for Drive fans to celebrate their loved one by including their name in the jersey design and each opportunity also comes with tickets to a 2022 Drive game as well as a donation back to the American Cancer Society.

The Drive will proudly wear these jerseys during their home game at Fluor Field on Sunday, May 8th and we will auctioning off the players’ jerseys during the game to raise additional funds to fight this terrible disease.

To learn more about the packages and how you can reserve a spot for your loved one, CLICK HERE.

Wind Surge Give Back 2021

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2021 was a year full of firsts for the Wichita Wind Surge. In addition to bringing affiliated baseball back to Wichita, the inaugural season was also an opportunity for the Wind Surge to give back to a community that has rallied so much support around the new stadium and new team. Various programs and partnerships were put in place to help support several non-profit and philanthropic organizations around the Wichita and Sedgwick County community.

Cancer Awareness Night

The first of many valuable partnerships involved the Wind Surge joining forces with Central Kansas Cancer Center and McPherson College. This alliance was aimed at raising funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. The Wind Surge designed a unique Cancer Awareness Jersey that was worn by each player during the 2021 Cancer Awareness Night at Riverfront Stadium. After the game, these game- worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We were happy to donate $4,375 to the American Cancer Society to aid in their fight to find a cure for cancer.

Schwechheimer Family Foundation

The Schwechheimer Family Foundation also made its debut during the 2021 season. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Schwechheimer Family Foundation aims to support and foster underserved community members and bring the history of Wichita baseball back to life. The corporation seeks to provide opportunities for the general public to increase their understanding of Wichita’s baseball history and community pursuits. Fundraising efforts for the foundation included a 50/50 raffle during all home games, auctioning off specialty military appreciation jerseys, and the sale of 2021 inaugural season patches which featured late managing general partner, Lou Schwechheimer.

Home Runs for Charity

During the 2021 season, Wind Surge fans also witnessed our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and League 42 in our Home Runs for Charity fundraising sponsorship. League 42 is a non-profit organization, founded in July 2013, that has a goal of ensuring that urban children can have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized leagues. Through this sponsorship, each time a Wind Surge player hit a homerun during a Wind Surge home game, Fidelity Bank and the Wind Surge would donate $100 to League 42. During the 2021 season, Fidelity Bank and the Wichita Wind Surge proudly donated $6,900 to League 42 in order to assist the organization in fulfilling their mission.

Outside the Ballpark

Our passion for giving back to the community did not stop with the end of the baseball season in late September. During the off season, many members of the Wind Surge front office continue to volunteer their time and efforts in the community. Staff have participated in many ways, including volunteering with the Kansas Food Bank, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Operation Holiday Wearhouse.

Planning for the 2022 season is well underway, and that includes the integration of community partnerships and collaboration. The 2022 season will feature many new community partnerships, and we are looking forward to continuing our mission of giving back to Wichita and surrounding communities.

To learn more about our community initiatives email Our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] Want to request a Wind Surge donation gift for your next charity event? Click here to fill out a request!

IronPigs look to ‘sell out’ Coca-Cola Park

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The IronPigs are looking to sell out Coca-Cola Park this October as they will be teaming up with Olympus Corporation of the Americas and Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute to host a “Virtual Strike Out Cancer” throughout the month of October. The event will run through Saturday, October 31.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A VIRTUAL SEAT FOR OUR FUNDRAISER

“We are honored to be teaming up with Olympus and Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute to host the virtual Strike Out Cancer throughout all of October,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “This will be a great way to recognize those battling cancer and their families, along with cancer support organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

The “Virtual Strike Out Cancer” will raise awareness and support for cancer patients, their families, and cancer support organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Fans are encouraged to submit photos of their loved ones (past and present) – those they will Stand Up to Cancer for. The IronPigs will share these photos on their social media platforms, with a special Strike Out Cancer frame around their loved one’s photo.

“The Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute is proud to partner with Olympus Corporation and the IronPigs to support the virtual strike out cancer event,” said Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute. “Supporting local cancer fundraising groups is important for the community and to those with cancer and their families. We look forward to our continued partnership.”

“As a leader in the design and development of medical devices that are used in the prevention, detection, treatment of cancer, raising awareness is at the core of what we do,” said Julien Sauvagnargues, President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “We are so proud to team up with IronPigs this year for Virtual Strike Out Cancer.”

In addition, fans will have the opportunity to help the IronPigs sell out Coca-Cola Park. Fans can click here to purchase a virtual, Coca-Cola Park seat for $11. The net proceeds from these purchases will be donated to local cancer support groups. Those groups are:

• American Cancer Society
• Angel 34 Foundation
• Boutique at the Rink
• Cancer Support Community
• Dream Come True
• Julia’s Grace Foundation
• Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute Prager Fund
• Life Always Facing Forward
• Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley
• Women’s 5K Classic

Fans who purchase a seat(s) will be entered to win an IronPigs Pig Pack that will include promotional items plus items donated by Olympus Corporation of the Americas and Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The IronPigs are presented by__ Capital BlueCross._

Video Board Message Donations Return for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

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SOUTH BEND, IN – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the South Bend Cubs mascot Stu D. Baker is raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign. For this month only, fans can purchase a special video board message to help in his cause.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A VIDEO BOARD MESSAGE

For a minimum donation of $20, fans can get their personalized message displayed on the video board at Four Winds Field and receive a digital copy of that message. All of the money raised in the month of October will go to Stu’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign. The photos will also be shared on the South Bend Cubs Facebook page.

Back in the spring, the South Bend Cubs raised over $2,700 for the Walter A. Meyer Food Pantry at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Family Resource Center and the United Way of St. Joseph County.

To purchase a video board message, visit SouthBendCubs.com and click on the video board message request link through the Cubs Den Team Store. Just select the amount you wish to donate (minimum $20 donation) and go to check out. In your shopping cart special instructions box, enter your personalized message (maximum of 40 characters) then click checkout. In order for your message to be displayed properly, please include one of the five headers your message request (South Bend Cubs Welcome, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Congratulations, Honoring, or In Memory Of).

Message requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 20 per day. There are no refunds for video board messages. The South Bend Cubs reserve the right to approve and edit any message. Messages that contain obscene or offensive content or include foul language will not be accepted. Marketing messages are not permitted. Photos will be sent to the email provided associated with the Team Store account.

Due to the overwhelming response, a maximum of 10 messages will be displayed on the South Bend Cubs Facebook page per day. Those who do not wish their message to be added should leave a note in the comments section at check out.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Johnny TinCap Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer, Teams with Rival

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne TinCaps mascot Johnny TinCap is joining the fight against breast cancer. As part of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink of Fort Wayne” campaign, Johnny is raising money and awareness to help save lives from breast cancer.

For an added incentive, Johnny is competing against the South Bend Cubs’ mascot, Stu, to see who can raise more money. Johnny and Stu have agreed that whoever comes up short in their challenge will have to wear the opposing team’s gear for a day with proof shared on social media.

Neither Johnny nor Stu could be reached for comment. However, through a team spokesperson, Johnny said, “Everyone knows my favorite colors are TinCaps green and red, but for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ll be rocking pink. That’s because breast cancer affects everyone, not just women. The American Cancer Society is helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it’s easier to treat. I’m glad my friend Stu is teaming up with me to support this important cause.”

Johnny TinCap is one of 11 Fort Wayne area community leaders fundraising for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Donations will be counted through Nov. 2.

The ACS says it’s in need of help now more than ever. Since February, mammograms have declined by 87%, which can delay an important diagnosis for women. COVID-19 will likely reduce the American Cancer Society’s ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 if current trends continue.

In addition to more than 240,000 women, the ACS notes that thousands of men also are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year.

Despite the 2020 Minor League Baseball season being lost, the TinCaps have remained committed to community service. Through “IN This Together” t-shirt sales, the team donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations in August as a way of expressing appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. In a similar fashion, the TinCaps have rallied their fans to donate meals to local healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Parkview Field has also served as a food distribution site for Community Harvest Food Bank and Aging & In-Home Services. The ballpark continues to host other events for non-profits as well.

Strike Out Cancer Night Goes Online with the Threshers 

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Clearwater, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers and the American Cancer Society teamed up in 2019 for the inaugural Strike Out Cancer Night, an evening of awareness and fundraising during a Threshers game.

Now in 2020, COVID-19 forced the American Cancer Society to suspend its popular Relay For Life events. Volunteers and survivors lost a chance to emotionally connect with the community. ACS lost a chance to extend its funding for research and patient services. Now it searches for new ways to fuel its fight against cancer.

The Threshers are providing a unique virtual opportunity and the American Cancer Society could not be more pleased. Cancer doesn’t quit, so neither will ACS. And neither will the Threshers.

Since we can’t be together in person, here are a couple ways we can help Strike Out Cancer, online. 1. Donate – visit the Clearwater Threshers Relay For Life of North Pinellas page 2. Share a photo of yourself holding a sign with the name of a loved one you are honoring. You may download a purple Threshers sign to print, or make your own and add to our Facebook and Twitter posts.

Be sure to stop by our Facebook page on Saturday night at 8 p.m. for a special Strike Out Cancer message from the Threshers and the American Cancer Society.

Pulaski Yankees extend partnership with American Cancer Society

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PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees and the American Cancer Society are excited to announce they have extended their partnership into the Yankees’ 2020 season. The multi-faceted partnership began in 2019 and will include new events in the coming year.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society’s local office for Southwest Virginia and the Roanoke Valley,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. “This partnership embodies the spirit of our Calfee Cares community relations plan to a T, and we’re fortunate to have such a great local group to work with that does so much for those affected by cancer in our community.”

The Yankees will be recognized as a Platinum Sponsor for Relay for Life of Wythe County, Relay for Life of Virginia’s Blue Ridge (Roanoke), Relay for Life of Montgomery County, and Relay for Life of the New River Valley. Calf-E, the Yankees mascot, and members of the Pulaski front office staff will attend the Wythe County (May 15) and Montgomery County (June 5).

As part of this continued partnership, the Yankees and American Cancer Society will host three events at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park in 2020. On June 23, the Yankees will again participate in Minor League Baseball’s “Cover Your Bases” Sun Safety Initiative that is hosted league-wide in conjunction with MiLB Charities. Cover Your Bases scannables will be sold at the ballpark to raise money for the American Cancer Society on this night.

On August 21, the Yankees will recognize breast cancer survivors with Pink in the Park presented by LewisGale Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Yankees players and coaches will wear special Pink in the Park warm up shirts that will be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society’s Southeast Region will also serve as the Community Organization of the Night presented by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.

New for 2020, the American Cancer Society will host Finish the Fight Against Breast Cancer at Calfee Park on Saturday, October 17. This family-friendly fun walk will bring together friends and family to remember and celebrate loved ones affected by breast cancer. Participants are determined to raise awareness and money to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and save more lives than ever before from breast cancer.

“We have an amazing partnership with Betsy and the Pulaski Yankees and are very enthusiastic to grow that partnership in 2020. This relationship is extremely important to our local office and plays a vital role in helping us to continue with our life-saving mission across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia,” said Erika Newberry, Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society.

Last year, over 100 area businesses and organizations embraced Relay For Life events and the American Cancer Society’s cause, helping our communities raise over $1 million to support the society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit cancer.org.

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).

Pulaski Yankees release 2019 charitable contributions

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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.

BlueClaws Charities Announces 2019 Grant Recipients

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BlueClaws Charities raises money throughout the year across various platforms such as special fundraising events like their Nine & Dine charity golf outing, BlueClaws jersey auctions, a nightly 50/50 raffle that is held at home games. At the conclusion of the season, money raised is distributed through a grant application process.

“We are very proud to support these outstanding Community Partner organizations,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Not only are these groups on the ground helping the underserved in our communities, but we are pleased that all grant money stays local here in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.”

Find the organizations and grant descriptions below:

American Cancer Society – To help fund rides to treatment for cancer patients, a free place to stay when a patient needs to travel for treatment, as well as free wigs for patients.

ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – To help subsidize our Care Services Program that offers programs and services to families living with ALS at no cost and who live in the surrounding communities of BlueClaws Charities.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter – To support youth in our area who are experiencing Alzheimer’s in their family.

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – To support the general operating budget of the agency in order to continue to provide and support 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ashley Lauren Foundation – To assist children with cancer and their families through direct family financial assistance.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – To fund current community mentorship programs.

Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America – To provide direct support to our Scoutreach (youth at risk) Cub Scout pack at the Clark Elementary School in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Brodie Fund – To financially assist families with pets fighting cancer.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – To help defray the cost of criminal background checks completed on all volunteers prior to assignments.

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation – To provide direct financial aid to New Jersey families affected by cancer during the holiday season.

Dottie’s House – To offset the cost of a backflow repair at the facility.

Easterseals New Jersey – To ensure the continuation of employment services programs featuring skills evaluation, resume building, interview skills in addition to placing our participants into jobs within the community.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – To purchase a storage shed to allow the robotics team to store their robot and its components.

Go4theGoal – To support our Kart 4 Kids program in local hospitals that will bring smiles to kids battling cancer.

Guidinglight House Inc. – Fund housing and program services to female veterans transitioning out of the military.

HABcore Inc. – To help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing Program in Ocean County.

JAR of Hope – To bring awareness directed to finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

JF Party Dragon – To purchase food for those in need in Ocean County.

Kids Need More – To enhance the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.

LADACIN Network – To support our Child Care and Preschool program which integrates children with and without disabilities.

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund – To assist our organization in its mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.

Mya Lin Terry Foundation – To support our Friends of Michael Campaign, sibling support of oncology children.

NJ TEARS Foundation – To provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or infant loss or sudden loss of a school-aged child in New Jersey with programs offered through our Center for Child Loss in Wall.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – To support elderly neighbors in their progressing age and the infirmities that often come with it by providing safety-related maintenance (such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps) and other home repairs necessary to alleviate structural violations, serious health issues, and code violations.

Ocean County Family Support Organization – To offset the costs of trips for our Youth Partnership Program.

Ocean County Shrine Club – To purchase surgical hardware to scoliosis patients at Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, specifically, metal instrumentation including, but not limited to, surgical rods and cages used in spinal fusion implant procedures to straighten severe curvatures.

Ocean’s Harbor House – To provide housing for homeless, abused, neglected, and tossaway youth between the ages of 16 and 21, serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Ocean Partnership for Children – To provide emergency fund for youth and famliies for immediate needs that cannot be secured at no cost or covered by Medicad or flex funds.

Piece of the Puzzle – To expand our special education curriculum for students with autism and developmental disabilities.

Parents of Autistic Children – To provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity, through athletic participation, between disabled students and their typically developing peers.

Probation Association of New Jersey Education Fund – To foster and enhance educational/training opportunities for members of PA/NJ through the operation of an annual training conference.

Raising Hope for Others, Inc. – To offset costs of their August fundraiser.

RJM Sportsgroup – To provide support for students in the Jackson school districts with scholarships.

Salvation Army of Ocean County – To support our weekly soup kitchen, which serves 50-100 meals per week.

Seabrook Village – To support the Library at Seabrook Village.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide – To support our Ocean County Youth Wellness Summit. This summit is specifically designed to provide students, school administrators, and school staff with the necessary resources needed to encourage and support overall wellness, including the prevention of teen suicide and other upstream prevention measures.

Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – To provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – To purchase warm clothing for lower-income children.

USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey – To provide funding for 2020 activities and events in support of the annual Month of the Military Child Celebrations throughout April.

BlueClaws Charities unveiled their 2019 Community Impact Report earlier this week. You can view the report by clicking here.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The organization supports its Community Partners in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with cash grants and other organizations with in-kind donations throughout the year.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com. Opening Night of the 2020 season is on Thursday, April 16th.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws Charities Releases 2019 Community Impact Report

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities have released their 2019 Community Impact Report including information on BlueClaws Charities, presented by DiFeo Kia, grant recipients and club community involvement throughout the year.

“BlueClaws Charities and the entire BlueClaws staff is proud to be a key part of the community throughout the year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “From BlueClaws games themselves to events and fundraising around the area 12 months a year, to supporting a series of tremendous Community Partner organizations, being a leading member of the community is something that we take great pride in. We look forward to expanding our involvement further in 2020!

To read the 2019 Community Impact Report, click here.

BlueClaws Charities handed out cash grants to 39 Community Partners in 2019 and all organizations that applied received a grant. These organizations, ranging from local branches of national charities to smaller local organizations, each create a positive impact in the community in a different way.

“Our BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations are helping lead the way around the Jersey Shore in working with the underserved and underprivliged around the area,” said BlueClaws Vice President of Community Relations Jim DeAngelis, also the Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “We are proud to note that all grant money stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties and is put to great use locally.

“We thank our great sponsor, DiFeo Kia, and everyone that supported BlueClaws Charities events and fundraising efforts to make these grants possible.”

Grant fundraising included special events, both in and outside the stadium, throughout the year.

In May, the BlueClaws hosted their 19th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event, benefiting the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Phillies. This year’s event was held at Quaker Steak & Lube in Brick. The Celebrity Waiter Event has raised over $120,000 for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia in its history.

In August, BlueClaws Charities hosted their annual golf outing at Lakewood Country Club. The 10th annual event, a “Nine and Dine” format, includes golf, dinner, and special auctions plus appearances by BlueClaws players and coaches.

Additional funding came from the nightly 50/50 raffle which took place at all BlueClaws home games. Each pool total averaged over $2,000 with an average of more than $1,000 being returned to winners.

BlueClaws Charities also raised money through BlueClaws jersey auctions during the year. In 2019, the BlueClaws did the following jersey auctions for BlueClaws Charities: Players Day, Grateful Dead, Margaritaville Night at the Park, BruceClaws, Military Appreciation Night, and Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese. A special pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night benefitted the American Cancer Society. Fans were able to bid either online or through a mobile device, enabling bidding from all over the world. This process raised additional funds for BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

The BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities partner with OceanFirst Bank and OceanFirst Foundation on several programs that benefit area military personnel. The Home Runs for Heroes program, which just completed its 11th year, generates a donation from OceanFirst Foundation to a local military-based non-profit for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. In 2019, the program raised $38,000 for local organizations. Further, through the Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, tickets are donated to military members through accredited channels.

Additional events during the year included a Challenger Clinic at which the developmentally disabled were able to learn baseball from BlueClaws players and Major League alumni. Troop and School Supply Drives were held at the ballpark during games and the 19th annual Breakfast With Buster holiday food and toy drive was held in December, collecting non-perishable food and unwrapped toys to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Through the Phillies Step-Up Program, BlueClaws players participated in over 261 hours of community service during the year. This included events at the ballpark and around the community such as a free clinic put on by the Ocean County Parks Department featuring BlueClaws players.

BlueClaws staff members served on event committees for nine different area non-profit organizations. Staff members served on the Board of Directors of seven different non-profit organizations and five Chambers of Commerce.

The BlueClaws fundraising program also proved profitable for area organizations and event committees. In 2019, over $143,000 was raised through the BlueClaws fundraising program, through which organizations purchase BlueClaws tickets and re-sell them to their constituents to raise money. For additional information on that program, contact a BlueClaws representative at 732-901-7000 option 3.

In-Kind donations included ticket vouchers or other contributions to 924 organizations plus 65 additional packages including merchandise or hospitality outings.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The organization supports its Community Partners in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with cash grants and other organizations with in-kind donations throughout the year.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com. Opening Night of the 2020 season is on Thursday, April 16th.

– BlueClaws –

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

Keys Win Matt Minker Community Service Award

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FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce that they have been named the winner of the Carolina League’s Matt Minker Community Service Award. This award is given out to the team that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within its community.

It marks the first time that the Keys have received this award as an organization after the Minker Award became a team honor in 2014. When it was an individual award, Jacob Julius brought home the honor in 2013.

“We are thrilled to be recognized with the Minker award,” said Keys Director of Marketing Erin Lawson. “Building long-lasting community partnerships is a hallmark of Frederick Keys baseball. We look forward to expanding our footprint throughout Frederick County and beyond in the years to come through community programs, donations, appearances and other initiatives.

The Keys were recognized for their efforts in 2019 thanks in large part to charitable giving, donations and strong community programs. Over the last year, the Keys have donated more than $10,000 through the team’s charitable foundation-Frederick Keys Care. Beneficiaries included the YMCA, Heartly House, Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP), Advocates for Homeless Families, Blessings in a Backpack and Sophie and Madigan’s Playground. Over the last three years, close to $50,000 has been raised for Keys Care through the team’s Charity Golf Classic, Mystery Ball, 50/50 raffles and more.

In 2019, the Keys made donations to over 500 different organizations. These included game tickets, suites, marketing booths, jerseys, hats and autographed memorabilia. Combined, these donations were valued at just over $47,000. The Keys also hosted a Toys for Tots Drive and worked with Orioles Advocates on the Cardboard 2 Leather Program as well as the United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. To go with this, non-profit groups raised $14,500 through the Keys Pack the Park program and over $30,000 through the Charity Concession Program.

Strong community programs remained a staple of Keys baseball in 2019, with the Keys distributing 58,000 summer reading bookmarks to libraries in seven counties. Students who completed their library’s summer reading program could then come to a Keys game. Young fans were honored for their scholastic achievements through the team’s Report Card Program and were challenged to be active for 60 minutes a day leading up to Family Fitness Weekend.

The Keys worked hand-in-hand with non-profit groups during the United Way’s annual Day of Action, Make a Difference Thursday and hosted several charity softball games to raise money for the Police Activities League and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Specific games also raised awareness for the American Cancer Society, Heartly House and the Frederick Arts Council. These games also involved the team wearing a special hat or jersey which raised money for each organization.

Keys players were active in the community this year, attending over 80 events in the Frederick community and surrounding areas along with Keys mascot Keyote. Keys players participated in a pre-game softball game with Challenger Little League, made sign language videos with students from the Maryland School of the Deaf and served as camp counselors for the team’s baseball camp. Individually, Cameron Bishop was named the winner of the Orioles prestigious Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here. Fireworks dates and a full Keys promotional schedule for 2020 will be announced at a later date. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to raise breast cancer awareness and support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and all Dragons social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2019. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 19 starting at 8:30 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2019 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease. To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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

Season In Review | Ems Go Above And Beyond To Benefit Local Community

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

With another season of Emeralds baseball now officially in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking a look back at some of the special moments and memories created during the 2019 season. Today, we reflect on all the good that the Emeralds imparted throughout the Eugene/Springfield community.

Over the past decade, the Ems have made a concerted effort to ingrain the organization within the fabric of Eugene/Springfield through countless community efforts and initiatives. With almost too many donations, drives and events to keep track of, let’s go by the numbers to see exactly how the Emeralds made a positive impact in Lane County during the past season.

$7,451: Dollars raised to benefit local nonprofits through Good Karma Monday.

Good Karma Monday, presented by Yogi, is a weekly ticket promotion created in recent years with the goal of supporting local nonprofit organizations and initiatives. During every Good Karma Monday throughout the 2019 season, fans were able to purchase discounted box seat tickets ($10) with 50% of ticket sales directly benefitting a local nonprofit organization. All told, the Ems raised a combined $7,451 that together benefitted the Pearl Buck Center, Relief Nursery, A Family For Every Child, and Womenspace.

7: Community focus nights.

The Ems aim to use their influence to shine light on causes and efforts that are near and dear to the organization. During the 2019 season, a total of seven (7) different home games were used to highlight important (local) causes, efforts, and personalities: PRIDE, Climate Change, First Responders Appreciation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), League Of Her Own (Lois Youngen – former AAGPBL Player), Suicide Prevention, and Military Appreciation.

5: Community events.

Even when there aren’t ballgames happening at PK Park, the Emeralds are often still playing their part in helping support the local community. All told, the Emeralds hosted five (5) separate non-gameday events during the 2019 season to support local nonprofits and organizations: American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Eugene Police’s National Night Out, Eugene Food Truck Fest benefitting Eugene Mission, Wham Bam Kendall Jam Car Show benefitting Relief Nursery, and the Boys and Girls Club‘s Field of Dreams.

$3,500: Dollars raised through specialty jersey sales during the 2019 season.

Every year, the Emeralds front office collaborates to design one-of-a-kind, specialty jerseys to be worn on a select night during the season. During each specialty jersey game, fans in attendance can bid on the game-worn jerseys via a silent auction, and the auction winners receive their jersey directly from the corresponding player immediately following the game.

Below, you can find the corresponding nonprofit beneficiary for each specialty jersey worn by the Ems this past season.

PRIDE – HIV Alliance

Climate Change – Our Children’s Trust

Star Wars – Children’s Miracle Network

Black Panther – Ems Community Fund

3: Collection drives hosted to benefit nonprofit organizations.

The Emeralds hosted three separate community collection drives during the past season: a book drive benefitting United Way, a cat/dog items drive benefitting Greenhill Humane Society, and a new socks/underwear drive benefitting Eugene Mission.

6,500: Tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers through Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge, presented by Oregon Medical Group and Wildish.

Year after year, Sluggo and the Emeralds staff spend the spring visiting countless Lane County schools in an effort to encourage reading among children. Participating schools and teachers decide on a reasonable reading goal for their students’ respective reading levels. Once the individual goal is reached by a student, they automatically receive two free tickets to one of the Emeralds Reading Program Redemption games.

This year, the Emeralds hosted a total of eleven (11) Reading Program Nights with more than 6,500 total tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers.

6: Monarcas games at PK Park this past season.

Starting in 2018, the Emeralds proudly joined “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup,” a season-long event series specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities. As such, the Emeralds created their own unique identity as Los Monarcas de Eugene, using the Monarch butterfly as a subtle and beautiful symbol for the migrant community. Every Sunday home game, the Emeralds transformed into los Monarcas by donning specially designed uniforms while also incorporating Latin-themed food, music, and decorations all throughout PK Park.

$6,850: Dollars raised through the 50/50 raffle for Eugene Little League and Boys & Girls Club.

25: Emeralds player outings and efforts within the community totaling more than 175 hours of volunteer work.

5: Days Emeralds players hosted baseball clinics during the season.

1: Guide dogs that the Emeralds helped train this season.

Last but not least, fans at PK Park likely noticed a new four-legged friend roaming the concourse during the 2019 season. Vegas, the Emeralds service dog in-training, joined the organization earlier this year under the direction of Anne Culhane, the team’s Director of Community Relations. Since his arrival, Vegas has been a (rapidly growing) staple at the Ems office and at PK Park, and thanks to Culhane’s guidance he’s also continued to take major steps towards his goal of one day becoming a service dog.

To learn more about The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs visit joydogs.org.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Night a Home Run

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The BlueClaws hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Night in conjunction with the American Cancer Society on Thursday night.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and the American Cancer Society partnered on a successful Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Thursday at FirstEnergy Park. The event raised money through jersey and hat sales and included special ceremonies honoring survivors.

BlueClaws players and coaches wore special pink jerseys and caps that were auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society, netting almost $4,000.

There are a limited number of fitted hats and adjustable hats that are still available in the Claws Cove. All proceeds from these caps will benefit the American Cancer Society. These hats can be purchased online (fitted, adjustable).

PHOTO GALLERY – Click here to view a photo gallery.

“The American Cancer Society was thrilled to partner with the BlueClaws in helping to raise both money and awareness at the game on Thursday,” said Jennifer Lefthand, Senior Manager of Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “It was a special night, attended by many cancer survivors and we look forward to more events like this in the future.”

Video: Breast Cancer Awareness Night

Additionally, the BlueClaws honored several breast cancer survivors on the field before the game. These honorees were selected from a group of nominees submitted over the previous weeks through BlueClaws.com.

The crowd of 7,986 was the team’s third largest of the season and marked the 18th sell-out crowd of 2019.

The BlueClaws won the game 3-2 on a two-run walk-off home run by Ben Pelletier in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The BlueClaws have fireworks following games on August 16th, 17th, and 29th with the home schedule running through August 29th. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Minor League Baseball, American Cancer Society “Cover Your Bases” Sun Safety Initiative Gets Underway This Memorial Day

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) is partnering with the American Cancer Society for the third consecutive year on a nationwide initiative to promote sun safety measures and educate baseball fans about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. From May 27 to June 30, participating MiLB teams will provide free Blue Lizard Sunscreen samples to fans, players, staff and all other attendees at their games. The “Cover Your Bases” initiative is one of MiLB Charities’ annual campaigns.

“Minor League Baseball fans love to spend their summers watching games at our ballparks, and we, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, want to encourage them to be safe and #CoverYourBases when outdoors,” said Courtney Nehls, assistant director of community engagement for MiLB.

The annual campaign has impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals since its launch in 2017, not only providing sun protection, but also information on skin cancer and measures fans can take to help reduce their overall risk. More than 120 MiLB teams are participating in the 2019 initiative.

“Minor League Baseball has always provided opportunities to join impactful initiatives that bring awareness to our communities,” said Hunter Horenstein, director of fan engagement for the Myrtle Peach Pelicans. “With Myrtle Beach being the perfect destination for outdoor fun, the Pelicans look forward to joining MiLB’s ‘Cover Your Bases’ program each year to help educate our fans to take the necessary precautions when it comes to sun exposure.”

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and one of the best ways to help prevent it is by protecting the skin from excessive UV rays, including sun exposure and indoor tanning devices. ACS advises people to seek shade whenever possible, wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

“The American Cancer Society is proud to continue our work with Minor League Baseball,” said Sharon Byers, chief development marketing and communications officer for the American Cancer Society. “We deeply appreciate their support and the opportunity to share these important public health messages.”

Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities MiLB teams call home. Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities contributes to local organizations in times of need and supports causes that are important to the extended baseball family. For more information about MiLB Charities and the Minor League Baseball Charity Partners Program, visit www.MiLB.com.