Senators Annual Pink Night is August 19

The Harrisburg Senators Annual Pink Night is Saturday, August 19 when the Senators play the New York Yankees double-A affiliate the Trenton Thunder. This season, the Senators are honoring survivors of breast cancer by using their names to create pinstripes on the Senators’ special Pink Night jersey.

The jersey will be pinstriped made from the survivor’s names. Starting now, and extending through June 13th, fans will be able to submit an entry with the names of anyone who has battled breast cancer. All names submitted will be used on the jerseys.

The Senators will invite all individuals who have battled breast cancer to take part in a pre-game human pink ribbon in the outfield during the National Anthem including family members. There will also be a banner on display that evening with every name of every survivor from the submissions.

For more information about Pink Night or to submit a name, click navigate to senatorsbaseball.com/pinknight. Submissions must be made online. For questions about Pink Night please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 and ask for either Ashley Grotte, Jessica Moyer or JK McKay.

Tickets for the Pink Night game, and every game this season, can be purchased Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators

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

Spear Presented with Troubh Community Service Award

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs are proud to announce that the 2017 recipient of the William Troubh Community Service award is Howard Spear. Spear was presented the award by Sea Dogs’ President Charlie Eshbach and members of Mr. Troubh’s family including wife Nancy in a pre-game ceremony at Hadlock Field on Sunday, May 7th when the Sea Dogs hosted the Reading Fightin Phils.

The “William Troubh Community Service Award” was established in 2015 to honor a local citizen who is making a positive impact within the city of Portland. Mr. Troubh was a lifelong resident of the city of Portland who dedicated his life to making Portland a great place to live and work. He served multiple terms on the Portland City Council and was Mayor of the city in 1974 and 1975 and again in 1983 and 1984. Mr. Troubh was instrumental in bringing the Portland Sea Dogs to the city in 1994. He also played a major role in the development of the Portland Waterfront, Cumberland County Civic Center and the Portland Ice Arena, now named in his honor. His contributions will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of the city for generations to come.

Howard Spear has served as the co-race director of the Sea Dogs’ Mother’s Day 5K road race for 17 years and for the eight-year run of the Father’s Day 5K. The races have helped raise more than $300,000 for local charities to fight breast cancer and prostate cancer. Spear also served as race director of the Maine Marathon for 18 years, retiring this past October. During his time the race raised more than $4 million for local children’s charities and also accentuated healthy living. He is a longtime member of the Maine Track Club Board of Directors and longtime volunteer at many other community events.

“Spear truly exemplifies what Mr. Troubh tried to achieve by making Portland a great place to live and work,” stated Sea Dogs Executive Vice President and General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “It is an honor to present the 2017 William Troubh Community Service Award to Howard Spear.”

Past recipients of the award include Roger Goodoak, the Executive Director of the Maine Homeless Veteran’s Alliance in 2016 and John Menario in 2015.

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

Marauders Partner with Jake Taraska Foundation

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will raise funds and awareness for the battle against cancer on Friday, May 12. The team has partnered with the Jake Taraska Foundation, a Sarasota-based charity helping those afflicted with pediatric cancer. JTF founder Jake Taraska is a pediatric cancer survivor. The Marauders host the Palm Beach Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

The Jake Taraska Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that is committed to provide hope and smiles to all families who are affected with pediatric cancer. The goal of the foundation is to encourage and uplift the children and the family who are going through pediatric cancer. Every dollar that is donated to the Jake Taraska Foundation goes directly to helping kids and their families. Jake Taraska uses his passion for sports to help children take their minds off of their daily struggles with pediatric cancer. JTF has teamed up with the Bradenton Marauders to raise money and awareness to strike out pediatric cancer.

“Baseball is a game near and dear to my heart,” Taraska said. “I’m excited to partner with the Marauders to continue my life’s mission of helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.”

The Marauders will wear white jerseys with purple sleeves symbolic of the fight against pediatric cancer. The letters and numbers on the jerseys will feature the multi-colored ribbons associated with other various forms of cancer. The jerseys will be available for silent auction to raise money for JTF. Winning bidders will be invited onto the field post-game to receive the jersey and have it autographed by the player or coach that wore it.

“Cancer has affected everyone at some time or another,” Marauders General Manager Rachelle Madrigal said. “We all know someone that has had their life altered or tragically cut short because of cancer. We are proud to be partnering with a local charity that has done such tremendous work for children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer.”

The LECOM Park box office hours are Tuesday-Friday non-gamedays from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On gamedays the box office will be open on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. until the end of the game and on Saturdays from 3:30 until the end of the game. The box office will open two hours prior to Sunday games and 10:30 a.m. games.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Drive to Thrive on June 4th

On Sunday, June 4th, the Drive will partner with the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance and the Upstate Cancer Network to host Drive to Thrive at Fluor Field, a celebration of cancer survivors in the Upstate.

The Drive to Thrive event will begin when the gates open at 3:00 PM with a survivors celebration picnic. At 5:00, all survivors will be invited to take a celebration photo in The Iron Yard 500 Club.

Throughout the game, the Drive will recognize cancer survivors by telling the stories of a few brave men and women, and a Stand Up to Cancer moment during the 7th inning will engage all fans in attendance and allow them to remember a loved one who has battled cancer.

Join us at Fluor Field for a special day of celebration of the brave men and women who have survived cancer. First pitch for the game is at 4:05 PM.

Purchase tickets by CLICKING HERE, , stopping by the Main Street Box Office or by calling (864) 240-4528.

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

Bees Offer Custom Jerseys For “Pack the Park Pink”

SALT LAKE CITY (April 26, 2017) – The Salt Lake Bees are again offering a one-of-a-kind VIP package to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) at the team’s 11th annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 13.

The VIP package includes a customized Bees jersey that will be worn on field by Bees players and coaches. The name on the back of each jersey will be chosen by donors to honor loved ones that have battled cancer.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to this unique jersey last year,” Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “Putting someone else’s name on your back gave our players something special to play for that night and it meant the world to the families who took advantage of the offer. It also helped us set a new team-high for fundraising for Huntsman Cancer Foundation with over $26,000 raised during the game and that is what the night is all about.”

Also included in the VIP package are two on-field passes to watch batting practice before the game, 10 tickets to the game that night and a chance to take their own batting practice on June 24. After the game on May 13 donors will be invited onto the field to meet the Bees player that wore their jersey and have it autographed. Donors are then welcome to stay on the field to watch the fireworks show.

The package is available for a minimum donation of $400 to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Donations can be made by contacting George Mathis at Huntsman Cancer Foundation at 801-584-5834 or gmathis@huntsmanfoundation.org.

Additional details about the VIP packages are available at www.slbees.com. All items in the package are donated by the Bees without cost, with 100 percent of all funds raised directly benefiting Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are in their 17th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2020 season. While with Los Angeles, Salt Lake owns five division championships and two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Smith’s Ballpark, the home of the Bees, is consistently voted as one of the best ballparks in baseball, including a Top 10 Ballpark in the United States by Better Homes and Gardens. In 2015 the Bees were awarded the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America as the top franchise in Triple-A. For more information visit www.slbees.com.

About Huntsman Cancer Foundation

The Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) gives a Reason to Hope® to cancer patients and their families around the world. HCF’s sole purpose is to fund the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI): to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care. HCF relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, community groups, and other organizations to reach fundraising goals.

YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer

The Youngstown State baseball team will participate in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer event in conjunction with the Go4theGoal Foundation to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood cancer at its game this Friday against Valparaiso at Eastwood Field.

Players and coaches for Youngstown State and Valparaiso will wear yellow shoelaces to raise awareness for childhood cancer. All money from admission tickets, as well as a portion of concessions sales, will be donated to the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Donations will also be accepted.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer at Friday���s Game – Youngstown State https://t.co/GnCdwU0V9v

To reward fans for supporting both the cause and the Penguins, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will give away a Jim Tressel bobblehead or Scrappers t-shirts or other giveaway items to the first 100 fans.

Additionally, YSU’s Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert will throw out the first pitch at Friday’s game. Sypert is a seventh grader from McDonald, Ohio, who is a cancer survivor. He and the Penguins have been partnered together as part of the Team IMPACT program for the last two season.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our guy, Jacob, on signing his NLI to be a part of our program! @Sypert4 @GoTeamIMPACT pic.twitter.com/tWdduhn01x

“I think is so important for our baseball team to have a chance to be involved with a great organization and a great cause like Go4theGoal and children’s cancer,” YSU head coach Dan Bertolini said. “Our Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert has been affected by childhood cancer, and his mother approached me this fall about getting involved. I got a chance to meet with Karen from Go4theGoal in January and I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with them.”

For more information on Go4theGoal, visit go4thegoal.org.

First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. in game one of the key three-game Horizon League series against the Crusaders.

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

NATURALS PARTNER WITH GRAND LAKE CASINO ON WINNING FOR CHARITY PROMOTION

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Grand Lake Casino are proud to support the Northwest Arkansas community by partnering on a new ‘Winning for Charity’ promotion that will be instituted during regular season home games.

For each Naturals’ victory at Arvest Ballpark during the 2017 regular season, Grand Lake Casino will donate $100 to a local charity. For all April and May wins, the donation will be given to Lifeline of Northwest Arkansas, proceeds from June and July victories will be given to Cancer Charity 4 Life, and Arkansas Children’s Northwest will be the beneficiary of wins in August.

“Grand Lake Casino is committed to giving back” said Grand Lake Casino General Manager Dusty Logan. “The Northwest Arkansas community are our neighbors and we are so pleased to partner with the Naturals to donate to charities that do such great work in the Northwest Arkansas area.”

The ‘Winning for Charity’ partnership with Grand Lake Casino continues with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ tradition of giving back to the local community as the Naturals’ ticket fundraising program has helped raise over $100,000 in six straight seasons for area groups, including over $20,000 in the first homestand of 2017 alone. In addition to the ticket fundraising program, the organization has also contributed to over 200 non-profit events and silent auctions so far this year.

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 Season 10 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.

Go Bowling with the PawSox on June 7th

The Pawtucket Red Sox are very excited to announce we will once again be hosting a BOWLING EVENT to raise money for the TOMORROW FUND…the PAWSOX STRIKE OUT CANCER event will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at EAST PROVIDENCE LANES on 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916.

For only $25.00 per person you receive, bowling shoes, food, and a chance to bowl with some PawSox Players!! Our live and silent auctions also provide great opportunities to win special Red Sox and PawSox memorabilia, along with other unique prizes.

The net proceeds will benefit THE TOMORROW FUND…the only local nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. So if you would like to bowl and have some fun, then please mail a check, made payable to the PawSox Foundation, and indicate how many people will be bowling and their names!

Please send your donation to:

Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club

McCoy Stadium, P.O. Box 2365

Pawtucket, RI 02861.

We look forward to seeing you and to bowling a STRIKE AGAINST CANCER!!

CLICK HERE TO PRINT SIGN-UP FORM

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

Thunder Eclipse $6,000,000 in Community Engagement in Franchise History

Throughout the 23 years that your Thunder have brought affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the greater Mercer and Bucks County region, the team has engaged in community partnerships and projects to aid people and organizations.

The Thunder are pleased to announce that the team’s, 501(c)(3), Grand Slam We Care Foundation has donated over $6,000,000 in goods, services and monetary donations in its history.

“Since our first game at beautiful ARM & HAMMER Park, we have engaged with non-profit organizations, fundraisers, and community organizations to support those in need,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled with the programs and intitiatives that we have currently and look forward to our Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci, building on the momentum of this past season to help even more familes and organizations in 2017 and beyond.”

In 2016, the Thunder engaged in more than 20 community related programs such as the NJM Safe at Home Program, PNC First Strikeout, Good Deed Day, HOPE Week, and Group Sales Fundraising to donate more than $400,000 in goods, services and monetary donations. The team also added new initiatives, one with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and the F.I.E.L.D. Program.

On June 18th, Thunder front office staff members and Thunder players Daniel Camarena, Dietrich Enns, and Jose Rosario shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research through the Vs. Cancer Foundation. The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. Money raised from the event at ARM & HAMMER Park went to national childhood cancer research as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. See photos from the event by clicking here.

The Thunder debuted their F.I.E.L.D. Program on Wednesday, July 20. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development. The program supports youth baseball in the area and in partnership with Merck, a health care leader worked to help the world be well for 125 years, Thunder front office members and volunteers came together to rebuild the fields at West End Little League in Trenton, NJ. As part of the rebuild, Diamond Pro provided professional infield materials and Finch Services Inc. donated equipment delivery in support of the rebuild. See a video recap of the program by clicking here.

The Thunder’s annual Community Grant Program supports organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children in our surrounding area as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. The Grant Program will disperse $10,000 equally to five different organizations this year. In the five-year history of the program, the Thunder have donated more than $50,000 to grant recipients.

Your Thunder will again take part in many community-related programs during the 2017 season.

Friday, April 21 – F.I.E.L.D. Program. The Thunder will again renovate a Trenton-area Little League.
Saturday, May 20 – Trenton Thunder Treasure Hunt. Take part in the annual scavengar hunt around Bucks and Mercer County for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize! To sign up to be a sponsor of the Treasure Hunt, click here.
Tuesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 10 – HOPE Week. A New York Yankees initiative that is designed to reach out to remarkable people and organizations who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities. HOPE Week stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel, the Thunder will honor an outstanding organization and take part in outreach programs during each day of the week.
Saturday, August 5 – Good Deed Day. Do good for those in your community by bringing donations to various non-profit organizations at ARM & HAMMER Park.
Tuesday, August 22 – Vs. Cancer. Following that night’s game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Thunder front office members and players will shave their heads to raise money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation and a local research partner.
Wednesday August 23 – Trenton Economic Development Networking Extravaganza. Join the Thunder for a day of networking at the ballpark and enjoy a night visiting some of the brightest night life in the city of Trenton.

The Thunder will also continue to engage in more than 20 community-related programs throughout the 2017 season. For more information on these programs, contact Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci at 609-394-3300 x118 or at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The 2017 season, the 24th in franchise history, will begin at ARM & HAMMER Park on April 13 when the Thunder host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at 7:00 p.m. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2017. For more information on the Thunder, visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

PawSox Again Cross the $100,000 Mark in Community Contributions in 2016

The Pawtucket Red Sox again reached a six-figure charitable milestone in 2016, exceeding $100,000 in cash commitments and contributions to the community. The club and its foundation, the Pawtucket Red Sox/James J. Skeffington Charitable Foundation, have typically combined to reach such a level of philanthropy over the past dozen years.

“We inherited a great tradition of giving, led by the late Ben Mondor and our current Vice-Chairman, Mike Tamburro,” said PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino, who established charitable foundations with each of his previous clubs (the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox). “We want to build on this tradition. We believe we are only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential of the PawSox Foundation.

“One of the greatest assets of a professional baseball team is its power to raise funds, do good deeds large and small, and make a real difference in the city, the state, and the region.”

The PawSox Foundation’s largest single commitment this year was the creation of the PawSox Scholars Program, in which two 8th graders, one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls, were selected to each receive a $10,000 college scholarship upon matriculation, provided they maintain their good standards of scholarship and citizenship.

On November 4, the students, 13-year-old Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Junior High School, and 14-year-old Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Central Falls’ Dr. Earl Calcutt Middle School, were joined at a McCoy Stadium Press Announcement by their respective Mayors, the Honorable Donald R. Grebien of Pawtucket, and the Honorable James Diossa of Central Falls.

“The PawSox Scholars program has the capacity to impact lives dramatically,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who was instrumental in establishing similar models in San Diego (Padres Scholars) and Boston (Red Sox Scholars). “Funding dreams is powerful, and we are eager to increase the degree to which the PawSox Foundation does so.”

In addition to efforts in education, the PawSox Foundation also focuses on care for veterans and for children battling cancer.

In the first week of new management in November of 2015, the PawSox hosted a steak dinner for veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse. They did so again in 2016, and in between, they honored a veteran on the field between innings nightly in the new “In Debt to a Vet” program. On Veterans Day, 2016, the PawSox Foundation made a donation of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in an event attended by Governor Gina Raimondo.

The PawSox Foundation raised more than $10,000 for the Tomorrow Fund, the honored Rhode Island institution that helps families whose children are battling cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Beyond the financial help, the PawSox raised awareness for the organization and the cause by “Going Gold” on September 1, the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The club honored Rhode Island’s Melissa Murray, whose late son, Dorian, became an international social media sensation (#DSTRONG) when the little boy’s dream of becoming famous in China came true. Throughout the year and at the holidays, PawSox players, executives, and mascots visited the children, bringing cheer, smiles, and gifts.

Throughout the year, the club engaged in community activities, both at McCoy Stadium and throughout Rhode Island. Corporate partners such as the Rhode Island Honda Dealers, Citizens Bank, and Jordan’s Furniture were instrumental in the efforts.

In January, the PawSox welcomed Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey III, who gave first-hand anecdotes to local youth about his legendary namesake grandfather and the revolutionary signing of Jackie Robinson.

In February, PawSox staff “saw their shadows” on Groundhog Day, as Pawtucket students learned first-hand about the work in a baseball front office. Later that month, Paws and Sox visited seniors and brought them flowers on Valentine’s Day.

In March, new club leaders toured the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, a longtime beneficiary of PawSox philanthropy.

Throughout the baseball season, the PawSox were host to thousands of children, some receiving free tickets, some receiving special care from the Make-A-Wish Program, and some participating in the emotion-filled Challengers Program (for those with disabilities). The club and its foundation presented baseball clinics, collected donations for the Rhode Island Food Bank, and helped hundreds of organizations raise funds for their charities. The club also aided various non-profits by providing hundreds of auction items, including a 20-person suite to benefit Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

In October, the PawSox opened the ballpark to the neighborhood for an Open House and then a Halloween Trick or Treat event.

In November, after welcoming the veterans, the club welcomed 3rd graders from the Potter-Burns School in Pawtucket for a Thanksgiving luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Also at Thanksgiving, the PawSox donated funds and in-person support to Pawtucket First Lady Laureen Grebien’s charitable basket drive to help feed needy families.

In December, the PawSox Holiday Caravan featuring Southpaw Brian Johnson visited Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Tomorrow Fund Clinic. The PawSox then opened their doors to all for a free holiday event, the 2nd Annual PawSox Enchanted Village, which drew more than 1,000 fans.

A week later, more students-this time members of Goff Middle School in Pawtucket–enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Steinberg and General Manager Dan Rea explained the importance of education while mascots Paws and Sox provided entertainment.

The PawSox Foundation engaged in many less visible deeds as well, including sponsoring a PawSox-themed house at the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland and making donations to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen to provide Christmas meals to families.

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

Legends’ donations for 2016 top $1,000,000

Big L and the Legends welcomed Girl Scouts to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a campout May 6. More than 330 girls spent the night at the ballpark. The Girl Scouts were one of many organizations who received support from Legends’ community programs in 2016.

             (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends made donations totaling $1,000,763 in 2016 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky.

In its 16-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $15 million to the region.

“The Legends are proud to be part of this community and region,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We will continue to provide support to these great organizations that do so much good work.”

Among the organizations and causes who benefited from events and programs in 2016 were:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts:  Overnight campouts for Boy Scouts (August 18) and Girl Scouts (May 6) were held following Legends games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The scouts sold nearly 1,000 donated game tickets to raise funds for their organizations. About 700 scouts participated in the campouts.

                Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on July 9. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the Legends game that night, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Cancer Link, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a celebration lunch, with proceeds going to those same three organizations.

                Military Appreciation Night: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night was held on June 25. It included an auction of jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages with personal items and snacks to military personnel.

                Bark in the Park: The Legends held 12 “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2016 season. Dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to the game, and a two-dollar “admission” charge for each dog was donated to the Scott County Humane Society.

Guns and Hoses Softball Game:  The Legends provide the setting for the Guns and Hoses game, which matches the Lexington Police Department against the Lexington Fire Department in a softball game and home run derby. The winning team takes home a trophy, and the loser receives a toilet seat as the runner-up prize. More than 2,000 people attended the 2016 game.

Community Organization of the Night:  The Legends provide an opportunity for a local non-profit organization to step into the spotlight at a Legends home game. Organizations may set up an information table on the concourse, and a representative is interviewed on the field before the game and on radio during the game.    Organizations who purchased discounted tickets for re-sale as a fundraiser also received 25% of the proceeds from that night’s 50-50 raffle. (The Legends Charitable Fund also received 25%, and the fan holding the winning ticket received 50%.)

                Hit the Books Reading Program: Geared toward elementary schools, the Legends’ Hit the Books Reading Program is designed to encourage students to read, both in school and away from school.    The Legends gave away 33,000 Hit the Books bookmarks to students in central Kentucky in 2016. (A winning bookmark design is selected from students’ entries.) Those who complete the Hit the Books reading program are awarded two tickets to a Legends home game.

Field of Dreams: The Paul Miller Ford Field of Dreams program allows youth baseball and softball players to be part of pre-game festivities. Members of the youth teams are introduced to the fans and take the field along with the Legends starters. Teams are selected at random from registrations received at Field of Dreams sponsor locations.   Team members receive complimentary admission to the game. The Legends hosted 80 Field of Dreams teams in 2016.

           Legends Character Award at William Wells Brown Elementary:   Every nine weeks during the school year, 19 students from William Wells Brown Elementary School in Lexington are selected to receive the Legends Character Award. The award is designed to motivate students to demonstrate good behavior and a great attitude. The students are nominated by their classroom teachers. Winners are publicly recognized and personally congratulated by the Legends’ Big L.

Kids Area:   At every Legends home game in 2016, Lafayette High School cheerleaders volunteered to work in the Aetna Kids Play Area to raise money for their cheer program. The Legends made a $7,500 donation to the program.

Go Red Night: The American Heart Association and St. Joseph Health Care System sponsored a “Go Red” Night June 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, where fans received information on the dangers and risks of heart disease. Free blood pressure checks and presentations of information were provided throughout the game.

Donation requests:  The Legends donate tickets, memorabilia or merchandise to as many organizations as possible. Tickets are used by members of the non-profit organizations or for auctions to raise funds for those organizations. The Legends fulfilled more than 300 donation requests in 2016.

  United Way of the Bluegrass:  Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In 2016, the Legends donated 23,333 tickets for use by the United Way.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the jerseys worn by the players during home games. Proceeds go to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

                Fundraising tickets:   The Legends offer schools, teams and other organizations an opportunity to buy tickets at a discounted price and raise funds by selling the tickets at the regular price. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased at the discount rate for fundraising in 2016.

For more information on the Legends’ community programs, contact Sarah Bosso at 859-422-7847 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com

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

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $10,000 grant to Montoursville based K’s For Cancer.

K’s for Cancer is a 501(c)(3) public charity created in the memory of Justin Flannery Hilton. The organization raises money to provide direct and immediate support for everyday items like gas, food, and more for cancer patients and their families in Lycoming County.

Each year, Phillies Charities, Inc. awards dozens of local charities and organizations who are making an impact in the Phillies’ major league and minor league community.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to support K’s For Cancer, an organization we have supported for a number of years.”

Representatives from K’s For Cancer, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park, where they will be recognized and saluted along with other award recipients by the organization for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. For more information visit www.crosscutters.com or call (570) 326-3389.

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

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

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.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations 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.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

GreenJackets to Host American Cancer Society Relay for Life’s Hopefest

AUGUSTA, GA: The Augusta GreenJackets, Single “A” affiliate of the San Francisco Giants are excited to team up with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to present Hopefest on Saturday, November 19th from 9AM-2PM. Hopefest will feature Bark For Life and also the announcing of the winner for the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign.

Hopefest will include a 5k/Fun Run/Walk, 1 mile walk, vendors, giveaways, local animal shelters, pet costume contests, games, entertainment, children’s activities and health and wellness information. To go along with all the activities, The Real Man of the CSRA will be named. Real Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders raising awareness and funds for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Together they are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

“We strive to be very involved all throughout the CSRA, whether it be with non-profits, like the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, or any kind of community function or event,” stated Tom Denlinger GreenJackets General Manager. “The CSRA has been home to us for going on 29 seasons now and to be able to host such a heartwarming and fun event is such an honor.”

The event is part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, which is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Uniting communities across the globe, we celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.

To register for the 5K, have a team, or donate to the Bark For Life of the CSRA visit:

http://relayforlife.org/barkCSRAGA

To learn more about the event, contact Sydney Bromfield or Marah Johnson (706) 731-0152 or Sydney.Bromfield@cancer.org and Marah. Johnson@cancer.org

Auggie is in the heat of the race in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Help Auggie to achieve his goal. If you donate $50 or more you will get a one of a king Auggie Pink T-Shirt curtsey of Chuck and Bill the T-shirt Guys. Follow this link to donate to Auggie’s campaign: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/AuggieinPink. Go Check out the rest of the contestants at http://makingstrideswalk.org/realmenaugustaga and for more information on Real Men Wear Pink.

The 3rd Annual Auggie’s Holiday Bazaar will be Saturday, December 10th from 11AM-2PM. The event will include a HUGE vendor fair, Santa and Mrs. Clause (11-1), Touch-A-Truck, inflatables and much more! The 2017 GreenJackets schedule is out. Check out all GreenJackets Ticket Plans including Full, Half, Weekend and 6-Game Flex Plans and get yours today. To learn more or order your 2017 Ticket Package call the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467).

D-Braves present donation to Danville Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves presented a donation of nearly $1,300 to the Danville Cancer Association Thursday morning. The D-Braves raised $1,271.70 through the auction of game-used jerseys worn on the team’s Colon Cancer Awareness Night during the 2016 season.

“We’re proud to continue to support the Danville Cancer Association,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The work that the Danville Cancer Association does to help support cancer patients in the area has a big impact on local families.”

2016 marked the sixth year in which the D-Braves wore and auctioned cancer awareness jerseys.

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