Cancer Awareness

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Timber Rattlers win Midwest League Community Service Award

September 19, 2014

Brewers affiliate is up for National John H. Moss Award

Members of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers joined The Miracle League of the Fox Valley on July 14, 2014. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have been named as the recipients of the Midwest League’s 2014 community service award. The league award means that the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate has been nominated for the national John H. Moss Award.

The Timber Rattlers are in a pool of nominees that includes teams from other participating leagues in the National Association of Professional Baseball League. The John H. Moss Award will be presented at the 2014 Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego on Sunday, December 7. The Moss Award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.

“We measure our success in ways that go beyond wins and attendance,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “I am extremely proud of our front office for all of their hard work and dedication to giving back to our community. We also appreciate the Brewers support and encouragement of the players to be involved in this area. To win this award was truly a team effort.”

Charitable initiatives undertaken by the Timber Rattlers include: Fang’s Reading Program, a school-based program that provides children from kindergarten through fifth grade with incentives to reach reading goals; The annual Golf Outing that supports Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organization for children with cognitive or physical disabilities; Ballpark Community Garden, a vegetable garden on the stadium grounds which sends the produce to St. Joseph’s Food Program; and STEM in Sports, a partnership with Time Warner Cable to use baseball to help introduce science, technology, engineering, and math to area schoolchildren.

The Timber Rattlers have also worked with Coats for Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Strike Out Cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and many other local and national charities.

The John H. Moss Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

September 12, 2014

The Rome Braves & Floyd County Police Department announce the Sixth Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament on Friday, November 14, 2014, at beautiful Barnsley Gardens Resort. The course, by Jim Fazio, is one of the most popular courses in the Southeast. The tournament is set in a scramble format with a shotgun start at 11am and will feature current and former Rome and Atlanta Braves greats. A Par three hole will be deemed the Celebrity Shootout hole where a team can invite a celebrity to take a shot. Competing teams have the opportunity to purchase an extra shot at the Par 3 hole for the celebrity to hit a shot off the tee. This annual golf tournament has donated a total of over $50,000 to local and National charities.

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Summit Quest Cancer Support Services. Since 2007, Summit Quest has been dedicated to providing support services and meeting the needs of those affected by cancer through various means: Circle at the Summit (a youth focused support group for children ages 6-17 who are facing cancer directly or who have a parent or loved one affected by the disease), Outdoor Adventure Trips, Youth Cycling Programs, and Team Tiger Flight. “All of us at Summit Quest Cancer Support Services are so very thankful to be the beneficiary of this year’s Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament. The support from this amazing event will allow Summit Quest to continue meeting our mission of providing strength, hope, and service to children & families affected by cancer,” said Founder & Executive Director, William James.

“The Floyd County Police Department is proud to join the Rome Braves in co-sponsoring the event,” says FCPD Chief Bill Shiflett. “We pledge to make this year’s tournament the best to support such a worthy cause and gratefully ask all past and present players to join in on a great day of golf to assist families that have been affected by cancer.” Rome Braves General Manager, Michael Dunn, added, “We are very excited to partner this year with Summit Quest. We hope that through this tournament we can help further their mission of supporting children & their families in Northwest Georgia who have been stricken by cancer.”

Team fees are $450 and include lunch, a goody bag, and raffle tickets. Individual golfers can register for $150 each. Hole sponsorships are available for local businesses and individuals to show their support as well.

Click here to download a registration form now or call 706-378-5100 for more details.

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

TinCaps’ Lloyd racks up Ks for the cause

August 21, 2014

Padres righty raises money with six strikeouts in one-hit outing

Kyle Lloyd has racked up victories in four of his last five Midwest League decisions. (Emily Jones/MiLB.com)

Kyle Lloyd had plenty to be proud of Wednesday, and his pitching performance was only a small part of that.

The right-handed Padres prospect visited the pediatric wing of Fort Wayne’s Parkview Hospital before his start, and then raised $1,500 for Stand Up to Cancer on the mound.

“My start is what it is, but if I’m able to brighten up a kid’s day or maybe make their week, that goes a lot further than six innings,” Lloyd said.

The 23-year-old threw six innings of one-hit ball, striking out six and walking one in Class A Fort Wayne’s 10-0 thrashing of visiting Great Lakes on Wednesday. It was Stand Up to Cancer Night at Parkview Field, and Fifth Third Bank donated $250 to that organization for each punchout.

“I actually didn’t know that until after the first, when I heard an announcement,” Lloyd said. “I’m not going to say I was trying to strike people out, but when I got a couple strikes on somebody, I did think of that, and I wanted to put him away that much more.”

The University of Evansville product is 6-4 with a 3.58 ERA, and with roommate Justin Livengood co-leads the TinCaps in community appearances with about a dozen. He has struck out 14 and issued just one walk over his last 11 innings spanning two starts.

“It’s always good not walking guys and being able put guys away. I was getting ahead in a lot of counts. That’s something we talk about a lot with the pitching coach [Burt Hooton], and I’m glad I’ve been able to do that.”

The lone hit Lloyd allowed was Devan Ahart’s two-out bunt single in the first inning. He struck out Joey Curletta to end that frame.

“There couldn’t have been a better bunt than what [Ahart] laid down,” Lloyd said. “Getting the strikeout was nice. Then we scored three [in the bottom of the first] to cap that, and we had the momentum the rest of the game.”

Lloyd was perfect until he faced Curletta again, this time walking him on a full count with two outs in the fourth.

“As a whole, I threw more quality pitches in that at-bat than not,” he said.

No other Loons hitter reached against Lloyd. He struck out two in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

“I definitely felt pretty locked in,” he said. “I threw first-strike pitches on the majority of the batters and put myself in a good position. That kind of puts hitters’ backs against the wall, which is what all pitchers want to do, and I was able to do that.”

Lloyd exited the game not because of pitch count, but because the TinCaps put up five runs — including two on Fernandez Perez’s second homer of the game — in a prolonged bottom of the sixth.

“We got a few guys on and there was a pitching change, and I was sitting longer and longer,” said Lloyd. “We had [Eric Yardley] warming up during the inning, and he was loose by the time it ended, so they just went with him.”

Yardley worked around Paul Hoenecke’s single in the seventh, and Tyler Wood tossed two perfect frames to close out the shutout.

Perez finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Midwest League. Click here to view the original story.

Stand Up to Cancer at Fifth Third Field this Sunday

August 20, 2014

Fifth Third Bank will host Stand Up To Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, August 24! Tickets for Sunday’s 6 p.m. game between the Mud Hens and Louisville Bats can be purchased at 419-725-4367 or online.

The special games are part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to raise money in support of cancer research. To date, the bank has helped to raise more than $2.3 million in donations for Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Fifth Third Bank offers special credit and debit cards, which generate donations to SU2C for every qualifying purchase made using those cards. Through its “Pay to the Order of” campaign, the bank will give $150 to the customer and donate $150 to SU2C each time a new customer opens a checking account with direct deposit and makes three online bill payments. The campaign runs through October 17.

“It is our hope that those touched by cancer will come out and be part of this special event with us,” said Bob LaClair, CEO & president, Fifth Third Bank (Northwestern Ohio). “Far too many have experienced the heartbreak of this devastating disease and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness and funds that will advance the scientific breakthroughs necessary to bring the possibility of a cure even closer.”

At each ballpark, guests will enjoy special promotions and giveaways, have the opportunity to donate to the cause and even memorialize their wishes for someone they know affected by cancer by adding their name to an SU2C signing wall. For every strikeout in the game, the bank will donate an additional $53 to SU2C. Special guests, including cancer survivors, will serve as game ambassadors, with one special guest throwing out the game’s first pitch.

SU2C, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a groundbreaking initiative that raises funds to accelerate innovative cancer research, enabling scientific collaboration in order to quickly bring new therapies to patients. Fifth Third began working with SU2C in 2013 when the bank launched the Fifth Third SU2C credit and debit cards. Fifth Third Bank is the only card issuer to offer payment cards that directly benefit SU2C.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

TinCaps, Parkview Health to Host Men’s Health Event

August 19, 2014

Fifth Third Bank To Give Fans Tickets In Support Of Healthy Living And Cancer Awareness

The TinCaps, Parkview Health, and Fifth Third Bank are teaming together to help keep men healthy. During Fort Wayne’s game on Wednesday, August 20, as well as during the day on Thursday, August 21, Parkview Field is set to host a free “Keeping Men Healthy” event. All men who receive a PSA Blood Screening will receive two free tickets to a future TinCaps game, compliments of Fifth Third Bank in support of healthy living and cancer awareness.

The event will be held in Parkview Field’s Lincoln Financial Event Center during Wednesday’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Great Lakes Loons (L.A. Dodgers affiliate).

For fans who can’t make Wednesday’s game, “Keeping Men Healthy” also will take place on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Services offered at the event by Parkview include:

PSA Testing
Blood Pressure Reading
Glucose Check
Height, weight, and BMI
Skin Screenings

There will be other screenings and prevention information as well. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet physicians from Parkview Physicians Group – Urology and Parkview Physicians Group – Colon & Rectal Surgery.

Tickets to Wednesday’s game – Stand Up To Cancer Night presented by Fifth Third Bank – can be purchased here, by phone at 260-482-6400, or at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Sand Gnats Team President to Get Prostate Exam While Singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’

August 15, 2014

The Savannah Sand Gnats will be raising awareness for cancer during their game on Saturday, August 16, at Historic Grayson Stadium as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Night. Sand Gnats team president John Katz will receive a prostate exam while singing the seventh inning stretch classic, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Katz was nominated as the next participant among baseball executives to help raise awareness for cancer by “Playing it Forward.” Myrtle Beach Pelicans vice president and general manager Andy Milovich first received a prostate exam during a Pelicans game and then nominated Lake Elsinore Storm president Dave Oster to take the challenge. Oster complied, and challenged Charleston RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols to do the same. Echols used the “Two Knuckle Challenge” to gain Facebook “likes” for “Fierce Fallon,” a page dedicated to fundraising for nine-year-old cancer patient Fallon Emery of Carolina Forest, S.C.

“Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer,” said Katz. “Early detection and treatment leads to high survival and cure rates.”

Katz, 44, has never been known to back down from a challenge. He enlisted his physician, Dr. John Barrett, to lend a “helping hand” and administer the exam.

The Sand Gnats will continue that trend, asking to gain Facebook “likes” for “Fierce Fallon,” as well as “Team Alexa- Fight Back.” Alexa, a five-year-old brain tumor patient, formed a close connection with several Sand Gnats players during a recent hospital visit, and spent the day Tuesday playing with her new friends at the ballpark.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to raise awareness for Fallon and Alexa,” Katz added. “Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure has made amazing strides in educating men about prostate cancer, and I am honored to do my part and take one for the team.”

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure organization will also be on hand, distributing information on prostate cancer and the importance of screening for the dangerous disease. A Sand Gnats team autographed baseball bat will be raffled off by Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure.

The Gnats will be taking on the Greenville Drive with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium will open at 5:00 p.m. Fans can stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks display brought to you by Pruitt Health.

Check the Sand Gnats Facebook page next week for video highlights, and to see who Katz will challenge next.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

Generals Take On Childhood Cancer on Friday, August 22

August 14, 2014

Jackson Raises Awareness with Special Night

The Jackson Generals have teamed up with Ellie’s Hats and the Vs Cancer Foundation to take a swing against childhood cancer.

On August 22^nd at 7:05, the Generals will be taking on the Chattanooga Lookouts in the hunt for a playoff spot. But, the battle on the field will be in support of those children who are entrenched in a battle of their own – one against cancer.

The Generals have spent months collecting hundreds hats from teams and individuals across the country. These hats will be donated on the field that night to the charity, “Ellie’s Hats,” who will give them to children receiving cancer treatments. These kids often lose hair from harsh treatments and the hats often become an extension of themselves, almost like a badge of courage.

But, the donation isn’t all that’s going on. Some of the Generals players have volunteered to have their heads shaved that night to help raise money with the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Any individual attending the game will also have the opportunity to shave their heads in support.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation has set up a website here to help the Generals raise even more for the cause. These donations will be split between Ellie’s Hats and a local Jackson cancer treatment center, meaning every penny is used to fight childhood cancer.

Fans are encouraged to bring a new hat to the game to donate to the cause, and if they do they’ll receive free admission.

The Generals have been recognized for their efforts by Minor League Baseball. They have been named one of five finalists for the top charity event/program in all of Minor League Baseball. MiLB gives a number of “Golden Bobblehead Awards” out every season to recognize the best of the best from around the country. This is the first time the Generals have been a finalist in any category.

Jackson Generals GM, Jason Compton said the support for night has been overwhelming. “We’ve had teams from all over the country send in hats. We’ve had individuals sending along hats or making a donation to the Vs. Cancer web page,” Compton said. “It just goes to show how when it comes to a cause like this, we’re all on the same team. The response for this has been nothing short of inspiring. The recognition from MiLB is just icing on the cake. Any added exposure and awareness that comes from our efforts will just get everyone behind these children who are fighting for their lives.”

For more information, or to get your ticket to help end childhood cancer, call 988-5299 or click here. The Jackson Generals are the Double-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit jacksongeneralsbaseball.com, like the Generals on Facebook (Facebook.com/jacksongenerals) or follow us on twitter (@jacksongenerals).

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

Weekend Proves Successful for Charities at Pelicans Ballpark

August 7, 2014

Fierce Fallon & Pink in the Park Combine for a $10,000 Weekend

The reason behind Vice President & General Manager Andy Milovich’s in-game prostate exam on July 24 came full circle this past Saturday with Coaches vs. Cancer Night. Milovich agreed to the exam if the team could raise Fierce Fallon’s Facebook Page to 10,000 ‘Likes’. Saturday night acted as a fundraiser for Fierce Fallon and featured a mini-football giveaway, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more with all proceeds benefiting Fallon. All-in-all the night raised over $6,500. The highlight of the night however, came before the anthem was even sung.

Fallon made her grand entrance to the ballpark with family and friends in the back of a pick-up truck as her favorite song, Katy Perry’s Roar, boomed throughout the stadium. Once arriving to the home dugout she made her way to the pitcher’s mound for a ceremonial first pitch. Moments later, after player introductions, Pelicans starter Chad Bell took his place on the mound and prepared to face the first hitter of the night, Fierce Fallon. One pitch from Bell was all it took as her baseball debut went down in the books as a solo home run and one of the most memorable knocks at TicketReturn.Com Field. She took her victory lap around the bases to a standing ovation and roaring crowd.

A video of Fallon’s first pitch and home run can be seen below or on the Pelicans’ YouTube Channel.

“She is such a fighter and has inspired so many people over the past ten months,” stated Milovich. “The fact that we had the opportunity to not only help raise money but provide her with a memorable night is very special to me and our entire staff.”

The Saturday night post on Fallon’s page included a video of her home run with the comment, “Fallon had the most amaz-wing time tonight at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans game. Here she is hitting a HOME RUN at her first ever at bat! Thank you to everyone that made this possible!!!” Fallon also told her mother that “It was the best day of my life.”

Saturday was only the start of the Pelicans’ charitable efforts this past weekend. Sunday was Pink in the Park with a focus on breast cancer awareness. The night featured a mini-base giveaway with the words “Save 2nd Base” to the first 1,000 ladies. Additional highlights included a silent auction with pink bats and bases. All proceeds from the auction, 50/50 raffle sales and more benefited the Mary Kay Foundation. That number exceeded $4,000.

Sunday also marked the end of the Pelicans Strike Out Cancer Series. The series featured one night each month, April through August, and highlighted five different forms of cancer (esophageal, skin, testicular, prostate and breast). On each night the team dawned special jerseys which have been up for auction all season at myrtlbeachpelicans.com. The auction concludes next Friday, August 15th at 5:00 PM. The auction includes jerseys worn by Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Manager Joe Mikulik and more.

For tickets to Pelicans home games please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Naturals will host Pink in the Park on Friday, August 8

August 4, 2014

The team will wear pink jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will wear special pink jerseys on Friday, August 8 as part of Pink in the Park night presented by Farm Rich when the Naturals play host to the San Antonio Missions, the Double-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres, at 7:05 P.M. at Arvest Ballpark. The special pink Naturals jerseys will be available for silent auction during the game with all of the proceeds from the auction going to the Susan G. Komen Ozark Affiliate.

Pink in the Park night represents the final jersey auction of the 2014 season. The silent auction will take place along the concourse behind Section 109. Bidding for the game-worn jerseys will begin when the gates open at 6:00 P.M. and fans will have the opportunity to bid on the jerseys until the middle of the 6^th inning when the silent auction will conclude.

Every player and coach will have a jersey available for auction. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on the likes of Naturals’ Manager Vance Wilson, as well as highly touted Royals prospects such as LHP Brandon Finnegan, INF Hunter Dozier, OF Jorge Bonifacio, RHP Christian Binford, INF Cheslor Cuthbert, INF Orlando Calixte, and LHP Sam Selman. Fans with winning bids will get to go on the field following the game where they will receive their pink jersey directly from the player or coach.

In addition to Pink in the Park, Friday night will also include a post-game Fireworks Spectacular and only three (3) post-game Fireworks shows remain during the 2014 season. It is also a Scout Night Campout presented by Camping World of Northwest Arkansas where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts are invited to come to the game for a discounted rate, receive a limited Naturals’ Scout Night Patch, enjoy a kid themed movie after the game, and campout on the outfield grass.

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, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Stand Up To Cancer Night presented by Fifth Third Bank

August 3, 2014

TinCaps, SU2C, and Fifth Third Partner for Game on August 20

The TinCaps welcome all fans to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research during their game at Parkview Field on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:05 p.m. against Great Lakes for Stand Up To Cancer Night, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Since partnering with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) a little more than a year ago, Fifth Third Bank has donated nearly $2.3 million to help fund breakthrough cancer research and aims to help raise more money to fight cancer with the TinCaps.

Fans who attend that night can get in on the action as well. Fans will be able to take a photo of themselves with a SU2C check. Sharing that photo on social media with the hashtag of #paytotheorderof will result in $1 being donated to SU2C by Fifth Third Bank. Fans can also recognize loved ones by writing down the names of those affected by cancer on a large board that will be located on Parkview Field’s concourse.

“Stand Up To Cancer Night will be a very special night where we will be able to have a direct impact as an organization to do as much as we can to support cancer awareness and help fund cancer research,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President of Marketing. “As a community we will be able to contribute to striking out cancer.”

On Stand Up to Cancer Night, the TinCaps will be wearing special jerseys designed by Cory Dold, a TinCaps fan who won the Fifth Third Bank Design-A-Jersey Contest.

Dold’s design was inspired by his mother Kandy, who won her battle against breast cancer three years ago. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game with donations to provide cancer awareness and support research.

Meanwhile, also during the game on Stand Up To Cancer Night, there will be a moment for everyone in the crowd and on the field to literally and symbolically stand up to cancer to show solidarity for all those who have been impacted by the disease.

“Fifth Third Bank is very proud of the great relationship we’ve formed with Stand Up To Cancer,” said Steven Alonso, regional president and CEO for the Greater Indiana Region. “Our Bank has always been focused on creating the greatest impact we can on the communities we serve. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps for Stand Up To Cancer Night at Parkview Field to celebrate our continued efforts to fund cancer research and encourage support for this tremendous cause.”

Prior to first pitch on the 20^th, representatives from Fifth Third Bank will be recognized for the organization’s commitment to funding breakthrough cancer research for Stand Up To Cancer. For every strikeout a TinCaps pitcher records on that night, Fifth Third Bank will donate $250 to SU2C.

Fifth Third Bank will also be on hand for fans to sign up for new checking accounts. For every new checking account registration, Fifth Third Bank will provide new account holders $150 cash back as well as make a $150 donation in their name to SU2C (with direct deposit and three online bill pays).

Additionally on Stand Up To Cancer Night, Parkview Health will be providing free Skin Cancer Screenings for both men and women. There will also be a men’s health event in the Lincoln Financial Events Center that includes PSA Prostate Cancer Blood Screenings.

For more information on Fifth Third Bank’s involvement with Stand Up To Cancer, visit their website.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes set to Paint the Park Pink on Sunday

August 2, 2014

Join the fight against breast cancer with Jersey Auction, more

Join the Spikes and Mount Nittany Health to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer at the annual Paint the Park Pink Night on Sunday, August 3rd! Game time for the Spikes’ matchup against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay Rays) is set for 6:05 p.m.

The Spikes will wear special Pink Ribbon Jerseys for the event, which will be up for bids in a Jersey-off-the-Back Auction to benefit the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center through The Foundation at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The silent auction will begin when ballpark gates open (4:45 p.m. season ticket holders; 5 p.m. general public) and will continue through the conclusion of the sixth inning.

The fan with the highest bid on each Spikes player or coach jersey will receive his or her jersey directly from the player or coach as part of a special on-field ceremony after the game.

In addition, the first 1,000 fans of all ages through the gates will receive a Pink Ribbon Drawstring Bag, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

After the game, fans will enjoy a fantastic post-game FIREWORKS display, presented by Mount Nittany Health and WHVL-TV that will light up the skies over Central PA!

The Spikes are also partnering with Pink Zone at Penn State and the Penn State Lady Lions to promote the battle against breast cancer on Sunday. Lady Lions head coach Coquese Washington will throw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the evening’s activities, and members of the Lady Lions will sign autographs during the night.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Fans 4 the Cure to be at Community Field

July 30, 2014

Representatives from Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure will be at Community Field this upcoming Friday, August 1 for their Bat 4 the Cure promotion as the Bees take on the Clinton LumberKings at 6:30 PM. They will be on hand to educate fans on the tragic illness that is prostate cancer. They will be in the main concourse providing informational materials that could save lives

“Ed Randall’s Bat 4 Cure is an excellent cause, simply put.” said Director of Community Relations Nick Waterman. “Prostate Cancer is nothing to take lightly, so making sure fans get the information they need through the baseball scope is a must. I read in the brochure that Prostate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the U.S., striking 240,000 men each year, enough to fill Yankee Stadium five times!-that’s just so crazy and sad to think about.”

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

RiverDogs GM Agrees to Prostate Exam at Saturday’s Game

July 30, 2014

Fans need to help “Fierce Fallon” Facebook page reach 13,000 likes to make Echols do “Two-Knuckle Challenge”

Earlier this month, Myrtle Beach Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich received an in-game prostate exam as he sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch at a recent Pelicans home game. Milovich accepted the challenge to support Fallon Emery, a nine-year-old girl from Carolina Forest, SC who is fighting brain cancer and receiving her treatments at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Now, Milovich has challenged the Charleston RiverDogs to become the latest team to join this initiative.

RiverDogs Executive President and General Manager Dave Echols has agreed to participate in the “Two-Knuckle Challenge” on Saturday, August 2 when the RiverDogs host the Hagerstown Suns at 6:05 pm. If fans can push the “Fierce Fallon” Facebook page to 13,000 likes by Saturday’s contest, Echols will get a prostate exam as he sings “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch.

“Joining the ‘Two-Knuckle Challenge’ in support of Fallon Emery is a unique way to back this important cause,” Echols said. “As a Minor League Baseball franchise, multi-tasking is nothing new for us, but a prostate exam while signing during the seventh-inning stretch is definitely a distinctive endeavor. I just hope that once we get enough likes for ‘Fierce Fallon’ that I can pull through this exam with a clean bill of health.”

Fans are encouraged to like “Fierce Fallon” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fiercefallon) and learn about her battle against brain cancer. The “Fierce Fallon” page needs 13,000 likes to guarantee that Echols will receive in his in-game prostate exam during the seventh-inning stretch. For more information about Fallon Emery, visit www.fiercefallon.com.

Echols was officially challenged by Milovich on Tuesday afternoon in a special YouTube message. Echols will follow Milovich and Lake Elsinore Storm Owner and President Dave Oster as the third Minor League Baseball executive tabbed for the “Two-Knuckle Challenge” as part of the larger Play It Forward initiative. Echols may nominate the next participant following Saturday’s event.

Play It Forward is a community building program that encourages others to help create a positive movement through grass roots activities and sports. The program is the brainchild of Oster. Play It Forward for sports teams all over the country help generate more local outreach programs that will help build positive energy throughout society. The concept is to get sports teams throughout the world to implement this positive energy program in their community, as well as encourage other businesses within their area to do the same. Sports teams can then Play It Forward to other teams in other communities.

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure, an organization that raises awareness for prostate cancer, will also be at Saturday’s game. There will be a silent auction of team-signed memorabilia to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer.

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

Support the Vs. Cancer Foundation on August 23

July 29, 2014

Join Senators’ players in shaving your head for cancer

The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce that they are teaming up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation for a major fundraising event on Saturday, August 23 at Metro Bank Park. The event will take place before, during and after the Senators game that evening against the Trenton Thunder.

Several Harrisburg Senators’ players are shaving their heads to show solidarity including Colin Bates, Robert Benincasa, Mitch Canham, Brian Dupra, Tyler Herron, Scott McGregor, Derek Self and John Simms. As a way to encourage fans to donate, the players will have their heads shaved at the conclusion of the game on August 23, on the field, in full view of everyone to watch it happen.

Fans will also have the opportunity to have their heads shaved thanks to Polished Salon & Spa. They are donating their time that night and fans can have their heads shaved for charity during the game for a donation of just $10.

All of the proceeds benefit charity with half benefitting childhood cancer research and half given to the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Harrisburg Senators’ players and front office members are creating fundraising pages, as well as a one Senators team page, where fans can donate. For more information about the Senators’ event, or to donate, please visit senators.vs-cancer.org.

Teams participating from all over the country consist of youth, high school, college and minor league baseball organizations.

In 2013, the Vs. Cancer Foundation helped 40,663 kids battling cancer. That number is expected to grow this year.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation was founded by Chase Jones, who played baseball at the University of North Carolina. Before his career could be a success, he left practice one day in 2006 with a terrible headache. After getting checked, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer.

In a move of solidarity, his teammates shaved their heads to support Jones at the time. Now a cancer survivor, Jones started the non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of children by funding international cancer research projects and supporting local children’s hospitals. Jones played for the Tar Heels from 2007-11 and started the foundation in 2012. So far since 2012, the organization has raised more than $1 million.

Tickets are available on game days 9:00 a.m. until the end of the game, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the game. Box office hours on non-game days are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 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.

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