Gwinnett Braves Award June Grant to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA

“Summer Safety” themed grant will help fund swimming lessons throughout the community

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of June to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. The “Summer Safety” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that promote safety programs for children.

The J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been serving the Gwinnett community since 1974. The program offers wellness facilities for adults and families, while also assisting the community with non-member programs. J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA continues to empower and transform lives around the community, serving over 12,000 Gwinnett residents through these programs.

YMCA-logo-green&blueThe funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA in its continued mission to teach members of the community how to swim. Since 1986, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults to swim and instructing their participants with life-saving techniques. The classes are intended for all ages, even young children as the YMCA offers a “SPLASH” program for ages 6 through 10. The program introduces children to the fundamentals of swimming and basic water safety.

“For over 15 years, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults the ability to swim and importance of water safety,” said Kimberly Nelson, Executive Director of J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. “The education and instruction of water safety is crucial for all communities including Gwinnett County. Because of the generosity of the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, the YMCA is able to assist families that could not afford to participate in swim lessons and empower them with skills to be safer. As a community, we need to be especially cautious during the summer months when water incidents increase compared to the rest of the year. Together, the Y and Gwinnett Braves are making an impact and helping to save lives.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.

Gwinnett Braves Award April Grant to Gwinnett County Special Olympics

“Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant will help fund sports programs for disabled youth

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of April to Gwinnett County Special Olympics. The “Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that promote youth athletics and activities, will help fund Special Olympics’ sports programs for youth with intellectual disabilities.

Gwinnett-County-Special-Olympics-logoThe Special Olympics program was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and provides year-round training and athletic competition for more than one million athletes in nearly 150 countries and all 50 states in the United States. Gwinnett County Special Olympics is the agency that operates the Special Olympics program in Gwinnett County. Their program supports more than 2,000 athletes of all ages including school-age children with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy of sports participation.

The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Gwinnett County Special Olympics in its continued mission to provide uniforms, transportation, sports facilities and equipment for youth athletes specifically in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Braves and Gwinnett County Special Olympics have had a strong partnership for the past five years, including an annual “Best Buddies” clinic where disabled youth learn baseball skills from G-Braves players at Coolray Field.

“The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Shriver,” said Karen O’Connor, Fundraising & Outreach Chairman of Gwinnett County Special Olympics. “Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Our 2,100 school age athletes, parents and volunteers are so appreciative for the Gwinnett Braves’ support.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website can can be viewed by clicking here.

G-Braves Announce Benefit for Tripp Halstead

5K Race, Benefit Night at Coolray Field set for Saturday, June 22

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LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have announced plans to raise funds for Tripp Halstead, a two-year old Barrow County, Georgia boy who suffered a brain injury when he was struck by a tree limb during Hurricane Sandy last October. The G-Braves will host a 5K Race, dubbed “Tripp’s Trot,” as well as “Tripp Halstead Night” at Coolray Field on Saturday, June 22.

“Tripp’s Trot” will take place in the Coolray Field parking lot at 8:00 AM on June 22. Those interested in registering may do so by visiting trippstrot.com. The cost is $25 if registering before May 22, $28 if registering before June 1, $30 if registering before June 20 and $35 on the day of the event. A Fun Run will also be held that day, costing just $20 to participate.

A race day raffle for G-Braves’ autographed items and a special Pre-Game Parade on the field for all race participants are also planned for June 22. That night, the Gwinnett Braves will host the Syracuse Chiefs for a 7:05 PM game. Prior to the game, country singer/songwriter Jordan Covington will play a special acoustic set.

The club will continue to raise funds before and during the game during “Tripp Halstead Night.” A donation of a portion of the funds raised from the Coolray Field Amusements, plus proceeds from the Post-Game Tennis Toss will all go toward Tripp and his family.

To purchase tickets for the “Tripp Halstead Night” fundraiser, visit gwinnettbraves.com/tripp and enter the special promo code TEAMBOOM. For more information on “Tripp’s Trot” and “Tripp Halstead Night,” contact the Gwinnett Braves at 678-277-0340.

The G-Braves’ next home game at Coolray Field is Saturday, May 18 vs. Louisville, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award March Grant to Aurora Theatre

Local Theatre is recognized for their commitment to the Fine Arts

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of March to the Aurora Theatre of Lawrenceville, GA. This month’s grant, intended to support organizations that promote art programs and education, will help Aurora Theatre in its purchase of a new portable sound system.

aurora-theater-logoIn 2011, the Aurora Theatre’s Academy and Conservatory launched an educational outreach program. With county schools cutting down music and art programs, the Aurora Theatre travels to local Gwinnett County Public Schools and educates through workshops and small traveling shows.   This season, the program will debut “Unnecessary Monsters,” an interactive play that will discuss the issue of bullying. With the help of the G-Braves, the play will reach a greater audience and avoid technical difficulties.

The program has grown exponentially since last fall.  Through their hard work and dedication, the Aurora Theatre program has provided the youth of Gwinnett County with more exposure to the arts.

“Our education program has many facets,” said the Director of Education Jaclyn Hofmann. “We have our Aurora Academy training program, learning library shows, in school workshops and other features. With this grant we can purchase a portable sound system, so that we can travel to any school or organization.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

G-Braves Award February Grant to Archer High School PTSA

“Heart Month” themed grant will benefit Archer PTSA’s Heart Screens for Teens program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of February to the Archer High School PTSA of Lawrenceville, GA.  The “Heart Month” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that bring awareness or raise funds for heart related diseases, will help fund Archer PTSA’s “Heart Screens for Teens” program.

Archer-HS-Tigers-logoArcher High School PTSA launched the “Heart Screens for Teens” program in 2012 in order to detect potentially fatal heart defects that cannot be identified during routine physicals.  The screening, an ultrasound of the heart that takes about 15 minutes, helps identify Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) or an enlarged heart, which is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in teens.  HCM is thought to affect one in 500 persons of all ages, but usually manifests itself before the age of 20.  It is 100% detectable, and teen deaths are preventable.

After screening 60 teens in March of last year, Archer PTSA plans to screen 70 teens in 2013.  The process has been updated to include an electrocardiogram (EKG) and sports physical, which will raise the price per screening from $65 to $150.  The grant money awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will be used to reduce the cost of the screening for each teen.  It is Archer PTSA’s hope that a reduced cost will make parents more inclined to sign their teens up for the screening.

“The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children,” said Lee Merritt, Co-President of Archer High School PTSA.  “Local PTA units, like Archer High School PTSA, support this mission at the local level with programs that promote the health, safety, and welfare of students and families in our community.  Because of the generous grant from the Gwinnett Braves, Archer PTSA can make Heart Screens for Teens more affordable, and there is no doubt, children’s lives will be saved.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Miracle Field Play Begins for Fall

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The Braves Miracle Field of Rome kicks off its fall season beginning Saturday October 20th. The Rome Braves and Rome Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority are in need of volunteers for the season that runs through November 17.

The younger division will play each Saturday at 12:30pm and the older division will play at 1:30pm. A pre-season practice will be held on Saturday October 13th.

For those interested in playing, the registration fee which includes your uniform and end of season reward remains $50 per player. Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Bryant with RFPRA at 706-234-0383 or Erin Elrod with the Rome Braves at 706-368-9388.

Click here to download a registration form now.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament

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The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department announced today the date for the 4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. The golf tournament will be held on Friday November 9 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station or at the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves. Hole and team sponorships are available as well.

Celebrity participants include members of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff as well as minor league field staff. Past participants have included current Atlanta Braves third base coach, Brian Snitker, former Rome Braves manager and current Gulf Coast Braves manager Rocket Wheeler, current Rome Manager Randy Ingle, and former Rome Braves players.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to helping injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

For more information, please contact the Rome Braves at (706)369-9388 or Gary Conway at the Floyd County Police department (706)235-7766.

Click here to download a registration form now!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Blood Drive Comes to State Mutual Stadium

The Rome Braves and the America Red Cross announce that a Blood Drive will be held at the Three Rivers Club on Tuesday August 21st from noon until 5 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a Free T-Shirt and 2 tickets to a Rome Braves game.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code RBraves to schedule an appointment. Walk ins are welcome.

For more information call the Braves at 706-378-5100.

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

Bark in the Park with Paws for Claws

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Humans and Hounds alike, join us at State Mutual Stadium for the Bark in the Park game on Sunday May 27. This season the Rome Braves are partnering with Claws for Paws to help the homeless pets of Rome and Floyd County. All of the money raised by Claws for Paws goes directly back to animal rescue efforts in the local community.

The festivities begin at 2pm but you can register today. There will be a 1.3 mile Dog Walk around State Mutual Stadium followed by pet contests, a Frisbee Dog Demo and stop by the Flealess Market throughout the day. Then bring your dog into the ballpark and cheer on the Rome Braves for the 5pm game.

The Bark in the Park event along with the festivities and t-shirt is only $20! To sign up today just click here. If you are just interested in joining us for the game with your dog you can purchase tickets at Gate 6 the day of the game for $10. For more information please call 706-378-5100.

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

‘Cats Clutch in Breast Cancer Awareness Win

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A thriller on the 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night saw the Hillcats take their second consecutive game from the Winston-Salem Dash, 7-5. A season-high 4,788 saw Edward Salcedo come through with two clutch hits to give the ‘Cats the lead. Lynchburg closer, Juan Jamie, shut the door with two on in the ninth with back-to-back strikeouts.

It had all the makings of a pitchers’ duel early on at Lynchburg City Stadium. The 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night began with both Dash righty Matt Heidenreich and J.R. Graham tossing two no-hit innings. However, the Dash struck first in the top of the third.

Miguel Gonzalez got the game’s first hit with a single under the glove of Hillcats’ shortstop Nick Ahmed. Jake Oester executed a perfect hit-and-run with Gonzalez on the move just one batter later. Gonzalez advanced to third with the league’s hottest hitter due up. Marcus Semien extended his league-best hit streak to 18 games with a single between the third baseman and shortstop, Oester advanced to second base and Gonzalez scored to make it 1-0. Dan Wagner laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Semien to second and Oester to third. The number three prospect in the White Sox organization, Trayce Thompson was up next. He laced a double into the left-center field gap. Both Semien and Oester scored to give the Dash a 3-0 lead. With one out, Hillcats’ third baseman, Edward Salcedo made an amazing play to rob Dan Black of a certain double. A ball was on a line when Salcedo dove to his left in full extension. After making the catch, Salcedo threw from his knees to second baseman Tommy La Stella to get Thompson, who was racing back towards second.

Heidenreich, continued his perfect game bid through four. It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth that the Hillcats could do any damage. Tim Smith took a pitch off the right shoulder to end the perfect game. Garcia got the first hit off Heidenreich between the first and second baseman to advance Smith to second. Mycal Jones, laid down a bunt intended to be for a hit and it was exactly that down the third base side. The bases were now loaded for Braeden Schlehuber after the Robby Hefflinger strikeout. Schlehuber hammered a double over Brady Shoemaker’s head in left. Smith and Garcia cruised home, but an errant throw by Shoemaker was recognized by Jones at third and he broke for home. Semien gathered the ball and threw home to Gonzalez, but Jones went head first with a hook slide to the back part of the plate. He reached his left hand around and touched home before Gonzalez could get to him. The score was tied 3-3.

A two-run rally would give the Hillcats the lead in the sixth. Smith got his fourth double of the season with two outs. Sacledo came through in the clutch with a single just one batter later to give the ‘Cats their first lead of the game, 4-3.

The Dash answered back in the top of the seventh. Gonzalez hit a slow roller over to Salcedo at third, Salcedo made a running throw, but it was off-target and got past Garcia at first. Gonzalez advanced to second base on Salcedo’s 12th error of the season. Oester was the next batter. He hit a hot shot down the right field side, but it was snagged by a diving Garcia on a hop. Gonzalez advanced to third for Semien. A liner up the middle by Semien scored Gonzalez to tie the game at four.

Lynchburg began the bottom of the eighth with walk to Matt Lipka by Nick McCully. La Stella added a one out single to right, the ball was bobbled by Nick Ciolli, Lipka broke for the third and La Stella broke for second on the Ciolli throw to third; each player was safe. The Dash intentionally walked Smith to load the bases for Salcedo. For the second time in the game, Salcedo came through in the clutch with a single up the middle to score Lipka and give the Hillcats a 5-4 lead. With the bases loaded, Garcia entered the box. He hit a high-chopper over Black at first, Black combined with Semien to get the lead runner, but McCully broke late to first and couldn’t get Garcia in time and dropped the Semien throw. Recognizing the mistake, Smith raced home and scored the second run of the play to give the Hillcats a three run cushion.

Lynchburg brought in the first of its closer duo, Matt Chaffee. The inning started with as solo blast by Michael Early to cut the lead to 7-5. Chaffee walked the next batter before a high fly ball was lost by Lipka in center field. Runners were at first and second for Semien, who tried to sacrifice himself, but couldn’t get the job done and eventually went down with the bunting strikeout. That would be the end of the night for Chaffee and part two of the closer duo, Juan Jamie entered. Wasting no time, Jamie came he challenged the Carlos Sanchez and Trayce Thompson with the gas. Neither could hit it and the Hillcats walked away with a thrilling victory in front of a packed house.

Chasen Shreve improved to 2-0 on the season. He went 1.2 innings, surrendering one and fanning one. Nick McCully fell to 2-2 after giving up three runs–two earned–in just 0.2 of a inning. He also walked two and struck out one. Juan Jaime got his fifth save of the season.

The series finale is slated for 2:05pm. The Hillcat’s will look for their third series sweep of the season. Aaron Northcraft (4-1, 2.12) will look to close out the Dash. Righty Jake Petricka (2-3, 5.63) will try to salvage the series for Winston-Salem. The Faith Night Sunday festivites will begin when the gates open tomorrow at 1:00 pm at Lynchburg City Stadium. If you can’t make it to the park, tune in and listen live to all the action on 105.5 FM KD Country and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com starting with the Hillcats On-Deck Show coming on the air at 1:40pm with Erik Wilson and Mike Viso.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

M-Braves Visit Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital

The Mississippi Braves visited to the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital on June 10th.  The team arrived to offer support and bring hope and happiness to children struck by injury and illness.

The Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital has treated over 150,000 children from over 82 counties in Mississippi last year. The hospital strives in treating every youngster who is in need and has never turned anyone way. The institution strives to be the best with its cutting edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities, however, more is always needed.

During the M-Braves visit, players from all over the world visited with the kids,  signed autographs, and provided cheer to all those in need.

If you would like to donate to the Blair E. Batson Hospital, please visit childrenshospital.umc.edu/donate.html or to mail a contribution, please make it payable to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and send to the address below:

The Division of Public Affairs
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216

Willie Cabrera and Jordan Kreke playing Elefun with the children at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of M-Braves)

Mississippi Braves and Bass Pro Shops Flood Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves along with Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, and Uncle Bucks Grills have joined forces to aid the victims of the Mississippi River Floods.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, The Braves and Bass Pro Shops presented a $5,000 check to The Salvation Army to help jump start the relief effort. Furthermore, prominent members of the community such as Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner, Vice President of Business Development for MiLB Tina Gust, and Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers came to show their support and encouragement during this tragic time. The Salvation Army’s Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, MS State Representative Ray Rogers, and MS State Senator Dean Kirby also attended the pre-game ceremony.

The Braves further aided the cause by donating 100% of the revenue generated by a special silent auction during the game. The silent auction featured various items for fans to bid on, such as autographed baseballs, bats, photos, and jerseys of various Braves players.

As a further way of providing assistance, the M-Braves encouraged fans to donate items such as clothing, shoes, water, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items to The Salvation Army. The Braves did so by providing fans who donated items to the cause a 50 percent discount on field seat tickets. Plus, the first 500 fans that donated items to the relief effort received their choice of a free Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann or Jeff Francoeur 8 x 10 color photo.

The Braves are still encouraging fans to continue to donate items for the relief effort, and drop them off at Trustmark Park throughout the year.

Check presentation to The Salvation Army. (From left to Right: General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Patrick Renegar, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, and General Manager of the Mississippi Braves Steve DeSalvo
General Manager Steve DeSalvo helping load the donated items onto the Salvation Army Truck.

Mississippi Braves Partner with the Salvation Army for Southeastern Tornado Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, Gwinnett and Rome Braves, 680 the Fan and Rock 100.5, corporate partners, and The Salvation Army have joined forces to raise money, awareness, and support for the Southeastern tornado relief efforts. The Mississippi Braves parent club began the effort Monday, May 2, by donating $100,000 to The Salvation Army.

As Atlanta’s AA team in the heart of Mississippi, the M-Braves will be a central location in the Jackson Metro Area for a drive to collect the most needed items for the victims of the devastating tornados.

“The tragic impact these tornados have had on the entire Southeast Region have greatly impacted all of our lives and the community in which we live,” said M-Braves General Manager, Steve DeSalvo. “As a member of this great community, it is important that we work together to rebuild what was lost which is why the M-Braves wish to help in any way we can.”

In response to this announcement, Ken Chapman, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/ Corps Officer, remarked, “The Salvation Army has always regarded the Braves as wonderful corporate citizens and we are grateful for their caring hearts to serve those in need during this time of devastation.”

Currently, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams have been deployed and are in the process of helping the thousands of people in need. In addition, The Salvation Army is asking for various donations which will be distributed across the six states devastated by these brutal storms including Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Below is a list of the various items most needed:

· Household items (Laundry detergent, bleach, towels, bed sheets, blankets)
· Toiletries (Toothpaste, mouthwash, body soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, razors, toilet paper)
· Paper kitchen products (Disposable dishes, utensils, cups, paper towels
· Baby Products (Diapers, formula, baby powder)
· Cleaning supplies (Mops, brooms, Lysol, trash bags)
· Flashlights
· First-aid kits
· Non-perishable food items (Canned/packaged food, bottled water, sports drinks)
· School supplies (paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, book bags, folders, etc.)

The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton receives Gwinnett Braves February Grant

Team’s grant will help expand the Kids in the Kitchen initiative

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves February Grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative.

The goal of the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc., is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. The program engages kids in the preparation of healthy meals and educates them and their parents regarding nutrition and healthy choices.

The initiative provides lessons and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations, chefs and nutritionists. In addition to healthy eating, the Junior League encourages physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. This past year, the initiative provided healthy eating education and demonstrations to more than 300 children and their families. The grant will triple the reach of the Kids in the Kitchen initiative to more than 900 children in our community.

“The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties is honored to receive this grant from the Braves Foundation. We are celebrating our 25th year of service to the community and are striving to expand our impact. The Braves Foundation grant provides our organization with support that will help us expand our programs to reach more families in the area”, said Misty Sutton, Fund Development Chair. “We plan to utilize this grant to expand our Kids in the Kitchen program, which promotes healthy, and economical, food choices for children and their families. The Braves Foundation grant will help us to more than triple the number of children that we are able to educate through this program.”

About the Junior League
The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization of women who are developed as civic leaders to create lasting community impact through training, leadership opportunities, advocacy and hands-on community service. Its purpose is to develop the potential of women to be leaders in their communities and to strengthen local communities by creating and implementing collaborative volunteer projects.

Foster Children’s Foundation receives Gwinnett Braves January Grant

Team’s grant will help deliver the Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program to foster children in North Georgia.

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Foster Children’s Foundation is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves January grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program.

According to Suzanne Geske, Executive Director, “the children we serve come from negative backgrounds and often believe that following their dreams will only lead to disappointment. All children deserve to hope for a better tomorrow and it begins with a dream. The funds received from the Gwinnett Braves will help the Foster Children’s Foundation support foster and at risk youth and allow them to believe in themselves and begin a path that will lead them to a successful future and allow them to achieve their dreams.”

The Tomorrow Matters® program provides critical life skills training to youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Trained, caring mentors deliver the program to ensure that the participants have what they need to reach their potential and become self sufficient citizens.

The Foster Children’s Foundation is a 501(C) 3 non-profit support organization that provides for the unmet material and emotional needs of youth in foster care. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children who are in foster care or are in danger of entering the foster care system by identifying the economic, environmental, educational and emotional needs and implementing ways to raise public awareness and establish programs in an effort to serve these issues.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club.