Cancer Awareness

Birds rally on Prostate Cancer Awareness Night

July 24, 2014

Pelicans GM gets prostate exam while serenading the fans

Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans) — Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, won the series finale with the Frederick Keys 5-4 on Thursday night at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while receiving a prostate exam during the seventh inning stretch in front of a sellout crowd of 6,599 to raise awareness of the need for annual prostate exams.

The Pelicans (18-17, 62-41) struck first in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Chris Garia singled and advanced to second on a Nick Williams walk. In the next at-bat, Royce Bolinger scored Garia with an RBI single to center field. Pelicans led 1-0 after the first.

In the bottom of the fourth the Birds increased their lead to 2-0. After Edwin Garcia grounded out, Christopher Bostick singled to center field. With two outs, Luis Mendez drove a double to center field, allowing Bostick to score from first. Mendez was thrown out trying to advance to third on the hit by right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang to end the inning.

The Keys (16-17, 48-52) scored two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game. After Joel Hutter walked and Tucker Nathans doubled to begin the inning, Johnny Ruettiger scored Hutter and advanced Nathans to third base with an RBI fielder’s choice. Two batters later, Trey Mancini hit an infield single to the shortstop, scoring Nathans. Pelicans starter Luis Parra walked Chiang to put runners on first and second with two outs, but escaped the inning when Chiang was thrown out in the ensuing play. Jason Esposito singled on a line drive to left field, but Chiang was caught in between second and third base when Garia’s throw came to Mendez, who ran and tagged Chiang trying to retreat back to second.

Frederick took the lead in the sixth inning. With two outs, and Wynston Sawyer and Nathans on base, Ruettiger lined a triple down the right field line, scoring Sawyer and Nathans to give the Keys a 4-2 lead.

Myrtle Beach answered with a run of its own in the bottom half of the sixth on an RBI infield single by Mendez.

In the bottom of the seventh the Pelicans took the lead for good, scoring all of their runs with two outs. After Garia and Williams flew out, Bolinger and Preston Beck walked to put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, Garcia slammed a 1-0 pitch off the left field wall, scoring Bolinger and Beck. The Pelicans took a 5-4 lead.

After pitching a scoreless eighth, Pelicans reliever Abel De Los Santos (8) came back out for the ninth to complete the two-inning save.

Cody Ege (4-1) allowed the go-ahead runs in the sixth but earned the win in relief. Keys reliever Jimmy Yacabonis (0-3) took the loss, allowing the go-ahead double from Garcia in the seventh.

Andy Milovich passed his prostate exam with no problems.

Video of the event, including his rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” is available on YouTube.

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

HOPE Week Headlines Seven-Game Homestand

July 14, 2014

July 19 Includes Military Appreciation Night, Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg, Modern Sequel of Disco Demolition Night

The Charleston RiverDogs are back at home for a seven-game homestand from Tuesday, July 15 through Monday, July 21. HOPE Week 2014, an annual New York Yankees outreach initiative, runs through the first five days of this homestand. Saturday, July 19 will be full of fun as the RiverDogs will host Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It along with Military Appreciation Night and a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg Giveaway.

Tuesday, July 15, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 begins as the RiverDogs partner with Warriors 4 Warriors. It is Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night, presented by Nash FM. Couples that show a VIC Card at the box office will receive two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and a nacho tray for just $20. It is also Choose Your Knight Night. Upon entering the ballpark, fans can choose one of three colored cards which correspond with three knights that will compete throughout the night in various contests. The knight with the most total points will be the winner, and fans who selected that color may turn in their card to receive a ticket voucher for an upcoming RiverDogs game.

Wednesday, July 16, 7:05 pm: Day Two of HOPE Week 2014 features South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. HealthSouth Senior Wednesday, sponsored by MeTV, offers a food voucher for all senior citizens (age 65 & older) who enter the park before 7 pm. The voucher is good for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a 16-ounce fountain drink. The RiverDogs are also hosting “Dogs with a Cause” to support The Spokes Group Charleston. It is also a Guaranteed Wins-Day, so if the RiverDogs are not victorious, all fans in attendance may use their tickets to get into the next Wednesday home game for free.

Thursday, July 17, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 continues with Lowcountry Food Bank’s Food Works Program. It is also Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, courtesy of 95SX, with $1 drafts and DJ Natty Heavy in the Ashley View Pub. Wild Wing Café will also sponsor a wing-eating contest in the Ashley View Pub. The RiverDogs are also continuing their Thursday concert series, which is presented by Palmetto Brewery and Awendaw Green. Cheap Hats and Bourbon, an acoustic band that plays covers and original songs, will be playing adjacent to the Beer Garden.

Friday, July 18, 7:05 pm: The RiverDogs will partner with Mighty Mack and Scout on Day Four of HOPE Week 2014. ISHPI Red Shirt Friday, presented by 103.5 WEZL, encourages fans to wear red to the game and save $1 off your ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to Canines for Veterans and Folds of Honor. United States Air Force Night will be celebrated as well. There will be a pregame awards ceremony for the annual Youth Baseball Camp, which is presented by The Kickin’ Chicken. The RiverDogs will wear red jerseys on Friday and will receive help from Titus the Wonder Dog, who will serve as a batdog for an inning. Miller and Coors present $3 Aluminum Pint Night in the Ashley View Pub. Stick around following the contest for another stellar fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River.

Saturday, July 19, 6:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 wraps up, featuring Fields to Families. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg from WCBD Channel 2. In honor of Military Appreciation Night, presented by ISHPI, all active and retired military members and their immediate families can get into the game for free. The RiverDogs are also hosting Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It. Fans that bring Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus merchandise and memorabilia will get a $1 ticket. All of the donated items will be destroyed in a postgame demolition on the field. Social Media Saturday invites fans to use Facebook and Twitter to send the RiverDogs requests for songs, promotions and other ballpark features. It is also West Ashley Night at The Joe. Barefoot Night includes a Barefoot wine sampling around the Beer Garden.

Sunday, July 20, 5:05 pm: CCPRC and Crews Subaru Kids Club Sunday, sponsored by Y102.5, offers free admission for all members of Charlie’s Kids Club. Parking is free, and all children will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a fountain drink and chips for Kids Eat Free from Pepsi. Pirates and Princesses Night is also set for Sunday. Children can make their own crown and treasure at the game while pirates from Blackbeard’s Cove roam the ballpark. An ice princess pregame meet and greet and Disney gift card giveaways are also scheduled. All fans can enjoy pregame catch on the field and postgame autographs with the RiverDogs. Patriots Point and its mascot, Scrappy, will be on hand for Sunday’s game as well. Charleston will wear its stylish seersucker uniforms on Seersucker Sunday. Fans that wear seersucker to the game can save $1 off their ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Celebrity “Smokin’ Chef” Aaron Siegel from Home Team BBQ will serve smoked pork belly pastrami with pickled local slaw and smoked Poblano mustard on a brioche bun at the RiverDogs’ new meat smoker.

Monday, July 21, 12:05 pm: The homestand closes with a special 12:05 pm start time, setting up the Business-Man’s Special and Service Industry Day. Play hooky from work or ask the RiverDogs to send an intern to your business and cover your shift so you can come to the contest. The Business-Man’s Special offers $7 upper reserve tickets. Members of the service industry will be rewarded for their hospitality with $5 general admission tickets for Monday’s matinee. Coors and Magic 107.3 present Dollar Dogs and Beers Night in the Ashley View Pub. There will also be an Old Mexico DVD Giveaway at the homestand finale.

This seven-game RiverDogs homestand is the longest home stretch in July at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, visit the Riley Park Box Office, call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or head on-line to www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

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

RiverDogs Again Join Yankees HOPE Week Initiative

July 12, 2014

Outings Planned for July 15-19 throughout the Lowcountry

The Charleston RiverDogs are once again proud to partner with their parent organization, the New York Yankees, for the HOPE Week Initiative. The initiative runs from July 15-19, and RiverDogs players, coaches and front office staff will make appearances throughout the Lowcountry during the five-day outreach.

This will be the sixth year in which the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees have held their HOPE Week Initiative. HOPE is the acronym for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” and this will be the third time that the RiverDogs will bring the concept to Charleston. Contributing sponsors this year include Harris Teeter and Tideline Tours.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner once again with the New York Yankees for such a fantastic cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Lauren Allio. “It is a great way for us to continue to be active in the community and to recognize some truly amazing people.”

“This initiative in which we’re partnering with the Yankees has been part of our makeup for several years as we have hosted ‘Dogs With A Cause’ at every Monday home game and the Hope Initiative takes it to another level,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our overall marketing initiative stems from our being very active in our community, and this actively involves the players in which our fans will certainly enjoy.”

The RiverDogs will participate in events every day from July 15-19 to garner awareness for highlighted causes, individuals and organizations. In addition, every day over the five-day period, a different non-profit organization and/or family in need will receive an once-in-a-lifetime experience of interaction with RiverDogs players and an evening of fun at a RiverDogs game.

The RiverDogs and all of the Yankees’ affiliates received a citation from the President’s Volunteer Service Award for last year’s HOPE Week.

The schedule includes:

· Tuesday, July 15: Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation

o Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation provides emotional support and connection to women who have been diagnoses with breast cancer, are going through treatment and are survivors. They focus on quality of life for these women, their families, children and caretakers through their various programs.

o Players will help put together care packages for women currently receiving treatment, deliver those care packages and help with a make-over through the Warriors Wear Lipstick program.

· Wednesday, July 16: Therapeutic Foster Parents, SC Youth Advocate Program

o Carolyn & Martin Meier serve as the therapeutic foster parents for several years, serving the long-term needs of numerous medically fragile children in foster care.

o Players will join the Meiers and a social worker on a Dolphin Adventure boat tour through the Lowcountry marshes.

· Thursday, July 17: Lowcountry Food Bank

o The Lowcountry Food Bank’s primary mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the area with a vision to end hunger in coastal South Carolina.

o Players will work side-by-side with this summer’s Food Works apprentices to prep meals for Meals on Wheels.

· Friday, July 18: Mighty Mack and Scout

o Mighty Mack is a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of leukemia. His four-year-old sister, Scout, is his bone marrow donor.

o Players will surprise Mack and Scout with a fun day at the ballpark, joining in on batting practice and other pregame activities.

· Saturday, July 19: Fields to Families

o Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. When local farmers have fruit and vegetables that they can spare, either because they can’t harvest them in time or because they simply can’t use them, they contact Fields to Families.

o Players will go to the participating farms and pick/harvest unwanted produce that will then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry.

Visit www.RiverDogs.com or contact Lauren Allio at 843/723-7241 for more information.

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

Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center To Host ‘Pink At The Park’ This Saturday

July 7, 2014

The Tacoma Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) have teamed up for a fourth consecutive season to host ‘Pink at the Park’ this Saturday, July 12th at Cheney Stadium – a benefit game devoted to raising money to fund mammogram screenings for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

This year’s event begins when gates open at 6 p.m. for the Rainiers game against the Fresno Grizzlies. The first 3,000 fans arriving to the ballpark will receive limited edition pink trucker hats courtesy of CMBC. Pre-game activities will also include video testimonials of patients who have successfully defeated breast cancer and the formation of a ‘Circle of Hope’ around the pitcher’s mound that will be comprised of breast cancer survivors and their friends and families. Survivors will release pink balloons symbolizing the release of fear and renewed hope for the future.

When the game gets underway at 7 p.m., each Rainiers player and member of the coaching staff will wear special pink jerseys in recognition of breast cancer patients and their families who have battled the disease. Each of the game-worn jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off as part of a live auction along the third base line of the stadium immediately following the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the auction will go directly towards CMBC to support the breast center’s continued efforts to provide sustainable breast health services for all women in the South Sound.

“Pink at the Park is our flagship fundraiser for the breast center,” says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC. “The money raised during this event plays a key part in helping us fulfill our mission of treating all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.” To date, CMBC has provided over $2.3 million in compassionate care services to medically underserved and underinsured patients in our community.

CMBC recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as the first dedicated breast imaging center in the South Puget Sound. Since welcoming its first patients on February 23, 2009, CMBC has provided more than 120,000 screening mammograms to women, and has performed more than 250,000 exams and procedures in total. The breast center’s most important milestone, however, has been saving more lives through early detection. CMBC estimates it has diagnosed over 3,000 breast cancers in its first five years. “We’re honored to be making a real difference in our community, because we know that early detection saves lives,” says Khai Tran, M.D., medical director and visionary of the breast center.

Breast cancer continues to rank as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in every eight women in the U.S. affected by the disease. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early enough stage have been shown to have a 93 percent or more survival rate. The breast center supports screening guidelines established by the American Cancer Society, recommending that every woman 40 years of age and older receive a routine screening mammogram every year.

The Carol Milgard Breast Center is a non-profit organization whose mission to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the South Sound is reliant upon support from the community. For additional information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit CMBC online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets to the Rainiers ‘Pink at the Park’ game this Saturday or another upcoming Tacoma Rainiers game in 2014, please visit the team online at www.tacomarainiers.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the Cheney Stadium Box Office located at the front entrance of the ballpark. Up-to-date news and notes about ‘Pink at the Park’ or any can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

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

Help Paint the Park Purple on July 3

June 30, 2014

On July 3, the Great Falls Voyagers will team again with the Cascade County Relay for Life when they play the Helena Brewers in the 2014 edition of Paint the Park Purple. Local Relay teams have helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the sale of tickets to the game as well as special T-shirts.

The amount of money raised through the local teams will determine how “purple” Centene Stadium becomes. For example, $100 raised by teams will result in a banner being hung at the ballpark. For every hundred dollars raised after that, another form of on-field recognition will be triggered:

Fundraising levels:

$1-100 – Banner hung up at the ballpark
$101-200 – Pre-game parade for all teams
$201-300 – Pre-game balloon release
$301-400 – Players, coaches, staff, and Relay teams wear purple armbands
$401-500 – Purple banner painted on field
$501+ – Purple ribbons handed out to all fans in attendance

How the money is raised

Local Relay teams will be selling General Admission tickets for the July 3rd game against the Brewers. Each $8 ticket will result in $4 going back to the Relay. T-shirts to the event are $20 with $4 going back to the Relay team. Ticket and T-shirt packages are $25 with $7 going back to the Relay team. Ten packs of tickets for the game will be $80 with $44 going back to the Relay team. And the Ultimate Team Fight Pack of ten tickets and ten T-shirts is $250 with $75 going back to the Relay team.

For more information on how to contact a local team for tickets or shirts, you can call the Voyagers’ business office at 406-452-5311 or Cascade County Relay For Life Co-Chair Heidi Reiste at 406-781-1827.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Falls Voyagers. Click here to view the original story.

ACS Relay for Life at Frontier Field July 19-20

June 24, 2014

Overnight night event returns to Wings’ home

The Rochester Red Wings will host the 2^nd annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event at Frontier Field from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20.
The overnight, community walk around the warning track at Frontier Field will begin with opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on July 19 and conclude the following morning, July 20, with closing ceremonies around 6:00 a.m.

In between, participants will take turns walking, running or otherwise circling the track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. In addition, the celebration will include live music, Zumba, a movie, live comedy and food. A Candle Light Luminaria Ceremony will be held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors and caregivers and to remember those lost to cancer.

“Last year’s inaugural Relay For Life was such a great success, that we are thrilled to be able to partner with the American Cancer Society to host this event again in 2014,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Everyone in some way, shape or form as been affected by cancer and this event is a great way to honor the victims and survivors as well as fight back against this terrible disease.”

Relay participants can sign up individually or as a member of a team at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY and are encouraged to raise money prior to the event.

Last year, over 200 participants helped raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The ACS’s Relay for Life event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

Since 1985, Relay for Life has spread to more than 5,200 communities in the U.S. and has become a worldwide movement, taking place in more than 25 countries.

All fans are encourage to drop off any old pairs of shoes, sandals, ice skates, at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Table outside the Red Wings Ticket Office on Sunday, June 29 and Saturday, July 5. Fans who drop off shoes will receive $2 off their ticket purchase at the Ticket Office window. The shoe drive proceeds will benefit the Rochester City Relay of the Red Wings.

You can register, donate and learn more at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY. You can also contact Red Wings representative Derek Swanson at 454-1001 ext. 3036.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

Cardinals having an impact on and off the field

June 24, 2014

Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads shaved their heads on June 17 to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Over $7,500 was raised for the event.

The Palm Beach Cardinals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have had a terrific first half to the 2014 season. The team landed five All-Star selections to the Florida State League South roster, individuals have won weekly league awards and have been promoted within the organization, and overall, the team has been winning a lot of games.

None of the individual honors or impressive team winning streaks come close to how the 2014 squad has impacted the community off the field.

Earlier this month the Cardinals teamed up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium hosted the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals lined up to get their heads shaved in front of the dugouts following the game that night against the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to the event, players on both the Cardinals and Hammerheads collected donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Once the Cardinals learned that half of all proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit national childhood cancer research and the other half would help local children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the team joined together to make the event a huge success.

The whole team took to social media right away, getting hundreds and hundreds of retweets from family, friends, and fans. Former college teammates and loyal supporters in the Cardinals organization took notice and helped spread the word. News about the team’s efforts spread like wildfire and the donations started pouring in.

The team goal of $5,000 was met after just three days of fundraising and was eventually shattered by more than one thousand dollars. Members of the team, led by Charlie Tilson and Joe Cuda, created an autographed ball giveaway for select fans who donated. The team spread the news via twitter that five autographed balls would be given away at random to those who donated to the cause.

“I’m just glad I could be a part of this,” Cuda said. “I never would have thought that it would have created this much buzz. It’s crazy how the baseball community is so connected together.”

On June 17th, the Cardinals gathered in front of the home dugout following the game to cap an extremely successful fundraising campaign by shaving select team members heads. Players who participated in the head shaving event were, Cuda, Tilson, Iden Nazario, Bruce Caldwell, Alex Mejia, Jesus Montero, Nick Martini and Jimmy Bosco. Even head trainer Keith Joynt stepped into the dugout barber shop to support the cause.

For the Cardinals, this wasn’t a one-time ordeal. Players have been giving back to the community all season long.

In early May, members of the team signed up to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital to spend time with children for a few hours before a home game. While just a few guys were asked to ride along for the visit, multiple players asked if they could go as well for fun.

While the fact that the Palm Beach Cardinals ranked in the top five in numerous batting and pitching categories among Florida State League teams in the first half of the season is impressive, the character of the guys in the Cardinals clubhouse is something to be commended.

The 25 players in the Cardinals locker room are truly making a difference in the Palm Beach community.

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

Star Wars Night, July 19, to Benefit Center for Building Hope

June 18, 2014

Marauders Will Wear Boba Fett Jerseys and Auction Them Off

The Bradenton Marauders will hold Star Wars Night on Saturday, July 19 when the team hosts the Clearwater Threshers at McKechnie Field. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Bradenton’s foray into a galaxy far, far away will help benefit the Center for Building Hope in the fight against Cancer.

The Marauders will dress in jerseys custom made to resemble the uniform of iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett. The jerseys will be auctioned off in a silent auction held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Auction winners will be invited onto the field after the game to receive their jersey and have it autographed by the player of coach wearing it.

A survivor’s walk around the warning track will be held at 5:45 to recognize all cancer survivors in attendance. A charity balloon pop is also being held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Fans will be able to pay $10 or $20 to pop a balloon and receive the prize that corresponds to the chosen balloon.

Fans can get pictures with their favorite Star Wars characters at picturesque McKechnie Field. A full cast of costumed characters will be in attendance. The Marauders also encourage their fans to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters. A costume contest will be held in the sixth inning to determine the best dressed.

The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-gamedays Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On Monday-Friday gamedays the ticket office is open from noon until the conclusion of the game. The ticket office opens two hours before Saturday, Sunday, and morning games. Single game tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, online at www.BradentonMarauders.com, or by phone be calling 877-893-2827.

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

About Center for Building Hope

Center for Building Hope offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience. www.centerforbuildinghope.org

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

G-Braves Team Up with Vs. Cancer Foundation

June 17, 2014

Gwinnett players, coaches, front office members to raise funds to cure kids’ cancer

The Gwinnett Braves announced a partnership with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to Cure Kids’ Cancer. G-Braves’ players, coaches and front office staff members are participating in fundraising efforts for the foundation, culminating with “G-Braves Vs. Cancer Night” at Coolray Field on Saturday, August 30.

If the Gwinnett Braves raise their collective team goal of $10,000 by August 30, then select players, coaches and front office members will shave their heads prior to the 7:05 PM game against Charlotte. G-Braves’ field manager Brian Snitker, already sporting the shaved-head look, has pledged to shave off his trademark mustache if the goal is reached.

Fans can donate now by going online to gbraves.vs-cancer.org. Half of all proceeds will benefit national childhood cancer research, and the other half will help kids directly with the Rally Foundation.

Gwinnett’s fundraising efforts are part of a larger “Baseball Vs. Cancer 2014” campaign. A total of 128 teams across the minor league, collegiate, high school and youth ranks are taking part, with a total goal of $750,000.

About the Vs. Cancer Foundation: Founded by former University of North Carolina baseball player and Stage IV brain cancer survivor Chase Jones, the non-profit organization is dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. To donate or get involved, visit vs-cancer.org.

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

“Pink the Park” is Back for the Second Straight Year!

June 14, 2014

Jammers and WCA Hospital will team up to raise awareness for Breast Cancer June 20th.

Next Friday (June 20th), WCA Hospital and the Jamestown Jammers will team up to host the second annual Pink the Park baseball game at Russell E. Diethrick Park. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. followed by the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. as the Jammers begin their two-game series against the State College Spikes.

In addition to decorating the park in pink, the Jamestown Jammers players and coaches will be donning pink socks and wrist bands (courtesy of the Jamestown Cycle Shop), and are asking fans to join them as they Pink the Park by also wearing pink.

In addition to raising awareness for good breast health and promoting annual mammograms, WCA and the Jammers will pay tribute to breast cancer survivors just before the ceremonial first pitch. All breast cancer survivors are invited to gather near the Jammers dugout along the third base line at 6:45p.m. before being honored on the field.

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

Naturals Community Highlights: June

June 12, 2014

Summer is heating up in Northwest Arkansas and two things the Ozarks region can always count on are Naturals’ baseball and that Strike and the Northwest Arkansas Street Team will be front and center in the community. Check out the schedule below to see where you can see Strike out and about in Northwest Arkansas.

Friday, June 13: Just around the corner, Strike will put on his walking shoes for the Relay for Life event held by the American Cancer Society in Rogers, Ark. The Naturals’ mascot will join participants in walking around the track and mingle about the event. Additionally, Strike will show off his good side and take pictures throughout the day. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement symbolizes hope and the shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people

Saturday, June 14: Strike is excited to follow Friday with another event in the great outdoors on Saturday at the Johnson Days Festival in Johnson, Ark. He will put his rugged feet to use for the second straight day walking around and lending his big fury hands for high fives. Never shy of the camera, Strike will spend time taking pictures at the festival as kids enjoy various activities.

Saturday, June 14: The fun does not end for Strike at the Johnson Days Festival on Saturday for Stirke. He will embark on a trip to Bella Vista to join Rapha House for an event in the Allens Foods parking lot. Northwest Arkansas’ one and only Strike will join folks for a car show with food and family fun starting at 5:00 p.m. with 100% of the proceeds going to Rapha House and the fight against child trafficking in Cambodia, Thailand and Haiti.

Monday, June 16: It will be the Girl Scout Diamonds opportunity to enjoy some time with Strike during a day camp beginning at 8:00 A.M. Strike is already geared up for this one as the event’s theme, that is put on by the girl scouts, is one of his favorite words, sports. Additionally, it’s opening day for the girl scouts day camp, another one of Strike’s favorite things, whether it’s for the promise of the unending possibilities of baseball season or the beginning of summer fun for the Girl Scout Diamonds.

Friday, June 20: Strike will join the United Methodist Church for its annual conference at the Rogers Convention Center. He will help celebrate a feat that has Strike excited as the church has raised over $1 million dollars for malaria in Africa.

Saturday, June 21: It’s time for Strike to don his fleetest of footwear again for the Cancer Challenge at Orchard Park in Bentonville. Strike will be there to help hand out metals at the end of the race. Since its inception in 1993, the Cancer Challenge has invested over $10 million dollars in local cancer programs serving over 300,000 of its Northwest Arkansas friends and neighbors.

Friday, June 27: Arvest Ballpark will open itself to the Springdale Police Department as it will bring a group of kids from a troubled background to the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for a tour.

Saturday, June 28: Strike will walk around and give high fives at the All American Freedom Festival at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers for the Camp Alliance Event. Strike will accompany one his favorite activities at the event, skeeball.

If you would like to have Strike appear at your event, email streetteam@nwanaturals.com or fill out the form on the Naturals’ website, located by clicking on the Community tab at the top of the webpage, then clicking the appearances link. Those interested in participating in the Naturals ticket fundraising program should call 479-927-4900 or email groups@nwanaturals.com.

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

Memorial Children’s Hospital and Your South Bend Silver Hawks Partner for Home Run for Life

June 11, 2014

Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks will celebrate Aileen Corona during a special celebration ceremony, Home Run for Life, on Friday, June 13^th.

The celebration will take place in the middle of the 3^rd inning at Four Winds Field. Your Silver Hawks, along with the Lake County Captains, will line the field to join in on the ceremony as Aileen rounds the bases. Upon completing the celebratory home run, Silver Hawks’ Manager, Mark Haley will present her with a personalized Silver Hawks jersey. Home Run for Life celebrates and honors children who have battled serious medical conditions. Each child is honored and takes a home run lap around the bases during a Silver Hawks home game.

At the closing of the celebration staff and volunteers from Memorial Children’s Hospital will pass around donation buckets. Please consider giving a donation to help enhance the care children can receive right here in your community.

Aileen’s Story

When Aileen Corona first arrived at Memorial Children’s Hospital after a diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), she was sad, shy, uncertain and unable to cope with being apart from her mom during long hospital stays.

“Aileen would shed many tears the nights her mom, Noemi, couldn’t be with her,” says Julie Kowalenko, a charge nurse for Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “At times we would have to call mom at work so Aileen could talk with her. I began to notice how Aileen always had her nails done, and to help make her more comfortable and at ease, I would comment on how nice they looked.”

Julie, known in Pediatrics as an “Ambassador of Fun,” suggested setting up a nail salon for Aileen.

“I told Aileen – ‘You could really do something for us because nurses notoriously have the worst nails and our nails need your help!'”

Aileen’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion. With the help of Child Life Specialist Liz Eash, a pink and purple glittery sign announced Aileen’s Nail Salon was open for business on the sixth floor of MCH.

The first of its kind, nurses and patients regularly visit the salon to have their nails painted by the budding nail expert. But first, they have to obtain a ticket from the reception area.

“The tickets have a purpose,” Julie says. “For every five tickets, Aileen gets to pick out a prize.”

Thanks to the salon’s customers and repeat customers, Aileen has earned plenty of tickets and taken home some real goodies, including an MP3 player.

“I’ve painted a lot of nails and picked out several prizes,” Aileen says. “I walk the halls and know everyone by name and what their favorite nail color is. The children’s hospital is a happier place to me because the nurses have helped me feel at home.”

Since the nail salon opened, Aileen’s tears and fears have been replaced with joy, as well as newfound perseverance because of a lengthy course of treatment that comes with Osteosarcoma.

“Despite having to endure dozens of chemo treatments, she has actually blossomed into our little social butterfly on the floor,” Julie says. “She is an amazing, wonderful girl. I think she has done more for me than I’ve done for her.”

When Aileen was first diagnosed, her dad, Alejandro, took the news especially hard since he recently battled and overcame Leukemia.

“It was really hard because I knew what was ahead of her,” he says. “But we have an incredible thing in Memorial Children’s Hospital. The nurses have done more than we could have hoped for to keep our daughter’s energy and spirits up. MCH keeps kids strong.”

With three more treatments to go, Aileen excitedly anticipates a shopping trip with her family to Mall of America to celebrate an intense cancer journey and her victory over the disease.

Aileen will leave MCH with an experience that has given her more than a nail salon and prizes, but expert care and memories that inspire her to become a pediatric nurse one day.

“I love kids and love being around kids, so I want to become a nurse,” she says. In the meantime, Aileen has a colorful childhood left to enjoy, painting nails along the way.

Please join Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks in cheering on Aileen as she completes her Home Run for Life at Four Winds Field on June 13^th . For more information about Memorial Children’s Hospital and Pinwheel Heroes like Aileen, visit qualityoflife.org/childrenshospital .

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Vs. Cancer Foundation Night to be held on June 17

June 11, 2014

Cardinals players and staff join fight against childhood cancer

Roger Dean Stadium has partnered with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium will host the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads will get their heads shaved on the dugouts following the 6:35 p.m. game between the two clubs.

Prior to the event, players and staff members from both the Cardinals and Hammerheads will be collecting donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Donations can be made by visiting Cardinals.vs-cancer.org or Jupiter.vs-cancer.org.

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.

The founder of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is Chase Jones, a former UNC-Chapel Hill baseball player. Chase was diagnosed with Stage IV Brain Cancer at the age of 18. With the help of national research and community support, Chase is six years cancer-free and has now dedicated himself to helping children with childhood cancer through his foundation.

Half of all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit national childhood cancer research, and the other half will help Alliance for Kids, a division of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. The goal of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is to invest in our kids of tomorrow while also helping kids just be kids even while battling cancer.

Roger Dean Stadium’s merchandise manager Linda Hanson will be one of several players and staff members participating in the event. If she receives $2,500 on her fundraising page or in money donated in the Team Store, she will also take part in the head shaving following the game.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday night for the 6:35 p.m. game. You can still purchase tickets at the Roger Dean Stadium ticket office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by calling (561) 630-1828. For more information on the event, visit www.PalmBeachCardinals.com or call (561) 775-1818.

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

Support Uplifting Athletes by attending tonight’s game

June 5, 2014

Please join the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes in fighting kidney cancer with the State College Spikes on Friday, July 11! A portion of tickets sold will be donated to Uplifting Athletes to assist in the fight against rare diseases.

Tickets can be purchased at TicketReturn.com for $12 each. When ordering your tickets, use the Username “Uplifting” and the password “Athletes“ to receive your discount and benefit Uplifting Athletes. Uplifting Athletes tickets are also available by calling 814-272-0237.

Even if you are unable to attend the game, you can still help! We will be taking ticket orders as donations for any family who is affected by a rare disease. Too often a baseball game is not in the budget for some of these families, but you can indicate that your ticket donation is for a family in need and we will make sure they gain free admittance. Even better, a portion of your donation will also be given to Uplifting Athletes to help fight rare diseases.

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