Greater Nevada Field to Host Two Food Bank of Northern Nevada Drive by Distribution Events in April

 

The Reno Aces, 1868 FC, and Greater Nevada Field are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to provide drive-thru distributions of the Mobile Harvest program on April 7 & 17 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for community members in need of both shelf-stable and perishable food items.

Community members will have the ability to participate in a grab-n-go food distribution line located in the parking lots adjacent to the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field. Volunteers will be in place to help the flow of traffic.

Because the safety of the clients, volunteers, and staff of the Food Bank are of utmost importance, it is asked that anyone attending a distribution take the following precautions:

  • Please keep safe social distances from others
  • Whenever possible, please limit the number of household members who attend distributions
  • We recommend 1 person per household
  • If you are ill, please do not attend a distribution
  • Clients may have a friend or neighbor pick up from a distribution on their behalf by simply writing a short note to be presented when food is picked up
  • Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with soap
  • Remember to sneeze or cough away from others and into your elbow when possible
  • Volunteers and employees are wearing gloves and sanitizing surfaces for the protection of all served through Food Bank program

If households are in need of help during this difficult time, they are encouraged to reach out to the Food Bank at 775-331-3663 or by visiting the Get Help section of FBNN.org to find the distributions closest to them.

“We are so grateful to the Reno Aces and 1868 FC for allowing us to use their lot for distribution of our Mobile Harvest program,” Jocelyn Lantrip, Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said. “Because of their partnership, we are able to operate drive-through distributions that are much safer for everyone involved. It is so important for the community to work together during this challenging time and we are very grateful.”

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Northern Nevada Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest distribution program by hosting at the Greater Nevada Field parking lots,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We are here for the community and are happy to have found a way to contribute.”

“The Northern Nevada Food Bank is a vital part to this community every single day, and we are here to lend a helping hand during these uncertain times,” 1868 FC General Manager of Business Operations Doug Raftery said. “We appreciate what they do for our area, especially in this time of need.”

For more information on the Reno Aces or Reno 1868 FC, visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com and reno1868fc.com. For more information on the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, visit fbnn.org.

 

Cougars to Hold Open Auditions for On-Field Emcee on March 18

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars are seeking an energetic and outgoing personality to serve as part of the fan experience at Northwestern Medicine Field this season. An essential part of the game day staff, the on-field emcee works hand in hand with the Cougar Crew promotional team to enhance the atmosphere during games.

Open auditions for the on-field emcee will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 1-5 PM at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane). Those interested are encouraged to call the front office at 630-232-8811 to schedule their audition time.

All emcee candidates must submit a resume as a part of their audition process. Materials may be emailed to Caela at [email protected] or provided at the audition. Candidates must be at least 18 years or older and must be able to attend all 70 Cougars home games.

Those auditioning will be judged on their voice strength, on-field presence and energy level. Candidates must be able to gain access to all areas of the ballpark quickly and safely while standing for long periods of time with the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.Various requests during the audition will include acting out on-field promotions, including an explanation of the promotion to fans, introducing contestants and commentary when necessary.

Opening Night for the Cougars is Thursday, April 9 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 6:30 PM. The first 1,500 fans will receive an Opening Night cap, courtesy of Northwestern Medicine. Thirsty Thursday specials, presented by Miller Lite, will also be available with $1 beers, sodas, and $2 hot dogs.

Single-game tickets, ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are on sale now at www.kccougars.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 630-232-8811 or visiting the box office at Northwestern Medicine Field.

For updates on the Cougars 2019 season, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars
The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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Cougars Announce 9th Annual 5K to be held on Saturday, May 16

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars announce the 9th Annual Cougars 5K Run/Walk, presented by Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center, will take place on Saturday, May 16 beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the race will benefit the many charitable programs of The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc.

Registration is now open at kccougars.com and raceroster.com.

Open to competitive runners and recreational walkers, the Cougars host one of the most unique 5K events in the Chicagoland area with the finish line located at home plate inside Northwestern Medicine Field. Participants can be seen on the ballpark video board through a live-feed camera while high-fiving team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, down the final stretch of the course.

Families are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted on the course with a discounted rate for participants between the ages of 5-18.

Those registered by Friday, May 1 are guaranteed a commemorative race t-shirt featuring the Cougars 5K logo, while all participants will receive a complimentary ticket voucher for a 2020 Cougars game. The top three male and female finishers in the following age groups will receive a custom race medal: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+.
Kids, age 12 and under, can register for the Inside the Park Dash. The half-mile fun run will take place at the conclusion of the 5K. Inside the Park Dash participants will also be guaranteed a race t-shirt if registered by May 1.

Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog or brat, and beer or soda.

For updates on the Cougars 30th-anniversary season, including tickets and promotions, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

Aces and 1868 FC Celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day

 

Today the Aces and 1868 FC shine a light on women in sports as we participate in National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Today is about showcasing the confidence, strength, and character of the women in our front office. As Oprah so astutely put, “you can’t be what you can’t see” so here we are, standing up for girls everywhere to show them that if they work hard, anything in life is achievable! There is a place for you to continue your career in sports whether it is on the field, in the training room, broadcast booth, or front office. We can’t wait for you to join us!

February 5, 2020, marks the 34th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. We invite you to celebrate NGWSD in your community and to join the Women’s Sports Foundation as we Lead Her Forward in 2020.

For more information on how to get involved go to: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/get-involved/ngwsd/

Hear how sports and working in the industry have affected some of the women in our organization:

Emily Jaenson, Reno Aces General Manager, Hometown: Lake Villa, Illinois

“Participating in sports was everything to me starting from the age of five when I played my first season of t-ball through my junior year of college where I was lucky enough to continue to play soccer. It helped me to become a team player, a leader, someone dedicated to improvement, and someone willing to hustle.

“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude as my participation in baseball, soccer, gymnastics, iceless hockey, basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, and cheerleading all shaped the woman I am today. Here’s to the next generation of female leadership as we celebrate the importance of equal opportunity for all girls and women in sports today!”

Samantha Hicks, Chief Revenue Officer, Hometown: Milford, Michigan

“Sports unite people, getting to walk into a stadium every day to bring more fans to our games, how cool is that for work?!”

Courtney Baker, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager, Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

“Growing up, my gym was my second home. My teammates were my second family. To have another place to feel safe and supported for eight years was such a blessing. Not only was cheerleading fun, it kept me in shape and allowed me to compete under the lights, on stage, in front of thousands of people.”

“Even while I was a cheerleader, I’d take every opportunity during my free time to attend a Diamondbacks game or watch on TV. I spent 20 years in Scottsdale, Arizona, so I grew up watching greats like Randy Johnson and local stars such as Luis Gonzalez, Tony Womack, and Steve Finley. To now have the opportunity to work full-time in the game (and for the Triple-A Affiliate of my hometown team) is surreal. I not only get to work in the sport I have lived and breathed for so many years; but I also get to work for our soccer club as well, Reno 1868 FC. One of the best parts about working in sports is that I’m constantly surrounded by so many strong, powerful women. I can’t wait to continue my career for decades to come!”

Leah Withrow, Assistant Groundskeeper, Hometown: Gardnerville, Nevada

“When I was younger, sports were a chance to run around with your friends and maybe get some orange slices. I really didn’t think too much of it because it was genuine fun and I was just there enjoying all of it. I think I just liked being a part of a team, the discipline and the drive it gave me to push myself. Nothing has really changed for me since deciding I wanted to make a career working in sports. I come into the stadium every day and I love being part the team, pushing myself, running around with my friends and maybe getting some orange slices.”

Ellie Stockwell, Group Sales Account Executive, Hometown: San Mateo, CA

“Sports always felt like home to me, giving me the opportunity to grow and learn and pave my own path, and so working in sports felt like the natural transition. It means more to me than I thought, and gives me opportunities to grow every day into someone I am more and more proud to be.”

Wilma Compton, Community Outreach Account Executive, Hometown: Chico, CA

“For me, sports are about the process: finding the right coach, following the system, doing your best, figuring out how to overcome weaknesses, capitalize on strengths, and collaborating with teammates. Working in sports means that every day I come in to work, I’m excited and enthusiastic to be here and just want to work through the process, because to borrow the title from one of my favorite sports books, “the score takes care of itself.”

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

The Generals Are Hiring For The 2020 Season!

 

JACKSON, TN – The Jackson Generals are in search of seasonal employs for the 2020 season and are hosting a pair of job fairs on Saturday, February 22nd and Saturday, March 7th at The Ballpark at Jackson from 10 am -3 pm. We are looking for hardworking individuals that love spending time at a ball game while providing exceptional customer service and family entertainment.

Positions in all departments of the Generals operation are available, including box office staff, concessions, promotions and more. Candidates should be open to working the majority of the Generals 70 regular season home games, in addition to concert events held at The Ballpark, running from mid-April to early September. A full list of Generals 2020 home games is available HERE.

Those interested in working for the Generals are encouraged to fill out the Game Day Employment Application prior to attending one of the job fairs, however applications will also be available at the event. Interviews will be scheduled in advance and also upon request at the job fairs, so dress to impress.

For additional questions regarding employment with the Generals, job fairs, and scheduling, call our front offices at 731-988-5299.

ABOUT THE JACKSON GENERALS

The Jackson Generals, a West Tennessee franchise since 1998, are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Generals play at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tennessee’s 2017 & 2018 Pro Sports Field of the Year. The Ballpark at Jackson will host the 2020 Southern League All-Star Game and Home-Run Derby on June 22nd and 23rd. For more information or to purchase 2020 season tickets, call 731-988-5299 or visit JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com.

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

Cougars Release Economic Impact Statement

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars and their fans have provided a major impact to the Kane County economy since the organization’s inaugural season in 1991. In 2019 alone, the Cougars generated over $11 million for the city, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by the organization.

Some of the highlights from the 2019 season include over $4.9 million invested into the community by ballpark visitors, 499 seasonal and full-time jobs as well as Foundation giving that totaled $1,054,980. Money spent at the ballpark includes tickets, concessions, souvenirs and parking.

“Over the last 29 years, the community has seen first hand that the Cougars have become far more than just a baseball team,” said owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “As an organization, we have established a reputation beyond the baseball field and our motto of affordable family fun. We’re committed to making a difference in our community year-round.”

The 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on all the 30th-anniversary festivities including tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Cougars Foundation Recognized by Kane County Forest Preserve

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation was formally recognized by the Kane County Forest Preserve District at a public meeting on Tuesday, January 14.

Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich was presented with an official certificate of recognition and congratulations on receiving Ballpark Digest’s 2019 Commitment to Charity Award. This was the second consecutive year in which the Cougars Baseball Foundation donated over $1 million to charitable causes.

Forest Preserve President Mike Kenyon and Forest Preserve Executive Director Monica Meyers were also on hand to present the award.

“This is an exciting time for the Cougars organization,” said Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Not only do the awards and accolades keep coming for the Foundation, but we’re also preparing to celebrate our 30th-anniversary season in 2020.”

Several capital improvements will be made at Northwestern Medicine Field to enhance the fan experience. In addition, a special logo reveal and 30th-anniversary team will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on all the 30th-anniversary festivities including tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. Releases 2019 Annual Report

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. proudly presents the 5th Annual Report to the Community detailing the organization’s charitable outreach in 2019. Each year, the report lists the extensive accomplishments of the Foundation as well as the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

It was another record-setting year for the Cougars Foundation as giving exceeded the $1 million mark, making 2019 the second consecutive year charitable giving was above the $1 million milestone. In addition, the Cougars moved into the top five among all Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams in charitable giving following the release of the MiLB Charity Report for 2018. The Cougars are currently ranked fifth out of all 160 teams, marking the second consecutive year the team was ranked in the top ten for charitable giving.

The Foundation achieved additional milestones as the five-year record giving streak has soared over 1,500% since 2014. Individual programs supported by the Foundation have reached a total of 24, while cash contributions were provided to 32 community organizations, the largest number of programs and organizations that have benefited from the Foundation in its history. Program highlights include the Cougars Reading Club which now reaches over 450 schools and 138,000 students with the Summer Reading Program now including 89 libraries and over 5,400 student participants. The Foundation also operates two scholarship programs, issuing grade school level scholarships to six local students and five college-level scholarships. Military Outreach continued to see growth, reaching over 1,100 current and former military service members while the Senior Citizens Outreach touched over 2,500 local seniors age 65 and over.

In addition to the expansion of current programs, new programs were added such as Mental Health and Deaf Awareness Night. The Foundation teamed up with local charities that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during select nights, the Foundation made a donation with a portion of the total proceeds benefiting the selected charities.

The highlight of the year for the Foundation came at Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. Ballpark Digest selected the Cougars Foundation out of all 160 MiLB teams to receive the prestigious Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award for the 2019 season. Following the announcement that the Cougars had been selected, the Foundation received a congratulatory message from NASDAQ on the famous MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square. This marked the first time a MiLB Foundation was featured on the MarketSite Tower.

Across all 24 programs, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation’s charitable giving reached a total of $1,054,980.

“None of these accomplishments would be possible without the commitment of our Foundation’s sponsors, donors and partners,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Their willingness to step up for our community is seen each and every year that we’re able to expand our outreach. It’s amazing to watch the impact of the Foundation stretch far beyond the baseball field.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

PaddleHeads Holding Fundraiser Efforts for Australia Fire Victims

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads want to help generate community support to help those affected by the tragic wildfires in Australia. On Wednesday, in partnership with other members of the Pioneer League, they announced their “Help Support the Fire Efforts in Australia” campaign.

For every $10 donated to either the Australian Red Cross, the World Wildlife Foundation, or Country Fire Authority fans will receive one entry into a raffle with a chance to win phenomenal PaddleHeads & Osprey prizes, and VIP experiences. HOW TO ENTER: fans are asked to provide proof of donation by tagging the PaddleHeads on social media outlets, or sending direct messages. The raffle will run through Monday, January 13.

“As humans who share this earth, I feel as though it’s our duty to step up to the plate in times of need,” said PaddleHeads Director of Marketing Taylor Rush. “The sheer mass of people, animals, and nature that have been negatively affected by these fires is gut wrenching. Large or small, any level of contributions for this effort that we can help generate will help those affected…bottom line, it is the right thing to do.”

For fans who participate, raffle prizes include:

  • Game Worn Osprey Jersey
  • 2019 Team Autographed Baseball
  • Game Used Bat From Missoula Alum Liover Peguero (D-Backs #3 SS Prospect)
  • Touki Toussiant Autographed Baseball (Missoula Alum & Atlanta Braves SP)
  • 2020 Any Game Any Time Plan (10 Undated Game Tickets)
  • Jazz Chisholm Autographed Ball (Missoula Alum & Marlins #4 Overall Prospect)
  • Isan Diaz Autographed Ball (Missoula Alum & Marlins Second Baseman, 2019 MLB Debut)
  • PaddleHeads T-Shirt and Hat
  • Pre-Game VIP Batting Practice Experience & 4 Club Seats to 2020 Game of Choice
  • Paul Goldschmidt Star Wars Bobblehead + 2009 Osprey Team Auto Photo (includes 13 MLB players)

The 2020 PaddleHeads season will open their home season on Friday, June 19 when the PaddleHeads take on the Idaho Falls Chukars. Season tickets and other ticket packages are on sale now at the MSO Hub located at 140 N. Higgins, online at GoPaddleHeads.com, and by phone at (406) 543-3300.

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

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation Honored In Times Square

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation was honored yesterday on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square with a special message of congratulations after the Foundation received the 2019 Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity award at the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. This was a historic event as the Cougars Foundation became the first MiLB Foundation to appear on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower.

Located at 43rd and Broadway in New York City, the high-tech electronic display is over seven stories tall and wraps around the NASDAQ building providing financial news, market highlights and advertisements. Featured in films, TV programs and news articles the modern-day icon is illuminated 24 hours a day and receives worldwide coverage.

Since 2015, Ballpark Digest has selected one team among the 160 total MiLB teams to receive their prestigious Commitment to Charity Award. The 2019 season represented a record-setting year filled with milestones for the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation which led to their selection for the award.

The Cougars Foundation giving exceeded $1 million in 2019, marking the second consecutive year of giving above and beyond the $1 million milestone. The Cougars were also ranked fifth overall following the issue of MiLB’s Charity Report for 2018 which covers the charitable giving for all 160 Minor League Baseball teams. This marks the second consecutive year the Cougars have been ranked in the top ten teams for charitable giving.

The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation now manages 24 individual charity programs, the largest number of programs in the Foundation’s history. These programs provide cash contributions to 32 different community organizations which is also the largest number of recipients in the Foundation’s history. Additional highlights for the 2019 season included the Cougars Reading Club reaching over 450 schools with 138,000 students participating in the organization’s reading incentive program as well as the Summer Reading Program which included 89 libraries with over 5,400 students participating. The Cougars Foundation also operates two scholarship programs issuing six scholarships to grade school children as well as five college scholarships. In addition to the reading and scholarship programs, the Foundation’s Military Outreach touched over 1,100 current and former military service members with the Senior Citizens Outreach touching over 2,500 local citizens over the age of 65.

Anticipation is high for the 2020 season as the Cougars celebrate their 30th anniversary. Several capital improvements will be made at Northwestern Medicine Field, home of your Cougars, to enhance the fan experience. In addition, a special logo reveal and 30th-anniversary team will be announced starting in mid-January.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Cougars Announce New Classroom Appreciation Grant, Improvements to Reading Club Program

Additional scholarships and rewards for Reading Club participants will begin in 2020

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced multiple improvements to the Cougars Reading Club as well as a new Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This is the first announcement of several enhancements the Cougars will be making ahead of their 30th anniversary season. Additional announcements regarding capital improvements, a 30th-anniversary logo reveal and the 30th-anniversary team will be made starting in mid-January.

Prior to the 2020 season, Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholarships were awarded to six local students for the lasting impact their involvement with the Cougars Reading Club has made in their everyday lives. Moving forward, the Cougars will now be awarding 10 total scholarships at $500 each in an effort to expand the appreciation for student involvement and assist with continuing their education.

Each student that participates in the Cougars Reading Club receives multiple rewards including a Golden Ticket. Beginning with the 2020 season, all Reading Club participants who present their Golden Ticket at the box office will be awarded two complimentary tickets for all June-September games, which doubles the ticket reward from previous seasons, ensuring even more family fun throughout the summer.

New for the 2020 season is the Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This program will award one teacher’s classroom with a $1,000 grant to show appreciation for their participation in the Cougars Reading Club. Cougars mascots and goodwill ambassadors, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, will present the check to the winning teacher and their classroom. Additional details regarding the Classroom Appreciation Grant will be announced soon.

Teachers that are interested in registering their school or classroom in the Cougars Reading Club can visit kccougars.com for more information.

The Cougars Reading Club is an eight-week incentive program that runs between the months of January and March. Students from Pre-K through 8th grade are eligible to participate as long as their school is a member of the Reading Club Program. Students that complete a reading home run are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to an April or May Cougars game, a hot dog and soft drink, official Cougars Reading Club souvenir and bookmark as well as the opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field parade led by Ozzie and Annie.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Aces, 1868 FC, Reno Rodeo Foundation Partner on Denim Drive

 

The Reno Aces, Reno 1868 FC, and Reno Rodeo Foundation have teamed up this holiday season. The clubs will be donating over 500 toys to the foundation’s Denim Drive on Wednesday, December 4, at 10 a.m. in the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field.

The donation was made possible by JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a leading United States toy manufacturing company who generously donated thousands of toys for the Aces and Reno 1868 FC to distribute to children in Northern Nevada during the holiday season.

The toys will be distributed throughout 14 Northern Nevada counties in partnership with the State of Nevada Division of Child & Family Services. The Reno Rodeo Foundation will be bringing multiple trucks to Greater Nevada Field for transport of the toys.

“We are thrilled to be able to help bring a little extra joy to the kids we serve through the Denim Drive,” Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation Clara Andriola said. “They’ve endured the unimaginable, but we hope a new toy makes their holiday a little brighter and sends the message that their community cares about them.”

Since 2006, The Denim Drive has provided the comfort of things like new clothing, new teddy bears, and new rolling back-packs to abused, neglected and abandoned children who have experienced the worst. Overall, the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive has provided comfort to over 40,000 infants, children, and teens with these essentials. For more information, visit https://www.renorodeofoundation.org/denim-drive/

“The Reno Aces are extremely privileged to call the city of Reno home and the opportunity we have to give back to the community through the Denim Drive is exciting,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We understand the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive spreads so much joy every year to children in need and we are immensely thankful for the opportunity to be involved.”

“Reno 1868 FC really enjoys working with the Reno Rodeo Foundation,” said 1868 FC General Manager Doug Raftery. “We are thrilled to participate in such a great drive put on by a great organization. We are grateful that through the Reno Rodeo Foundation, we can help those in need not just in Reno, but across our home of Northern Nevada.”

Reno Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson, Reno 1868 FC General Manager Doug Raftery, and Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation Clara Andriola will be in attendance on Wednesday for further comment.

For more information on the Aces or 1868 FC all offseason long, fans can visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com or reno1868fc.com.

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

Cougars Announce Winter Coat and Boot Drive Begins December 2

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the dates for the organization’s annual Winter Coat Drive. New for this season, the Cougars will also be collecting donations of winter boots.

Beginning Monday, December 2, fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Donations of new or gently-used winter coats and boots for infants, children and adults are encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2020 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Mutual Ground, all coats and boots will be donated to local individuals and their families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The deadline to donate for this year’s Winter Coat and Boot Drive is Friday, December 13 at 4 PM. For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Cougars Announce New Military Partnership with Folds of Honor

Portion of the proceeds from Legacy Brick sales will be donated to Folds of Honor scholarship funds

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars, minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have announced a new military partnership with Folds of Honor. Both organizations will work together on multiple initiatives including the Legacy Brick program, Military Appreciation Night and Hometown Heroes.

The Cougars launched the Legacy Brick program prior to the 2015 season. Fans can purchase a custom legacy brick etched with a special message, their name or the name of a family member or friend. All bricks are permanently displayed outside Northwestern Medicine Field near the entrance to Gate 3. Moving forward, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each legacy brick will benefit Folds of Honor and the work that they’re doing to provide scholarships for the dependents of our military heroes.

For more information about brick sizing, visit kccougars.com.

“The Folds of Honor mission is singular, to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of wounded and fallen service members,” said Larry Robinson, Advisory Member for the Chicago Board of Directors. “In 12 short years, we have been able to provide almost 25,000 scholarships, which helps military families achieve their dream of attending college. We are honored to partner with the Kane County Cougars to help us on our mission to honor their sacrifice and educate their legacy.”

In addition to the Legacy Brick program, military members, both active duty and veterans, are honored throughout the season with a special night set aside to celebrate and show appreciation. In addition, select nights feature a Hometown Hero who is honored on the field in-between innings for their heroic actions and service.

“As an organization, the Kane County Cougars are very passionate about our support for America’s men and women that have been deployed around the world to protect our freedom,” said Curtis Haug, Vice President and General Manager of the Cougars. “We are proud to partner with Folds of Honor Chicago to assist in their quest to provide educational support for the families of America’s fallen and disabled service members.”

The Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on tickets and promotions, follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Ballpark Digest Honors Cougars for Commitment to Charity

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars, minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been announced as the 2019 Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award winner. Since 2015, the award has been handed out to the team that has shown growth in their charitable giving and community programs making the Cougars one out of 160 teams across the country to be recognized by Ballpark Digest for their charitable outreach this season.

In 2018, the organization announced A Million Smiles campaign with a fundraising goal of $1 million. The goal was surpassed thanks in part to over 20 local programs that have been put into place via the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, including the Cougars Reading Club and the Summer Reading Program which helped raise over $750,000.

This season, two new programs were implemented to expand the organization’s community outreach with Mental Health Awareness and Deaf Awareness Night. Local charities were selected that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during those two nights, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation made a $100 donation with a portion of the total proceeds provided to the selected charities.

Another unique program that was recently implemented is in partnership with AmazonSmiles. Fans who purchase items on Amazon can select the Kane County Cougars Foundation as their desired charity to receive one percent of the purchase and assist in the expansion of the Foundation’s local reach.

“Our goal has always been not only to give back to our community, but also to honor the people of our community,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Each of our programs is focused on how we can give back and it has helped us to strengthen our community relationships. When people hear the name Kane County Cougars, they know that we are about more than just baseball.”

The Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6::30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on tickets and promotions, follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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