Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal to highlight causes, showcase communities throughout 2022 season

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PAPILLION, Neb. – The Omaha Storm Chasers are proud to share plans for the Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal, new for the 2022 season. The initiative, which features eight nights during the 2022 season, is designed to highlight different groups, showcase underrepresented communities, and raise awareness for various causes.

Games featuring the Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal are as follows: Thurs., April 28 (Mental Health Awareness), Thurs., May 5 (Gender Equality Night), Thurs., May 19 (All-Abilities Night), Thurs., June 9 (Pride Night), Thurs., June 23 (Diversity Night), Wed., July 6 (Senior Health Awareness), Thurs., Aug. 25 (Cancer Awareness), and Thurs., Sept. 22 (Copa de la Diversión).

“Through our new Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal, we are eager to showcase and recognize many diverse groups and causes at Werner Park in 2022,” Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro said. “As we were creating the series, it was key to find the right partner that aligns with our community values. PayPal is that partner and we are grateful for their parallel vision.”

“Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Belonging are top priorities here at PayPal,” PayPal Senior Director of Global Customer Service Steve Wallace said. “We are excited to partner with the Omaha Storm Chasers, who share our passion to create a more inclusive community here in the metro. The Chasers Community Celebration Series is an outstanding way to bring people together to create awareness and drive support for organizations that are making a difference in our area. We are thrilled to be a part of this program and are looking forward to an exciting summer at beautiful Werner Park.”

The first game of the Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal will be on Thurs., April 28 and highlight the importance of Mental Health by showcasing local organizations and businesses focusing on mental health, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Nebraska.

Gender Equality Night on Thurs., May 5 features the Women’s Center for Advancement and will celebrate gender equality opportunities through sports. All-Abilities Night on Thurs., May 19 will empower people of all abilities and feature The Ollie Web Center while the Storm Chasers also host additional groups and organizations that make a positive impact on supporting those with all abilities.

The Storm Chasers’ annual Pride Night is scheduled for Thurs., June 9 and will celebrate the LGBTQ community while highlighting Heartland Pride. Diversity Night on Thurs., June 23 will feature the Urban League of Nebraska while bringing awareness to diversity and inclusion initiatives and celebrating different ethnicities and heritages across the Omaha metro.

Wednesday, July 6 highlights Senior Health Awareness and features The Alzheimer’s Association. The Storm Chasers will host a Senior’s Fair with local businesses and organizations tailored to those 55-and-up before the game and also host pre-game Senior Bingo. Cancer Awareness Night on Thurs., Aug. 25 will bring awareness and show support for those battling any type of cancer, celebrate cancer survivors, and feature the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation.

The final game of the Chasers Community Celebration Series presented by PayPal will double as the Storm Chasers’ annual Copa de la Diversión Night. It will showcase the Latino Center of the Midlands while the team plays as the Cazadores de Tormentas for the fourth straight season as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative to embrace the culture and values that resonate with local Hispanic and Latino communities.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are scheduled to begin the 2022 season on April 5 at Indianapolis before welcoming fans to Werner Park for the home opener on April 12 vs. Louisville. The full 2022 schedule can be found here and single-game tickets are now available here.

For more tickets and more information, please visit omahastormchasers.com, call the Werner Park Ticket office at (402) 738-5100, and follow the team on social media. You can follow the team on Twitter @omastormchasers, on Instagram @omahastormchasers, and “like” the team on Facebook at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

Timber Rattlers Team up with Bayland Buildings for Community Spotlight Program

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are proud to announce the Bayland Buildings Community Spotlight Program. This program will recognize an area charitable organization at every remaining home game during the 2021 season.

“The Timber Rattlers are excited to partner with Bayland Buildings to offer the Community Spotlight Program this season. This opportunity will allow local nonprofits a chance to educate our fans about their cause,” said Dayna Baitinger, Timber Rattlers Director of Community Relations.

Each participating organization will be given a space prior to the game to display and distribute promotional literature about their organization, be recognized on the video board, and receive a 15-second public address announcement.

Groups will also receive up to twenty general admission grass seats to the game for volunteers and any other guests in their organization who would like to attend.

To apply as a participating organization in the program, please print and complete this form on the Timber Rattlers website and return it to:

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
ATTN: Community Spotlight
PO Box 7464
Appleton, WI 54913

Interested organizations may also email their completed application to [email protected].

The Timber Rattlers do ask that participants in the program adhere to the following rules:

Solicitation of funds will not be permitted.

Your organization will be given one 6-foot table to display/hand out information.

Your volunteers must stay within your designated area (6-foot table) to hand out information.

Your organization may enter the ballpark starting 2 hours before the game to set up.

Anyone entering the ballpark with your organization must have a ticket upon arrival (including volunteers working the table.)

We will provide the volunteers tickets that will be placed at will call for pick up when they arrive.

You will be allowed to hand out information for the 1.5 hours leading up to First Pitch.

We ask that you please take down all materials and dispose of all garbage before you leave to enjoy the game.

We take pride in the cleanliness of our ballpark and ask that you please do not leave anything behind.

Ticket packages and single-game tickets for every remaining game this season are available now from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers ticket office by calling (920) 733-4152, stopping at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, or online through the team’s website. The ticket office is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

Sod Poodles Open 2021 “Launch-A-Ball” ProgramFor Local Non-Profit Groups

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The Amarillo Sod Poodles released today the details of its 2021 “Launch-A-Ball” program presented by KTBlack Services to benefit local non-profit organizations by providing 50% of the nightly jackpot to the organization with the other half going to the winner.

“KTBlack is proud to sponsor Launch-A-Ball again this year at HODGETOWN,” said Allie Morales, KTBlack Marketing Project Manager”. “It’s a fun way for our fans to get involved in supporting local non-profits.”

Launch-A-Ball is a great way for area non-profit groups (schools, churches, etc.) to raise money during a Sod Poodles home game. Each game, one organization receives numbered tennis balls to sell (3 balls for $5) from a table on the concourse. Groups can also walk around the ballpark and sell them in the stands and at the Suite Level. The non-profit group receives 50% of gross sales for their night.

Each organization also receives in-park recognition via live public address announcements on their night and can display promotional materials at their table to promote their cause.

Fans who purchase from Launch-A-Ball groups will have the opportunity to toss their numbered tennis ball(s) into targets in left-field after the game for a chance to win the grand prize of 50% of the nightly jackpot or a prize from one of many local businesses partnered with the Sod Poodles.

For more information or to get involved with Launch-A-Ball during the Sod Poodles 2021 season, organizations can email [email protected].

The Sod Poodles host their 2021 home opener at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, May 18 against the Midland RockHounds (Oakland Athletics Double-A affiliate). First pitch for the 2021 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

Marauders to Highlight Non-Profits, Small Businesses at Home Games

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2021

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Low-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced plans to feature local area non-profit organizations and small businesses for Friday and Saturday games at LECOM Park in 2021. The Marauders will partner with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce to promote the program.

The Marauders will feature one non-profit organization at each Friday home game (10 scheduled) and one small business at each Saturday home game (10 scheduled). Businesses and organizations that would like to participate are encouraged to submit a nomination at BradentonMarauders.com.

Each winning non-profit or small business will receive a free advertising package that includes four complimentary tickets, in-park and digital activations on the day that they are selected.

“Non-profit organizations and small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. After a challenging year, we’re excited to provide them with an opportunity to share their mission or their brand,” Marauders General Manager Craig Warzecha said.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call (941) 747-3031, visit BradentonMarauders.com, or email [email protected].

###

Charitable Tuesdays Return in 2021

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Again this season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at Historic Bowman Field, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at each of the Cutters six Tuesday home games and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • A $500 donation to the non-profit courtesy of Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing and the Crosscutters, presented during an on-field ceremony

Interested non-profit organizations must apply online at BY CLICKING HERE to be considered for one of the six available opportunities. The deadline for applications is May 31. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or via email at [email protected].

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: FosterAdopt Connect/Sammy’s Window

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In the foster parenting community, there’s one struggle experienced more than any other: Support during the difficult times of caring for kids who have experienced abuse and neglect. A foster parent–or any person or parent–would be hard pressed to find a more difficult time to care for children than the COVID-19 pandemic.

All it takes is a visit to the Sammy’s Window corner of fosteradopt.org, the online home of FosterAdopt Connect, to find out how real that struggle is. And according to FosterAdopt and Sammy’s Window, the challenges of a foster parent carry an even greater burden in Missouri, which provides the 49th lowest stipend to foster parents in all of the United States. That lack of support makes it even more difficult for foster parents in the Springfield area and throughout the state and increases barriers for taking in children who need a home.

Click here to view all of our Non-Profit Heroes award winners, presented by American National Insurance.

In 2008, Mark Hay of Sammy’s Window sought to help that problem. Mark founded Sammy’s Window in honor of his father, Sammy, who grew up in foster care in Fair Grove. Mark’s goal with Sammy’s Window? Find out what foster families need, and find a way to get it to them.

Twelve years later, Sammy’s Window is now a part of FosterAdopt Connect–a non-profit whose mission is to provide foster and adoptive children a stable, loving and nurturing family environment.

“Kids who have experienced abuse and neglect are essential and deserve our community’s full support,” FosterAdopt Connect Executive Director-SWMO Allison Gregory said. “COVID-19 was a curveball for all of us, but FosterAdopt Connect’s years of innovative experience in serving foster kids and families prepared us to meet the unique and increased needs of this time. We’re so grateful for the generous SWMO community for coming alongside us as we continue to give high quality service to more kids and families than ever before all the while ensuring that kids can be safe, stable, and loved.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges facing foster parents drastically increased. But FosterAdopt Connect/Sammy’s Window responded. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

Since April, they have provided drive-thru services for foster families, including partnering with organizations to provide area foster families with extra, much-needed boxes of produce and dairy products. Each week, the FosterAdopt Connect volunteers at Sammy’s Window mask-up and welcome foster families to receive supplies. On top of that, foster families who receive an “emergency placement” designation can call Mark with their needs, and Sammy’s Window will find them toys, hygiene supplies, clothing or whatever they may need to continue to care for their foster children.

“I’m not sure if anyone outside the the foster/adopt community knows this, but those of us who are helped by Mark are pretty sure that underneath that mask we’re really seeing Superman,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote.

Continued donations and support from the Springfield and Southwest Missouri community will allow more families to support foster children in our region. Items like clean clothing, shoes, new socks and underwear, hygiene products, formula, dry goods, new or like-new books, new toys, baby equipment and school supplies are among the most important products that people can donate to FosterAdopt Connect.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with or to donate to FosterAdopt Connect, visit fosteradopt.org.

Click here for information directly related to FosterAdopt Connect’s Southwest Missouri location.

For more on what FosterAdopt Connect is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/facswmo.

To get involved with the Sammy’s Window community, join them on Facebook by clicking here.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Kids’ Harbor

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

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Southwest Missouri back in March, the impacts on the lives of local residents was immediate. But what happens when those impacts fall onto a portion of the population that is unable to help itself?

Specifically, what happens when kids who are victims of abuse, or drug endangerment, or physical and mental neglect, are suddenly confined to their homes? Well, that’s where Kids’ Harbor steps in.

Based out of Osage Beach and serving Lake of the Ozarks, Fort Leonard Wood and surrounding areas, Kids’ Harbor serves those children by providing resources to keep them safe and to assist with whatever situation they may be enduring. During COVID-19, doing that work instantly became more challenging. But the Kids’ Harbor staff accepted that challenge. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Hero award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“We are so grateful to be chosen as a Cardinals Non-Profit Hero,” Kids’ Harbor Board President Tim Thompson said. “While we have all been dramatically affected by the COVID pandemic, children have suffered the most. Not only do they have to deal with the crisis but we know abuse has gone un-reported while kids have been locked down. Our staff has worked tirelessly to figure out how to serve and protect them all while having to adapt and overcome these challenges we all face.’

“Cardinals and American National support is incredibly helpful in getting this crucial message out: Please be aware and alert for signs of abuse, and if you see something, say something.”

At the onset of the pandemic, the State of Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline experienced a drastic drop (60%) in the number of hotline calls made. Reason being? Forty percent of those calls are made by school personnel.

“Kids, whose safe places had historically been school, church, extracurricular activities, etc., suddenly found themselves alone and isolated with no friends, teachers, or counselors to see them or report concerns,” one Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has continued to spread awareness to encourage the adults in our community to keep kids safe and report any concerns they see.”

Kids’ Harbor has remained open throughout the pandemic, providing forensic interviews and medical exams and providing counseling and advocacy to children and their safe caregivers.

Even if they had to work from home, Kids’ Harbor advocates continued to reach out to families who had experienced trauma and crisis to see how they could provide support and needed services.

Kids’ Harbor also provides support to local law enforcement and others who are tasked with investigating child abuse and related cases. Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has found ways to assist in these difficult investigations virtually to make sure that their services continue uninterrupted.

“A big concern during the pandemic was the safety of children,” a Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “They weren’t being seen by the mandated reporters that they normally see. Stress was much higher than usual. Parents might not be working, money might be tight, kids were at home full time, and they were trying to homeschool their kids. This was a lot more pressure than they were used to. It could cause some people to deal with that stress by hitting their children or other things they normally wouldn’t do. Kids Harbor trained other people in the community on signs to watch for to help protect children.’

“These employees faced the same problems that we struggled with. But they never quit fighting for every child and safe caregiver that needed them. They are heroes every day and they really stepped up and made a big difference during the pandemic.”

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with Kids’ Harbor, visit kidsharbormo.org.

For more on what Kids’ Harbor is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/kidsharborinc.

Posted by Kids’ Harbor, Inc. on Monday, August 10, 2020

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Least Of These

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

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In 2019, over 1 million pounds of food came through the Least Of These food pantry and into the hands of Christian County residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic this year, that number has only increased.

Least Of These is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County—one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri—and the cities of Nixa and Ozark, serving over 850 families a month in a normal year.

But due to the impacts of COVID-19, this year has seen an increase of 32% in families requesting assistance. That increased need has increased the pantry’s food distribution by 116% over last year.

The staff at Least Of These, which is now working with far less help than at the beginning of the pandemic due to many National Guard volunteers being recalled, has continued to meet demands for hundreds of people who often must choose between paying for food or paying for rent and utilities. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“Least Of These continues to serve the most vulnerable in our community amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Least Of These Executive Director Kristy Carter said. “The way our clients receive food is different right now, but the amount of food and the support each family feels when dealing with us has not changed. It is our commitment to continue to serve families in need in Christian County.’

“We have created and are following an emergency response plan to help those who are faced with food insecurity. As these times are scary and unknown, we will continue to provide food and hopefully remove that fear and anxiety.”

But as the fall and winter months approach, Least Of These continues to need the help of an ever-caring Southwest Missouri community to ensure that its families receive the resources they need.

“The past couple of weeks have demonstrated that it will be difficult to raise the necessary funding to continue to provide food for families faced with food insecurity in Christian County,” Carter said. “In one day alone this week, we served 266 Christian County families and we expect those numbers to continue to increase significantly as we rapidly approach the holidays.”

Least Of These began in 1998 as a community outreach project of a Nixa-based church. Over the past two decades they have grown from providing food assistance to seven families to over 10,000.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. Least Of These relies on generous food and monetary donations from the community to provide assistance to struggling families. And they also rely on volunteers.

To get involved with Least Of These, visit leastofthesefoodpantry.org.

For more on what Least of These is doing for Christian County on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/leastofthese.

Least Of These, Inc. is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County. We feed around 900 families a…

Posted by Least of These, Inc. on Friday, September 18, 2020

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: SeniorAge

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

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — From the very beginning of COVID-19’s impact in the United States and around the world, the most vulnerable population has been our seniors.

Suddenly, people couldn’t hug—or even visit—their parents or grandparents. Couldn’t offer them help on a daily basis.

Here in Southwest Missouri, SeniorAge filled that void in a big way. And they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

Since 1973, SeniorAge has been serving thousands upon thousands of seniors in 17 counties in our region, primarily serving those aged 60 years and older and serving based on need—not income. The work they do plays a key role in a senior’s ability to remain independent and live at home.

In a normal year, part of that work includes serving over 1 million meals to seniors through home delivery and in their dining rooms.

But when COVID-19 hit and transitioned into a worldwide pandemic that reached us here in Missouri, SeniorAge was forced to close its senior centers to the public.

Yet the rate of meals and the volume of help only increased.

“From the beginning of the COVID interruption in mid-March when many organizations were forced to close their operations to the public, SeniorAge worked diligently to ensure seniors in our 17-county service area continued to receive meals and services that kept them safe in their homes,” SeniorAge Marketing Director Juli Jordan said.

Since the shutdown began back in March, SeniorAge has provided over 750,000 meals to seniors at no cost—maintaining home delivery and instituting a no-contact drive-thru program.

“Our home-delivered meal program nearly doubled in volume to serve vulnerable seniors who could not get out for groceries and food,” Jordan said. “And our telephone reassurance program saw an increase in customers who wanted a friendly phone call and wellness check. Seniors have come to trust us for guidance, information, and direction.”

SeniorAge’s telephone reassurance program exists purely for joy and wellbeing. Seniors receive a friendly phone call from a caring staff member to check on their personal well-being and to provide a kind ear just to listen and talk.

“During a time of social distancing, seniors can often feel isolated and forgotten about,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “The telephone reassurance program is similar to having a best friend to talk to when times are tough.”

SeniorAge staff have made over 26,000 wellness calls to local seniors, completed nearly 5,000 tax returns at no charge, distributed over 1,100 farmers market vouchers, and provided over 42,000 units of “information and assistance” to help guide seniors through these difficult times.

They also started a text and e-mail alert program to ensure safety and inform about possible COVID-related scams, created new virtual counseling and online wellness videos, and provided transportation trips through carGO to those who needed help getting to health centers.

The farmers market vouchers alone account for over $65,000 of fresh food from local farmers for seniors.

And they’ve done all of this while maintaining their full pre-pandemic staff.

“We all follow alongside our CEO Starr Kohler, who has empowered us with the confidence and resources we all need to be successful,” Jordan said. “Every employee has moved through this pandemic with compassion, courage, and an eagerness to deliver winning service at a time when so many felt alone and scared.’

“The way we operate now is a little different than six months ago, but we look forward to the day when we can safely reopen our doors to allow seniors to enjoy meals, activities, and programs among friends in one of our 36 activity centers. Until then, we will continue to do what it takes to ensure safety and security at home.”

To keep track of all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, visit springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

Do you want to get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with SeniorAge, visit senioragemo.com/contact.

For more on what SeniorAge is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/senioragemo.

SeniorAge is located at 1735 S. Fort Ave. in Springfield, Missouri.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Harmony House

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

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — For nearly 50 years, Harmony House has been there for Southwest Missouri–providing shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promoting the principle that all individuals have a right to a life free from abuse.

Since its founding in 1976, Harmony House has helped over 17,000 individuals who were victims of domestic violence. Even before the uncharted times our country has endured these past six months, Harmony House stands as a hero in our community.

But it’s what they’ve done and found ways to continue to do during the COVID-19 pandemic that makes them this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

“It was important to our entire team that we keep our doors open for victims in our community, as many are still suffering at the hands of their abuser even through the pandemic,” Harmony House Director of Development Jared Alexander said. “We maintained a full staff of advocates in shelter, continued operation of our 24-hour emergency hotline, and transitioned to several virtual presentations and programs to continue services and communication for residents, volunteers, and the general public.”

And the community recognized those efforts. Harmony House received over 10 percent of all nominations for our Non-Profit Heroes. Their impact and effort was certainly noticed.

“Harmony House has continued to work through the COVID pandemic, sheltering clients and providing outreach services,” one nominator said. “Harmony House is the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County and without their services many abused people would have been trapped in dangerous situations.”

The Harmony House team understood the added dangers for domestic violence victims during the stay-at-home-order and responded, implementing a code word that could be used to indicate that an individual was in immediate danger and continuing to help alleviate individuals from the epidemic of domestic violence–as one nomination put it.

“We are so proud of the entire team at Harmony House–staff, volunteers, and our board–who continue to work tirelessly for domestic violence victims in our community despite the challenges we are all facing as a community,” Alexander said. “Harmony House, like so many in our community, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as an organization. Immediately, our leadership team and board of directors made the decision to remain open and to implement screening procedures to protect the staff, volunteers and clients currently residing in shelter and participating in our Outreach program.”

Harmony House is not only the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County, but it’s the largest of its kind in the state of Missouri. In 2017, Harmony House expanded to a larger facility that allowed it to expand its bed count from 110 to 168. Each year, Harmony House assists over 900 women, men, and children in our community.

To keep track of all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, visit springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

Do you need help or want to get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with Harmony House, contact them at myharmonyhouse.org/contact.

If you need help, call the Harmony House 24-hour hotline at 417-864-7233 or toll free at 800-831-6863. You can also visit myharmonyhouse.org for additional resources.

For more on what Harmony House is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/**myharmonyhouse.**

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Discovery Center

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

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations across the country to adapt how they operate in order to continue to find ways to serve their community.

In Springfield, the Discovery Center (DCS) has done that and much more, establishing itself as a leader on both the local and the national level as one of just two science centers in North America that remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in early March when schools, offices and everything else was beginning to shut down to save lives, the Discovery Center adapted. Because just when everywhere else was telling its employees and students to stay home, healthcare workers were busier than ever, and many of their kids suddenly had nowhere to go.

On March 17, 2020, the Discovery Center started a five-day transition from an award-winning science center into a licensed, emergency childcare facility for healthcare workers and first responders with displaced school-aged children. This service was provided for free to over 1,000 children since March 23—seven days a week for 14 hours each day.

In total, DCS provided 100,000 free childcare hours, over 50,000 free meals and snacks and over 1,000 child enrollments.

All of this and more is why the Discovery Center is this week’s Non-Profit Hero, presented by American National Insurance.

“We here in the Ozarks are always helping and caring for each other,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “Springfield might be one of the larger cities in Missouri, but it sure feels like a small town on most days. During this crazy time our world is in, there are stories all over, but I don’t want people to miss out on a great story right here in Springfield.’

“In the middle of all this chaos they are providing one of the most organized and safest opportunities for these students.”

Discovery Center staff—which came to be known as Team Incredibles—provided three meals a day to kids at their facility in addition to preparing boxes of food to send home to families of frontline workers. Each day they created lesson plans for kids—live streaming virtual lessons, organizing hands-on experiments and crafts, assisting with school work, and providing experiences in the museum itself and focusing on science-based education when it is needed more than ever.

The Center’s health and safety standards went above industry standards, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department borrowed from the Center’s COVID-19 safety measures to model for COVID childcare guidelines.

An average of 3,000 people used the Discovery Center’s free virtual lessons every single day.

“Mister Rogers taught us to look for the helpers,” Discovery Center Executive Director Rob Blevins said. “But we knew from the beginning that we should be doing more than just looking. We knew we needed to help the helpers. And we knew we had the best place for these kids to be.’

“We focused on not only childcare but also making sure that kids felt normal, that they weren’t experiencing a loss in learning by providing schooling based lesson plans, and that they were so well taken care of that their parents could focus on keeping our community safe.”

When talks of how to handle a new school year during COVID-19 began, the Discovery Center adapted again. On July 27, 2020, they announced the opening of the Discovery School, a private K-5 model, and the Learning Support Care Program to assist with Springfield Public School’s plan for in-person schooling. DCS education staff serves as guides and tutors to help children complete SPS virtual curriculum.

The Discovery School at the Center is an independent school run by the Discovery Center for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year. The education staff has over 20 years of combined education experiences and is creating curriculum in humanities, fine arts, world languages, literacy, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, computer coding, robotics, 3D printing and more with teaching partnerships with organizations such as NASA and the Smithsonian Museums.

“The kids we cared for navigated the crisis in a fun way that only the Discovery Center could offer,” Blevins said. “We are a top tier community asset. This is our mission. When SkyZone closed down, we took those families in and gave them free admission and free birthday parties. When the opioid epidemic hit Springfield, we became the first science center in the world to offer the science of synthetic endorphins and pharmacology. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that when our helpers needed help that our doors would be wide open.”

Over five million people worldwide have been inspired by Team Incredibles at the Discovery Center. Click here to learn how you can contribute.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with the Discovery Center, contact them at [email protected] or visit discoverycenter.org.

For more on what the Discovery Center is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/discoverycenterspringfield.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Community Partnership of the Ozarks

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

 

A quick trip to the online home of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) reveals three overarching pillars that make up their goal for the Springfield and Southwest Missouri community: building resilient children, building healthy families, and building strong neighborhoods and communities.

CPO embraces those pillars even in normal times, but it’s what they’ve done over the past five months during the COVID-19 pandemic that makes them one of our Non-Profit Hero award winners, presented by American National Insurance.

Over the two-week nominating period, CPO received nine nominations–the most of any single non-profit in a series that received over 100 nominations. Learn more about Non Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, at SpringfieldCardinals.com/heroes.

Community Impact During COVID-19

For many individuals, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of fear and uncertainty. CPO has been there to help calm those fears with the individuals that it was already committed to helping by checking on neighbors, bringing food, medication and supplies to those who couldn’t leave their homes, sheltering vulnerable homeless families, and so much more.

In fact, throughout the course of the pandemic, CPO has sheltered 150 vulnerable homeless individuals at a time–providing showers, meals and other services meant to keep them as safe as possible. They have ensured that childcare workers are recognized as essential workers and ensured that their needs are met. They produced a series of messaging and videos to help people cope with isolation, withdrawal and other mental health challenges brought on by COVID-19. They have become a coordinated communication hub where people can go to find available resources to help deal with the pandemic.

And the list goes on and on.

“Community Partnership’s leadership and staff understood from the beginning of the pandemic that it was crucial to stay engaged with our community,” CPO Vice-President of Communications Jacqué Breedlove-Harness said. “We did what we are here to do–collaborate with our partners to find creative and innovative solutions to fill the gaps in services throughout the communities we serve.’

“From connecting with neighbors at a grassroots, door-to-door level to meeting people virtually across the region, we collected and shared important information face-to-face and on multiple digital platforms, making sure everyone remained connected to the education, resources and services they need during this difficult time. How we serve currently looks quite different from before, but we know how important it is that we continue to find ways to build resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods and communities.”

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. To get involved with CPO, contact them at [email protected] or visit cpozarks.org.

For more on what the Community Partnership of the Ozarks is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cpozarks.

Students participating in Weller Elementary School’s Bulldog Basketball Academy, sponsored by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, learn more than basketball skills. They also learn important life and social skills, as well as developing positive relationships with mentors.

Graduates from Community Partnership’s first Parent Leadership Training Institute developed lifelong friendships and systems of support as they learned how to advocate and spark change for our community’s children.

Chasers in the Community 2019 Review

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

 

The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality donated $571,229.19 to numerous Omaha Metro charities in 2019, with the Storm Chasers aligning with more than 300 different organizations. Storm Chasers front office members also combined for nearly 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year.

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

During the 2019 season, the Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $13,378 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $21,395 was donated to various Omaha Metro charities, including Make-a-Wish Nebraska, Gold Glove Charities and Food Bank for the Heartland, through six different Jersey Auctions throughout the season. More than 4,000 canned goods were also donated to Heartland Hope Mission through the Storm Chasers’ Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday promotion.

A total of $10,865.20 was also raised through the Storm Chasers’ Omaha Potholes promotion to help repair local little league fields with City of Bellevue Recreation and DC West Youth Sports damaged by historic floods this spring, along with matching donations from the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers organizations. The Storm Chasers organization’s relationship with Minor League Baseball and the efforts of President and General Manager Martie Cordaro also helped secure a joint $50,000 donation from Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to Team Rubicon to support Winter Storm Ulmer disaster relief efforts.

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and player appearances totaled nearly 300. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Jaden Ferguson and Damicah Dutton-Burton.

Furthermore, the Storm Chasers and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality once again provided local non-profit organizations and community groups to raise funds by volunteering at concessions stands during the season. A total of $51,531 was raised by those volunteers through this program.

In addition, over 9,000 cocktails were sold in the Jack Daniel’s Club over the course of the 2019 season, raising over $4,500 in partnership with Jack Daniel’s for Operation Ride Home.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2019 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/home

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

Chukars Celebrating Jerseys For Charity Program

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Idaho Falls, ID – The Idaho Falls Chukars at 4 PM on Friday will be presenting the funds raised by the Jerseys For Charity program inside the front office at Melaleuca Field. This year the Chukars donned six different special jerseys in support of community charities.

The East Idaho Public Health Department Mammogram Voucher Program, EIRMC Auxiliary, the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, Mountain View Charity, the John L Scott Foundation, YMCA STEM Scholarship Fund, Haven, and City of Refuge are the programs supported by the money raised from these jerseys. These programs are sponsored by East Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Potato Commission, Teton Cancer Institute, John L Scott Real Estate, Elevation Labs and the International Institute of Massage Therapy respectively. Representatives from these charities will be at Melaleuca Field to collect the money raised by the jersey auctions for their specific charities.

Following the presentation, members of the Chukars front office will head over to Buffalo Wild Wings at Snake River Landing to display the Pioneer League Championship Trophy. Fans can take a photo with the trophy from 5-7 PM and there will be order forms available for 2019 Pioneer League Championship T-Shirts.

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

Season In Review | Ems Go Above And Beyond To Benefit Local Community

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

 

With another season of Emeralds baseball now officially in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking a look back at some of the special moments and memories created during the 2019 season. Today, we reflect on all the good that the Emeralds imparted throughout the Eugene/Springfield community.

Over the past decade, the Ems have made a concerted effort to ingrain the organization within the fabric of Eugene/Springfield through countless community efforts and initiatives. With almost too many donations, drives and events to keep track of, let’s go by the numbers to see exactly how the Emeralds made a positive impact in Lane County during the past season.

$7,451: Dollars raised to benefit local nonprofits through Good Karma Monday.

Good Karma Monday, presented by Yogi, is a weekly ticket promotion created in recent years with the goal of supporting local nonprofit organizations and initiatives. During every Good Karma Monday throughout the 2019 season, fans were able to purchase discounted box seat tickets ($10) with 50% of ticket sales directly benefitting a local nonprofit organization. All told, the Ems raised a combined $7,451 that together benefitted the Pearl Buck Center, Relief Nursery, A Family For Every Child, and Womenspace.

7: Community focus nights.

The Ems aim to use their influence to shine light on causes and efforts that are near and dear to the organization. During the 2019 season, a total of seven (7) different home games were used to highlight important (local) causes, efforts, and personalities: PRIDE, Climate Change, First Responders Appreciation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), League Of Her Own (Lois Youngen – former AAGPBL Player), Suicide Prevention, and Military Appreciation.

5: Community events.

Even when there aren’t ballgames happening at PK Park, the Emeralds are often still playing their part in helping support the local community. All told, the Emeralds hosted five (5) separate non-gameday events during the 2019 season to support local nonprofits and organizations: American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Eugene Police’s National Night Out, Eugene Food Truck Fest benefitting Eugene Mission, Wham Bam Kendall Jam Car Show benefitting Relief Nursery, and the Boys and Girls Club‘s Field of Dreams.

$3,500: Dollars raised through specialty jersey sales during the 2019 season.

Every year, the Emeralds front office collaborates to design one-of-a-kind, specialty jerseys to be worn on a select night during the season. During each specialty jersey game, fans in attendance can bid on the game-worn jerseys via a silent auction, and the auction winners receive their jersey directly from the corresponding player immediately following the game.

Below, you can find the corresponding nonprofit beneficiary for each specialty jersey worn by the Ems this past season.

PRIDE – HIV Alliance

Climate Change – Our Children’s Trust

Star Wars – Children’s Miracle Network

Black Panther – Ems Community Fund

3: Collection drives hosted to benefit nonprofit organizations.

The Emeralds hosted three separate community collection drives during the past season: a book drive benefitting United Way, a cat/dog items drive benefitting Greenhill Humane Society, and a new socks/underwear drive benefitting Eugene Mission.

6,500: Tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers through Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge, presented by Oregon Medical Group and Wildish.

Year after year, Sluggo and the Emeralds staff spend the spring visiting countless Lane County schools in an effort to encourage reading among children. Participating schools and teachers decide on a reasonable reading goal for their students’ respective reading levels. Once the individual goal is reached by a student, they automatically receive two free tickets to one of the Emeralds Reading Program Redemption games.

This year, the Emeralds hosted a total of eleven (11) Reading Program Nights with more than 6,500 total tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers.

6: Monarcas games at PK Park this past season.

Starting in 2018, the Emeralds proudly joined “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup,” a season-long event series specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities. As such, the Emeralds created their own unique identity as Los Monarcas de Eugene, using the Monarch butterfly as a subtle and beautiful symbol for the migrant community. Every Sunday home game, the Emeralds transformed into los Monarcas by donning specially designed uniforms while also incorporating Latin-themed food, music, and decorations all throughout PK Park.

$6,850: Dollars raised through the 50/50 raffle for Eugene Little League and Boys & Girls Club.

25: Emeralds player outings and efforts within the community totaling more than 175 hours of volunteer work.

5: Days Emeralds players hosted baseball clinics during the season.

1: Guide dogs that the Emeralds helped train this season.

Last but not least, fans at PK Park likely noticed a new four-legged friend roaming the concourse during the 2019 season. Vegas, the Emeralds service dog in-training, joined the organization earlier this year under the direction of Anne Culhane, the team’s Director of Community Relations. Since his arrival, Vegas has been a (rapidly growing) staple at the Ems office and at PK Park, and thanks to Culhane’s guidance he’s also continued to take major steps towards his goal of one day becoming a service dog.

To learn more about The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs visit joydogs.org.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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