$61,000 Awarded Through Home Runs For Heroes Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The 2022 Home Runs for Heroes Program wrapped up its 14th season scoring $61,000 in grants for 14 nonprofit partners serving local members of the United States Military and Veterans. Each charity partner was assigned an inning at the beginning of the season, and each home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark during their designated inning scored a $1,000 donation.

“OceanFirst Foundation is honored to work our incredible Home Runs for Heroes partners and we’re proud to share that this special program has resulted in $560,000 in grants over 14 amazing Jersey Shore BlueClaws seasons. We take great pride in supporting the local heroes who protect and have served our great nation. Thank you Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Townsquare Media – 96.7/104.1 Cat Country for your partnership over the last 14 Seasons!” – Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation.

“Deborah Hospital Foundation is a grateful partner with OceanFirst Foundation, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and Townsquare. We’re extremely appreciative to have received a $4,000 grant from this year’s Home Runs for Heroes Program. The grant will support the HeroCare Connect program which provides high quality concierge healthcare navigation services to Veterans, active duty and retired military, and their dependents. We look forward to participating again next year. Go BlueClaws!” – Steve Toal, Chief Development Officer, Deborah Hospital Foundation.

“Military causes are very close to us all and we’re honored that OceanFirst Foundation has continued this amazing program with the BlueClaws once again,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “The program helps a grouping of amazing, local, charities that help veterans and we thank OceanFirst Foundation for their support.”

Recipient organizations included: American National Red Cross, Army Emergency Relief, Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton), Ma Deuce Deuce, Chariot Riders, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, Vetwork, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, National Guard State Family Readiness Council, GI Go Fund, Cape May Coast Guard Foundation, Jewish Federation of Southern Ocean County, Deborah Hospital Foundation, and Homes For All.

The $500,000 mark was eclipsed on the first home run of 2022, hit by DJ Stewart in the second game of the season on April 9th. Baron Radcliff led the team with seven home runs at ShoreTown Ballpark. Rixon Wingrove had six home runs and Carlos De La Cruz added five.

About OceanFirst Foundation
OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 8,600 grants totaling more than $46 million to non-profits and schools within our footprint. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

About the Jersey Shore BlueClaws
The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2022, they welcomed their 8-millionth fan to ShoreTown Ballpark since team’s 2001 inception. Additionally, the BlueClaws had 14 sellouts across the summer. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is set for Tuesday, April 11th and 2023 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale at BlueClaws.com or by calling 732-901-7000 option 3.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws/OceanFirst Foundation-

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

OceanFirst Foundation Donates $78,000 Through Home Runs for Heroes Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The 2018 Home Runs for Heroes program has now generated over $300,000 in 10 years for area non-profits thanks to the OceanFirst Foundation!

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The OceanFirst Foundation donated $78,000 to area non-profit organizations as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program in 2018.

Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park this year, the organization(s) paired with the corresponding inning received $1,000 from OceanFirst Foundation. The program has now raised over $300,000 in 10 years for local organizations that support military-personnel, both veterans and active.

The BlueClaws hit a franchise record 44 home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, but because four innings featured two different organizations, home runs hit in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings each generated $2,000 in donations.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation 1st 5 $5,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council & Army Emergency Relief 2nd 6 $6,000
Vetgroup Inc & Chariot Riders Inc 3rd 6 $6,000
Lt Dennis W Zilinski II Memorial Fund & Jewish Family and Children Service of Southern NJ 4th 10 $10,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee Inc & Veterans of Foreign Wars 5th 8 $8,000
GI Go Fund & Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton 6th 4 $4,000
Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society 7th 2 $2,000
American National Red Cross 8th 2 $2,000
Operation First Response, Inc 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Rodolfo Duran led the BlueClaws with 10 home runs at FirstEnergy Park while Jake Scheiner hit seven, Quincy Nieporte hit six, and Jhailyn Ortiz added five.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2019 season opens April 4th at FirstEnergy Park against Hickory (Rangers). Click here to see the 2019 schedule (pdf file).

2019 BlueClaws Five & Ten-Game Membership Plans are currently on sale. This year, they include a Monthly Payment Plan option through which members can pay for their tickets in monthly installments through August. A Five-Game Membership Plan is available for as little as $5.42 per month! For more in BlueClaws Membership Plans, click here.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned several generations reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local schools that meet community needs within the OceanFirst Bank footprint. In 2017, OceanFirst Foundation will contribute more than $1.6 million to community initiatives and since its inception, more than $30 million in grants have been awarded to over 750 nonprofits throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws –

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

CT Tigers Announce Food Drive on August 26

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

NORWICH, Ct. – The Connecticut Tigers, Class A Short Season affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are proud to announce a partnership with the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich for the 2018 Minor League Baseball CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

On Sunday, August 26, the Tigers will host a food drive at Dodd Stadium to benefit the Catholic Charities Food Pantry during an afternoon game against the Lowell Spinners beginning at 4:05 p.m. Fans who donate any non-perishable food items at the front gate will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 flight voucher from Allegiant Airlines, proudly serving as the airline for America’s hometowns.

Minor League Baseball announced the creation of the MiLB CommUNITY initiative in 2016 as a response to a collection of tragedies and tension that developed in communities across the country. Our ballparks have long been a place of fun and enjoyment, providing a break from the ills of today’s society. The MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines encourages fans to take action in their communities and promote unity, understanding, acceptance and inclusion. This is the first time the Connecticut Tigers have teamed up for the MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. Individual tickets for all 2018 home games, season memberships to “The Club,” ticket mini-plans, and Tigers team merchandise are now on sale at Dodd Stadium, by phone at 860-887-7962, and online at CTTigers.com.

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

OceanFirst Foundation Completes Home Runs for Heroes Grant Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In nine years, the Home Runs for Heroes program has raised over $260,000.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation donated over $40,000 to area military-based non-profit organizations through the 2017 Home Runs for Heroes Program. The program is a partnership between the BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, and Townsquare Media.

Home Runs for Heroes Grants provide financial support to charities that meet the emergency basic needs of veterans and local service men and women – active and retired – and their families during difficult times. Non-profits were paired with each inning of the game and each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park meant a $1,000 donation to the charity corresponding with the inning in which the home run was hit.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Operation First Response 1st 2 $2,000
Chariot Riders & Navy-Marine Corps Relief 2nd 4 $4,000
American Recreational Military Services 3rd 1 $1,000
GI Go Fund & Jewish Federation/Take the Wheel 4th 4 $4,000
Army Emergency Relief & National Guard State Family Readiness Council 5th 1 $1,000
VetGroup & Catholic Charities 6th 5 $5,000
American Red Cross 7th 8 $8,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund 8th 3 $3,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Home runs hit in the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings meant $1,000 donations to two charities, so $43,000 was donated for the BlueClaws 29 home runs hit at FirstEnergy Park this year.

The program, which just completed its ninth season, has now raised $260,000 to area non-profits thanks to the donations of OceanFirst Foundation.

Darick Hall led the BlueClaws with seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, while Brett Barbier hit four and Arquimedes Gamboa hit three. Austin Listi hit two, including a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of the final game of the season, bringing a $1,000 donation to the Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee. This was the lone BlueClaws home run hit in the ninth inning or extra innings this year.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2018 schedule has been released and 2018 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 6,400 grants totaling more than $32 million to over 750 local charities throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws / OceanFirst –

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

Fresno Grizzlies Coat and Blanket Drive December 8-13

Donations can be dropped off on the second floor administration lobby at Chukchansi Park

Fresno-GrizzliesThe Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will join Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno in giving back to the community this holiday season. Catholic Charities is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno that is dedicated to serving all of those in need throughout the Fresno, Merced, and Kern counties. Together, the Grizzlies and Catholic Charities will work towards receiving winter clothing item donations to help provide families and individuals to stay warm through the winter season.

Catholic-Charities-of-FresnoThe Coat and Blanket Drive will take place at Chukchansi Park and is open to anyone who would like to donate new or gently used articles of clothing for the winter. The drive will commence on Monday, December 8th and run through Saturday, December 13th. Drop-off hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the second floor lobby of the Grizzlies administration office (enter ballpark off H Street). The donation drive will end on Saturday, December 13th with a drop-off point on the corner of Tulare/H Street in front of the Chukchansi Park Gate 1 sign from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Anyone making a donation will receive two (2) complimentary ticket vouchers for a 2015 Fresno Grizzlies home game.

            It is recommended that donations consist of coats and/or blankets, but any clothing garments practical for the winter are also welcomed.

A list of suggestions is below:

Coats Blankets/Quilts/Comforters
Gloves/Mittens Sweaters
Winter Boots Hoodies
Hats/Beanies Ear Muffs/Headbands
Scarves Full-length Pants/Sweats
Long-sleeved shirts Socks

 

***All items donated must be gently used, in good condition or new***

As the winter season arrives and temperatures get cooler, there are many people who can benefit from the donation of any winter apparel. Many families in the Fresno, Merced, and Kern county areas do not have the means to purchase new clothing items at this time of year. A donation of at least one item can help tremendously.

ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES:

Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno. They are devoted to helping and empowering people of the community and have been serving low-income residents in Fresno, Merced, and Kern County for over 47 years. Catholic Charities promotes community empowerment through assistance in applying and enrollment for government and public programs that are designed to lower monthly expenditures. An in-house food pantry allows the organization to feed an average of 120 to 130 families daily. This specific Catholic Charities location at 149 Fulton Street also houses a thrift store, which not only clothes families in crisis, but is also open to the public. All proceeds go directly back to Social Service programs of Catholic Charities.

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

HR for Heroes Raises $34,000 In 2014

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-09-17

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoOceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

Ocean-FirstIn six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief First 4 $4,000
Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council Second 6 $6,000
ARMS Third 1 $1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund Fourth 2 $2,000
American Red Cross Fifth 1 $1,000
Navy Marine Corp Relief Society Sixth 5 $5,000
Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME! Seventh 6 $6,000
Vetwork Eighth 0 $1,000
Catholic Charities Ninth/Extra 2 $2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

For more information on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

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

Home Runs, Strikeouts Benefit Local Charities

BlueClaws partners OceanFirst Bank, Stop & Shop donate to local organizations through two initiatives

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-05-15

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoThe BlueClaws have partnered with OceanFirst Foundation and Stop & Shop to raise money for local organizations when a BlueClaws batter hits a home run or when a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park this summer.

OceanFirst Foundation’s Home Runs for Heroes
The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation have again partnered on Home Runs for Heroes, a program that raises money for local military-based non-profit organizations. Each inning of the game is tied in with a local military-based organization. Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run in Lakewood, OceanFirst Foundation makes a donation of $1,000 to that organization. For a rundown of charities, please click here.

The program is now in its sixth season and has raised over $120,000 so far. For more on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

Stop & Shop’s Strike Out Hunger
The BlueClaws and Stop & Shop have again partnered on the Strike Out Hunger campaign, through which Stop & Shop makes a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout by a pitcher in Lakewood this year. Last year, the program raised over $10,000 for the Food Bank, which supports over 260 pantries and soup kitchens at the Jersey Shore.

Further, this year, as part of their 100th anniversary celebration, Stop & Shop will give out a $100 gift card to one lucky fan each time the BlueClaws reach a 100-strikeout milestone this year (100th, 200th, etc strikeout of the year).

For a program rundown, click here.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence. For tickets to any BlueClaws home game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

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

OceanFirst Donates $30k Through HRs for Heroes

OceanFirst Foundation donated $30,000 to local military-based charities in 2010 as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program with the BlueClaws.

Home Runs for Heroes, presented by OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM, pairs nine military-based charities with positions on the field (including designated hitter, not including pitcher).

Every time a BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, one of the nine charities received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

“When our young men and women leave to serve their country, they leave families behind here in the States. We support those organizations that help those families and we support those organizations that help our soldiers when they come home,” said OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardelli.

Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix led the way with $8,000, $7,000 of which came courtesy of home runs by BlueClaws first baseman Jonathan Singleton.

VETGROUP, which benefitted from five home runs by BlueClaws catcher Sebastian Valle, earned $6,000.

Below are the 2010 standings in full:

Organization Position Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix 1B 8 $8,000
VETGROUP C 6 $6,000
American Red Cross RF 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities CF 3 $3,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Lakehurst LF 3 $3,000
NJ National Guard Family Readiness SS 2 $2,000
A.R.M.S DH 2 $2,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Earle 2B 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Monmouth 3B 0 $1,000

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.

OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardell (center, with trophy) presents checks to recipients.

“Home Runs for Heroes” Recipients Announced

The BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM are happy to announce the 2010 recipient charities for this season’s “Home Runs for Heroes” program. This will be the program’s second season. Last year, OceanFirst donated $24,000 to local charities that provide essential support to veterans and active members of the United States military after every BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park.

This season’s recipients are the American Red Cross, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Monmouth), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Earle), Navy-Marine Corps Relief (Lakehurst), Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, National Guard State Family Readiness Council and Vetgroup.

Like last year, the program will tie each position on the field (not including pitcher, but including designated hitter) with one of the randomly selected participant charities. Each home run by the BlueClaws at home this year will bring a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity courtesy of OceanFirst Foundation. In addition to the grant money received, each organization will receive publicity at the ballpark and on WOBM AM and FM.

“Last year’s program was a smashing success and we’re looking forward to an even bigger season in 2010,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation. “Our servicemen and women give the ultimate sacrifice and this is a great way to support soldiers and their families here at home.”

“WOBM-AM and FM is proud to play a part in Home Runs for Heroes this year,” said Kevin Williams, Vice President of Millennium Radio New Jersey. “This is a very significant cause that is close to all of our hearts. We hope that the BlueClaws hit a lot of home runs.”

Results will be updated throughout the year on BlueClaws.com, OceanFirstFdn.org, Wobm.com, BlueClaws radio broadcasts and during all BlueClaws home games at FirstEnergy Park. All charities will have a representative interviewed on the Ocean County Breakfast Show by Shawn Michaels and Sue Moll on 92.7 WOBM.

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development.