Annual West Michigan Whitecaps Fundraiser has a New Look in February

 

Comstock Park, MI – – Tuesday, January 4, 2022 – – The Whitecaps Community Foundation announced a new look for their annual fundraiser in 2022. Past events were featured as a banquet and the Detroit Tigers caravan was the highlight. This year’s event will again support local youth baseball and softball, but with a few changes.

This February, the Whitecaps will celebrate The Golden Age of Baseball, during what is now called the Whitecaps Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Ted Rasberry Youth League and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities.

Since its inception, the Ted Rasberry Youth League has given more than 30,000 children a chance to play baseball and softball each summer. The program provides uniform hats and t-shirts, teaches kids baseball skills, provides healthy meals, helps kids make long-lasting friendships and the opportunity for fun during the summer.

“In classic Whitecaps tradition, we’re stepping up our entertainment game this year,” said Whitecaps Community Relations Manager, Jenny Garone. “Not only is the event in downtown Grand Rapids at the Public Museum, but we’ll also have live music, an auction, a strolling dinner, and guests will be dressed in 1920s attire as we’re celebrating the Golden Age of Baseball.”

Former major leaguer Craig Monroe is scheduled to speak at the gala (see attached photos, biography below). Monroe played six seasons with the Detroit Tigers during a career that spanned nine years: 2001– 2009.

“Baseball is what we do” Garone added. ‘We’re thrilled to be joined by former Tiger Craig Monroe who will visit and give a keynote talk. It’s all about raising funds so kids get the opportunity to have fun next summer. It’s a tradition and a party West Michigan won’t want to miss. We expect a sellout.”

The Whitecaps and the venue continue to monitor the community spread of COVID 19 and how current transmission rates may impact masking and vaccination requirements for this event. Further updates on these requirements will be provided in the coming weeks.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation The Golden Age of Baseball Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes is Thursday, February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Tickets are available at now at https://WCFgala22.givesmart.com.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information on Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark visit whitecapsbaseball.com or contact Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

About Craig Monroe: Former Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe returns for his 11th season as a studio analyst for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. He also occasionally serves as an analyst on game broadcasts.

• Monroe played nine seasons in the majors with the Texas Rangers (2001), Detroit Tigers (2002-07), Chicago Cubs (2007), Minnesota Twins (2008) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2009). He was originally drafted in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Rangers.

• The Texarkana, TX, native joined the Detroit Tigers organization on February 1, 2002, when he was selected off waivers from the Rangers. He played his first full season in 2003, hitting 23 home runs.

• On July 19, 2006, Monroe hit a grand slam home run off Javier Vazquez of the Chicago White Sox that was decisive in the Tigers’ 5-2 win. A career .252 hitter, he recorded career highs with 28 homers and 92 RBI with Detroit in 2006. He also hit five home runs in the 2006 postseason, which culminated in a World Series appearance. Monroe tied the Tigers’ career postseason record set by Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg.

• Craig and his wife, Kasey, have three children, Morgan, Cannon and Collin.

• Follow Monroe on Twitter at @CMo_27

Timber Rattlers Give Back Announces End-of-Year Funds Raised

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Timber Rattlers Give Back, the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, raised more than $185,000 through the Foundation’s events, programs, donations, and fundraising initiatives in 2021.

“The Timber Rattlers are fortunate to live in a supportive community and the team works hard to develop and implement programs and events to give back to the community,” said Dayna Baitinger, Director of Community Relations for the team.

Nine jersey auctions held during the season were the main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers this year. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, Milwaukee Brewers, and Video Game.

The team is finalizing their jersey designs for the 2022 season and will unveil those designs early next year.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on Tuesday, September 21 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers and front office personnel collected $15,000 through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing.

An almost daily driver of donations to Give Back was the 50/50 Raffle that was held during every home game during the 2021 season. Fifty percent of all money raised during each night’s raffle went to the person with the winning ticket and the other fifty percent went to the foundation. There was over $65,000 raised for charity through the raffle during the year. The largest fund-raising night of the 50/50 raffle during the 2021 season was on Saturday, August 14 with the winner collecting $2,304 and the same amount going to Give Back.

Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club were popular program run by the team for area youth through the mascots. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

Wisconsin front office members tended to their on-site vegetable garden to grow and harvest over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The harvest was taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry. Fang celebrated his birthday in August with his annual Cans for Cake food drive and over 500 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected and donated to St. Joe’s.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2021 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Harvest of Hope Fund, Hunger Task Force, Community Christmas, Fond du Lac Salvation Army, The Salvation Army-Fox Cities, Treffert Center, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, 2,000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

Timber Rattlers Give Back was established in 2019 and is dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. We aim to provide financial support and help raise awareness of charitable causes in the Fox Valley community in the areas of education, youth sports, and basic needs by using the platform made possible by Minor League Baseball and stadium ownership.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2021. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to growing Give Back even more in 2022.

Wind Surge Give Back 2021

 

2021 was a year full of firsts for the Wichita Wind Surge. In addition to bringing affiliated baseball back to Wichita, the inaugural season was also an opportunity for the Wind Surge to give back to a community that has rallied so much support around the new stadium and new team. Various programs and partnerships were put in place to help support several non-profit and philanthropic organizations around the Wichita and Sedgwick County community.

Cancer Awareness Night

The first of many valuable partnerships involved the Wind Surge joining forces with Central Kansas Cancer Center and McPherson College. This alliance was aimed at raising funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. The Wind Surge designed a unique Cancer Awareness Jersey that was worn by each player during the 2021 Cancer Awareness Night at Riverfront Stadium. After the game, these game- worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We were happy to donate $4,375 to the American Cancer Society to aid in their fight to find a cure for cancer.

Schwechheimer Family Foundation

The Schwechheimer Family Foundation also made its debut during the 2021 season. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Schwechheimer Family Foundation aims to support and foster underserved community members and bring the history of Wichita baseball back to life. The corporation seeks to provide opportunities for the general public to increase their understanding of Wichita’s baseball history and community pursuits. Fundraising efforts for the foundation included a 50/50 raffle during all home games, auctioning off specialty military appreciation jerseys, and the sale of 2021 inaugural season patches which featured late managing general partner, Lou Schwechheimer.

Home Runs for Charity

During the 2021 season, Wind Surge fans also witnessed our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and League 42 in our Home Runs for Charity fundraising sponsorship. League 42 is a non-profit organization, founded in July 2013, that has a goal of ensuring that urban children can have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized leagues. Through this sponsorship, each time a Wind Surge player hit a homerun during a Wind Surge home game, Fidelity Bank and the Wind Surge would donate $100 to League 42. During the 2021 season, Fidelity Bank and the Wichita Wind Surge proudly donated $6,900 to League 42 in order to assist the organization in fulfilling their mission.

Outside the Ballpark

Our passion for giving back to the community did not stop with the end of the baseball season in late September. During the off season, many members of the Wind Surge front office continue to volunteer their time and efforts in the community. Staff have participated in many ways, including volunteering with the Kansas Food Bank, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Operation Holiday Wearhouse.

Planning for the 2022 season is well underway, and that includes the integration of community partnerships and collaboration. The 2022 season will feature many new community partnerships, and we are looking forward to continuing our mission of giving back to Wichita and surrounding communities.

To learn more about our community initiatives email Our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] Want to request a Wind Surge donation gift for your next charity event? Click here to fill out a request!

BlueClaws Charities Launches Annual Suite Raffle

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, has launched their annual Luxury Suite Raffle, through which seven winners will each earn a 10-game share of a 2022 BlueClaws Luxury Suite.

The one-of-a-kind, raffle benefits BlueClaws Charities, their Community Partners, and other organizations that receive grants from the team’s non-profit.

“This is a very popular fundraiser that we’ve done for the last few years and really appreciate the support we’ve received from the community,” said BlueClaws Charities President Kevin Fenstermacher. “We sell a limited number of tickets and offer a great prize – we can’t wait for the drawing this spring!”

BlueClaws Charities sells only 300 raffle tickets at $100 each. Seven winners will be selected and each winner gets a 10-game share of a 2022 Luxury Suite, a $4,950 value.

Ticket purchasers also receive a one-time use coupon for 25% in the team store, a voucher for four reserve seat tickets to Opening Night at the Jersey Shore (April 8th), and the ability to rent up to two Suites at a special rate for $600 (normally $850).

HOW TO ORDER: CLICK HERE to order online or call 732-901-7000 option 3.

“This raffle is one of BlueClaws Charities’ biggest fundraisers and supports our annual grant program,” said Fenstermacher. “This year, we were able to award grants to 31 different organizations throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties that do amazing work here at the Jersey Shore. Support for initiatives like our Suite Raffle lets us help more of these worthwhile organizations each year.”

BlueClaws Luxury Suites are private boxes for 20 and include indoor/outdoor seating, climate control, TV, a private server, access to the suite-level bar, and a panoramic view of the game.

The drawing will take place on Friday, March 25th at 3:00 pm EST and streamed live on the BlueClaws Facebook page.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

Timber Rattlers Give Back Announces Donation Match for Salvation Army Kettle Campaign This Friday

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Timber Rattlers Give Back will participate in the Salvation Army’s Donation Match Program on Friday, December 17. The official charitable foundation of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will match up to $2,500 of donations to Salvation Army kettles in the Fox Cities Region this Friday.

Timber Rattlers staff members will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army Fox Cities at the Festival Foods located at 1200 West Northland Avenue from 8:00am to 4:00pm on December 17 with appearances from Fang and Whiffer during the day.

Give Back is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019 and dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. It aims to provide financial support and help raise awareness of charitable causes in the Fox Valley community in the areas of education, youth sports, and basic needs.

Inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” to Spread Joy Around Central Massachusetts this Week

Community Award Winners Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman to join Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, and Santa in visits to charities.

WORCESTER, MA – Led by Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman, two award-winning members of the Worcester Red Sox, the inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” will visit charities from Leominster to Leicester and from Webster to Worcester this Wednesday through Friday, December 15-17.

Ockimey, the club’s first baseman and first-ever recipient of the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” award for community service, will team up with Gedman, his Hitting Coach, who won the charity’s inaugural eponymous “Geddy” award for his kindness and contributions to the community. Joining them are Mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Last week, the WooSox were named Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion among all 120 teams in the United States and Canada.

The Caravan, funded by generous donors from our community, begins on Wednesday morning just blocks away from Polar Park in the Canal District at St. John’s Food for the Poor, where representatives of the WooSox Foundation will serve breakfast to those in need. Other stops in Worcester include Abby’s House and Why Me & Sherry’s House, which the Caravan will visit on Wednesday, and the Worcester Public Library and UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, which will be visited on Friday.

Stretching northward, the Caravan continues to Leominster on Thursday afternoon, with a visit to the Spanish American Center, which focuses on social, educational, and economic support to the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Southward, the troupe will travel to Webster, Mass. on Wednesday afternoon, to bring gifts to the talented students in Our Bright Future’s after-school program, which supports students’ academic needs and pursuits of robotics, arts and crafts, and sports. The charity is based in neighboring Southbridge, Mass.

West of Worcester, early Wednesday evening the excursion visits Leicester, site of the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys. Partnering with Double Play Sports, home of the Junior WooSox in AAU Baseball, the visitors will bring gifts and play games with the residents of the home team.

Addressing some of the needs at the eastern end of Central Massachusetts, the Caravan will also spend time with foster families from Framingham’s Department of Children and Families in conjunction with the Wonderfund. Care packages comprising toys and books, as well as clothing and toiletries, will be presented. Assembled by Kits for Kids of Marlborough, the gifts provide fun as well as everyday essentials to the children.

“As we head into the holidays, we find joy in bringing joy to some of those in need of a smile,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who is also president of the club’s foundation. “We are thrilled that one of the stars of WooSox ’21, Josh Ockimey, is returning to his summer home to warm the hearts of children in winter. And we are delighted that our native son and WooSox Hitting Coach, beloved Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman, will bring gifts and love to these children as well. For each child, it is a moment and a memory that we hope impacts and improves their precious lives.”

Ockimey, 26, hit 15 home runs and knocked in 45 runs in only 98 games for the WooSox in 2021. The lefty slugger, who has been in the Red Sox system all eight years of his professional career, has hit 40 home runs with 102 RBI in 220 games his past two seasons in Triple-A. The Philadelphia native has consistently been among the team leaders in community appearances.

The WooSox Foundation awarded its first “Geddy Award” to the Worcester native for his devotion to baseball, commitment to the community, and kindness to all.

Smiley Ball, born on World Smile Day in 2020, pays tribute to the Smiley Face, invented in Worcester in 1963 by the late advertising executive, Harvey Ball. Woofster the WonderDog, whom Smiley Ball adopted as a rescue dog at the Worcester Animal Rescue League, debuted on National Dog Day in August of 2021.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are longtime fans, having sewn and distributed red socks throughout the world. They are most familiar with the concept of a Polar Park.

OKC Dodgers Give Back

 

From sorting holiday gift donations to playing with puppies waiting for a home, and from preparing meals for those in need to organizing donated sports equipment, members of the Oklahoma City Dodgers front office staff dispersed throughout the metro area earlier this month to assist several non-profit organizations during a day of service.

The OKC Dodgers Foundation set up a variety of volunteer opportunities that allowed Dodgers staff to give back to the community that generously supports the Triple-A baseball team. The Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Foundation provide support to 150 Oklahoma non-profit organizations throughout the year and each December, four are selected to benefit from a staff day a service.

About 30 front office staff members from the Dodgers and Professional Sports Catering recently split into small groups to assist OK City Center, City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma Humane Society and Cleats For Kids.

Click here to read the rest of this article on the digital publication _Beyond the Bricks_.

Michigan Baseball Foundation Grant Application Available December 1st

 

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is proud to announce the opening of the 2022 Grant Application on December 1st, 2021. Grants are available for registered 501c3 organizations that focus on youth-related activities or economic development. Applications must be for specific projects or initiatives the organization is undertaking in 2022 and not for general operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac, and Iosco counties. The application will close on February 18th, 2022.

This is the first time the Michigan Baseball Foundation is soliciting grant requests since the 2019 grant cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by ticket sales to Great Lakes Loons games, 50/50 raffle sales during Loons games, and direct contributions to the foundation. Grants for the 2022 cycle have been made possible by the Great Lakes Bay Region’s strong support of the Loons in their return to the field in 2021 following the cancelation of the 2020 season.

Grant applications can be completed online: http://michiganbaseballfoundation.org/grants/. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via the website, before Feb. 18**th**, 2022.

MBF has awarded 327 grants totaling $1,224,647 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past twelve grant cycles. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2022. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer grants from the Michigan Baseball Foundation once again in 2022,” stated Mike Hayes, Chair of the MBF Grants Committee. “MBF and the Great Lakes Loons were established in 2006 with goals of supporting youth-focused non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region and promoting economic development and prosperity in the region. We’re grateful for the support the Loons received in their return to play last summer and we’re excited to support the region in return through the grant process. These grants are a significant step forward in achieving our goals of leaving our region a better place than we found it.”

For more information contact Jessica Gillespie at 989.837.6144 or [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Travs Announce Formation of Non-Profit Youth Foundation

 

The Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club is excited to announce the establishment of the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) public charity that will serve as the official team charity of the Arkansas Travelers. The creation of the foundation allows the Travs to help foster an environment where baseball and softball in Arkansas can thrive as the club uses its assets to empower young athletes.

Longtime Arkansas Travelers front office employee Lance Restum will take on the role of Director of Charities and Community Support and serve as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation. Restum had been serving as an Assistant General Manager for the Travs. A native of Houston, Texas, Restum has been part of the Travelers staff since 2006, the final season at Ray Winder Field. He has filled numerous roles including Director of Marketing and Public Relations and most recently Assistant General Manager. In addition to his new role, Restum will continue as the Travelers’ popular on-field emcee at home games.

“We are thrilled to create the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation and hope to create a long lasting impact on youth baseball and softball throughout the state of Arkansas,” said Travs CEO Rusty Meeks. “Lance is well known within our communities and is the perfect choice to make this endeavor a success.”

With the creation of this foundation, the Travs organization seeks to support youth sports and education programs across the state of Arkansas. Initiatives include community impact grants and scholarships. The Travs believe that all young athletes should have access to the games of baseball and softball, regardless of barriers they may face and support those who wish to pursue careers working in sports.

More information regarding the launch of the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation will be available in 2022.

Founded in 1901, the Arkansas Travelers are the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and call Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock home. For all the latest information with the club and events at the ballpark, log on to travs.com or follow the Travelers on Facebook (Arkansas Travelers), Instagram (@artravs) and Twitter (@artravs). The Travelers have a clear bag policy for all events. Opening Night for the 2022 baseball season is set for Monday, April 11.

BlueClaws Charities Accepting Grant Applications

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the 501c3 foundation of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, is now accepting grant applications from area organizations. Organizations may apply for a grant through Friday, October 29th.

Click here to fill out a grant application. All applicants must be a 501c3 organization.

“BlueClaws Charities’ goal is to support the less fortunate in Ocean & Monmouth Counties, and one of the ways that we give back is through our end-of-year grant program,” said BlueClaws Charities President Kevin Fenstermacher. “We encourage non-profits to apply for a grant through this process so we can continue to give back to the Jersey Shore community.”

Organizations are asked to provide specific details about where the grant money will be used. Priority will be given to organizations whose projects are based in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. Filling out an application does not ensure the receipt of a grant. Grant allocations will be made in November by the BlueClaws Charities Board of Directors.

BlueClaws Charities raises money in a variety of ways throughout the year. In-stadium fundraising includes a nightly 50/50 raffle, jersey auctions, scoreboard messages, and other miscellaneous raffles. BlueClaws Charities also raised money through Mystery Bags sold at games this summer. This year, the team hosted a Virtual Hot Stove event in March that featured several Phillies players and personalities and included an online auction. Other fundraising included “Wash Your Claws” t-shirt sales last year.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

RubberDucks to donate $1 of each walkup playoff ticket to Somerset Community

 

(AKRON, OHIO) September 22, 2021 – In the wake of the devastating flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida the Somerset County, New Jersey, community experienced on Sept. 2, the RubberDucks hope to aid in the rebuilding efforts by sending donations to the Somerset Patriots official charity. The club will donate $1 from every walkup ticket sold during RubberDucks home playoff games to The Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation.

“We are very appreciative of the Akron RubberDucks and their efforts to help raise funds to help the people in Central New Jersey affected by Tropical Storm Ida,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Since the floods hit our area, we have received nothing but unbelievable support from our friends throughout the Northeast League. Whether that came from donated items for an online MiLB auction, Hartford taking on some of our games, and now Akron putting our fans at the forefront of their community efforts, we couldn’t be more grateful. A very special thank you to the Babby family, general manager Jim Pfander, and the entire RubberDucks organization for their generosity. It once again showcases how baseball can bring people together to make a difference for the communities that America’s favorite pastime so proudly serve.”

In addition to the donations from ticket sales, RubberDucks fans will have the opportunity to make donations at the box office and FirstEnergy Guest Services during each of the games at Canal Park.

the RubberDucks / our community want to do our part and help out another club in our league who experienced unimaginable / devastating loss. We are thinking about the Somerset community and want to help in a small way during their time of need, etc

“As our staff watched Somerset County, New Jersey, another community in our league, experience such devastating loss, we wanted to find a way to do our part in the recovery,” said RubberDucks General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Jim Pfander. “The RubberDucks family and fans in Northeast Ohio have shown incredible support for those in need, most recently amid the challenges of the pandemic. We hope this weekend can help make a difference for the Somerset community.”

The RubberDucks will host the Bowie Baysox for the Double-A Northeast Championship Series this weekend at Canal Park, presented by Brennan Manna Diamond. Game 3 of the best-of-five series is Friday, and Games 4 and 5, if necessary, will be Saturday and Sunday, respectively. All games will start at 6:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5:05 p.m.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

Maimonides Park to Host Pete Alonso Homers for Heroes Charity Event September 27

Join us at Maimonides Park on Monday, September 27th for The Battle of the Boroughs presented by Citi. Watch the top youth baseball players from around NYC compete in a home run derby hosted by Pete Alonso. The event will start at 7:00 PM with gates opening at 6:00 PM. Pete will be joined by other surprise guests that are sure to make the night AMAZIN’. Pete – the 2-time MLB Home Run Derby Champion – will even take some swings himself. Plus there will be fan prizes, giveaways and more.

Tickets for the event will be $10 with ALL PROCEEDS to benefit Pete Alonso’s Homers for Heroes. The charity was created in 2019 with the mission of helping and recognizing the everyday heroes who impact all of our lives. From first responders to teachers to healthcare workers, Homers for Heroes has been able to put our everyday heroes in the spotlight.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Introduces Circle City Donor Club

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) today unveiled the Circle City Donor Club, providing a new way for fans to donate to IIC while receiving love in return. The Donor Club has four levels ($50, $75, $100, $250) and each donor threshold receives benefits. Fans interested in impacting Central Indiana can join the Donor Club here.

“This is an exciting day for Indianapolis Indians Charities as our nonprofit continuously seeks ways to leave its mark on the community,” said Jo Garcia, Indianapolis Indians Charities Community Outreach Manager. “Fan and partner donations are the lifelines to our organization and its ability to positively influence youth, families and those in need in Central Indiana.”

Beginning today and continuing through Sunday, July 18 at 11:59 PM EST, the first 50 donors to make a minimum $50 donation are guaranteed to win a Sun King gift card. To be eligible, donors must be 21 years of age or older.

Since its inception in Sept. 2019, IIC has poured over $630,000 back into the community. Over $85,000 and 180-plus volunteer hours can be attributed to baseball and softball field renovations in the Circle City. Further, IIC donated 500 lunches to local nurses on #NationalNursesDay and recently funded 490 league fees and uniforms for Indy RBI participants among many other notable charity efforts.

Circle City Donor Club levels and benefits are highlighted below:

$50 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a sticker and a koozie
Name listed on the Circle City Donor Club webpage
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$5 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $50 donations

$75 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Name listed on the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$5 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $75 donations

$100 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a water bottle, tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Two (2) tickets to an Indians home game
Acknowledgement on Indians social media accounts and the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$10 Sun King gift card to the first 100 $100 donations

$250 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including sunglasses, a water bottle, tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Two (2) tickets to an Indians home game
One-time online coupon code for 20% off Indians merchandise
Acknowledgement on Indians social media accounts and the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed on Victory Field marquee with photo distributed to donor electronically
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$15 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $250 donations

Flying Squirrels, Richmond Raceway & Dominion Energy Charity Classic to host 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters at the Country Club of Virginia on Oct. 25

 

Richmond Raceway, Richmond Flying Squirrels, and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic announce the return of the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters on Monday, Oct. 25. The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be the site of the event following the completion of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic on Oct. 21-24. Participants will play the PGA TOUR Champions tournament course in the same condition and with the same pin placements as the pros did on Sunday, Oct. 24 during the Charity Classic.

“The annual Turn Left Golf Classic is always a memorable day in RVA that brings three Richmond sports organizations together to support our community,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “We are grateful to our partners and friends who support this event and have a positive impact on our community.”

In 2014, the Turn Left Golf Classic was created to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares, two 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations. This will be the second year the event is held at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course on the day following the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. The 2020 Turn Left Golf Classic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with our friends at Richmond Raceway and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic to benefit the greater Richmond region,” said Flying Squirrels CEO, Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The Country Club of Virginia James River Course is an elite golf course and a fabulous setting for this year’s charity event. We look forward to making new memories for a good cause that will have a positive impact in our community at the Turn Left Golf Classic.”

The Turn Left Golf Classic is a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Prizes will be allotted to the top three foursomes and a post-event dinner on the back lawn is included with the registration price. Early bird pricing is available when registering a foursome team, hole sponsor, or a foursome team and hole sponsor package. Special early bird pricing ends on Sept. 1. To register for the Turn Left Golf Classic, visit www.richmondraceway.com/events/tlgc.

“Helping to generate charitable contributions in the RVA community is at the heart of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic,” said Charity Classic Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “To help the Flying Squirrels and the Raceway in their efforts to host their golf tournament is a natural fit for us, so we are excited to team up with them again this year.”

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic at The Country Club of Virginia James River Course will be held on Oct. 21-24, where the top 72 PGA Tour Champions players will compete in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. To learn more about the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, visit deccgolf.com.

For more information on the 7th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic, visit richmondraceway.com/turnleft.