Kay Yow Cancer Fund to join Mudcats for “Strikeout Cancer Weekend”

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ZEBULON, NC – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and member of the historic Carolina League, are proud to announce the Kay Yow Cancer Fund as an official partner of the “Strikeout Cancer Weekend” event being held at Five County Stadium on May 15, 16 and 17 when the Mudcats play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will be the official charity for Friday’s May 15 game in Zebulon at 7:00 p.m. Fans wishing to attend the game and support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund can purchase specially priced tickets through the Mudcats front office. A portion of those ticket sales will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Contact Yogi Brewington or Aaron Freeman in the Mudcats front office for more information at (919) 269-2287.

Additionally, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will be on hand at Friday’s game (May 15) with an information booth available for fans. Representatives from the Kay Yow Cancer Fund will also participate in pregame on field ceremonies.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Mudcats also plan on honoring cancer survivors before the game with a unique on field ceremony. Fans hoping to participate, or wishing to nominate a friend or relative for participation in the ceremony should contact Mr. Brewington or Mr. Freeman at (919) 269-2287.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women’s basketball coach.

Kay Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and passed away on January 24, 2009, after facing her third bout with the disease. Before her death, she joined forces with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and The V Foundation for Cancer Research to form the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women’s cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.

For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund or to make a donation, please visit www.kayyow.com and follow them on social media @kayyowfund.

“Strikeout Cancer Weekend” at Five County stadium will take place May 15, 16 and 17 when the Mudcats play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Mudcats players will wear specially designed jerseys for all three games in the series. Those game worn jerseys will then be made available to fans through a special auction.

All of the proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to local cancer-fighting charities including the “Kay Yow Cancer Fund,” the “Vs. Cancer Foundation” and “Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure.”

The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The 2015 “Braves New World” season is the first for the Mudcats as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and their fourth straight in the historic Carolina League. First established in 1991, the Carolina Mudcats are entering their 25th straight season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.

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

4th Annual Paint the Park Purple Night is May 1st

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The Lynchburg Hillcats are teaming up with Relay for Life of Lynchburg and the American Cancer Society on Friday, May 1st at 6:30pm for the 4th Annual Paint the Park Purple Night and T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia!

Gates will open at 5:30pm and general Admission Tickets for the game will be $11 with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life of Lynchburg will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 and is an overnight relay style walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society, as well as honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer. Local participants have been able to sell tickets to Paint the Park Purple Night as a part of their fundraising for their relay team. Fans will also be able to participate in a 50/50 raffle during the game, proceeds of which will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

Approximately 1,596,000 people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States last year and it is estimated that over 41,000 new cancer cases will be reported in 2013 for the state of Virginia alone. The American Cancer Society raises funds worldwide for research programs to find cures for all forms of cancer, and helps those diagnosed to find treatments and support. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about staying healthy and preventing cancer, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

The Hillcats thank the following Paint the Park Purple sponsors: Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA (Title Sponsor); Brownstone Properties; Cintas; Courtyard by Marriott; Mortgage Atlantic; W.E.M. Masonry; Westover Dairy; Yellow Sub; 105.5 KD Country; 93.7 & 106.9 KHF; and WIQO/ESPN Radio.

To purchase tickets for the Paint the Park Purple Night, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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

Red Sox to Host Kids Take Over the Park Day on June 14

Kids ages 5-12 given opportunity to run the show for Salem Sox game

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox and Blue Eagle Credit Union are teaming up for the first-ever Kids Take Over the Ballpark day on Sunday, June 14 at LewisGale Field. When the Red Sox take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 4:05 p.m., nearly 30 kids ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to run the show at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

Children selected to participate in the event will have the opportunity to shadow one of the following positions: on-field host, public address announcer, grounds crew, diamond crew, radio broadcaster, box office representative, bat boy and camera operator. A casting call is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. prior to the Red Sox game against the Potomac Nationals. A table will be set up prior to the game for those interested in auditioning.

In addition, there will be a social media audition for kids who would like to help manage the Salem Red Sox for a day. All children interested in auditioning for manager should post a one minute video explaining why they would like to be selected and post it on the Salem Red Sox Facebook page or mention the Salem Red Sox on Twitter.

For more information on Kids Take Over the Ballpark day, please e-mail either Lindsey Schmidt (lschmidt@salemsox.com) or Chelsea Booth (cbooth@salemsox.com) or call 540-389-3333.

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

7th Annual Autism Awareness Night is April 18th

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With 1 in 110 children in the United States diagnosed with some form of Autism, the Hillcats are lending a hand to offer awareness and support to this cause in 2015. The 7th Annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th and will raise money for Commonwealth Autism Services.

As many as 75,000 in Virginia are affected with this developmental disability and Commonwealth Autism Services is an organization that strives to enrich the lives of those in Virginia with autism, throughout their entire lifespan through statewide services. GA tickets are $11 and two dollars of each ticket sold for April 18th’s game will be donated to this organization.

This year’s Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is slated for 6:30pm when the Hillcats will take on the Potomac Nationals at City Stadium. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates that evening will receive a free commemorative t-shirt! Along with donating a portion of the ticket costs, proceeds from a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and sponsor donations will also be donated during an in-game check presentation. Last year’s Autism Awareness Night raised over $12,000!

The Hillcats thank the following Autism Awareness Night Sponsors:

Physicians Treatment Center (Title Sponsor); Lynchburg Project Lifesaver, Inc; Sam’s Club; After Hours Plumbing; Developmental Pediatrics; Flowers Baking Company; Gary’s Garden Center; High Peak Sportswear, Inc; Larry’s Tire & Auto Repair; Laslie’s Auto Body; Mortgage Atlantic; New Covenant Schools; Piedmont Eye Center; Rehab Associates of Central Virginia; Thompson-Brooks Insurance; Winoa USA; Wooldridge Heating, Air & Electrical, Inc; 105.5 KD Country; 93.7 & 106.9 KHF; WIQO/ESPN Radio; and WYYD.

Fans will also have the chance to give back to great local causes with the 4th Annual Paint the Park Purple Night presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA, Relay for Life & The American Cancer Society on Friday, May 1st at 6:30pm as well as with the 9th Annual “Swing for a Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Society on Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30pm.

To purchase tickets to Autism Awareness Night, Paint the Park Purple Night, Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). So don’t miss your chance to give back to the community with the Lynchburg Hillcats this season!

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

Virginia529 Good Report Card Day is April 19th

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Lynchburg-HillcatsThe Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All K-8 students with a report card with all A’s and B’s or better, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn two free GA tickets for the game on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm. Simply fill out this form and bring it along with your report card to the Hillcats Box Office prior to the event anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or the day of the game to earn your free ticket.

Virginia529Good Report Card students may also participate in a parade on the field before the game! To participate, register at the Virginia529 table on the concourse between 1-1:30pm. The parade will begin at 1:35pm. Plus, all students who turn in the form will be entered into a drawing for a “Hillcat for a Day” Prize Pack!

Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the Official College Savings Plan of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Virginia529 offers four flexible, affordable and tax advantaged programs to help you save in advance for higher education. Visit www.Virginia529.com to learn how you can get started with as little as $25.

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

TD Bank and Sparks Toyota team up for Community Corner program

Two companies to donate nearly 2,000 tickets to non-profits

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (APRIL 6, 2015) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are pleased to announce that TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, will return as a partner in the Pelicans TD Bank Community Corner program for the 2015 regular season. Joining TD Bank this season is Sparks Toyota. The two organizations will provide approximately 1,750 tickets to local non-profit organizations in Horry and Georgetown counties.

The Community Corner program enters its fifth season, and this year, tickets will be provided for all 70 Pelicans home games. Each night, a non-profit organization will receive 25 tickets as part of the expanded program.

The groups will enjoy a unique night out at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark with tickets in the reserved box seating area. The group will have the name of their organization appear on the video board during the game as well.

“Every year it is such a pleasure to work with an organization that cares so much for its community,” said Scott Sharp, Regional Vice President, TD Bank. “The Community Corner Program is dedicated to giving back and providing a wonderful opportunity for its residents and we are thrilled to support such meaningful efforts.”

“We are proud to partner with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and TD Bank to provide tickets for our local nonprofit organizations,” said Patrick Sparks, General Manager of Sparks Toyota. “Giving back to our community has been a cornerstone belief for Sparks Toyota for over 30 years and we are thrilled to have this opportunity.”

Non-profits interested in joining the TD Bank Community Corner program are encouraged to contact Becca Holtgreive, Pelicans Community Relations Assistant, by telephone at (843) 918-6003 or by e-mail at BHoltgreive@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Pelicans begin their defense of their 2014 Southern Division Championship on Thursday, April 9, when the team plays host to the Wilmington Blue Rocks at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark at 7:05 p.m. Season Seats, Mini Plans, Flex Books, and single game tickets for the 2015 season are on sale now For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or 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.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

About Sparks Toyota

Sparks Toyota works to provide each and every one of their customers with the best experience possible. For more than 33 years, Sparks Toyota has been proudly serving the Grand Strand with a continuous commitment to the community. Their loyal customers have made it possible for for them to donate over $500,000 to many local civic and charitable organizations.

The Spark Toyota team of highly qualified professionals knows there’s more to this industry than just selling cars; they value one-on-one relationships with every one of their customers and take the time to build them. Customers can trust that Sparks Toyota will find them the car or truck they want with professionalism and attention to their needs.

From new and used Toyota vehicles, to auto loans and OEM car parts, Sparks Toyota really is the one and only full-service dealership you need. Whether you need vehicle repair, financial assistance, a new car or anything else, their friendly and knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction. Visit the newly expanded dealership and check out everything that Sparks Toyota has to offer at 4855 Highway 501 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579. They go the extra mile to make sure your car-buying and servicing experience is quick and hassle-free! Sparks Toyota-where the dealer’s always in.

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

Pelicans partner with Axelrod & Associates for $100K promotion

Every Pelicans home run at home earns donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation

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Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in partnership with Axelrod & Associates, P.A., are glad to announce an exciting promotion around Pelicans home runs, benefiting the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2015 season at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

For every home run hit by a Pelicans player during any 2015 home game, Axelrod & Associates will donate $100 to the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-WishAlso new to the ballpark this season will be a billboard in right-centerfield, which includes a caricature of Mr. Stuart M. Axelrod, donning a Chicago Cubs cap, extending his glove through the outfield wall, where his glove is ready to make a catch. If a home run ball by a Pelicans player goes through the cutout hole in the glove and into the accompanying net behind it, one lucky fan in attendance will be chosen at random to win $100,000. Fans must be present at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark to win. The winner will be selected based on the tickets scanned at the gates prior to the first pitch.

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

Superhero jerseys highlight Pelicans Special Olympics Night

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Law Enforcement Torch Run aiming for growth in year three of partnership with Pelicans

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will host the third annual Special Olympics Night in conjunction with Superhero Night as part of “Geekend” on Saturday, April 25 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This season, the Pelicans will wear unique superhero-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off to benefit the Special Olympics as well.

This marks the second time that Special Olympics Night will overlap with Superhero Night, although it is the first time that the Pelicans will wear superhero-themed series on this night. “The superhero theme is a natural fit for Special Olympics Night,” remarked Pelicans Senior Director of Community Jen Borowski. “All the Special Olympics athletes are superheroes in my eyes.”

Special-OlympicsFans who wish to donate to the Special Olympics at the game will be able to do so at the Special Olympics table in the concourse or at the Guest Services booth. Proceeds from the jersey auction and 50/50 raffle will also benefit the Special Olympics.

Those that wish to bid on jerseys will be able to do so whether in attendance or not, as select jerseys will be available for bidding online. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the corresponding player or coach immediately following the game, and fans at the game will have the opportunity to take a photo with the player or coach as well.

Over the past two seasons, the Pelicans and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have helped raise over $23,000 for the Special Olympics of South Carolina through the proceeds from this event.

“This is a real passion for many of us here locally in law enforcement,” remarked Lance Corporal Felix Cruz, who is part of the LETR, which runs a handful of events in the area to raise money for Special Olympics. “We want to get as many people out there to the game as possible to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The money allows athletes locally, regionally, and nationally to train and compete in Special Olympics events, and without the financial support, many of the Special Olympics athletes would not be able to do so.”

In addition to raising money for the Special Olympics, the night also serves as a platform to highlight the Special Olympics athletes. The athletes will take part in a pre-game parade on the field, participate in a variety of on-field games and in-park promotions, and take the field with the Pelicans players at the start of the game.

Pelicans players and coaches will also hold a private meet-and-greet and autograph session with the Special Olympics athletes prior to first pitch.

The LETR runs a number of events in Horry county to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, including: Teacher on the Roof, Capture the Flag Tournament, Dip, Duck and Dive Dodgeball Tournament, Tip the Waiter, St. James Got Talent, a Fashion Show at St. James, and Krispy Kreme Cops on Doughnut Shop. The Pelicans help the LETR support a number of these programs and recognize Special Olympics athletes outside of Special Olympics Night as well, including an on-field ceremony during the 2014 Carolina League postseason, in which athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games were recognized prior to the Pelicans game.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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

Myrtle Beach Herald Readers’ Choice Award goes to Pelicans

Pelicans named “Best Family Attraction” by readers

­­­­MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (FEBRUARY 27, 2015) – The Myrtle Beach Herald released its “Readers’ Choice Awards” on Friday, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, were named “Best Family Attraction.”

The award is one of many that the Pelicans have garnered over the past year. The Carolina League awarded the Pelicans the “Complete Franchise Award from the Carolina League” along with the “Marketing and Promotional Award;” the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce gave the Pelicans the “Community Service Award;” Ballpark Digest gave the Pelicans the “Promotion of the Year” award; and the Grand Strand Happening named the Pelicans “Best Family Outing.”

Stadium Journey Magazine also continued to recognize the Pelicans ballpark experience, giving it top honors in the Carolina League, a fourth-place spot in Minor League Baseball, and number 32 ranking in all of sports in their most recent rankings.

This is the first year that the Pelicans have won the Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Family Attraction.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual poll that was open to readers of the Myrtle Beach Herald using a new online voting system that helped create the largest number of voting entries in the newspaper’s history.

The Pelicans were one of twenty award winners in the “Entertainment” category. Other categories include: Auto; Beauty and Wellness; Food and Drink; Health and Medical; Home and Garden; Pets; Professional Services; Real Estate; Recreation, Leisure & Sports; and Shopping.

A full list of the winners can be found in a special supplement in the Myrtle Beach Herald in the February 27, 2015 edition and also available for online viewing at www.MyHorryNews.com.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

 

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

Blue Rocks Announce 2014 Holiday Card Contest Winner

5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA chosen out of thousands of entries.

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Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 13th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be only one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Benjamin Trowbridge, a 5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. His artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Benjamin will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2015 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. The art teachers of the winner and honorable mention designers will be contacted by a Blue Rocks representative in the next week. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Iyanna Flores
Kindergarten
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Dafne Ruiz
2nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Sophie Dodds
3rd Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Emily Ford
4th Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Adrienne Testa
5th Grade
Holy Angels School
Newark, DE

Erica Panico
5th Grade
North Star Elementary
Hockessin, DE.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2015 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks, who drew 284,701 fans to Frawley Stadium in 2014 and averaged more than 4,400 patrons per game, have season seats and group packages for the 2015 season on sale now. Fans should call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Keys to Host Toys for Tots Drive

Fans Who Contribute New Toy to Receive Tickets and Hat

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Frederick-KeysThe holiday season is right around the corner, and for the third consecutive season the Keys will be partnering with Toys for Tots. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Members of the Frederick community can drop off toys at Harry Grove Stadium starting on November 5, from 9-5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Anyone who donates a toy will receive two tickets to a 2015 Frederick Keys home game along with two Keys hats.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014bThe Toys for Tots Drive concludes on Saturday, December 13, when the Keys host their annual holiday event in the Mattress Warehouse Club.

“We received tremendous support from the community during our toy drive last year,” said Director of Marketing Bridget McCabe. “The Keys love bringing smiles to the faces of local kids during the holiday season, and our annual partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to do just that.”

The Keys Holiday Event on December 13 will run from 10am-1pm. More details will be available at a later date. Ticket plans for the 2015 season are now available, and can be purchased by calling an account manager at 301-815-9900. Every plan comes with the choice of a Zach Britton or Kevin Gausman bobblehead.

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

Frederick Keys Care Grants Awarded

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

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Frederick-KeysIt is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement.   In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Housing-Authority-of-Frederick-MDTeen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Heartly-HouseChild Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings-in-a-BackpackBlessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Advocates-for-Homeless-FamiliesHomeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

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

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which 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 also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“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 general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

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 (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-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 San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

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Myrtle-Beach-PelicansGrand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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

Blackmar Honored for Outstanding Community Service

Former Keys Pitcher Receives Elrod Hendricks Award

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Frederick-KeysOn Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles announced Mark Blackmar as the organization’s winner of the 2014 Elrod Hendricks Award. Given out annually since 1992, the award honors one player whose level of community involvement is worthy of special recognition and that truly stands out within the Orioles Minor League Organization. Blackmar will receive the award on Thursday night during a pregame ceremony at Camden Yards.

Blackmar, 22, becomes the third Key in as many years to win the Hendricks award. In 2013, Anthony Caronia received the award, while Trent Howard was recognized in 2012. Since 2004, seven Frederick players have been recognized with Orioles top minor league prize for community involvement.

During his time in Frederick, Blackmar visited the Frederick County libraries to read to children, spent time with fans at the Frederick Celtic Festival and served as a camp counselor at the Keys Youth Baseball Camp.

“Mark was always very eager to go out into the community and had a really positive attitude,” said Keys Promotions Manager Christine Roy. “He was friendly with everyone and was really a pleasure to work with.”

For his commitment to community service, Blackmar was honored with the Steve Bechler Award last Saturday, which recognizes the Keys player who best represents the value, character and commitment of Joel Stephens in community service.

On the same night he was recognized, Blackmar was traded to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Alejandro De Aza. Former Keys pitcher Miguel Chalas was also involved in the trade. One of the Orioles top minor league pitchers in 2014, Blackmar finished the year with the second-best ERA (3.18) among Baltimore minor leaguers. He was also tied for fourth in wins (10). The Corpus Christi, TX native ended the year with the fifth-best ERA in the Carolina League, and was third in WHIP (1.08) and batting average against (.229).

In addition to Blackmar, the Orioles will recognize former Keys Christian Walker and Tyler Wilson on Thursday night. Walker will receive the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year award while Wilson will be recognized with the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

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