Blue Wahoos Donate Team Bus To Dixon School Of Arts And Sciences

The Blue Wahoos team bus will soon be seen on the streets of Pensacola again.

On Tuesday morning, Kazoo took one last drive in his trusty bus, taking it from the stadium to the nearby Dixon School of Arts and Sciences in downtown Pensacola to be officially donated to the school.

Since 2008, the K-8 charter school has provided for at-risk youth in Pensacola, fostering creativity through a curriculum centered on a world class fine arts program and science, technology, and math. Providing transportation for their students, both to and from school and to the host of nationwide academic competitions their students compete in, was a critical need for the school.

“What an honor and privilege it was to be able to present our Blue Wahoos bus to the students and faculty of Dixon Arts and Sciences this morning,” Blue Wahoos vice president of operations Donna Kirby said. “Our hope is that Dixon will be able to use this bus to help build on their exciting curriculum. Kazoo really loved all of the hugs and high fives that the students gave him, too!”

The school’s president, Dr. Donna Curry, and students from all grades met Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos outside the school and offered a tour of the grounds, showing off the art projects, dance studio, and music hall that help students positively deal with trauma through expressing creativity.

“We were so impressed to see the extraordinary and magnificent artwork that the students have created.” Kirby said. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are going to see that talent on display in museum and art galleries at some point in the near future!”

The Blue Wahoos selected the Dixon School of Arts and Sciences to receive the bus through a social media campaign to find a new home for the bus.

“We received entries from so many worthwhile local non-profits doing great work in our community. We wish we had a bus to give to each, as Pensacola has a tremendous community of charitable organizations helping make this city great,” Kirby said. “We were proud to select the Dixon School because their mission as a school aligns closely with ours as a ballclub, and the Studer Family of Companies has a strong focus on early learning and improving educational outcomes.”

The mission of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is to improve the quality of life for citizens of Pensacola and make it the best place to live in the world. In their seven years in the Southern League, the team has won the league’s Community Service Award four times, including in each of the past three seasons consecutively.

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

Blue Rocks Announce Holiday Card Contest Winner

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 17th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Over 1,000 entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be just one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery, Rubble and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Izzy Nelson, a 5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. Izzy’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Izzy will be rewarded with a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2019 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Italia Fortebuono
Loomis Elementary School
Broomall, PA

Jaxon Morales
St. Elizabeth School
Wilmington, DE

Charlotte Munger
Assumption B.V.M. School
West Grove, PA

Evilyn Seeney
Mannington Twp School
Salem, NJ

Robert Vella
St. Edmond’s Academy
Wilmington, DE

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2019 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by March.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats, mini plans and group packages for the 2019 season are available now at BlueRocks.com.

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

BlueClaws Charities Announces 2018 Grant Recipients

BlueClaws Charities announced the 39 different organizations to receive a grant as part of their 2018 grant distribution.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities completed their 10th annual grant distribution by handing out grants to 39 area organizations, it was announced on Monday.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“We are very proud to be support such a wide variety of local organizations that do tremendous work as part of the non-profit community around the Jersey Shore,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work.

“Further, it is important that all of the grant money donated by BlueClaws Charities stays here in Ocean and Monmouth Counties,” said DeAngelis. ” It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist these great groups doing their work in our local community.”

The following organizations received grants:

– ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – to subsidize the cost of services for people living with ALS who reside in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Alzheimer’s Association – to provide services to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
– The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – to provide funding to the Arc programs that support 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential, vocational, and recreation services throughout the community.
– The Ashley Lauren Foundation – to assist children with cancer and their families through direct family financial assistance.
– Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ocean County – to continue community mentorship programs in Ocean County.
– Boy Scouts of America, Jersey Shore Council – to provide direct support to the Scoutreach Cub Scout pack at the Clark Elementary School in Lakewood.
– The Brodie Fund – to continue their mission of offering financial assistance to families that have pets fighting cancer.
– Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – to help defray the cost of criminal background checks completed on all volunteers prior to assignments.
– Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – to enhance the equipment for their special needs team.
– David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation – to offer financial assistance and wellness services to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
– Dottie’s House – to provide essential counseling to families to become self-sufficient in their futures.
– Easterseals New Jersey – to teach individuals living with disabilities and special needs and their families about health, nutrition, and exercise education.
– Exit 82 Theatre Company – to assist in their 2019 production season.
– Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – to fund the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s outreach program in Ocean County.
– Go 4 The Goal – to support the Kart 4 Kids, a kart stocked with snacks, gift cards, toys, activities, and electronics to entice kids of all ages.
– Guidinglight House – to provide funding for program services for homeless female veterans.
– HABcore, Inc – to help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing Program in Ocean County.
– JAR of Hope – to fund research in the hope of eliminating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
– Kids Need More – to enhance the lives of children and their families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or life threatening illness.
– LADACIN Network – to support their Child Care and Preschool Program which integrate children with and without disabilities.
– Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – to provide funds to assist in aiding and assistant wounded warriors and their families.
– The Mya Lin Terry Foundation – to support their Holiday Gifting Campaign to benefit pediatric cancer warriors.
– Northern Ocean County Habitat for Humanity – to provide necessary repairs and modifications to a senior’s home through their Aging in Place program.
– Ocean County Family Support Organization – to offset the costs of trips for their Youth Partnerships Program.
– Ocean County Shrine Club – to expand and upgrade the hospital’s Walk-in and Urgent Pediatric Fracture Clinic.
– Ocean County YMCA – to support kids, families, and seniors through the Y-Cares Financial Assistance Program such that they will be able to benefit from membership regardless of their financial resources.
– Ocean’s Harbor House – to replace aging computers in their Emergency Youth Shelter.
– Ocean Partnership for Children – to provide needed equipment for the agency’s consulting psychiatrist to use with the youth being seen, as well as to provide books, sensory materials, and toys for the waiting room and psychiatrist’s meeting space.
– Piece of the Puzzle – to produce a Corner Cafe vocational curriculum for students with autism.
– Parents of Autistic Children – to provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity between disabled students along with typically developing peers from across Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
– Probation Association of New Jersey Education Fund – to enhance education training opportunities through the operation of their annual training conference.
– Raising Hope for Others – to offset the cost of their August fundraiser.
– RJM Sportsgroup – to help raise money for scholarships for students who belong to the Jackson School District.
– The Salvation Army of Ocean County – to help fund their weekly soup kitchen meal, which serves 50-100 meals each week.
– Seabrook Village – to provide scholarships to eligible student employees who graduate high school and are participating in a form of higher education.
– Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide – support Ocean County Youth Council programming for the 2018-19 academic year by engaging youth ambassadors in the prevention process and working on suicide prevention projects.
– The TEARS Foundation – to provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or infant loss in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – to provide scholarships to graduating seniors residing in Brick Township.
– United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – to purchase warm clothing for low-income children.

Money is raised for BlueClaws Charities throughout the year including through a nightly 50/50 raffle at all BlueClaws home games, special jersey auctions, and events like the Nine and Dine golf outing.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to this grant program, supports hundreds local organizations and fundraising events with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Other events hosted by BlueClaws Charities include a Challenger Clinic for the developmentally disabled, a food & toy drive during the holiday season, a school supply drive leading into the fall, and baseball camps for the underserved in conjunction with the MLB Players Association.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Space in the program, which includes both fundraising and promotional opportunities, is limited and those interested are encouraged to contact the BlueClaws as soon as possible.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2018, the team debuted a brand-new nine-hole Family Mini Golf Course, Biergarten, and Home Run Pavilion (boardwalk game area) as part of a major renovation to FirstEnergy Park.

2019 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Dancing with the Students Returns to Crawford Middle School During 2018 Arts Night

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to conclude another successful year of “Dancing With The Students” with Crawford Middle School students during 2018 Arts Night. The finale will be held in the gymnasium of Crawford Middle School on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. Media is welcome to attend the finales for photographs and interviews with the students.

Dancing with the Students is a non-profit organization based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally founded in 2005 by Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea. The program came to Lexington after Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea, won the Dancing with the Stars of Lexington Competition with Arthur Murray Dance Instructor, Rae Mickelwait. “As an Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor, I am so excited to be participating in my third Dancing with the Students Grand Finale with Crawford Middle School! A big thank you to the Lexington Legends for sponsoring such a wonderful program, that uses ballroom dance, my career and passion, to teach life-skills, respect, positive self-image and teamwork,” said Mickelwait.

“I am so honored that the Legends and Crawford Middle School have partnered up for another year of Dancing with the Students. I am very proud of my Mother and the program she has helped to create. I cannot wait to see the finale and all the hard work the students have put into their dances!” said Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea.

Students involved in the competition are in sixth, seventh and eighth grade and focus on not only ballroom dancing, but other skills such as respect, manners and positive self-image. Through a partnership between their Physical Education class as well as Arts and Humanities, students learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue and Swing while also learning the history behind the social dances and cultures. Local Arthur Murray Trained dance instructor, Mickelwait, trains the students on all aspects of ballroom dancing. “I am so thrilled with the partnerships among the Lexington Legends, Dancing with the Students and Crawford Middle School,” said Legends Secretary and Principal, Sue Martinelli Shea. “The students are the winners every time!”

In Margaret Van Hook Stevens’ Arts and Humanities course, students learn the history behind ballroom dancing and how it can have positive impacts in their lives. Van Hook Stevens’ grandfather was a farmer from Winchester, Kentucky who won a Waltz competition which earned him an invitation to dance at MGM Studios in the 1930’s. In her classroom, she says she “stresses the importance that your hobby or your extracurricular activity you participate in could one day provide open door opportunities or extra income because of skills learned. Dance provided extra income for my grandfather and his family in the 1930’s and dance provides additional income for my family today.”

Also during 2018 Arts Night will be the CMS Art Gallery Walk. Students have spent the past 18 days creating 57 different sketches in their Arts and Humanities Class which can be viewed throughout the event, as well.

For more information about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7847.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to face the West Virginia Power on April 27, 2018 at 7:05 pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

LexArts Inc. and Legends Seek Artist for Lou Johnson Tribute At Whitaker Bank Ballpark

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – In partnership with LexArts Inc. and the Lexington Legends, Legends President/CEO Andy Shea announced to the Sweet Lou Johnson Lexington Chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research that the Legends are currently searching for an artist from the region (Kentucky and contiguous states) to create a piece to honor Lexington native, and World Series hero, “Sweet” Lou Johnson.

Sweet Lou Johnson was born in Lexington and attended Dunbar High School. He signed as a free agent for the New York Yankees in 1953, and saw his first major league action in 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves. Johnson was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and subsequently led the Dodgers to a World Series victory in 1965, hitting the game winning home run in a decisive game seven. After various injuries, Johnson retired from baseball in 1970. He ended his career batting .258 with 48 home runs, 232 RBI and 50 stolen bases.

The partnership between the Legends and LexArts Inc. began in 2017 after the Legends hosted an On The Table event. Community members voiced their opinions of ways to improve the city in different capacities to make it more vibrant and engaged. During the same time, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray called for a more diverse narrative for public art, which led to the idea of incorporating Sweet Lou Johnson into Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Legends and LexArts Inc. applied, and received, a grant from Blue Grass Community Trust Foundation to begin the first phase of the project to seek proposals from artists around the region. They not only wanted to honor Lexington’s history, but the incredible contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to the game of baseball.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to pay homage to Lou Johnson. Not only will this showcase Johnson and the impact he had in the world of baseball, but also bring together sports and the arts at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We are proud to be able to honor this part of Lexington history and showcase the contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to baseball.”

The project will consist of two phases:

Phase 1: RFQ/RFP

The Request for Qualifications / Proposals will seek to identify artists in the region that are interested in creating work to celebrate Lou Johnson. Artists must provide resume, past work and a cover letter that identifies the type of work they would create, what materials it would use and describe concept.

Phase 2: Commissioned Proposals

Three artists will be paid $500 to further develop their concepts and provide a rendering.

The three finalists’ proposals will be displayed for the public to see at the Whitaker Bank Ballpark in late Spring 2018. One proposal will be selected to be realized.

The deadline for qualifications is April 7, 2018 and artists will be notified by April 13. Final proposals will be due May 31 and then the proposals will be viewed by the public June 1-21 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark at Lexington Legends games.

The anticipated budget for the project will be $50,000 which includes artist fee and travel, materials and installation.

All interested artists should visit www.lexarts.org/participate/artists/ for more information and to submit their applications. All artists must go through LexArts Inc. with their submissions.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

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

Maxwell Elementary student wins the Legends ‘Hit the Books’ Reading Program Bookmark Design Contest

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Legends announce 10 year old LeQuon Greer, a 5th grader at Maxwell Elementary in Lexington, as the overall winner of the bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Greer (picture with graphics attached) received a Legends prize pack that included Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring his artwork, and membership in the 2018 Kids Club. He also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for his school. Bookmarks featuring his artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 43,000 students from over 110 Central Kentucky schools take part in the program, which runs through April 1 with bookmark redemption nights throughout the season.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends Box Office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two (2) tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

“Hit the Books will continue to be an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Dominique Neel, the Legends Hit the Books coordinator and Account Executive. “We enjoy going out to the schools, meeting with students and providing an incentive for their efforts in reading. It’s great to be part of a program that has a positive impact in the educational development of so many students.”

Runners-up in the design contest were Tiffany Setters, 3rd grader at Bourbon Central Elementary in Paris, Kentucky and Audrie Kind, 8th grader at Garrard Middle School in Lancaster, Kentucky. Both of these students (pictures also attached) also received Legends prize packs and opportunities to represent their schools at a game with a ceremonial first pitch opportunity.

The 2018 season is the 18th for Legends baseball in Lexington, and will also mark the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. Over the course of the program, over 350,000 students have participated in the reading program sponsored by Waffle House.

For more information about the Hit the Books reading program, contact Dominique Neel at dneel@lexingtonlegends.com or (859) 422-7851. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com. All individual game tickets are now on sale.

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

Students wanted to design Fightins’ Energy Conservation Jersey

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced an Energy Conservation theme jersey design competition for secondary students presented by Reading Area Community College during the Energy Conservation Go Green Night sponsored by Fromm Electric Supply. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. when the Fightin Phils host the Erie SeaWolves.

The Fightin Phils are accepting jersey design concepts from local students with an Energy Conservation theme tied into the jersey. Students may draw their design or use computer software programs to design the jerseys. Designs may be submitted via mail or email in the following format: .jpg, .pdg, .eps, or .ai.

The jersey will be printed in full sublimation. Artwork of the jersey requires one of the Fightin Phils logos on the left chest or center chest. Students will receive a sample template that they may use to design the jersey.

Over 400 jersey designs were submitted during the inaugural jersey design competition last season. The Fightin Phils decided instead of rewarding just one student artist, artwork and concepts were incorporated from five students in the final jersey design from the 2017 competition.

Entries may be submitted to Todd Hunsicker, Director of Promotions. His email is thunsicker@fightins.com. Entries are due by Friday, March 30th.

Each student that submits an entry will receive two free tickets to the game on Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. The student with the winning submission will receive a Go Green Jersey, four reserved seats with all you can eat buffet, a $50 gift card to the Fightin Phils Merchandise Store and a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game on June 27th.

The specialty themed jerseys worn by the Fightin Phils will be auctioned during the game and proceeds will go to the Berks Conservancy. Tickets are available for purchase online at fightins.com or can be purchased in person at the Fightin Phils Box Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Shorebirds Celebrate Hit the Books Bookmark Contest Winner

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds, Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, along with Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, presenting sponsor of the Hit the Books program, honored Emma Adams of Mardela Middle School for winning the 2018 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest.

Her winning design was featured on bookmarks that were distributed to over 50,000 students at 100 area schools that participate in the Hit the Books program.

Hit the Books encourages elementary and middle school students on the Delmarva Peninsula to read outside of their regular classroom assignments. Students that complete their reading goals receive two free ticket vouchers to a Shorebirds home game during the 2018 season.

Adams’ winning design features an aerial view of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium during a Shorebirds game with “Hit the Books!” on the video board along with Sherman pointing to the Dr. James M. Crouse logo while Sherman says “Get your braces here!” For her efforts, she was rewarded with a surprise visit at school from Sherman and representatives from the Delmarva Shorebirds and The Brace Place on Wednesday, January 17. She will also get the opportunity to throw out a first pitch before her school’s Hit the Books date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this spring.

“Emma’s design was great! Sherman was drawn in so much detail and she showed how much fun Shorebirds games are,” Kathy Damato, Shorebirds Community Relations Manager, said. “We look forward to rewarding all the kids who go through with the Hit the Books program by hosting them at a Shorebirds game this spring.”

The initiative, which is one of the biggest and longest-running reading programs in the region, officially kicked off on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and will run through Feb. 24.

“Reading is a great pastime of mine and it means a lot to me. The Hit the Books program does a great job of showing these children how important reading really is ,” Dr. James M. Crouse said. “Our partnership with the Shorebirds Hit the Books program is a perfect fit for us at The Brace Place.”

Participating schools will be notified in March about their game date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in 2018, and students will be honored as part of a pregame parade around the field. For more information, contact the Delmarva
Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

Season ticket and group outing packages are currently on sale for the 2018 season. The Shorebirds offer full season tickets, half season tickets, a 22-game plan and a 12-game plan along with a number of opportunities for groups to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. To secure your seat(s), call 410-219-3112.

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

Andy Shea and Lexington Legends to receive prestigious distinguished philanthropist award

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

RiverDogs, Fox Music Partner for Piano Grand Unveiling at MUSC Health University Hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C.- The Charleston RiverDogs and Fox Music have partnered once again to promote the benefits of music in the Lowcountry. The Charleston club and Fox Music paired up to donate a piano to the MUSC Health University Hospital, jointly unveiling the contribution in the main hospital lobby on Tuesday afternoon.

The donation is a continuation of the RiverDogs and Fox Music’s joint effort to foster the musical disciplines throughout Charleston while benefitting the club’s partner in MUSC Health. Fox provided a piano played by Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on the RiverDogs’ Opening Night in 2016 before the piece of equipment was donated to the music department of nearby Burke High School.

Fox Music again provided the equipment as the Mayor tickled the ivories to open the baseball season in 2017, and will provide the Yamaha U1 vertical piano, the choice professional piano for concert pianist, professors, and venues around the world.

 

“The ability to combine the RiverDogs Opening Night festivities with Mayor Tecklenburg and the city of Charleston, MUSC Health and one of Charleston’s successful family businesses speaks volumes to the strength of our community,” said President and General Manager Dave Echols.

“We’re thrilled to support this worthy endeavor,” said Joseph Fox of Fox Music. “Our roots with MUSC Health go back to over 40 years ago when doctors from the hospital would stop by our downtown location on break to use our practice rooms as a community space to get away, and this has shaped how we view our stores to this day.”

“MUSC has many community partners that sometimes come together in unsuspecting ways,” said Caroline O’Neal of MUSC. “Today, a few of our partners joined hands to enhance a space on our campus where many patients, families, visitors, and MUSC employees spend time – our hospital lobby. We are grateful for our relationships with the Charleston RiverDogs, Fox Music, and Doug Barnard who donated the artwork surrounding the piano for their commitment to our community and MUSC’s mission.”

The piano was unveiled at the main hospital lobby with Charles and Joseph Fox in attendance from Fox Music along with technician Joe Marlow. Echols and lovable mascot Charlie T. RiverDog represented the Charleston ballclub while Dr. David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, President of MUSC and Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., CEO of MUSC Health among other leadership from MUSC were present.

About MUSC Health

MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), is dedicated to the pursuit of changing what’s possible in health care. Nationally recognized for its innovation, patient- and family-centered care, and quality outcomes, this integrated health care system is accessible at the downtown Charleston campus and through more than 100 outreach locations, clinical affiliations with numerous health care partners, and a robust telehealth network. MUSC Health sees more than one million patient encounters annually, and its specialized care teams consistently rank among the best in the country. MUSC Health delivers transformational care shaped by world-class clinicians, health scientists, and educators who provide leading-edge care, while developing the next generation of innovative health care leaders.

About Fox Music

In Charleston for nearly 100 years, Fox Music continues to provide a youthful spirit with the enthusiasm, stamina, and desire to serve their customers at the highest level possible. Fox Music is dedicated to building trust and determine customer needs to provide recommendations for the most suitable music products and services. They are now serving in the fourth generations of families, and are looking forward to serving many more generations in the future.

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, are Charleston’s leader in affordable sports entertainment. With a “Fun is Good” mentality, Charleston has impressed off the field with zany promotions and consistently are one of the top drawing teams in the South Atlantic League. The RiverDogs develop the next major league stars for the Yankees at one of the finest ballparks in Minor League Baseball, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and just celebrated their 21st season in the storied venue. The RiverDogs had a record-setting year in 2017, filling the stands and having even more fun along the way, drawing more than 305,000 fans to 68 home games.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and mini plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Legends Expand “Dancing with the Students” Program to Russell Cave Elementary; 2nd School in Fayette County Public Schools

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fourth grade students at Russell Cave Elementary will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Arts and Humanities curriculum through the Legends community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“Dancing with the Students” came to Lexington in the Spring of 2017 via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, who founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The first students involved with the program in Lexington were sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Crawford Middle School, and the expansion of the program will mirror the first, having Russell Cave Elementary fourth graders also competing in 10 weeks of dance class and 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught in two sessions by Arthur Murray trained dance teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. The first class will be October 9 & 10, 2017 at 9:30am with the grand finale slated for December 18, 2017.

 

“I started the non-profit, “Dancing with the Students” in 2005 in Philadelphia in one school” said Martinelli Shea. “My intent was to teach manners and respect to students while having fun learning to dance. Bringing “Dancing with the Students” to Lexington, Kentucky is a dream come true for me. In the Spring of 2017, our wonderful dance teacher, Rae Mickelwait, taught two classes of Ballroom Dancing at Crawford Middle School. This Fall, DWTS will expand to Russell Cave Elementary School.” Marinelli Shea continues, “I was raised by parents who stressed giving back and getting involved. I am so proud of my son, Andy Shea, who lives that through the work he does personally as well as professionally with the Lexington Legends, who are the recipient of the 2017 South Atlantic League Community Service Organization of the Year Award.”

 

This partnership expansion would not have been possible without the support of Russell Cave Elementary School administrators and educators, like Kyle Lionberger, Practical Living Teacher, who said ” [Dancing with the Students] is a great opportunity to teach our students arts & humanities in a different way. Students learn that dancing can be a lifetime activity that provides opportunity for movement, social interaction and fun while giving even the quietest students a voice.”

Arthur Murray dance instructor Rae Mickelwait added to Lionberger’s sentiments and said “I am so excited to continue to share my passion for ballroom dancing this semester with more children! Through dancing we get to convey the importance of team work and partnership, eye contact and even dressing the part for a performance. All these skills can help children on their journey to success in high school, college and beyond. I am so very blessed to be a part of “Dancing with the Students,” to be out in the community, as well as teaching at Lexington Arthur Murray.

Media is welcome to attend the first class and grand finale for photos and interviews with students. For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso atsbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

NATURALS FUNDRAISING PROGRAM SETS NEW RECORDS IN 2017

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that the popular Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program enjoyed a record year in 2017 by establishing new highs in participating groups, tickets sold, and total money raised.

During the 2017 regular season and playoffs, which consisted of 70 home games, the Naturals partnered with 171 groups that included but were not limited to High School Baseball teams, school and musical groups, churches, and non-profits. The new mark of 171 organizations was 46 more than the previous record of 125 groups set during the 2016 season at Arvest Ballpark.

The increase in participating groups caused an increase in tickets sold and the amount of money raised. In 2017, 33,653 tickets were sold by participating groups as part of the fundraising program. The increase of 4,483 tickets sold over 2016 led to an increase in the money raised as a combined amount of $132,557 went back to the participating organizations this year. The amount raised of $132,557 set a new record, which broke the existing record of $119,217 set during the previous season.

Fundraising dates are currently available for the 2018 season of Naturals baseball. Additional information on the Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program can be found on our website at www.nwanaturals.com under the Groups & Events tab or by emailing us at groups@nwanaturals.com. To check on date availability or if you have any questions about any of the group or fundraising programs offered by the Naturals, please call us at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program continues to grow in popularity and will be available to groups on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is designed to offer groups the chance to invite families and supporters of their respective cause to come out to a game, have fun, and keep a large portion of the ticket sales. Depending on the final number of attendees, the participating group will get to keep anywhere from 25%-50% of the organization’s ticket sales. As an incentive and a reward, the Naturals offer prizes to top sellers of groups and they include tours, autographs, game tickets, and First Pitch opportunities.

Non-profit groups seeking more exposure for their organization can inquire about the Community Partner Program that offers free marketing exposure for participating groups to go along with the standard benefits of the ticket fundraising program.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the upcoming 2018 season of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

Muse Machine Named 2017 Community All-Star

The Dragons and Vectren will honor Muse Machine during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Monday, July 24, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Burlington Bees at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Muse Machine’s Story

Muse Machine is an arts education organization that uses the arts to enrich the educational experiences of children in 109 schools. The organization was founded by Suzy Bassani in 1982, after she noticed that the audience at most performances in theaters and other similar venues lacked young people

Participating schools receive multiple performances in their schools and discounted tickets to shows in Dayton and around the country. Students at Muse schools have the opportunity to audition for the organization’s productions and to attend workshops with well-known performers. Teachers from Muse-participating schools can attend year-round professional development programs offered by Muse.

Mary Campbell Zopf, the executive director of the organization since 2014, explained that the program always aims for the highest quality of work, while never forgetting about the capacity for arts to bring joy to children. “Muse Machine opens the door to artistic experiences and the power they can have on someone’s life,” said Campbell Zopf.

Later this summer, the Suzy Bassani Theater Off Third will open inside the newly renovated downtown branch of the Dayton Metro Library. This addition will make Muse Machine programming available to local children with a library card, making it easier for kids to get arts-related experiences outside of school.

Initially, the program was part of 22 schools in the Dayton area. Now in its 35th year of existence, Muse Machine serves more than 72,000 preschool through high school students in 12 counties across Central and Western Ohio, and now also in Kentucky. For more information on the program visit www.musemachine.com.

For making a difference in the community, Muse Machine has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The program honors those that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

June Kids Club Coloring Contest

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — TinCaps Kids Club members have the chance to get their artwork put in an upcoming gameday program. Introducing our June Kids Club Coloring Contest! The theme of the contest is “Where in the World is Johnny?” Print this graphic of Johnny, color him, and draw him anywhere in the world!

The winner of the contest will get his or her drawing published on a full page in one of our gameday programs. Runner-ups will have a smaller picture of their drawing printed in the program.

You must be a member of the Kids Club to enter the contest. The club is free to join. You can sign up by going to TinCapsKidsClub.com, visiting Guest Sevices at a TinCaps game, or by contacting Aron Brecht at 260-407-2809 or Becht@TinCaps.com. Kids Club members receive inviations to VIP events, such as Johnny’s birthday party, special meet and greets, tirck or treating with Johnny, and more. Plus, there are exclusive giveaways for members only.

Submissions are due by Monday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. You can dop off your drawing at Parkview Field’s Admin Offices Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM or at Guest Services during a home game.

You can also mail your drawing to:

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Attn: Aron Brecht

1301 Ewing Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Click here for the picture to color

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

Finales Announced: “Dancing with the Students” comes to Crawford Middle School via the Legends

Update: Finales for both classes of Dancing with the Students at Crawford Middle School have been set for Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 1:13pm-2:00pm and 2:08pm-2:55pm.  Two-time Dancing with the Lexington Stars Champion and President & CEO of the Lexington Legends Andy Shea will be serving as the Guest Judge for the finales. Media is welcome to attend the finales for photographs and interviews with students.  

From the original release in March:

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK) Lexington, KY – Students at Crawford Middle School will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Physical Education as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum through a new community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dancing with the Students comes to Lexington via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, as she founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The students involved will be at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels and will compete in a 10 weeks of dance class; 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught by Arthur Murray trained dancer teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. “My dream is to have these talented students dance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a Legends’ game this summer” says Martinelli Shea. “Mickelwait was also Andy’s dance partner for Dancing with the Stars-Lexington, so it’s wonderful to have this community partnership come full circle!”

Andy Shea, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends, is just as vested in this partnership as his Mother. “I am so proud and honored of what my Mother has created and her ambition to begin Dancing with The Students classes in Lexington. There are so many life lessons that are learned through ballroom dancing and not to mention, it’s so much fun!”

This partnership would not have been possible without the support of Crawford Middle School Principal Mike Jones. Jones readily accepted by stating “I’m excited about this new and unique partnership with “Dancing with the Students.” Some of our Crawford Middle School students are going to be given the opportunity to learn four different ballroom dances as well as the etiquette that goes along with this art form. The 10-week program will be incorporated into 2 different Physical Education classes. The movement requirements used in dance can be found in PE as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum. I want to personally thank Andy Shea and Sue Martinelli Shea for allowing us to partner with the program. We hope to build it to include more students in the future.”

For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Greensboro Grasshoppers, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, on May 10, 2017 at 12:35pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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