Foster Children’s Foundation receives Gwinnett Braves January Grant

Team’s grant will help deliver the Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program to foster children in North Georgia.

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Foster Children’s Foundation is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves January grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program.

According to Suzanne Geske, Executive Director, “the children we serve come from negative backgrounds and often believe that following their dreams will only lead to disappointment. All children deserve to hope for a better tomorrow and it begins with a dream. The funds received from the Gwinnett Braves will help the Foster Children’s Foundation support foster and at risk youth and allow them to believe in themselves and begin a path that will lead them to a successful future and allow them to achieve their dreams.”

The Tomorrow Matters® program provides critical life skills training to youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Trained, caring mentors deliver the program to ensure that the participants have what they need to reach their potential and become self sufficient citizens.

The Foster Children’s Foundation is a 501(C) 3 non-profit support organization that provides for the unmet material and emotional needs of youth in foster care. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children who are in foster care or are in danger of entering the foster care system by identifying the economic, environmental, educational and emotional needs and implementing ways to raise public awareness and establish programs in an effort to serve these issues.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club.

$157, 861.68 Raised at Granite State Baseball Dinner

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, today announced that $157, 861.68 was raised for charity at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on November 20, 2010.  Monies raised through dinner ticket sales, raffle tickets and silent and live memorabilia auctions benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have held another successful evening of fundraising and entertainment with so many friends, fans, business partners and volunteers at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental,” said Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board Art Solomon.  “Thanks to the courtesy of our special guests and the generosity of our community, many wonderful memories were made to go along with meaningful financial contributions toward the worthy charities.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Fisher Cats organization, the Ted Williams Museum and the hard working volunteer committee members who helped make the Granite State Baseball Dinner a resounding success,” said Paul Merguerian, MD, Director of CHaD.  “As New Hampshire’s only comprehensive, full service children’s hospital, we are extremely grateful for the Fisher Cats’ generous commitment to the children and families of NH.  It is because of acts of generosity and kindness like this that we are able to provide the very best care for all our state’s children regardless of their family’s ability to pay.  Thank you Fisher Cats-you are number one in our book.”

CHaD, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, is New Hampshire’s only NACRI approved, comprehensive, full-service, family-centered children’s hospital.  CHaD offers compassionate care for the most critically ill and injured children throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and beyond, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner help CHaD further its mission to provide each child the best care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.  CHaD’s facilities include a comprehensive, full-service hospital in Lebanon, which is also home to northern New England’s only Level-I Pediatric Trauma Center, and outpatient facilities offering a full array of specialty care in Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua and Dover.  In southern New Hampshire alone, there are 53 specialists in over 16 pediatric specialties delivering care close to home for kids with chronic and acute illnesses. As a part of the renowned Dartmouth Medical School, with its stellar reputation for innovative research, CHaD’s physicians are among the first to know about advancements in technology and clinical practice, which translates to the best care for patients.

The goal of the Ted Williams Museum is to preserve and build on the rich tradition and heritage of our national pastime in a mission of outreach and education.  The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner are instrumental in ensuring the museum’s continued existence and in providing for numerous youth baseball programs and scholarships for deserving student athletes.  The Museum also provides assistance to charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Children’s Dream Fund, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and many more.

“We are so thrilled to be a part of a truly special event that brings fans and their sports heroes together, all for a selfless and commendable cause,” said Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “We’d like to thank our partners the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and CHaD, and everyone who generously opened up their hearts to help us in furthering our mission of celebrating baseball through outreach and education.”

The Fisher Cats Foundation is a statewide charitable organization dedicated to bettering the lives of young people by supporting CHaD and providing scholarships to college-bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students.  In 2010, the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 12 high school seniors and has awarded a total of $110,000 in scholarships since 2007.  With proceeds from the Granite State Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats Foundation also makes contributions to local and regional non-profit organizations such as City Year, the American Red Cross, the Monarchs Care Foundation, the Bella Tucker Fund and many more.

Autism group gets $1K grant from G-Braves

A local autism support group is the latest recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves.

On Monday, the G-Braves announced that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. would be awarded its December grant. The money will be used to support the organization’s social skills program for children ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

“When the economy suffers, small nonprofits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give,” Spectrum president Claire Dees said. “But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else.”

The Suwanee-based organization was founded in 1998 and provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

At its monthly meetings, the social skills program allows 50 to 80 children to enjoy interactive and fun activities that focus on social lessons.

For more information on Spectrum, visit www.atl-spectrum.com

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

The Cody Fund Receives Gwinnett Braves October Grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Cody Fund, at the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves October grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to purchase a new Police K-9 for the Snellville Police Department.

“We are extremely grateful to the Gwinnett Braves and the Cody Fund for providing funds toward the purchase of a new Police K-9 and training of a K-9 and handler,” said Roy Whitehead, Chief of the Snellville Police Department. “Our K-9 units have been extremely beneficial in preventing and solving crimes which make Snellville a safer place to live. The purchase of this dog would not have been possible without this generous grant.”

The Gwinnett County K-9 Unit has six police canine teams that provide support to the Uniform and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Their primary duties include tracking lost or missing persons, tracking wanted persons, finding evidence or lost property, conducting building searches, serving high risk warrants and locating illegal narcotics. In addition the unit also has a K-9 Team trained to detect explosive materials and provides support to the department’s EOD Unit.

The Cody Fund was created to support police K-9 units in Gwinnett County. Kathy Gestar, an avid dog lover, attended the Snellville Police Academy in 1999 and was impressed by the service that officers and their K-9’s provide to protect Gwinnett residents.

Moved by the need for additional dogs and equipment, Gestar founded the Cody Fund, named after her beloved Sheltie that passed away in 2008.

Since its inception in 1999, the Cody Found has awarded grants for the purchase and training of K-9 dogs, as well as for their specialized medical care and K-9 unit equipment.

Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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.

Dream House receives G-Braves grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced recently that the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves September grant.

The $1,000 grant will be used to cover unreimbursed direct care costs associated with the Family For Keeps Transition Care Program. The proven Family for Keeps program provides education and services enabling families to care for these children at home. This gives children with complex health care needs a chance to be part of a loving home where they are valued and cared for effectively.

“We are very grateful for local friends, such as the Gwinnett Braves Foundation,” said Kim Marks, Chief Program Officer, Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. “The community’s support is vital so that Dream House may continue to provide transition care services to the medically fragile children we serve in the Gwinnett area and across the state.”

Gwinnett Braves General Manager North Johnson will present a ceremonial check to the Dream House during the non-profit’s 8th Annual Music-on-Main fundraiser at Lilburn City Park on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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Kernels Continue to Help Flood Victims with Phase II

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9, 2010 prior to the Kernels playoff game against the Clinton Lumber Kings. The money was raised in part from a season-long 50/50 raffle at home Kernels games. The amount of $17,162 will be divided between six local schools affected by the 2008 flood, which include Jefferson, Harrison, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Metro, and Wilson. The monies will help provide equal opportunities to outdoor physical fitness activities and fitness programs to school children. The Foundation is committed to providing programs and introducing better life skills and leveling the playing field for the children in these neighborhoods as compared to the rest of the city. This year’s project was phase II in the Foundation’s efforts to continue to help the flood victims in Cedar Rapids.

The Kernels Foundation phase I project included building two new baseball fields and renovating a third that was damaged by flood waters. The Kernels Foundation, Minor League Baseball Charities, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the City of Cedar Rapids, and others raised $170,000 in 2009 for the project. Because of the new playing fields, we were able to offer a free program to at-risk kids this summer. Seventy-five children were able to play baseball two nights a week at the Jones Park Complex for free, including the use of equipment and uniforms.

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9.

Missions donate $5,000 to Missions Rookie League

The San Antonio Missions presented a $5,000 check to the Missions Rookie League before Thursday’s game, a result of a successful charity golf tournament held on May 25.

The Missions Rookie League is an organization that provides baseball opportunities to underprivileged kids and student athletes in San Antonio. The Missions Rookie League also offers scholarships for youth athletes, and is partnered with the Police Athletic League.

2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes Recognized June 4th

On Friday, June 4, 2010 the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded its annual Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. Each year the foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to ten New Hampshire and two Massachusetts college-bound students. The twelve scholar-athlete scholarship recipients are selected based upon their academic success, athletic achievement and active citizenship.

The 2010 recipients and their families were invited out to the Fisher Cats game where they were recognized down on the field before the game. Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner, presented each the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete with a certificate as his/her name was being announced.

After the pre-game ceremonies the scholar-athletes and their families were treated to a barbeque buffet out in left field in the Poultry Products Dinner in the Den, where they had the opportunity to meet members of the Fisher Cats Foundation as well as past scholarship winners.

“The Fisher Cats would like to congratulate the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes and their families,” said Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner. “We would also like to thank all those who support the Fisher Cats Foundation and their continued efforts in making this night possible.”

Since 2007, the Fisher Cats Foundation has awarded over $110,000 in scholarships.

Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner with the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes

BlueClaws Raise Over $5,500 in Pink Jersey Auction

Sunday’s Lakewood BlueClaws post-game pink jersey auction raised $5,535 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central and South Jersey, the American Cancer Society’s “Strides Against Breast Cancer” and BlueClaws Charities.

The auction was originally scheduled for Mother’s Day (May 9th), but was pushed back two weeks when the May 9th game went 15 innings.

“We’re very happy to raise so much money to help these outstanding causes,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “The BlueClaws, the Komen Foundation, and the American Cancer Society are all very appreciative of the fans that bid and donated their money to help fight breast cancer.”

BlueClaws pitcher Nick Hernandez’s jersey went for $800, the highest bid of the day.

The team’s next jersey auction will be held on June 17th, when the BlueClaws host a BlueClaws World Cup jersey auction on Soccer Night.

The team will also host jersey auctions on July 10th (BruceClaws on Bruce Springsteen Appreciation Night) and July 29th (Goonies jerseys on 25th Anniversary of the Goonies Appreciation Night).

Charities can receive a portion of the proceeds from a BlueClaws jersey auction through the team’s Community Partners Program. Interested area non-profits that take part in a BlueClaws fundraiser receive exposure through the team’s game program plus stadium signage. Community Partners can then apply to receive additional money through the program.

Interested charities can contact Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114 or email jdeangelis@blueclaws.com.

BlueClaws Charities contributed over $150,000 to area non-profits and fundraising events in 2009.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are in their 10th season of providing family fun and entertainment at the Jersey Shore. The BlueClaws, who won the South Atlantic League title in 2009, have led the league and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence.

Bisons’ Adoption of Buffalo High School Baseball Program Enters Fourth Season

Led by team owners Bob and Mindy Rich, the Buffalo Bisons have extended their adoption of the City of Buffalo High School Baseball Program for a fourth season in 2010. The adoption will include 14 high schools –with the recent additions of Buffalo Early Middle College and Vocational and Performing Arts High School- and the continuation of the “Junior Bisons” summer team.

The Rich Foundation and the Buffalo Bisons officially adopted the City of Buffalo High School Baseball Program in April of 2007 as a commitment to assist in the revival and development of the city’s high school program. In the four years since, the Bisons have facilitated and assisted in the funding of the renovation of Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium, provided stipends for each school to hire assistant coaches and purchased extensive baseball equipment for schools that lacked even basic supplies.

The Bisons have also invited teams to use the faculties located at Coca-Cola Field, including the team’s indoor batting cages. Each year, the Bisons coaches and players have held one-day clinics for both the coaches and players of Buffalo high school teams.

One of the highlights of this adoption is the Junior Bisons. Each year, around 18 players are selected from the 14 Buffalo public high schools for a team that competes in the scholastic division of the CEBA -the County of Erie Baseball Association. The team has made the post season in each of the past two seasons. Two former Junior Bisons are currently playing baseball at the collegiate level.

With the growing interest this adoption has created, the Bisons have also found it necessary to be active in Buffalo middle schools as well. In 2008, the Bisons assisted in the forming of the Buffalo Middle School Developmental Fall Baseball Program where three to four teams (60 total students) are formed from area seventh and eighth grade students. The season is run at no-cost to the players and is the first of its kind in the city of Buffalo. This league focuses on skill development, sportsmanship and team building.

Bisons adopt Buffalo Public School baseball program on April 23,2007. Pictured are Mindy Rich (far left), Bob Rich (second in from right) and Dave Thomas (far right), Athletic Director, City of Buffalo Public High Schools (now retired). (Photo by James P. McCoy Buffalo News staff photographer)

RoughRiders Host 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl tournament on Wednesday, April 21st at Main Event in Frisco, TX. The entire 2010 RoughRiders Team participated in the event and all funds raised went to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.  The event raised over $6,000 for the RoughRiders foundation through registrations and silent auction/raffle ticket sales.

Over 100 people participated in the event and 19 out of 20 lanes were sold. First place was claimed by the team headed by ‘Riders pitchers Zach Phillips and Ryan Falcon. Second place went to the team that included infielder Marcus Lemon and the third place team included catcher Kevin Richardson.

All proceeds from the event benefited the RoughRiders Foundation.  The RoughRiders Foundation’s mission is to help families in North Texas through programs and events. In 2010 the Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Gilda’s Club North Texas and The Frisco Miracle League.

Frisco RoughRiders Players before the bowling tournament.

 

 

 

“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.

Ports 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet Successful

The Stockton Ports are pleased to announce that, through the generosity of the Stockton community, they were able to raise more than $7,000 at the Ports 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet to benefit their community fund, the Anchor Fund, which was held on February 4.

“The Hot Stove Banquet was a tremendous success, and we appreciate the support of keynote speaker Glen Kuiper, A’s Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman, Ports Manager Steve Scarsone, Ports pitcher Justin Friend, A’s Director of Scouting Eric Kubota, and all of the fans who attended,” said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. “Through the generosity of Ports fans, we were able to raise money for the Anchor Fund, which will enable us to help give back to our community.”

The Anchor Fund, which aids several community projects, with a focus on youth centers and youth sports, benefits from the funds generated through the Banquet’s ticket sales, raffle and silent auction sales, and donations.

The Hot Stove Banquet, the first Ports event in 2010 to benefit the Stockton Ports Anchor Fund, provided fans with an opportunity to participate in a night of baseball, complete with a keynote address and Q &A session with Oakland Athletics TV Play-by-Play Announcer Glen Kuiper, memorabilia raffles and a silent auction. Fans also enjoyed a Q&A session with Lieppman and an address by Scarsone.

The 130 attendees enjoyed cocktails and a slideshow highlighting the 2009 season before dinner began, and they were able to purchase raffle mini-bats for items from major and minor league baseball teams from around the nation. Such items included team autographed baseballs, bobbleheads, photos, and merchandise. A silent auction was also open to fans, with autographed memorabilia from athletes such as Dallas Braden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, Roger Clemens, Maury Wills, Duke Snider and much more. The Ports also auctioned off gift certificates to area restaurants, hotels, golf clubs and more.

Before the speakers took the podium, the Stockton Ports honored area high school stars Louie Lechich of St. Mary’s High School in Stockton and Tori Shepard of Lodi High School as the Greater Stockton Area High School Baseball and Softball Players of the Year, respectively.

Filippone was the first to address the crowd, highlighting the importance of community involvement and the Ports continuing support to the Stockton community. Filippone also stressed the value of Stockton’s affiliation with the Oakland A’s and the hope for another strong season with A’s prospects.

Lieppman was the next to speak, and discussed the strength of the A’s farm system, and the important role the Ports play in developing players for the major league level. He also opened up the floor to questions, answering fans’ queries on Barry Bonds, Dallas Braden and recently acquired prospect Michael Taylor. Scarsone was formally introduced to fans next. He encouraged fans to speak to him and get to know him during the season, and joked that he would win 2 of the first 12 games, improving on the Ports’ 1-12 start in 2009.

The event finished with Kuiper delivering his keynote address. Kuiper related some anecdotes about his past experiences with Scarsone, assuring fans that they were getting a top notch manager for the 2010 season. He also talked of his past visit to Stockton, in which he saw Dennis Eckersley make his professional debut against the Ports in 1972. Kuiper added he hoped to get to Stockton again in the 2010 season. Kuiper then opened the floor for questions. He answered questions ranging from the A’s radio and television broadcasts in 2010, to his relationship with the San Francisco Giants and his brother.

With Spring Training just around the corner, fans are close to seeing the Stockton Ports and Oakland A’s begin their search for greatness in 2010.

“Following a year in which the Ports donated approximately $35,500 and nearly $107,500 of in-kind donations, including 13,250 tickets to local non-profit organizations, charities and schools through the Anchor Fund, we definitely look forward to another successful year on and off the field,” Filippone said.

Ports President/GM Pat Filippone addresses the audience at the Ports 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet.
Keynote Speaker and Oakland A’s TV play-by-play announcer Glen Kuiper talks of his past experiences with new Ports manager Steve Scarsone.