$61,000 Awarded Through Home Runs For Heroes Program

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The 2022 Home Runs for Heroes Program wrapped up its 14th season scoring $61,000 in grants for 14 nonprofit partners serving local members of the United States Military and Veterans. Each charity partner was assigned an inning at the beginning of the season, and each home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark during their designated inning scored a $1,000 donation.

“OceanFirst Foundation is honored to work our incredible Home Runs for Heroes partners and we’re proud to share that this special program has resulted in $560,000 in grants over 14 amazing Jersey Shore BlueClaws seasons. We take great pride in supporting the local heroes who protect and have served our great nation. Thank you Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Townsquare Media – 96.7/104.1 Cat Country for your partnership over the last 14 Seasons!” – Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation.

“Deborah Hospital Foundation is a grateful partner with OceanFirst Foundation, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and Townsquare. We’re extremely appreciative to have received a $4,000 grant from this year’s Home Runs for Heroes Program. The grant will support the HeroCare Connect program which provides high quality concierge healthcare navigation services to Veterans, active duty and retired military, and their dependents. We look forward to participating again next year. Go BlueClaws!” – Steve Toal, Chief Development Officer, Deborah Hospital Foundation.

“Military causes are very close to us all and we’re honored that OceanFirst Foundation has continued this amazing program with the BlueClaws once again,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “The program helps a grouping of amazing, local, charities that help veterans and we thank OceanFirst Foundation for their support.”

Recipient organizations included: American National Red Cross, Army Emergency Relief, Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton), Ma Deuce Deuce, Chariot Riders, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, Vetwork, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, National Guard State Family Readiness Council, GI Go Fund, Cape May Coast Guard Foundation, Jewish Federation of Southern Ocean County, Deborah Hospital Foundation, and Homes For All.

The $500,000 mark was eclipsed on the first home run of 2022, hit by DJ Stewart in the second game of the season on April 9th. Baron Radcliff led the team with seven home runs at ShoreTown Ballpark. Rixon Wingrove had six home runs and Carlos De La Cruz added five.

About OceanFirst Foundation
OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 8,600 grants totaling more than $46 million to non-profits and schools within our footprint. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

About the Jersey Shore BlueClaws
The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2022, they welcomed their 8-millionth fan to ShoreTown Ballpark since team’s 2001 inception. Additionally, the BlueClaws had 14 sellouts across the summer. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is set for Tuesday, April 11th and 2023 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale at BlueClaws.com or by calling 732-901-7000 option 3.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws/OceanFirst Foundation-

WooSox Support Red Cross Blood Drive and Local First Responders on Weekend of 9/11

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The Worcester Red Sox began the weekend at the American Red Cross Central Mass headquarters at 381 Plantation Street in Worcester, where WooSox front office members and Smiley Ball arrived in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America.

The WooSox donated tickets, caps, and souvenirs to incentivize more blood donations for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. WooSox Vice President Joe Bradlee and WooSox Coordinator of Marketing & Fan Engagement George Lorin each gave blood on Friday to show their support and help save lives.

“I first became witness to the special relationship the Red Sox has with the American Red Cross back when I was an intern at Fenway in 2012, and have since always tried to donate blood when 9/11 rolls around,” Bradlee said. “It’s exciting for all of us to build upon the relationship here in Worcester, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross to encourage more people to give blood locally.”

“We’re thankful to the WooSox for supporting our Blood Drive on Friday,” said Nia Rennix, executive director of the Central-Western Mass Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are always working hard to encourage more local donor turnout, and we applaud the Worcester Red Sox for helping us galvanize local community members to help us save lives.”

And after welcoming more than 3,000 people to Polar Park for the second annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, September 10, the team continued their weekend support of first responders by donating 450 tickets, each with $10 of loaded value, to every firefighter in the City of Worcester. The tickets are for the team’s final “First Responder Wednesday” of the season, presented by National Grid on Wednesday, September 21, at 6:45 p.m.

The team made visits to all 10 fire stations in the City of Worcester, and interacted with firefighters at each station to thank them for their service to the community. The WooSox were also joined by Kevin Hartigan, a retired Worcester Firefighter who now works for the team as an Ambassador at Polar Park.

“I thought that this was a very fitting and thoughtful gesture by the WooSox to thank our Worcester firefighters on 9/11,” Hartigan said. “We hope to see many of them back at Polar Park for our final Wednesday home game of the season on September 21.”

The team also donated tickets for September 21 to every Police Officer in the City of Worcester, and distributed those tickets earlier this week.

Home Runs for Heroes Scores Record-Breaking $91,000 For Charities

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation has awarded $91,000 to 16 non-profits through its Home Runs for Heroes partnership with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Townsquare Media. Each home run hit by the Jersey Shore BlueClaws at FirstEnergy Park during the 2021 season scored a $1,000 donation from OceanFirst Foundation for designated charities that helps to meet the emergency and basic needs of local Veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces. Townsquare Media has donated promotional support to each of the charity partners since the program’s inception. In the thirteen seasons of Home Runs for Heroes, a total of $499,000 in grants have been awarded to charities supporting our nation’s heroes.

“92.7 WOBM and Beach Radio 104.1 are honored to play a small role in the success of this wonderful program which supports active and retired members of the military and their families. The shore area is home to many of our veterans and Home Runs for Heroes is a terrific initiative by OceanFirst Foundation and Jersey Shore BlueClaws to help and honor those who have worn the uniform. Townsquare Media will continue to support this program in any way we can,” stated Kevin Williams, Director of the Shore Sports Network, Townsquare Media.

“The BlueClaws are honored to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on this program once again this year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “The money donated goes to amazing organizations around the Jersey Shore helping the true heroes in our community. We’re thrilled the BlueClaws hit so many home runs this season leading to record donations from OceanFirst Foundation!”

“We are proud to work with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Townsquare Media, and our 16 charity partners that bring relief and resources to our heroes and their families facing challenging circumstances. They have earned our support and admiration through their sacrifice and service to our great nation,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

Grants were awarded to: American National Red Cross ($6,000), Army Emergency Relief ($7,000), Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation ($6,000), Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton ($7,000), Chariot Riders Inc./Horses for Heroes ($6,000), Deborah Hospital Foundation/HeroCare Connect ($6,000), GI Go Fund ($7,000), Homes for All ($6,000), Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, Memorial Fund ($5,000), Ma Deuce Deuce ($5,000), National Guard State Family Readiness Council ($5,000), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society ($5,000), Operation First Response ($3,000), Recalibrate ($5,000), VetGroup ($5,000), and Volunteers of America ($7,000).

About OceanFirst Foundation

OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 8,400 grants totaling more than $43 million to over 1,500+ non-profits and schools. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Over 7.8 million fans have come out to FirstEnergy Park to see BlueClaws games since the team’s 2001 inception. The team enhanced their already state-of-the-art ballpark in 2001 with the addition of a mini golf course, the Boardwalk, presented by Toyota World of Lakewood, and the Sand Bar, a special bar setting that also hosts live music throughout the season.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws / OceanFirst Foundation –

Shuckers & American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive at MGM Park

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The Biloxi Shuckers and American Red Cross announced Wednesday that a blood drive will take place at MGM Park on Wednesday, February 17th from 1:00pm-7:00pm to assist in restocking the blood supply shortage faced by the pandemic.

When asked about the necessity of blood donations, American Red Cross Senior Account Manager Denise Smith said, “There is a constant need for blood, patients need blood and/or blood products every two seconds.” Due to the pandemic and winter storms, numerous blood drives were cancelled both locally and nationally, creating a higher need.

Those interested in donating are advised to schedule an appointment online by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code SHUCKERS. Appointments can also be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood donors who participate will receive a custom Mardi Gras themed t-shirt courtesy of the Biloxi Shuckers and American Red Cross while supplies last. COVID protocols will be in effect including a temperature screening prior to entry, providing masks and hand sanitizer and extended cleaning between each donor. Additionally, all donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

“The COVID antibody testing tells the donor whether they have been exposed and their body has created the defensive antibodies,” said Smith. “If a donation tests positive for the antibodies we will test that sample again to see if the plasma can be pulled out of that donation to go to current critical COVID patients. This enables donors to not only help save up to three patients but possibly help a current COVID patient.”

Group Sales Coordinator Layton Markwood noted, “The Shuckers are thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross to help support our community in this time of need. We are constantly working to be an active member of our community and we’re honored to be able to offer up our facility for this important event. We look forward to seeing all of our generous fans at MGM Park on February 17th.”

Full Shuck Nation Memberships,Half Shell Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and Group Outings for the 2021 season are available by calling 228-233-3465, option 3. A full game schedule will be released at a later date.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Boise Hawks Host Blood Drive 

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BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks and the American Red Cross – Idaho-Montana Region will be hosting a Blood Drive at the One Capital Center building on Wednesday, November 25th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM MT. Each participant who donates will receive a complimentary ticket to the Hawks 2021 Opening Night game.

“The need for blood in the Treasure Valley and around the country is constant,” said Boise Hawks General Manager, Mike Van Hise. “The beginning of the holiday season felt like a great time to assemble Hawks Nation to help out our fellow Idahoans in need.”

Additionally, each donor participant will be entered into a raffle for prizes that include:

  • 2019 Team Autographed Baseball
  • 2019 Authentic Road Jersey
  • First Pitch opportunity in 2021

Due to limited availability and space, all donors must register beforehand. To register, follow the link at BoiseHawks.com or follow this LINK. The One Capital Center building is located at 999 W Main Street in Downtown Boise. For questions or more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

About the Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks are the Treasure Valley’s top spot for affordable, family entertainment. Deposits for full and half season seat plans for the 2021 season are currently being taken. To stay up to date on all things Boise Hawks, follow us on Facebook or visit www.BoiseHawks.com.

LumberKings to Host Blood Drive at NelsonCorp Field

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(Clinton, IA) – The Clinton LumberKings have partnered with the American Red Cross to put on a blood drive at NelsonCorp Field. The drive will take place Monday, November 30th beginning at noon until 5 pm inside the home clubhouse next to the stadium on 6th Avenue North. Donors may park in the lot across the street from NelsonCorp Field.

All presenting donors will receive a coupon for 20% off your total purchase in the LumberKings’ team store. Donors age 16-24 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email.

Donors can book their appointment in advance by clicking the link here. Booking your donation appointment in advance saves time at registration. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from antibody-positive donations may help current coronavirus patients in need.

Sounds to Host Blood Drive at First Horizon Park

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The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced today it has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at First Horizon Park on Wednesday, November 11.

The Veterans Day blood drive is limited to the first 50 participants. Those interested in donating blood are required to sign up here (Code: NASHVILLESOUNDS). Appointments are available from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in 15-minute increments and will take place in the Brauer Lounge at First Horizon Park.

All blood drive participants will be subject to a temperature check at the door. Anybody with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted inside First Horizon Park. Pursuant to Order 8 issued by the Metro Department of Health on June 17, guests 13 and older will be required to wear masks at First Horizon Park while entering, exiting, and moving around the ballpark. Participants should expect to be at the ballpark for about one hour.

All participants will receive a 15% discount to Third and Home the day of the blood drive. Third and Home opens at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at First Horizon Park. The 2021 Minor League Baseball Schedule will be announced at a later date.

About the American Red Cross

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill the need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Download the Red Cross Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.

460 Battle Brings Communities Together

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Roanoke, VA, September 10, 2020 – There’s nothing like a battle to bring people together for a greater purpose. Blue Eagle Credit Union, the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Salem Red Sox have planned a rivalry baseball game to:

1. Bring back baseball locally and have some fun!

2. Unify communities with a little friendly competition!

3. Recognize some of the key ‘players’ in making our communities a great place to live, work, and PLAY!

“We are thrilled to partner with Blue Eagle Credit Union to rekindle the 460 Rivalry with the Hillcats and the city of Lynchburg. This inaugural game will be a bright spot in 2020 and something that we can continue each year to honor these two great communities.” Allen Lawrence, General Manager, Salem Red Sox

The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the Salem Memorial Ballpark. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The teams are being drafted currently and will be announced soon. Teams will be made up of local ‘celebrity MVPs’.

Admission is free, thanks to Blue Eagle Credit Union’s sponsorship, but limited to the first 1,000 fans. Don’t miss the action, reserve your tickets early by going online to https://www.milb.com/salem/events/blue-eagle-460-battle. Donations will be accepted at the gate to benefit the American Red Cross and the United Way (in both Lynchburg and Roanoke). Both of these organizations have local programs instrumental in supporting the financial, medical, family, safety, and education aspects of our communities. “Elevating awareness and support for the Red Cross and United Way is a big part of the game – and we’re hoping we hit a home run for them both with donations.” shared Laurissa Grubb, Director of Marketing for Blue Eagle Credit Union.

Andrew Alegre, Brand Ambassador for Blue Eagle Credit Union added “We’ve partnered with the Hillcats and Red Sox for years. We choose to do so because we share common values and a desire to see our communities prosper. We love finding unique and fun ways to get the job done!”

Though this inaugural game will be held in Salem, there’s talk that the game would rotate between the two cities. Matt Klein, Assistant General Manager for the Lynchburg Hillcats comments “We couldn’t be more excited to ramp up the 460 rivalry with The Salem Red Sox and The Lynchburg Hillcats all in the name of “Community”. A wonderful opportunity to connect two great cities, collaborate with Blue Eagle Credit Union, and compete on the “diamond” by celebrating members of each community that play a vital role in making our cities “move and shake!”

Game Day Bonus – The first 500 fans in the gate will receive a limited edition 460 Community Battle t-shirt! Visit the Blue Eagle Credit Union table on game day for additional giveaways (while supplies last). Not a Blue Eagle Credit Union member yet? See what they have for you on game day! You won’t want to miss it.

*– END – *

Blue Eagle® Credit Union is a local not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the greater Roanoke and Lynchburg areas, since 1948. Blue Eagle® Credit Union’s Google review rating averages 4.9 out of 5 stars_, a direct result of their commitment to improving the financial picture of their members and the communities they serve. Blue Eagle® Credit Union wants you to see banking differently! Insured by NCUA. _

_The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007. _

_The Lynchburg Hillcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The Hillcats are eight-time Carolina League Champions, having most recently won the Mills Cup Championship in 2017. The Hillcats play their home games in Lynchburg, VA which has been home to Minor League Baseball since 1940. Visit the Hillcats online at Lynchburg-hillcats.com, and follow the Hillcats on Twitter (@LynHillcats), Instagram (@LynHillcats) and Facebook (Lynchburg Hillcats). _

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

Emeralds and Kendall to Host Be a Hero Drive

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On Wednesday, August 19th the Eugene Emeralds and Kendall Toyota are inviting the Eugene/Springfield community to become superheroes through their Be a Hero Drive. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. community members will be able to donate blood, join the bone marrow registry and learn about organ donation. They will be joined by members from American Red Cross, Be the Match and Donate Life NW at Kendall Toyota of Eugene.

The American Red Cross Blood Mobile will be on site to collect blood donation. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. Additionally, the Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The Red Cross has added safety precautions to the drive to ensure the health and safety of all who attend. This will include a temperature screening, enhanced disinfecting of areas and social distancing wherever possible. They are also asking donors to sign up for a pre-scheduled appointment at redcrossblood.org/give, instead of walking in, as to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. All blood types are needed, and people who have never donated before are encouraged to donate. Donors must be 17 years old or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Seventy percent of blood cancer patients requiring a marrow transplant are waiting for a match through the Bone Marrow Registry. It is normally 1 in 300 of those who register will be matched with those in need. Be the Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, manages the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. They will be on site collecting volunteers to be listed as a potential blood stem cell donor, ready to save the life of any patient in need of a transplant through a quick cheek swab.

Another way members can Be a Hero is to register to be an organ donor through Donate Life NW. Of the almost 120,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 3,000 live in the Pacific Northwest.

“This was an event we had planned for one of our games this summer,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “These are three amazing, lifesaving programs that rely on volunteers so we wanted to move forward with this drive.”

Individuals not feeling well or who are exhibiting any symptoms, which include fever, tiredness and dry cough should stay home. Donors will be asked to wear a mask while attending this event.

Grand Slam We Care Foundation Makes Donation To Support American Red Cross – Puerto Rico

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Pictured (L-R) Lydia Rios (VP, Marketing and Sponsorships – Trenton Thunder), Ana Montero (Recovery Executive Officer – American Red Cross, Puerto Rico Chapter), Carmen Garcia, Esq

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce that The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, the Thunder’s 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, has made a $2,000 donation in support of on-going relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

As part of the Thunder’s participation in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversion campaign, the franchise raised money through ticket fundraisers, 50-50 donations and special experiences in the ballpark to support the American Red Cross’ Puerto Rico chapter in their on-going relief efforts.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my time here at the Thunder has been the impact our organization can make on communities not only right here in Mercer County, but, in communities that are important to our fans,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “Once we started to engage with our local Latino community we found that a program of this nature would be paramount to them and I am thrilled that our Grand Slam We Care Foundation could find a way to support the American Red Cross’ Puerto Rico chapter in their continued relief efforts for those affected in their community.”

El Trueno de Trenton took the field for four games during the 2019 season and will once again take the field in 2020. Dates for next season will be announced at a later date as part of the 2020 Promotional Schedule.

For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert Raises Over $128,000 for Local Relief

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Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune announced this morning that $128,324.36 was raised through the Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert held last month at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The proceeds will be shared between the Eastern South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Waccamaw Community Foundation with each organization receiving $64,162.18. A recap video of the concert, including artist interviews, is available here.

At a press conference earlier today, Mayor Bethune stated, “We rise by lifting others up, and that was the whole purpose of the Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert. It was an incredible event that will forever change the lives of many of our neighbors throughout the county. Now as we approach the holiday season, it truly is a joy to celebrate this time of year by being able to give back.”

The benefit concert, which featured Darius Rucker, Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, Love and Theft, Chris Bryant, Josh Phillips, The Davisson Brothers Band, The Swon Brothers and more, was pulled together in less than six weeks. Additionally, all of the talent, and much of the time, efforts, and resources to execute the event were donated.

“The Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert came together very quickly thanks to a group of very dedicated people,” stated Mayor Bethune. “This team not only created a great event, but while we were planning it we formed some lifelong friendships for which I am very grateful.”

The host committee for the benefit concert was comprised of Ryan Moore and Kristin Call (Myrtle Beach Pelicans), Amie Lee (Palmetto Event Productions), Adam Dellinger and Jimmy Feuger (iHeart Media/Gator 107.9), Ed Piotrowski and members of WPDE ABC 15 and the CW21, The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, VisitMyrtleBeach.com, Southern Entertainment, Whirlwind Creative, Carolina Country Music Fest, Mayor Bethune, and the City of Myrtle Beach.

The majority of the funds were raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and concession sales. Additional donations came in through a text to donate campaign which is still active. If you would like to donate to local relief efforts text REDCROSS to 90999.

The Waccamaw Community Foundation will be distributing their allocation of the funds through a grant process and will be vetting all non-profit applications. Only non-profit organizations helping flood relief efforts in Horry County are eligible to receive these funds. To learn more about the Waccamaw Community Foundation click here.

The Eastern South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross will be deploying their allocation of funds to help with a number of flood related efforts. Such efforts include providing financial assistance to families with destroyed and majorly damaged homes, offering mental and spiritual help to all affected residents free of charge, providing clean-up kits, and more. To learn more about the Eastern SC Chapter of the American Red Cross click here.

Special Guest Appearance by Darius Rucker for Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert

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Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune announced this morning that Darius Rucker will have a special guest appearance during the upcoming Hurricane Florence Benefit Concert. Rucker, originally from Charleston, South Carolina is a singer/songwriter known as the frontman of the musical group Hootie & the Blowfish who transitioned to a solo country artist in 2008.

The concert, which will take place on Sunday, November 11 at TicketReturn.Com Field, also features Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, Love and Theft, Chris Bryant, Josh Phillips, The Davisson Brothers Band, The Swon Brothers, and The Blue Dogs.  Additional artist announcements are expected in the coming days. Tickets for the event begin at $50 and are available at myrtlebeachpelicans.com/concert.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Area Recovery Council through the Waccamaw Community Foundation to support disaster relief efforts in Horry and Georgetown counties, as well as the Eastern South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in the counties of Horry, Florence, Darlington, Marlboro, Dillon, and Marion.  To learn more about the Waccamaw Community Foundation click here.  To learn more about the Eastern SC Chapter of the American Red Cross click here.

M-Braves Collecting Food and Supply Donations for Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts Through End of October

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves will be collecting food and supply donations at Trustmark Park through the end of the month to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael. All items donated will be given to Feeding Florida, which assists the Panhandle and Tallahassee areas, and Feeding the Valley, which aids Southwest Georgia and Columbus. The team is also asking Braves Country to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/atlantabraves.

“Seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael was our call to action,” said Derek Schiller, Braves President, and CEO. “We encourage Braves Country to donate necessity items throughout October to help those impacted by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are affected.”

Here is a list of items being collected by the teams: granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, soup, fruit (cups, canned or dried), cereal, grits and oatmeal, rice and pasta, bottled water, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Trustmark Park will begin accepting donations on Thursday, Oct. 18 through the end of the month. 

The Mississippi Braves’ drop-off location for donations will be the front office at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208) Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Those donating items will receive a voucher for (2) Field Level Tickets for the 2019 season.

Earlier this season, the Braves distributed over 6,000 tickets over three-days to those evacuated due to Hurricane Florence and raised $100,000 for Red Cross hurricane relief efforts through the 50/50 raffle and in-game silent auctions. For more information and other ways to donate, please visit www.braves.com/hurricanerelief.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before commencing the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 Season Tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

OceanFirst Foundation Donates $78,000 Through Home Runs for Heroes Program

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The 2018 Home Runs for Heroes program has now generated over $300,000 in 10 years for area non-profits thanks to the OceanFirst Foundation!

—

The OceanFirst Foundation donated $78,000 to area non-profit organizations as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program in 2018.

Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park this year, the organization(s) paired with the corresponding inning received $1,000 from OceanFirst Foundation. The program has now raised over $300,000 in 10 years for local organizations that support military-personnel, both veterans and active.

The BlueClaws hit a franchise record 44 home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, but because four innings featured two different organizations, home runs hit in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings each generated $2,000 in donations.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation 1st 5 $5,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council & Army Emergency Relief 2nd 6 $6,000
Vetgroup Inc & Chariot Riders Inc 3rd 6 $6,000
Lt Dennis W Zilinski II Memorial Fund & Jewish Family and Children Service of Southern NJ 4th 10 $10,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee Inc & Veterans of Foreign Wars 5th 8 $8,000
GI Go Fund & Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton 6th 4 $4,000
Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society 7th 2 $2,000
American National Red Cross 8th 2 $2,000
Operation First Response, Inc 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Rodolfo Duran led the BlueClaws with 10 home runs at FirstEnergy Park while Jake Scheiner hit seven, Quincy Nieporte hit six, and Jhailyn Ortiz added five.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2019 season opens April 4th at FirstEnergy Park against Hickory (Rangers). Click here to see the 2019 schedule (pdf file).

2019 BlueClaws Five & Ten-Game Membership Plans are currently on sale. This year, they include a Monthly Payment Plan option through which members can pay for their tickets in monthly installments through August. A Five-Game Membership Plan is available for as little as $5.42 per month! For more in BlueClaws Membership Plans, click here.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned several generations reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local schools that meet community needs within the OceanFirst Bank footprint. In 2017, OceanFirst Foundation will contribute more than $1.6 million to community initiatives and since its inception, more than $30 million in grants have been awarded to over 750 nonprofits throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws –

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