WooSox Foundation Contributes $1,000 to Jingle Bell Toy Drive Benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Worcester 

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Representatives of the Worcester Red Sox gathered at “El Basha” at Park Ave in Worcester on December 7 at a fundraiser hosted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Association to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

Toys and funds were collected to ensure as many kids as possible in Worcester can enjoy presents and gifts during the holiday season with their loved ones. George Lorin, Kevin Hartigan, Alex Richardson, Diane Flanagan, Eric Olafsen, and mascot Smiley Ball were among the WooSox officials on hand with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis to present the check to Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Liz Hamilton.

“On behalf of the children and staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, I wish to express our appreciation of the WooSox and everyone who made this year’s toy drive a success,” said Executive Director Liz Hamilton. “We serve more than 8,000 youth annually, and nearly 500 attend our three Clubhouses every day. We know these toys will make an impact on our kids during the holiday season.”

“Each year during the holiday season, the WooSox want to spread as much joy as possible to children and families throughout Central Mass,” said Alex Richardson, the WooSox’ director of baseball and game day operations. “It’s always a pleasure to support our community partners at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, and we’re glad we could help make this year’s Jingle Bell Toy Drive a success.”

Reno Aces Partners with JAKKS Pacific for Annual Toy Donations to Benefit Local Charities

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RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have been spreading joy with thousands of toys to local charities during its annual toy donation in partnership with JAKKS Pacific throughout the holiday season. This year, the Aces have partnered with the following eight local charities for its toy donation:

Ashlee’s Toy Closet

Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Reno Rodeo Foundation

Tahoe Truckee Toys for Tots

Washoe County Sherriff’s Office

Washoe County Toys for Tots

Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra

“Over the years, our partnership with JAKKS Pacific has been phenomenal. Thanks to the friendship between our owner Herb Simon and Stephen Berman, JAKKS CEO, the Aces ensure every toy donated brings a local child in need some joy,” said Reno Aces President Eric Edelstein. “We can’t thank the Northern Nevada community enough for the support they provide the Aces, and these toys are a chance for us to give back to those less fortunate in the region.”

JAKKS Pacific Co-Founder and CEO Stephan Berman and Aces owner Herb Simon have been longtime friends, partnering for over a decade to make toy donations. The partnership has led to thousands of toys being donated to various charities in Nevada and Central Indiana.

The Reno Aces are slated to open the 2023 season at Greater Nevada Field on Friday, March 31st, against the Las Vegas Aviators, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Season Memberships are available via RenoAces.com, texting “MEMBER” to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

-ACES-

Breakfast with Santa returns to Clover Park on Dec. 3rd

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – The 6th annual New Horizons Breakfast with Santa will be held this Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon at Clover Park. The event is free for youth 17 and under. Adult admission is $5 or adults can bring an unwrapped gift or gift card to the toy drive.

The holiday celebration features an all-you-can-eat breakfast, photos with Santa, games, prizes, cookie decorating, card making, face painting and more. The goal of Breakfast with Santa is to create wholesome memories that will last a lifetime.

The event is sponsored by the St. Lucie Mets, Stewart Materials, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, Treasure Coast Photography Center, Fred Stalls of Waterstone Mortgage, Terilco Events & Décor, Keller William Jupiter, Hilton Garden Inn, Mary Kay – Jerry Koedyker, Aramark, Pat Austin and Southern Eagle Distributing.

“This event is so much fun for kids of all ages, from all backgrounds – creating memories they will carry with them throughout their lives as a cherished holiday tradition,” William Wims, CEO of New Horizons, said. “Wholesome activities in a safe, family-friendly environment have a positive impact on the children in our community.”

The all-you-can-eat menu includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and hot chocolate. The Treasure Coast Photography Center will be taking photos of attendees with Santa that they can take home, and the Children’s Services Council will give away free grade-level books as well.

Donated toys and gift cards will be given to children and teens from low-income and foster families associated with New Horizons.

Additional funds raised at Breakfast with Santa help purchase supplies for children’s programs at New Horizons that improve engagement and enhance the therapeutic experience.

For more information about Breakfast with Santa please visit www.nhtcinc.org or call 772-672-8333.

Youngsters from Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Enjoy Games 1 and 2 of World Series in Houston

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The Worcester Red Sox continued a Rhode Island tradition that dates back 72 years by sending two kids with their chaperones to Games 1 and 2 of the World Series that took place in Houston last Friday and Saturday.

Nallah Goss (10) and Nolan Myers (9) from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket landed in Providence on Sunday evening after witnessing an extra innings, 6-5 victory for the Phillies on Friday, and a 5-2 Houston victory on Saturday, where they saw fellow Rhode Islander Jeremy Pena drive in the first run of the game with an RBI double.

The Houston shortstop attended high school in Providence and would later play his college ball at the University of Maine, so he was a player that the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket kids were keeping their eye on.

“The seats were unbelievable,” said Sean Myers, father of nine-year-old Nolan. “We are grateful to the WooSox for continuing this tradition and providing us with an experience that we will never forget.”

“It’s one of the best community traditions in all of Minor League Baseball,” said WooSox Vice President of Community & Player Relations Joe Bradlee. “It was our pleasure to keep it going for the second consecutive season in Worcester, and it’s important for all of us to continue our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.”

The two children were randomly chosen during a Boys & Girls Club outing at Polar Park this season.  This year’s trip marks the 32nd year that the franchise has sent two children from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket accompanied by adult chaperones to baseball’s Fall Classic.

It all began in 1950 when the New York Football Giants’ longtime running back, Hank Soar, became an American League baseball umpire.  Soar, who grew up in Pawtucket and graduated from what is now Tolman High School, had discovered umpiring by Central Mass native Connie Mack, the legendary owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics.  After Soar established the annual ritual of providing tickets to a pair of children, the City of Pawtucket assumed the responsibility before passing the torch to the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1990.  After completing 50 years in Rhode Island in 2020, the club is sending the students this year for the second time as the Worcester Red Sox.

WooSox Preserve Pawtucket Tradition by Sending Two Kids from its Boys & Girls Club to the World Series

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WOOSOX PRESERVE PAWTUCKET TRADITION BY SENDING

TWO KIDS FROM ITS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO THE WORLD SERIES

2022 marks 72nd anniversary of tradition established in 1950

by longtime American League Umpire Hank Soar

WORCESTER, MA – Continuing a Rhode Island tradition that dates back 72 years, the WooSox Foundation, in conjunction with the Worcester Red Sox, will send a pair of youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket on an all-expense-paid trip to see Games 1 and 2 of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX, this Friday and Saturday night.

Nallah Goss, 10, and Nolan Myers, 9, will attend the opening games of the World Series with their chaperones and return to Rhode Island on Sunday.

“These kids are going to remember this experience for the rest of their lives,” said Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket CEO, Jim Hoyt. “We’re grateful that the Worcester Red Sox are continuing this tradition that goes back decades, and that they haven’t forgotten about our kids in Pawtucket. It’s one of our favorite traditions.”

“We’ve had the pleasure of carrying on this amazing tradition for over three decades during my time in Pawtucket – first with the PawSox Foundation and now the WooSox Foundation,” said WooSox Vice Chairman Mike Tamburro, the longtime president of the PawSox. “Once again this year we are pleased to continue this custom in Worcester and give these Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club families a proper send-off from our new home at Polar Park.”

The two children were randomly chosen during a Boys & Girls Club outing at Polar Park this season. This year’s trip marks the 32nd year that the franchise has sent two children from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket accompanied by adult chaperones to baseball’s Fall Classic.

It all began in 1950 when the New York Football Giants’ longtime running back, Hank Soar, became an American League baseball umpire. Soar, who grew up in Pawtucket and graduated from what is now Tolman High School, had discovered umpiring by Central Mass native Connie Mack, the legendary owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics. After Soar established the annual ritual of providing tickets to a pair of children, the City of Pawtucket assumed the responsibility before passing the torch to the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1990. After completing 50 years in Rhode Island in 2020, the club is sending the students this year for the second time as the Worcester Red Sox.

“This long standing tradition has meant so much to our children,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “We thank the WooSox for continuing to provide opportunities for youth in Pawtucket.”

WooSox Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and Pitcher Durbin Feltman Headline Inaugural “Thank You Care-A-Van” Sept. 29 through Oct. 1

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After wrapping up their season finale in Rochester, WooSox Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and pitcher Durbin Feltman lead the club’s Inaugural “Thank You Care-A-Van” that ran from Thursday, September 29, and wrapped up at David Prouty High School in Spencer during their homecoming on Saturday, October 1.

The Care-A-Van began at Elm Park Elementary School in Worcester at 10:00 AM, where Feltman and Fitzgerald read to children, and where the club also partnered with the Juniper Outreach Foundation to install a food pantry in the school. Founded in February of 2020, the Juniper Outreach Foundation helps combat food insecurity in the Worcester Public Schools and provides basic necessities to children in need.

From Elm Park, the WooSox headed to Worcester’s Net of Compassion on Main Street, where they distributed food and supplies to some of the city’s homeless population, and they concluded the afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, where they played interactive games with kids in the club’s after-school program.

“It was a pleasure to stick around Worcester for a few days after our season ended,” said WooSox infielder and 2022 Community Spirit Award winner, Ryan Fitzgerald. “Worcester has been a community that’s supported us all season long, and it was a lot of fun to be able to give back with my friend and teammate Durbin Feltman.”

UMass Memorial Hospital was the WooSox’ first stop of the day on Friday, September 29, to cheer up kids going through a challenging time in their Children’s Medical Center. After UMass, the ballplayers spoke to the baseball program at Worcester Academy, along with students in their sports marketing program. Friday wrapped up at the Worcester Public Library for a reading in the “WooSox Book Nook,” followed by a dinner with veterans at Worcester’s Veterans Inc.

“It was great being in Worcester for a few days, doing good deeds throughout this community,” said WooSox pitcher Durbin Feltman. “Worcester was an awesome city to pitch in all season long, and being able to give back for a few days after our season ended was the perfect way to begin the off-season.”

The players and WooSox club officials also attended Anna Maria College’s groundbreaking on Saturday for their new multi-purpose baseball field at noon October 1, and spent the remainder of the afternoon at David Prouty High School’s homecoming in Spencer, taking photos and signing autographs in the school’s gymnasium.

Just days later, on October 4, Spencer and East Brookfield residents voted “Yes” in a special election on a ballot initiative to pay for a $112 million renovation of David Prouty High School.

PawSox Heritage Day at Polar Park

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On Saturday, July, 9, the Worcester Red Sox paid tribute to their Pawtucket Red Sox history and Rhode Island roots. In order to commemorate their 50 years in Pawtucket, the WooSox transformed back to the PawSox, wearing their old jerseys and hosting their old mascots.

Worcester hosted more than 500 fans, friends, and employees from their time spent in RI, including some who have been watching the team since 1970. Former Red Sox and PawSox player Ken Ryan was in attendance to take pictures and sign autographs for fans throughout the day. Ken is a native of Pawtucket who has deep ties with the organization.

The WooSox also continue a tradition that was held at McCoy Stadium: the “Scout Sleepover,” where Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to camp out overnight on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The sleepovers were implemented in Worcester last season and this was the third of the season.

Among those honored in the pre-game ceremonies were the Pawtucket YMCA and the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Both were longtime community partners of the organization during its time in Pawtucket. Representing the YMCA were leaders Charlene Lamountain, Jennifer Cantone, and Joemeli Garcia-Torres. For over 72 years, children from the Boys and Girls Club received tickets to attend a World Series game, a tradition started by local umpire Hank Soar.

Representing the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket were Phil Ayoub, Arthur Kaufman, Joe Fleming, and Matt Bergeron. Also in attendance was State Representative Carlos Tobon, who was a member of the program and currently serves as first Vice Chair of the House of Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a member of the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology Committee.

Throwing a Ceremonial First Pitch was former PawSox and current WooSox photographer and talented singer Tayla Bolduc. A Pawtucket native, Bolduc was a huge fan of the PawSox growing up before following her beloved team to Worcester.

Honored as the Hometown Hero was the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, Neil Steinberg. Steinberg’s leadership has helped raise over $600 million in funds since 2008. He also led the charge in creating the Crater Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship.

Next, the WooSox honored a group of employees who worked for both the PawSox and WooSox. First up was “The King of Baseball,” and former president of the Pawsox, and current vice chairman of the WooSox, Mike Tamburro. Also honored was public relations stalwart, Senior Vice President of Communications Bill Wanless; Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Michael Gwynn; corporate sponsorships member Mike Lyons; Vice President of Ticket Operations Sammy Soccoia-Beggs; Senior Vice President of Marketing and Assistant General Manager Brooke Cooper; Chief Ambassador and five-generation Rhode Islander Rick Medeiros; and ushers Steve Martin, Tony Souza, Graham Watkins, Russell Giles, Brendan Teller, and Louann Valleta.

The pre-game ceremonies concluded with the singing of the national anthem and the Game Ball to the Mound presentation. The anthem was performed by the Private Label, a barbershop quartet that performed the anthem at McCoy Stadium over 40 times. The game ball was delivered by a 10-year-old Pawtucket native named Brayden.

Honored on Saturday during the “In Debt to a Vet” ceremony was Sergeant Dan Foley, who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970; Staff Sergeant and Major Jack Dean, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army and served in the Vietnam war; Petty Officer First Class Thomas Newell, who served in the United States Navy from 1974-1996 and is a former PawSox Season Ticket Holder; and E-4 Specialist Joseph Vadnais, who is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1990-1995.

The WooSox lost a close game, 3-2, to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, but for hundreds of fans, it was still an impactful day.

Woodpeckers Establish Youth Baseball Team with Boys & Girls Club 

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. —The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club to establish a youth baseball team. The “Junior Woodpeckers” provide members of the Boys & Girls Club with the opportunity to participate in baseball. As a 12U team, the “Junior Woodpeckers” compete in the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation youth baseball league.

The Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program donated $10,000 to the Boys and Girls Club to cover the costs of fees, uniforms and other expenses related to the baseball season. Uniforms include custom-made “Junior Woodpeckers” jerseys with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers logo on the sleeve. The purpose of the initiative is to provide children with the opportunity to compete in youth sports without financial barriers. The “Junior Woodpeckers” team is part of the Community Leaders Program, which supports youth sports and military initiatives in the Fayetteville area.

Members of the “Junior Woodpeckers” team will be showcased at the Fayetteville Woodpeckers game on Saturday, June 18th as the Fayetteville Woodpeckers take on the Fredericksburg Nationals. For more information on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, or to buy tickets for the game on June 18th, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

WooSox to Preserve Pawtucket Tradition by Sending Two Kids from its Boys & Girls Club to The World Series

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2021 marks 71st anniversary of tradition established in 1950 by longtime American League Umpire Hank Soar.

(Left to right) Juan Luis Torres Caquias, Jeremy Torres (13), Michael Cute (11), and Matthew Cute stop by Polar Park before heading to Atlanta to attend The World Series.
Tim Quitadamo/Worcester Red Sox

WORCESTER, MA – Continuing a Rhode Island tradition that dates back 71 years, the Worcester Red Sox will send a pair of youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket on an all-expense-paid trip to see Games 3 and 4 of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA, this Friday and Saturday night.

Michael Cute, 11, and Jeremy Torres, 13, will be accompanied by their fathers, Matthew Cute and Juan Luis Torres Caquias. Both families are from Pawtucket.

“These kids are going to remember this experience for the rest of their lives,” said Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket CEO, Jim Hoyt. “We’re grateful that the Worcester Red Sox are continuing this tradition that goes back decades, and that they haven’t forgotten about our kids in Pawtucket. It’s one of our favorite traditions.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of carrying on this amazing tradition for over three decades during my time in Pawtucket,” said WooSox Vice Chairman Mike Tamburro, the longtime president of the PawSox. “Now we get to continue this tradition from my hometown in Worcester and give them a proper send-off from our new home at Polar Park.”

The two children were randomly chosen during a Boys & Girls Club group outing at Polar Park this season. This year’s trip marks the 31st year that the franchise has sent two children from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, each accompanied by a parent, to baseball’s Fall Classic.

The tradition began in 1950 when the New York Football Giants’ longtime running back, Hank Soar, became an American League baseball umpire. Soar, who grew up in Pawtucket and graduated from what is now Tolman High School, had been discovered umpiring by Central Mass native Connie Mack, the legendary owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics. After Soar established the annual tradition of providing tickets to a pair of children, the City of Pawtucket assumed the responsibility before passing the torch to the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1990. After completing 50 years in Rhode Island in 2020, the club is sending the students this year for the first time as the Worcester Red Sox.

“I am pleased to see this longstanding tradition continue,” said Mayor of Pawtucket Donald R. Grebien. “It means so much for our youth to be able to have this opportunity and I am glad that the WooSox will be continuing to provide this great experience.”

Rawhide Charitable Fund Supports Work with Local Families

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Rawhide gives back with $30,000 in grants to Visalia Community

Visalia, CA – To commemorate the end of a wonderful 2021 season of Rawhide Baseball under new ownership, the Sigal Family Rawhide Charitable Fund is pleased to announce their 2021 Community Grants. In partnership with the Central Valley Community Foundation, three grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, Family Services of Tulare County, and United Way of Tulare County.

“We fully support the good work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, Family Services of Tulare County, and the United Way of Tulare County”, said Sam Sigal, President and Co-owner of the Visalia Rawhide. “The work that these three organizations do could not be more vital to our community.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs will receive $10,000 to provide needed maintenance on their facilities. This grant will help Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, quality spaces for kids to attend during after school hours, school holidays and summer vacation. “We are very thankful to the Sigal Family for their concern and investment in our community’s children,” said CEO Galen Quenzer. Tulare County currently has 15 clubs located throughout the South Valley and sees an average of 910 kids a day.

Family Services of Tulare County will receive $10,000 to continue providing emergency shelter, counseling, and legal services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, as well as other programs that help strengthen families and prevent future violence. “During the COVID-19 Pandemic the need for our services increased, while survivors of violence faced new barriers to seeking safety,” said Caity Meader, CEO. “The Sigal family’s donation allows Family Services to continue its work to help local children and families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships.” Family Services works with more than 5,000 people each year.

United Way has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response in Tulare County. They will receive $10,000 to continue connecting community members with resources and services through their non-emergency hotline and comprehensive app. United Way directly serves families that have been impacted by COVID-19 by connecting them with available resources. This grant will provide critical mortgage and utility assistance for 20 families. The need in Tulare County is great. In the past year and a half, over 2700 families have requested support for mortgage and utility bills totaling over $3,000,000.

“Thank you to Rawhide season ticket holders and fans for your support this season,” said Sigal. “In honor of you, the Rawhide invests in critical resources to support our community. “

About Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide proudly hosts competitive baseball in Valley Strong Ballpark while providing affordable entertainment for all ages. For information on the upcoming 2022 Visalia Rawhide season, contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

About Central Valley Community Foundation

The Central Valley Community Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy in the Central Valley for more than 50 years. Its mission is to cultivate smart philanthropy, lead, and invest in solutions that build stronger communities. As the only nationally-accredited community foundation serving the six-county Central San Joaquin Valley, CVCF attracts investment and deploys resources to solve persistent economic, environmental, and social challenges in the Central Valley. For more details visit www.CentralValleyCF.org or connect at @CentralValleyCF.

MiLB To Donate $50 Per Bats Home Run To Boys & Girls Club Of Kentuckiana

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Louisville Bats have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana as the beneficiary for donations.

The Bats begin their 10-game Final Stretch Wednesday against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) at 1 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field. The team’s Final Stretch includes a five-game series vs. Toledo (Sept. 22-26) and at Columbus (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3).

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Hens to participate in Homers That Help campaign

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Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Mud Hens have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo as the charity to receive these donations. The Boys & Girls Club aims to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight, when Jacksonville hosts Memphis, while the remaining Triple-A clubs will begin their Final Stretch games on Sept. 22 or 23.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

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IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

Grants were provided in support of educational and recreational programs

Allentown, Pennsylvania (9 February 2021) – IronPigs Charities presented by Air Products, the philanthropic branch of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, announced the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants. Grants, which totaled $37,400, were provided to the following organizations in support of educational and recreational programs for youth in the Greater Lehigh Valley, especially those in underserved populations or those who are differently abled. IronPigs Charities has donated $1,118,729 since 2007.

“2020 was a hard year for the nonprofit community,” said IronPigs Charities Director Emily Bettys. “Despite not having a baseball season where our typical in-game fundraising efforts take place, the IronPigs had to create unique fundraising opportunities to directly benefit the community grant program for IronPigs Charities. We were able to continue our mission without interruption by funding 14 worthy projects across the Lehigh Valley, thanks to the loyal support of the IronPigs fanbase. We feel honored to have the ability to back these programs as they adapt with the times and strive to go above and beyond in making a difference for a community that had their resources cut tremendously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Here is a full list of the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants:

Boys and Girls Club of Allentown: Istation and virtual yoga at Sixth Street Clubhouse

Boys and Girls Club of Easton: Triple Play Sports, Fitness, & Recreation Program

Camelot for Children: Engagement for Children with Disabilities

Center for Vision Loss: Camp I CAN! Summer Program

Children’s Home of Easton: Health & Wellness Program

Community Bike Works: Online Earn a Bike

EHS Angel Network: EHS Angel Network Resource Closet – Athletic Apparel

Foundation for Easton School – Paxinosa Elementary School: Paxinosa National Pastime Grant

Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Off-Season Activities

Special Olympics PA’s Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region: Get Team Bethlehem to the Special Olympics North America 2021 Softball Tournament

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties: Infusion of Inclusion 2.0 Program

The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth: The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth

The Salvation Army Foster Care and Adoption: Team is Family Sports Scholarship Program

Young Life Lehigh Valley: Young Life Summer Camping Financial Assistance

The IronPigs hosted a number of special events in 2020 that directly benefited IronPigs Charities. The first of its kind – a Character Cruise-thru was held as fans were guided through Coca-Cola Park’s lots in parade-style passing by more than 60 costumed cars. Due to much success, a second cruise event was added so more fans could participate. Between the two cruises, 2,000 cars participated in total and nearly $14,000 was raised with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit IronPigs Charities.

Ballpark Bingo was held on Wednesday evenings from July through November. The event gave guests an opportunity to play 12 rounds of bingo, eat ballpark food, and soak up the ambiance of Coca-Cola Park. Bingo nights raised over $26,000 for IronPigs Charities.

Suites N Treats, which provides an all-inclusive trick or treat experience for youth who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do so. Safety was the top priority as nearly 400 children were invited to walk the concourse along the ballpark for a socially distanced and safe trick or treat experience.

The IronPigs were not able to host games or any traditional events in 2020, but the front-office staff worked diligently to support their community partners by focusing all their efforts on funding IronPigs Charities.

IronPigs Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ commitment to the Lehigh Valley community and is presented by the Air Products Foundation.

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A Thank You from the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC

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Through the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, C’s Co-Owner Jeff Mooney and wife Suzanne Bolton have committed to providing scholarships to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs or South Coast BC who were in either Grade 11 or 12 could step forward and apply for post-secondary grants that could reach up-to-$15,000.

Several of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC recipients from the the scholarship program wanted to share their appreciation for the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

We are excited to see how these young adults can make an impact in our community!

To learn more about the Foundation: https://www.milb.com/vancouver/commun…​

To support during #BeyondTheNat​ Week: https://trellis.org/beyondthenatweek

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarship Program

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The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) is committed to helping local children find opportunities in their community to play the game of baseball among friends and dedicated coaching staff. There are many youths between the ages of five and ten who simply cannot play because of family struggles to make ends meet in today’s tough economic climate.

Through the VCBF, we look to help bridge the divide by providing these children with the means to get on the field and enjoy a summer without the worry of financial burdens that can come with organized sports. To further the commitment to these children’s development, Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney, and his wife Suzanne Bolton created a scholarship program, in 2017 designed to help high school students within the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC to continue with post-secondary education. Since the start of this program, over 32 students have benefitted from the Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton Scholarship which has allowed these young-adults to explore an education after high school.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members, including the donor of the scholarship, Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness to attend a post-secondary institution, as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a programs benefiting local youth.

For 2021, Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton have generously increased their donation to $150,000 to provide more opportunities for kids in our community to continue their post-secondary educations.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation: HERE

To support during #BeyondTheNat Week: HERE