Hillsboro Hops and Barley Lead Anti-Bullying Campaign at Local Schools

“Strike Out Bullying” All-Stars to be Honored at Hops Home Games this Summer

Hillsboro, OR (March 27, 2014) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and their mascot Barley (@BarleytheHop) are leading an anti-bullying campaign in Hillsboro schools the team announced today. The program, titled, “Strike Out Bullying” with the tag line “I stand with Barley against Bullying” will launch this spring.

Currently there are 10 Hillsboro schools totaling over 5,000 students that have signed up to host anti-bullying assemblies with Barley. All students participating in the assemblies will receive a free ticket to a Hops game and a bumper sticker that says, “I Stand with Barley Against Bullying”.

The Hillsboro Hops will hold four anti-bullying games this summer (6/23, 7/14, 7/29, 8/20) and students participating in the “Strike Out Bullying” campaign will receive free tickets to one of the four games.

All students will have a chance to nominate an “All-Star” student – fellow students who stand up to a bully or perform an act of kindness. The Hops will collect “All-Star” nominations for each grade and will honor the recipients on the field at a Hops home game this season.

To register your school for a “Strike Out Bullying” campaign with Barley, call the Hillsboro Hops office at 503-640-0887 or email Ariel Wagner at arielw@hillsborohops.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hillsboro Hops. Click here to view the original story.

Reno Aces Foundation Announces “Dream Week”

Reno, Nev.- For the fourth-straight year, the Reno Aces Baseball Club will present the Reno Aces Foundation Dream Week, which will serve to highlight members of the community with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The objective of the initiative is to reward outstanding and exceptional groups and fans throughout northern Nevada who have made a positive impact on the community.

“Our hope for Dream Week is to acknowledge some of the incredible people right here in northern Nevada that have made our community a better place to live,” manager of promotions and community relations Audrey Hill said.

On Wednesday, April 2, Reno Aces players will visit Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to visit children who are being treated at the hospital. On Friday, children of Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen will have a meet and greet with the players, and they will have the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field.

Saturday will feature a player meet and greet with Children’s Specialty Center and on Sunday fans will have the chance to play catch on the field and take a photo with their favorite Aces players before the game.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Hit The Books underway in 31 area Elementary Schools

Annual reading program assists children in achieving goals

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MISSOULA, MONT. – The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners United Way of Missoula County & Sylvan Learning kicked off the clubs biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books in 31 area elementary schools on Monday.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and has seen participation grow over time. 5,276 students spanning 246 classrooms are participating in the 2014 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

“Learning should be fun and reading should be a joy for all kids,” said longtime supporter and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Missoula County Susan Hay Patrick. “We are happy to partner with the Missoula Osprey on Hit the Books to help give over 5,000 Missoula County kids not only baseball tickets, but a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement, a free ride at the Carousel of Missoula and is entered to win a Kindle Reader and a summer of tutoring at Sylvan Learning. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot, Ollie and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2013.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“Sylvan Learning is excited to partner with the Missoula Osprey to encourage young children in our community to develop a love for reading,” said Michael Hoag, Director at Sylvan Learning.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” said Griffin. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

 

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

Aces Hold Auction to Benefit Local Woman

For Immediate Release
Jan. 20, 2014

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces are holding an online auction to benefit Elisa Storke, a University of Nevada English professor who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in November, the club announced today.

The auction begins today and ends Monday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive a package that includes a ceremonial first pitch, four infield reserved tickets and a signed Brett Butler 2013 game-worn hat featuring the Triple-A All-Star logo. The ceremonial first pitch and game tickets are valid for any Aces regular season home game, with the exception of Opening Day and July 4.

Bids can be placed online here.

Storke, a new mother who welcomed her first child last May, has cancer of the bones, blood, spine, liver, adrenal glands, lungs and brain. The money raised through the auction will be donated directly to the fund set up to benefit the family, and will be used for medical costs and transportation costs.

Donations can also be made through the You Caring site set up in Elisa’s name, or through Wells Fargo account #1459741110.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Swings for Sparks Raises $3,690

100% of Proceeds to SMS Compassion Fund

For Immediate Release
Nov. 11, 2013

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces raised $3,690 to benefit the SMS Compassion Fund during the Swings for Sparks event on Saturday, the club announced today.

 “We were overwhelmed with the response to Swings for Sparks, and our entire staff stayed nearly three hours beyond the closing time to make sure everyone had a chance to participate,” said Aces Chief Operating Officer Eric Edelstein. “We are all proud to be a part of the healing process for those affected by this tragedy.”

 Throughout the day, 156 fans took swings on the field at Aces Ballpark. Each pitch had a suggested minimum donation of $1, with many fans taking advantage of the 25 pitches for $20 bulk deal.

 All donations and proceeds from the event will go directly to the SMS Compassion Fund, set up by the Community Foundation of Western Nevada.

 For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook. Ticket packages for the 2014 season are on-sale now at RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700.

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

Silver Hawks to Help Veteran’s Take Flight

Join your Silver Hawks Thursday, June 6 for a special showing of Honor Flight on the 69th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Honor Flight is a documentary about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest community coming together to provide them a trip to Washington, DC to see the memorial constructed for them in 2004.

The gates will open at 6:00pm and the movie will begin at 7:00pm on the scoreboard. During the event there will be military vehicles onsite and a military flyby featuring WII planes. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased online www.SilverHawks.com , look for the Honor Flight info the home page. Tickets may also be purchased through the Box Office, in person and over the phone 574-235-9988, Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm. Parking will be free for the event and concessions will be open.

Proceeds from the event will aid in sending veterans from the Michiana area to the memorial in Washington, D.C. The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization, with 117 hubs across the United States, which has flown over 100,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. for more information on the non-profit visit www.honorflight.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

Silver Hawks Ready to Knock Cancer out of the Park

Your Silver Hawks host the annual Pink in the Park this Saturday and Sunday to honor all those affected by breast cancer. The annual event at the Coveleski Regional Stadium is presented by Memorial Regional Breast Care Center, B100 and ABC 57. A special pink Silver Hawks’ replica jersey on will be given out to the first 500 women 18 and older Saturday and Sunday.

“This is a very special weekend and the Silver Hawks are very proud to be partnering with Memorial Regional Breast Cancer Center to promote Pink in Park.    This promotion has extra meaning to me as my mother passed away a couple of years ago from breast cancer.   So anything that we can do as an organization to help bring awareness or raise funds to fight breast cancer, I am all for doing” stated Joe Hart, Team President.

In addition to the pink jersey giveaway, your Silver Hawks will also be wearing pink jerseys during the game on both Saturday & Saturday in honor of the fight against breast cancer. These jerseys will be auctioned off through the silent auction held during Saturday and Sunday’s game with proceeds from the auction going to Memorial Regional Breast Cancer Center. Join the Silver Hawks Friday, postgame, for a spectacular fireworks show, enter for a chance to win a flat screen every inning on Saturday and partake in an on-field pregame catch and a postgame autograph session on Sunday. For game times visit www.SilverHawks.com .

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

Silver Hawks to Recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week

 Silver Hawks to provide a Peanut Free Suite

South Bend, Indiana (April 22, 2013) The South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday May, 19, 2013 will provide a peanut free area located in the Home Plate Suite in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week. Peanuts are the most prevalent allergen in children with more than 3.5 million Americans suffering from it. There are 8 types of food that are responsible for more than 90% of allergic reactions, peanuts being one of those 8 foods.

“Prior to this season, I was not real familiar with peanut allergies or all the challenges people with peanut allergies face.   In many instances kids and families throughout Michiana have not had an opportunity to enjoy a Silver Hawks’ game because of peanut fears.   So after doing some research and learning more about peanut allergies, I wanted to offer those in Michiana the opportunity to enjoy a Silver Hawks’ game without worry.” states Joe Hart, Team President.

Tickets can be purchased through the Silver Hawks’ Box Office for $15.00; space is limited to the first 50 people.  Price includes a game ticket, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks.  Call the Box Office at 574-235-9988 and speak with Devon Hastings, or stop by the Box Office, located on W. South Street to purchase tickets for the peanut free suite.

“I am thankful that Joe Hart and the South Bend Silver Hawks are supporting Food Allergy Awareness Week and for providing a Peanut Free Suite. The South Bend Silver Hawks are giving children that may have never experienced a baseball game due to the fear of an allergic reaction from the peanuts the opportunity to enjoy a baseball game. I’m sure the 15 million Americans or 1 in 13 children living with food allergies daily appreciate this as well.” states Erica Andert, Founder of Michiana Food Allergy Anaphylasis Support.

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL.

Press Contact

Kelly Knutson, Director of Marketing/Promotions

574-235-9988

kknutson@SilverHawks.com

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

South Bend Silver Hawks Wrap Up Equipment Drive

Mishawaka Little League to Receive New Equipment

The Silver Hawks collected monetary donations, bats, gloves, helmets and other various baseball equipment over the past few weeks on behalf of the Mishawaka Little League. The local community support will allow the little league to rebound after being vandalized.

All those who donated to the equipment drive received a free ticket voucher good for (2) free tickets to one home game played between April 8th to April 24th. Watch full video

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Hit the Books underway in schools

Reading program helps children set and achieve goals

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The Missoula Osprey’s biggest and most successful community program is the Hit the Books Reading Program, which is underway in nearly 30 Missoula-area elementary schools.  The 2012 Osprey Hit the Books Reading Program encouraged nearly 5,000 area students to read over 50,000 books.  There are over 240 classrooms and almost 5,000 students signed up to participate in Hit the Books this year.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin.  “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a six week period.”

The Osprey started the program during their inaugural 1999 season and participation has grown each year.  At the time, no one knew how big the program would become and the impact it would make on the community.  The program has grown to become one of the best reading programs in all of minor league baseball.

“The program is great for the community and we are very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success,” said Griffin.  “Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), and students receive a different prize for each inning completed.  Each classroom is given Osprey reading charts, so students can track their progress.  Every student that participates also gets a certificate of achievement from the Osprey and the opportunity to win a Kindle reader.  Other prizes include pencils, erasers, pencil pouches, rulers, pencil sharpeners, Ollie Osprey magnets, an exclusive dessert party and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game.  Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2012.

Hit the Books is made possible in part by the United Way of Missoula County, who has been a strong supporter of the program over the years. The Hit the Books campaign gives students the opportunity to achieve goals and develop their reading and comprehension skills. The United Way’s “Live United” campaign’s current initiatives focus on helping children and youth fulfill their potential through education, improving financial stability for individuals and families, and improved health for all citizens.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of seven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

For more information on becoming part of the program, contact Griffin at jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

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

BayBears Honor Military with POW/MIA Seat

Navy Federal Credit Union has partnered with the BayBears to honor those who did not return.

Mobile-BayBears-logoThe BayBears are proud to announce a partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union to paint seat 1, row 1, in section 107, black with the POW/MIA logo and remain unoccupied for all eternity to honor all American soldiers who never returned.

“This is a very special announcement for a number of reasons, first and foremost we wanted to find a way in our ballpark to permanently recognize the sacrifices of those who protect our freedom. There is a strong military influence in this region and that made finding the right way to show our respect very important to our staff. The seat in section 107, row 1, seat 1, is now a tribute seat that will never be sat in, but it will never be empty,” BayBears General Manger Heath Bennett said.

Navy-Federal-Credit-Union-logoThe BayBears will hold a ceremony to unveil the seat at the home opener, Wednesday, April 10 during the pre-game festivities. Active military and veterans will be in attendance to help dedicate the seat to the over 92,000 missing American soldiers. The BayBears will be installing the seat next week.

“The Black Seat not only conveys a powerful message to BayBears fans, it allows Navy Federal Credit Union to express our gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who sacrifice for us everyday,” said Jeanette Mack, Manager of Corporate Communications for Navy Federal Credit Union.

Navy Federal Credit Union will also host Tribute to Our Troops, A Season Long Tribute. The Tribute includes providing complimentary tickets to all active, reserve or retired members of the military, and hosting different branches of the United States Military throughout the season.

The Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps. and Coast Guard will all have their own night at The Hank, and will consist of different military themed promotions, as well as fun interactive tables throughout the concourse.

This article originally appeared on the BayBears’ website.

Mobile POW-MIA Seat

Community Corner returns for 2013

Osprey recognize non-profit organizations in Western MT

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The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2013 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis.

“The Community Corner is one of the many great programs we are able to offer to non-profits,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. The efforts of these groups are one of the many things that make Missoula a very special place to call home.”

Community Corner requests must be made in writing to Griffin on the non-profit organization’s leatherhead by the director of each group. Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins, or e-mailed to jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

The 2013 home opener for the Osprey is slated for Thursday, June 20 versus the Helena Brewers.

Season ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 N. Higgins or on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com

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

Aces Foundation, Jakks Pacific to Donate 15,000 Toys

Toys will go to Northern Nevada children’s charities

Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today's press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)
Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today’s press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)

For Immediate Release
Aug. 29, 2012

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces Foundation, in partnership with leading US toy company JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) will distribute 15,000 toys over the next month to underprivileged and deserving children throughout Northern Nevada, the Reno Aces Baseball Club announced at a press event this morning.

The toys will be distributed to children through various non-profit organizations in the Reno-Sparks area, including Renown Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, Volunteers for America, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Children’s Cabinet, Salvation Army and the Committee to Aid Abused Women.

“Through my friendship with Stephen Berman, of JAKKS Pacific, I have come to know he is a very generous and giving person who cares deeply about people,” said Herb Simon, owner of the Reno Aces. “We are so grateful to Stephen and JAKKS Pacific for this opportunity to bring some happiness to many deserving children in the community.”

US. Foods, one of the nation’s leading foodservice distributors, has partnered with the Aces and JAKKS Pacific to aid in the storage, delivery and distribution of the toys.

“Our partnership with Herb Simon and Reno Aces Foundation is a very special one for us,” said Stephen Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “We are thrilled to bring smiles and laughter to thousands of youths in the Reno-Sparks area through this important partnership. We are thankful to the Reno Aces Foundation for the hard work they put into this event and the invaluable services they provide to the community.”

The Reno Aces Foundation, the nonprofit division of Northern Nevada’s first Triple-A Baseball franchise, seeks to use professional baseball as a vehicle for making a positive impact within the communities that comprise Northern Nevada and the surrounding region. The foundation focuses its efforts on supporting youth and family initiatives. Through providing unique experiences, underwriting unmet expenses and using professional baseball as a channel to accomplish greater goals, the Reno Aces Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people throughout the region.

JAKKS Pacific, one of the top five United States toy companies, is a California-based company that has been designing, developing, producing and marketing toys and consumer products for children and adults around the world since 1995. JAKKS Cares is the philanthropic arm of JAKKS Pacific and since inception has donated over $50 million in toys, school supplies and monetary endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

 

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

Money From Last Homestand Given to Red Cross

More than $1,000 to be used to help fire victimes

The Yakima Bears were proud to present the American Red Cross with $1,110 Wednesday. The funds were raised during the team’s most recent homestand to help the victims of the Taylor Bridge Fire in central Washington.

Money was accepted at each of the six games the Bears played from Thursday to Tuesday. There were cups at each concession stand and a bucket near the front gate where fans could drop cash donations. Bears fans also participated in nightly raffles with the winners taking home a variety of jerseys and team-signed baseballs.

“It was exciting to see the response from our fans, who were inspiring with their generosity,” said Bears general manager K.L. Wombacher.

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