Andy Shea and Lexington Legends to receive prestigious distinguished philanthropist award

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – (November 7, 2017) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Bluegrass Chapter presents the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to an individual, corporation, or foundation that has made a significant contribution to our community through their acts of kindness and charitable giving. “Over the years, only a select few have received this special recognition and this year’s recipient is definitely worthy of this honor,” said Patrick Robinson, AFP President.

 

On Friday, November 10, during the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Marriott Griffin Gate, Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends will receive the 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist award.

 

In 2017, the Legends donated over $1.1 million to hundreds of charitable organizations in eastern and central Kentucky. One hundred percent of the Legends staff is currently involved in the community outside of the workplace.

 

President/CEO Andy Shea is the driving force behind all of the Legends’ community initiatives and philanthropic accomplishments. He sets an example of empathy, kindness and selflessness for everyone he meets and encourages others to utilize their unique talents and passions in order to serve others.

 

Shea serves on the boards for LexArts and Junior Achievement. He has built relationships with 10 little brothers through Big Brothers Big Sisters, three of whom were groomsmen in his wedding this past October. He was also the 2013 and 2015 champion of Dancing With The Lexington Stars, which supports the Rotary Club Endowment Fund and Surgery on Sundays. In 2016, Andy won the American Diabetes Association’s Kiss-A-Pig Campaign Individual Winner award for his fundraising efforts towards curing and preventing diabetes. This year, he was humbled to provide the lead gift towards Midway University’s new baseball stadium, which will increase the university’s athletic merit and offer Midway student-athletes the opportunity to compete in state-of-the-art collegiate facilities for the first time.

 

“It’s clear that Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends make a huge impact in our community,” adds Robinson. “AFP – Bluegrass Chapter is pleased to give this prestigious award to both an individual and a team who are touching many lives through their philanthropy.”

(The National Philanthropy Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Distinguished Philanthropist Award will be presented between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.)

For more information about the Legends, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

 

Shea wins in ADA ‘Kiss a Pig’ campaign

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

  Lexington Legends’ President/CEO Andy Shea planted a kiss on a pig Saturday night.

Shea was the winner in the American Diabetes Association “Kiss a Pig” fundraising campaign. He was one of 10 local celebrities in whose names donations could be made.   His total of more than $45,000 raised led the way, and as the winner, he kissed the pig – now named “Pig L” in reference to the Legends famous mascot, Big L.

“My Aunt Debbie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was in eighth grade,” Shea recalled. “She passed away shortly after my 16th birthday, and I still think about her and love her every day. It was a true honor to be a part of such a great event, raise funds for research, and bring awareness to this awful disease. It was even more special being able to share the night with my mom and friends. And we’re all very excited about the addition of Pig L to our family and the ballpark!”

Pig L will be a part of the Shea household, and is expected to occasionally visit Whitaker Bank Ballpark for some Legends’ games next season.

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

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

San-Jose-GiantsThe San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Novo Nordisk presents Changing Diabetes Night

Pawtucket-Red-SoxLast Saturday, July 14th the Pawtucket Red Sox and Novo Nordisk teamed up to present Changing Diabetes Night at McCoy Stadium when the PawSox took on the Buffalo Bisons. Before a bustling crowd of 7,449 Novo Nordisk continued their goal of educating people on the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention of the diabetes disease that afflicts tens of millions of Americans.

To kick things off the reigning Mrs. Rhode Island of the Mrs. America franchise welcomed the crowd with a message from the title sponsor and threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Proudly displaying her ‘blue bull’ t-shirt and tiara, she then took up residence in the Cox Fan Center where she spent some time signing autographs and taking pictures with eager PawSox fans. Novo Nordisk and the American Diabetes Association each set up tables in the Main Gate Entry Tower to greet fans as they entered the stadium and distribute literature.

American-Diabetes-AssociatiEver supportive of non profit organizations, Novo Nordisk agreed before a pitch was even thrown to donate $500 per home run hit by either team that day to the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust Foundation with the understanding that the half of the final tally would then be given to the Massachusetts American Diabetes Association. If a batter were to hit a HR off of the ‘Changing Diabetes’ sign in left/center field the organization would then donate $5,000 to the PawSox Foundation. While there were two round-trippers hit during the contest, by Buffalo’s Zach Lutz and Pawtucket’s JC Linares, Novo Nordisk doubled their obligated contribution making the total contribution $2,000. Representatives from both organizations will take part in a pre-game check presentation on August 31st.

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Those who suffer from Type 1 are born with a genetic pre-disposition to the disease, while those with Type 2 develop it later in life and suffer from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Both require control through diet, exercise and consistent monitoring and adjusting of blood sugar levels. If you are living with diabetes or know someone who is, visit Cornerstones4CareTM  for tools to help your care plan work harder for you, ongoing updates about diabetes care, and tips and inspiration to keep you moving forward.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox.  Click here to view the original story.

“Pack the Park” Charity Program Expands for 2010

Once again this season Mondays at Arvest Ballpark will feature our popular community outreach initiative called “Pack the Park For Charity” as several different non-profit service agencies will enjoy the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for their specific cause. Each non-profit organization will generate revenue through the sale of discounted Naturals tickets for their specific game. This season the program will extend to Wednesday night games during the summer.

The selected charities will sell six dollar reserved tickets to a Naturals Monday or Wednesday home game, with a different major charity pre-selected for each Monday or Wednesday. The normal reserved ticket price is eight dollars. Three dollars per ticket sold will be given back to the charity. Supporters of the particular charity can also order tickets online or at the ticket window with a special unique codeword supplied to the charity to facilitate such sales. The more people “in the house” at Arvest Ballpark each Monday or Wednesday – the more revenue generated for the worthwhile cause.

The charities with their respective home games and pertinent contact information for the organizations are listed below:

5/17/2010: ALS Asscociation (Danielle Wood, 479-621-8700)
5/24/2010: The Jones Center (Jake Fout, 479-756-8090 ext. 2139)
6/2/2010: Miracle League (Peggy McCall, 501-940-3405)
6/7/2010: Kendrick Fincher Foundation (Rhonda Fincher, 479-986-9960)
6/21/2010: Ozark Guidance (Jane Guyton, 479-695-1240)
7/5/2010: Elizabeth Richardson Center (479-872-1800)
7/26/2010: Pagnozzi Charities (Sarah Eldridge, 479-443-2550)
8/4/2010: Children’s House (Ben McClintock, 479-872-7479 ext. 16)
8/9/2010: Single Parent Scholarship Fund (Anne Jackson, 479-750-4971)
8/18/2010: Circle of Life (Jessica Young, 479-750-6632)
8/23/2010: American Cancer Society (Lindsey Bowers, 479-750-2493)
9/2/2010: American Diabetes Association (Lori Jones Branlett, 479-464-4121 ext. 6859)

Each week’s Pack the Park Charity partner will also appear on the Jay and Brock Show on Hot Mix 101.9 the week prior to their date and some may also appear on KNWA News to raise awareness for their cause. To purchase tickets supporting these charities for their respective nights, please contact the charity using the contact information listed above.

For more information about Pack the Park for Charities, please contact Amanda Potter with the Naturals at 927-4900.

Gwinnett Braves Donate Over $150,000 to Local Non-Profits During Inaugural Season

During the Gwinnett Braves inaugural season, the team donated over $150,000 to local non-profits as a result of fundraisers completed during the team’s season. The G-Braves showcased the groups during a pre-game presentation on Saturday, September 5 when the team took on the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) at 6:00 p.m.

“Gwinnett County is known for its strong sense of community and since our team arrived, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed into this close-knit population,” said Gwinnett Braves General Manager Bruce Baldwin. “It is only right that we give back to the people that not only brought us here, but also to the people that continue to make Gwinnett County our home.”

Volunteers from Exodus Outreach, Collins Hill High School (Band Boosters, Spirit Club, Takedown Club and Lacrosse), St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus and Grayson Takedown Club worked with ARAMARK, the food and beverage provider at Gwinnett Stadium, to staff select concession stands throughout the season. In return, the groups earned a portion of that stand’s profit. Heading into the final weekend of the season the groups raised a combined $142,204.75 for their efforts.

In addition to the concession fundraiser, the Gwinnett Braves partnered with local non-profits to hold 50/50 raffles at each weekend game. Combined the 50/50 raffles resulted in over $7,000 for the following groups:
233rd Seabee Battalion
American Diabetes Association
Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends
Autism Speaks
Beta Sigma Phi
Caminar Latino
Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Restoration Network
Family Promise of Gwinnett
Foster Children’s Foundation
Gwinnett Ballet Theater
Gwinnett Choral Guild
Gwinnett County Special Olympics
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity
Gwinnett Humane Society
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation
Happy Tails
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March of Dimes
Metro Atlanta YMCA
Operation Homefront
The Hope Clinic
Toys for Tots

Every season, the Gwinnett Braves players and coaches combine to make one special gift to a local charity. This year, the team will donate the funds necessary to build a portable bocce court for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics 50/50 Raffle at Coolray Field