Tarpons to Host Annual Cancer Survivor Event on Saturday, May 12th

The Tampa Tarpons have teamed up with BayCare to host their annual Cancer Survivor Event on Saturday, May 12th at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Survivors in the Tampa community will be honored and are offered free tickets to see the Tarpons battle the Florida Fire Frogs at 6:30 p.m.

To receive free tickets, survivors must register online. A food voucher and an exclusive gift will be included while supplies last. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate. To register, visit www.BayCareCancerSurvivorEvent.org.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and fans can meet select Tarpons players during an autograph signing between 5:40-6:00 p.m. Players will wear custom jerseys for the event and select jerseys will be available for bid in a silent online auction with the proceeds benefiting BayCare. To bid on the jerseys, click here.

“BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.” – BayCare.org.

Following the game, all fans are invited to watch a fireworks extravaganza and enjoy a postgame concert by the country music artists Smithfield.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Roswell Park to help Bisons fans protect their skin with free sunscreen at games

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Buffalo Bisons are teaming up to help Bisons’ fans protect themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can burn and damage the skin. Damaged skin cells can lead to skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.

Throughout the Bisons’ 2018 season, sunscreen will be provided to game attendees to make it as easy as possible to protect their skin, even on cloudy days when the sun can still do damage. Six sunscreen dispenser stations will be available throughout Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

“Always protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, and choose one that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply it every 1-2 hours,” says Ilene Rothman, MD, Interim Chair of Dermatology and Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Dermatology at Roswell Park. “Many people think that because we’re in Buffalo, their risk of developing skin cancer is low, but skin cancer is the most common cancer even in Buffalo. Plenty of sun damage occurs on a cloudy day, and just one sunburn causes significant harm to your skin.”

“There’s nothing better than sitting back and enjoying a warm, sunny day at the ballpark. Thanks to our great partnership with Roswell Park and the installation of these free sunscreen dispensers throughout Coca-Cola Field, our fans will be able to easily protect themselves while cheering on the Bisons throughout the season,” said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager of the Buffalo Bisons.

Skin cancer awareness days will also be held thoughout the season, kicking off with Melanoma Monday on Monday, May 7. Roswell Park representatives will be on hand to educate fans about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, prevention and early detection. Monday, May 7, 2018, is Melanoma Monday. The national awareness day focuses on melanoma, which is the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Friday, May 25 is Don’t Fry Day. It’s part of the national effort to encourage sun safety awareness. The public will have an opportunity to learn more about skin cancer and get sunscreen samples during both events.

About Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL

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

PawSox Foundation to Support “Empire Gives Back” Night on May the Fourth

After the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders announced that they will present “The Empire Gives Back” at PNC Field on their annual Star Wars Night May 4, and that they will honor Red Sox Nation’s “villain du jour,” Tyler Austin, who survived testicular pediatric cancer at age 17, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation will make a donation of $2,004 to the RailRiders’ charitable efforts, and will send memorabilia that can raise additional funds at their charity auction.

“The Red Sox and Yankees have one of the great rivalries in the world of sport,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, “And they have also come together in compassion and unity in the face of real enemies, such as pediatric cancer. While fans enjoy the battle between the lines, we are grateful for the oncology research that has allowed Tyler Austin to participate in such battles. We wish the best of health to him and to all who battle these horrible diseases.

“We have been inspired by displays of sportsmanship demonstrated when cities of teams have been injured, and we have been keenly aware of the display of generosity by the late George Steinbrenner and his family during the annual Red Sox/Jimmy Fund Radiotelethon that benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“When it comes to matters that matter, our organizations can do a world of good, especially when we work as one.”

Throughout the world of baseball, May 4 is often a Star Wars night, in a play on “May the force [or fourth] be with you.”

The PawSox, who are visiting their rivals on May 4, will hold their own Star Wars night on Saturday, June 9. It is the fastest-selling game of the year.

The PawSox welcome the Yankees’ Triple-A Club to Pawtucket this Saturday for a 6:15 pm and Sunday at 1:35 on “Evil Empire Weekend” at McCoy Stadium. Tickets and information are available via pawsox.com, by calling (401) 724-7300, or in person at the McCoy Box Office.

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

Bees Raising Money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation with ‘Pack the Park Pink’ Package

SALT LAKE CITY (May 1, 2018) – To raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF), the Salt Lake Bees are offering a one-of-a-kind VIP jersey package for the team’s 12th annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 19.

The VIP package includes a pink jersey that will be worn on field by Bees players or coaches. The name on the back of the jersey will be chosen by donors to honor loved ones that have battled cancer. Last year the Bees suited up with names like ‘Carl’, ‘Donna Joy’ and ‘BEE’ on the back. Infielder Nolan Fontana hit a walk-off inside-the-park home run while playing for Caroline.

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 the opportunity to take their own batting practice on Saturday, June 16.

The package is available for a minimum donation of $400 to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Donations are available at www.thehuntsman.org/packthepark. All proceeds go directly to HCF with last year’s event raising $33,900 for cancer research.

The Bees are in the middle of an eight-game homestand against the Fresno Grizzlies and Las Vegas 51s. Tickets are available at www.slbees.com.

–slbees.com–

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are entering their 18th 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

Huntsman Cancer Foundation’s sole purpose is to raise funds to support the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), which is 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. All HCI fundraising initiatives happen through Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which is a public, fully integrated, Type 3 501 (c)(3).

The EMPIRE GIVES BACK on May the Fourth

MOOSIC, PA. (April 24, 2018) – On May the Fourth, in a ballpark not too far away, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders embrace the rebellion as the Empire Gives Back at PNC Field. In conjunction with their annual Star Wars Night, the RailRiders will host the Pawtucket Red Sox at 6:35 p.m. and will work with two tremendous organizations to raise funds and awareness.

The first 2,500 fans through the gates will get a Chance Adams bobblehead, presented by Geisinger. The RailRiders will wear custom Star Wars-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Before the PawSox’s plans for the weekend become fully operational, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is also pleased to partner with Tyler Austin, a former RailRider and current New York Yankee. Austin was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 17, and, thanks to early detection and after several surgeries, he is now cancer-free. In April, which is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, Austin created a fundraiser for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation. Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of WB 11 Sports in New York and pre-game announcer for the Mets. Sean died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003, at 37 years young.

In addition to the jersey fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network, a limited number of t-shirts from Austin’s April fundraiser will be for sale with all proceeds benefitting Tyler Austin’s effort for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.

All fans who purchase a “Ball Out” t-shirt that evening will be entered into a raffle at PNC Field. One autographed Tyler Austin baseball will be given away every inning, and, at the end of the game, one fan will win four tickets to an upcoming Yankees game and will have the chance to meet Austin.

In honor of Austin’s jersey number 26, the RailRiders will also donate 26% of all walk-up ticket sales to his fundraising effort.

The RailRiders will also have a dunk tank set up on the concourse at PNC Field featuring Darth Vader. All proceeds from the dunk tank will be included in the donation to the to the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.

“There is nothing evil about this empire,” stated Josh Olerud, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Team President and General Manager. “We have the chance to be leaders on many different levels, and the ability to partner with Geisinger, the Children’s Miracle Network as well as Tyler Austin’s fundraising efforts for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation, shows that the force of good is strong in Northeast Pennsylvania’s Minor League Baseball club.”

The RailRiders are committed to cancer research, fundraising and awareness through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. On April 18, the club began a text-to-donate campaign, benefitting Stand Up To Cancer. Fans can make a $5.00 donation by texting SWBRR to 40202.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Pawtucket for a two-game series beginning on May 3 and 4 prior to a two-game set at McCoy Stadium in Rhode Island beginning May 5. For more information on all the events scheduled on May 4 at PNC Field, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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

RailRiders Announce Collaboration with Stand Up to Cancer

MOOSIC, PA (April 18, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are excited to announce a collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Starting today, you can make a $5 donation directly to Stand Up To Cancer* by texting SWBRR to 40202.

The RailRiders are one of 14 Minor League Baseball teams taking on this season-long initiative through August 31 to see who can raise the most money in the fight against cancer:

Charleston RiverDogs Norfolk Tides   Richmond Flying Squirrels
El Paso Chihuahuas Oklahoma City Dodgers Rochester Red Wings
Gwinnett Stripers   Pawtucket Red Sox Syracuse Chiefs
Nashville Sounds   Reading Fightin Phils Tacoma Rainiers
New Orleans Baby Cakes

“We are excited to not only team up with Stand Up To Cancer, but to join 13 other Minor League Baseball teams in the best kind of competition to see which of us can raise the most money for cancer,” said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Team President/General Manager, Josh Olerud. “The work the organization has done year after year speaks for itself, and we are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with them.”

The RailRiders will be hosting their very own SU2C Night July 4 vs. the Buffalo Bisons geared toward raising money and awareness. Fans attending that night can engage in numerous ways toward cancer-research efforts.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary for SU2C, and their efforts to raise funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. Cancer takes more than one life every minute. Every day in America over 1,600 people die of cancer. Inspired to act by our own personal experiences with cancer, SU2C is calling on the public to invest in a revolution that is changing the way scientists and clinicians work to understand and treat these diseases — 100% of donations received from the public fund research programs that save lives. When you donate to SU2C, your money makes a direct impact.

*$5.00 donation to the EIF-SU2C. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 40202 to STOP. Text HELP to 40202 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy: mGive.org/P
 

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 July 26

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 Thursday, July 26 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at EAST PROVIDENCE LANES on 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916.

Click Here to Register Online

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.

For those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to show their support, the PawSox are providing the opportunity to sponsor a Tomorrow Fund family with a child who is either currently going through the battle, or has suffered from cancer in the past.

Not only will your sponsorship provide a Tomorrow Fund family with the opportunity to bowl with a PawSox player, but they will also be provided with tickets to a future PawSox game where they can enjoy a night out at McCoy Stadium. For more information on this unique opportunity, please contact Joe Bradlee at jbradlee@pawsox.com or call 401-724-7300.

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!

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

PawSox Announce Fundraiser with Emerson College to Benefit The Tomorrow Fund

Today Emerson College and the Pawtucket Red Sox have announced a joint project to benefit the Tomorrow Fund.

Department of Communication Studies Professor Cathryn Edelstein’s Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign class is partnering with the PawSox to host a game and activities entitled: “A Paw-fect Day for a Better Tomorrow.” The special game will take place on Sunday, April 22, with festivities starting at 10am. Tickets include breakfast, interactive entertainment, a tour of McCoy Stadium, a ticket to the game, and a $5 credit toward lunch.

“Emerson College students collaborating with the PawSox to benefit The Tomorrow Fund kids with cancer is a win-win-win!” said Professor Edelstein. “This year I’m so pleased we are working to not only raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, but help spread awareness about the incredible assistance they provide for kids with cancer and their families.”

“We are honored to work with these community minded students who are gaining invaluable experience in the world of philanthropy,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Pawsox and Director of Sports Communication at Emerson College, “not only do we hope this experience is rewarding for them, we hope it will benefit the Tomorrow Fund- an organization we love deeply and admire so much.”

Up to 75 individuals attending the event can experience what it is like to hit a ball in a professional field, at our Home Run Derby which starts at 10:30am. Those who sign up will have the chance to participate to see who hit a ball the furthest. After purchasing tickets you can sign up for the derby at https://goo.gl/forms/VBZKcUrj3805Wx8n1.

Tickets for students are $15, and General Admission tickets are $25; tickets are on sale now at https://tinyurl.com/ybaynllx.

About the Tomorrow Fund 

The Tomorrow Fund is a non-profit organization located in Rhode Island. It provides daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families who are treated in The Tomorrow Fund Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI. Kids can come from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 2,000 children and their families have received financial and emotional support from The Tomorrow Fund.

About Hasbro Hospital 

A division of Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital is the region’s premier provider of pediatric clinical care. The hospital offers a broad spectrum of both routine care and specialty programs not available elsewhere. Hasbro Children’s has the only pediatric emergency department, Level 1 Trauma Center, pediatric critical care teams, and 24-hour ambulance in the region. Their approach to pediatric medicine makes parents, who know their children best, an essential part of the care team.

 

 

About Emerson College

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theatre District, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership

 

in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning. The College has approximately 3,780 undergraduates and 670 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. Supported by state of the art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance group. Emerson is known for its experiential learning programs at Emerson Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, and at its beautifully restored 14thcentury castle in the Netherlands. Additionally, there are opportunities to study in DC, London, China, the Czech Republic, Spain, Austria, Greece, France, Ireland, Mexico, Cuba, England, and South Africa. The College has an active network of 37,000 alumni who hold leadership positions in communication and the arts.

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

Cougars Announce Charitable Partners for 2018 Season

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the four local organizations that will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. including Mutual Ground (April-May), CASA Kane County (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and BraveHearts for Kids (August-September). In addition, through a partnership with Acres Group, the Cougars have announced that Loaves and Fishes Community Services will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this year’s Pitch-In for Charity promotion in which fans purchase and toss numbered tennis balls at a target on the field to win a prize following select games.

Mutual Ground (mutualground.org) – Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground is a safe place where people can come together to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual abuse while providing education, awareness and life-changing services that empower individuals, families and communities.

CASA Kane County (casakanecounty.org) – CASA is a non-profit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system since 1988.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) – Each week, Northern Illinois Food Bank provides more than 71,000 people with nutritious food and hope through their innovative feeding programs and partnerships across Northern Illinois.

BraveHearts for Kids (braveheartsforkids.org) – BraveHearts for Kids provide one-on-one mentoring, information and emotional support for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer as well as their families.

Loaves and Fishes CARES (loaves-fishes.org) – Located in Naperville, Loaves and Fishes Community Services provides groceries and essential support services to more than 2,000 families each month. Additional programs include job search support, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance to assist and empower clients towards a life of self-sufficiency.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

2018 Cancer Awareness Jersey Night

Idaho Falls Chukars Cancer Awareness Jersey

Idaho Falls, ID – The Idaho Falls Chukars will be holding their annual Cancer Awareness Night during the 2018 season. To better commemorate this night the Chukars will be donning newly designed, limited edition, Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys for the special night. To better celebrate the courage, determination, and resilience of cancer survivors everywhere and honor those that have fought bravely and have lost their lives; These jerseys will hold the names of people that have battled with any cancer and have either died or survived.

The Chukars are inviting anyone that would like to honor a family or friend that has or is battling cancer to submit a donation form to put their name on the custom jersey. The cost to add a name to the jersey will be $50.00. You can purchase the game used jersey for an additional $50.00.

Donations will support both Mountain View Charities, which is an organization that “Clears the obstacles that face southern Idaho individuals and organizations so they can achieve their fullest potential, enriching our whole community in the process.” They give grants to help medical patients financially. They give college scholarships, and they support innovative charitable organizations in the community. The Mammogram Voucher Program at East Idaho Health is a program that offers vouchers for women receive free screening and diagnostic services.

Forms to reserve a space for a name can be found on the Chukars website ifchukars.com. Inquires can also be answered by calling the Chukars main office at 208-522-8363. Payment can be accepted either by mailing a check or calling the Chukars main office and making a payment over the phone

#ifchukars.com#

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

Keys Contribute More Than $200,000 to Local Community in 2017

FREDERICK, MD-With the holiday season upon us, the Frederick Keys are excited to look back on 2017 as another outstanding year for community involvement. This year, the Keys worked hand-in-hand with a myriad of groups on community initiatives and assisted in countless fundraising efforts.

In 2017, the Keys contributed more than $200,000 to the local community. This benefited non-profits, local schools and libraries, the military and other worthy causes. The Keys also donated over $150,000 in in-kind gifts and raised over $20,000 for local non-profit organizations through in-stadium fundraising. This supported local non-profit groups including the United Way, Heartly House, Habitat For Humanity, Blessings in a Backpack and The Police Activities League. Funds were also raised for victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Throughout the season, the Keys work with different organizations to benefit local non-profits and other worthy causes. For the third straight season, BGE Home and the Keys partnered on “Make a Difference Monday.” During each Monday game, a different 501 (c) (3) organization was given 25 tickets to see the Keys play to go along with a pre-game interview, a ceremonial first, a marketing table on the concourse and a :20 public address announcement. Among the groups who participated were the Team Up for 1 Foundation and the Frederick County Humane Society.

Other year-long programs which benefited local non-profits included Walks for a Cause and Pack the Park. Each time a Keys player walked, Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes donated $10 to Frederick Keys Care. Another staple of the Keys community involvement, Pack the Park enables charities to raise funds through ticket sales as well as a 50/50 raffle. Pack the Parks take place on Fridays and Saturday’s to maximize the organization’s exposure. Other benefits include a first pitch and a chance to speak on the field before the game.

Some groups have specific nights where their cause is recognized. These included Strike Out Stroke Night, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Night, Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day and Cancer Awareness Night. Through working with Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Stroke & Chest Pain Division, the Keys were able to spread awareness of strokes, how to avoid them and be alerted to when someone could be having one.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Night, the Keys worked with the Maryland School for the Deaf to promote ways to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Students from the school also created special sign language videos with Keys players. Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day included a pre-game presentation about tobacco use, as well as a video and slates throughout the game explaining the dangers of using tobacco. For this night, the Keys partnered with the Tobacco Free Coalition.

Each season the Keys join forces with the American Cancer Society to recognize cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. Survivors receive a free ticket to the game, while ACS sells t-shirts and luminaries as part of a unique fireworks show. This includes a photo montage on the video board of cancer fighters, in conjunction with the organization’s Cancer Has a Face Program. Keys Players and Coaches also donned special lavender jerseys with words of encouragement such as hope, faith and love. These were auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting ACS.

To promote educational and wellness initiatives, the Keys work frequently with the Frederick County Public School System. In 2017, the team introduced the Report Card Program. Children who received A’s, A equivalents or improved grades on their report cards received two complimentary tickets to a Keys game in April as well as a bumper sticker showing their accomplishments.

Meanwhile, this past season just under 2,000 sixth grade students filled Nymeo Field for STEM Day. Each student attendee received an assignment packet with questions based on game action, information from concourse vendors and videos featuring Keys mascot Keyote and players. The Keys and FCPS also work together on Family Fitness Weekend. Children who are active for one hour a day receive a voucher to a Keys weekend game.

Once again the Keys and Frederick County Public Libraries worked together in 2017. The team provided local libraries in Frederick and in surrounding counties with nearly 70,000 summer reading vouchers. Students who complete their summer reading assignments receive a voucher to attend a game in either July or August and receive recognition during a pre-game parade.

A long-standing goal of the Keys has also been to give back to active and retired military members. One way this is accomplished is through Fort Detrick Night. A US Army Medical Command Installation based in Frederick, Fort Detrick is the city’s largest employer. The Keys work closely with the base to put on a night for military members and their families. Tickets are provided at a discounted rate, while Fort Detrick brings out an anthem singer, color guard and military VIPs to give on-field presentations.

The Keys will be celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2018. For more information about ticket plans, fans can contact the Keys groups department at 301-815-9900. The Frederick Keys kickoff their home schedule on Thursday, April 12 against the Potomac Nationals at 7:00 p.m. To follow the Keys all offseason, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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

66ers Complete 2017 Community Benefit Snapshot

SAN BERNARDINO – The Inland Empire 66ers organization released their annual Community Benefit Report for the 2017 Fiscal Year. The report divulges how close to $300,000 was invested to the Inland Empire community along with several community oriented programs implemented by the 66ers Front Office staff.

Over 100 area organizations and non-profit organizations were able to raise $152,944 through 66ers fundraising programming and events plus 50 area organizations received monetary aid in the amount of $32,702. In-kind donations, such as game tickets, gift baskets and autographed memorabilia were proudly donated to over 200 local organizations to the tune of $113,946.

“We believe that to have the benefit of our community supporting us we must be involved back, creating a true partnership. This has never been more evident than during the 2017 season when our community made us number one in California League attendance for the first time in 27 years,” said Joe Hudson, General Manager. “The 66ers also believe that being part of the community outside of the ballpark is important and showcased it with 66ers Front Office members being active in over twenty local organizations.”

In addition to monetary donations given to numerous organizations, the 66ers Front Office spent several hundred hours volunteering their time in the community. Programs like “Breakfast and a Book” where 66ers staff members provide breakfast to local students who excelled over the month and read them a couple stories while they ate were extremely successful and will be expanded for the following year. During the off-season the Front Office selected one community organization a month to volunteer their time. A few of these organizations included Santa Claus, Inc., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Central Little League diamond clean up and the 66ers took staff and players to North Park Elementary for a kickball game after the tragedy at their school.

“We’re more than grateful to give monetary donations, but sometimes it’s more impactful to offer a helping hand,” said Stephanie O’Quinn, Community Groups Manager. “It’s not only rewarding to the community but for us as an organization.”

In addition to the Breakfast and a Book program, other annual events include: the annual 66ers Golf Tournament which raised over $4,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Walk for the Animals hosted by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley that netted over $14,000 for their event at San Manuel Stadium, and The Pink Ribbon Place jersey auction that raised over $3,400 from jersey sales and ticket fundraiser.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino baseball team are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels serving the Inland Empire community with family friendly entertainment. The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5th against the San Jose Giants at San Manuel Stadium. For more information about season ticket memberships or group outings, please contact the 66ers at www.66ers.com or call 909-888-9922.

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

Making Strides Walk Coming Up Saturday, Oct. 21

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2017 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 21. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2016 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2017. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.
www.BlueRocks.com

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

PawSox Foundation Presents Tomorrow Fund with Donation of $21,156

The PawSox Foundation today presented $21,156 to the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, to help families of children who are battling cancer. The funds are generated at the PawSox’ nightly “Hurl the Pearl” contest presented by six local Honda dealers.

“Childhood Cancer is one of the primary areas of focus of the PawSox Foundation,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We are inspired by the great work and good deeds of the Tomorrow Fund, and we are pleased to help their efforts. Talking to the families who have benefited from their care, we recognize what a treasure Rhode Island has in the Tomorrow Fund.”

Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante received the donation from a PawSox contingent that included Steinberg, as well as Julie Hershkowitz (Director of Client Services), Mike Lyons (Account Executive, Partnerships) Joe Bradlee (Director of Communications & Community Relations), Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President), and team mascots Paws and Sox.

At each game, fans purchase soft white baseballs and throw them at a Honda circling the field. Their donations go to the Tomorrow Fund. (Fans who toss balls through the open sun roof receive a PawSox Prize Pack of souvenirs.)

Last year, fans raised $10,008 for the charity.

 

The local Honda Dealers who sponsor the promotion (and provide the decorated vehicle) are Balise Honda, Grieco Honda, Herb Chambers Honda, Majestic Honda, Saccucci Honda, and Colonial Honda of Dartmouth.

For the second straight year, the PawSox helped launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) in their final weekend of the season.

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