13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” Auction

Silent Auction to be Held During Game Against Asheville

CharlestonRiverDogs_2012-07-20

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host their 13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” RP Auction on July 28 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

All the proceeds for the event will go to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute, which is dedicated to researching ways to try to prevent the loss of sight. The silent auction will begin when the gates open at 6 pm and will conclude in the sixth inning.

Those in attendance will have ample opportunity to “Be Your Own Fan” while taking home once-in-a-lifetime items, and lending a helping hand to a worthy cause in the process.

There will be a wide range of specialty gifts available at the auction, including a Walt Disney Dream Vacation, a New York package that will contain a hotel room, and tickets to a Yankees game and a Broadway show, as well as a Cooperstown package with passes to the Baseball Hall of Fame. These are just a few of many specialty gifts and services that will be available.

There will also be various sports memorabilia, with items autographed by Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, former Atlanta Braves All-Star John Smoltz, current Braves star Chipper Jones, New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and many more.

All fans that enter the ballpark are eligible to bid on the various goods and services. More than $400,000 has been donated to the Storm Eye Institute to help fight Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease that causes blindness and has affected Rebecca Veeck, the daughter of RiverDogs President Mike Veeck.

“We put a lot of effort into this annual auction because we firmly believe in the cause,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Blindness hits us hard because of Rebecca, and we are trying to do our part to fight this disease that affects so many. Hopefully, raising needed funds for research will help prevent this terrible disease.”

Additionally, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Saturday, July 28, will receive a free Jorts Patch, courtesy of WTAT Fox 24.

For additional information about the “Kindness Beats Blindness” RP Auction or if you are interested in a donation, please call Melissa Azevedo at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or visit www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Staff volunteers in Charleston Parks Beautification

The Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff participated in their monthly Staff Volunteer Day for January on Tuesday the 17th. Members of the staff volunteered with the Nonprofit organization Charleston Parks Conservancy to assist with the beautification of Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston.

“We are really excited we were able to assist the great folks at Charleston Parks Conservatory help keep Brittlebank Park beautiful,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was a fun day all around, and we are very happy we could help.”

RiverDogs Front Office Staff helped prune and trim bushes throughout the park, rake and clear flower beds, and plant new plants throughout Brittlebank Park. This is the second time in the past year the RiverDogs have volunteered with Charleston Parks Conservancy.

Members of the RiverDogs Front Office Staff dedicate one day each month to community service efforts throughout the Charleston area. Other Nonprofit Organizations the RiverDogs have assisted with in the past include Lowcountry Food Bank, Pet Helpers Inc., and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Sales Manager, Jake Terrell, planting bulbs
Staff planting new bulbs at Brittlebank Park

From left to right: Charleston Parks Conservancy Horticulturist Kellen Goodell, Director of Media Relations – Sean Houston, Director of Merchandise – Mike DeAntonio, Sales Manager – Jake Terrell, Director of Promotions – Noel Blaha, Director of Special Events – Melissa McCants Azevedo, Box Office Manager – David Cullins, Sales Rep – Annie Fuller, Director of Community Relations – Lauren Allio and Charleston Parks Conservancy Volunteer Director – Neves Richards

RiverDogs Front Office Staff Volunteer Days

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Lowcountry Food Bank. On December 20, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering at the Pet Helpers Adoption Center.

The team met with Erica Marcus, Volunteer and Off-Site Adoption Coordinator, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of Pet Helpers, before getting started. Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the Pet Helpers staff by unloading and washing the event van, raking leaves off the walking trails, preparing dog treats, and playing and walking the adoptable dogs. “I really enjoy our Staff Volunteer Days. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to really make a difference in our community,” commented Sean Houston, RiverDogs Director of Media Relations.

Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501c 3 Adoption Center and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.pethelpers.org

Top Row (from left to right): Director of Food and Beverage, Josh Gilkey; Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio; Sales Representative, Annie Fuller; Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston; and Box Office Manager, David Cullins.
Bottom Row (from left to right): Assistant General Manager, Harold Craw; Director of Promotions, Noel Blaha; and Assistant General Manager, Andy Lange.

RiverDogs Wrap Up 2nd “Inning” of Reading Initiative

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have completed the second inning of their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, which emphasizes the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

In the program’s second year, the number of participating schools has increased from nine to twelve local elementary schools. Participating schools for the 2011-2012 school year are Burns, Chicora, Goodwin, Mary Ford, Mitchell, Dunston, Hursey, Sanders-Clyde, North Charleston, Pinehurst, Memminger and James Simons elementary schools.

“The program is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of reading and exercising, while associating the two with Charlie T. RiverDog” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The RiverDogs are pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District, and we hope to continue to increase participation each year.”

Two third-grade classes from each school participate in the program, which consists of four six-week “innings” with first, second and third place ribbons awarded in each individual class after the completion of each inning and at the conclusion of the program. After an inning is finished, the class with the most points in each school holds the school’s trophy and bragging rights until the next winner is determined after the following inning.

Children receive points each time they reach a designated reading or fitness goal. One point is awarded for every 20 minutes a child spends reading and for every 20 minutes exercising, while two points are awarded if the exercise is done for the good of another (washing a car, raking leaves, walking a neighbor’s dog, and the like).

Each child’s points log must be accumulated outside of class and class assignments. Parents must sign off on the kids’ reading/exercising log. In order to further help the effort, Charlie will visit the kids each inning to pump them up about exercising and reading, and RiverDogs’ staff members will read to the classes during each inning. At the end of each inning and the entire program, Charlie will hand out prizes for the children’s hard work.

Charlie visits M.C. Hursey Elementary School in North Charleston, SC. (photo courtesy of the Charleston RiverDogs)

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Charleston-RiverDogsThanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logo“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

CSC Winwood Farm Presentation 2011

‘Dogs Donate $1,000 to Teacher’s Supply Closet

Money raised from public address announcements goes to Tri-county school supplies provider

Charleston-RiverDogsSchool supplies are vital toward providing a great education for all children, but they can be expensive. In the Lowcountry, that’s where the Teacher’s Supply Closet steps in to provide pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and the like to Tri-County schools.

During Sunday’s game with the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs presented a $1,000 contribution to the organization as the culmination of a year-long effort to boost their ability to outfit children with everything they need to succeed in school. The funds come from the money fans have paid to have their messages read over the public address system.

“Involvement in local schools is a point of pride for the Charleston RiverDogs, and we are pleased to know that we and our fans helped better the grade school experience of Lowcountry youth.”

CSC teacher supply closet 2011

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Charleston-RiverDogsEveryone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy logo“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

 The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

CSC Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Donation 2011

‘Dogs and Piggly Wiggly Donate over 3,000 meals to Lowcountry Food Bank

Supermarket chain matches season-long contributions of RiverDogs fans

Charleston-RiverDogsThe final Friday Night Fireworks display of 2011 was not the only home run the RiverDogs hit with Piggly Wiggly last night. During a special in-game ceremony, the two announced that they teamed to donate more than 3,600 pounds of food to the Lowcountry Food Bank this season.

Representing more than 3,000 meals, the contribution is the culmination of a year-long effort to aid the poor and hungry of the Lowcountry.

All season long, RiverDogs fans have received a $1 off the price of admission by bringing three canned food items to the box office. The 1,500+ meals given by fans were then matched by Piggly Wiggly, doubling the total and lending support to the LCFB’s nearly 30-year long mission to feed the hungry.

Lowcountry Food Bank“Community outreach is not possible without fan support, and our fans have once again displayed their eagerness to better the community while enjoying RiverDogs baseball,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We are also grateful to Piggly Wiggly for matching the donation, and are satisfied to know that we share the same values.”

Charleston RiverDogs Donate $25,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute

Yankees Affiliate Has Donated More than $450,000 in Past 12 Years

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs have yet again left a large paw print on the fight against blindness and the disease retinitis pigmentosa.

Between games of Tuesday night’s doubleheader against the Greenville Drive, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $25,000 to Dr. Ed Wilson, M.D. and representatives from the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

The donation comes primarily from the RiverDogs’ 12th annual Kindness Beats Blindness auction that was held on June 25.  With turnouts in the thousands in each of the 12 years of the auction, the team and community as a whole have raised more than $450,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative eye disease.

MUSC-Health-Storm-Eye “We are grateful for the RiverDogs continued support in our quest to find cures and treatments for blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa,” said Dr. Wilson.  “The RiverDogs’ generosity over the last 12 years has been crucial to the work that our vision scientists are doing in this area,”

The auction hits close to the RiverDogs’ family since Rebecca, the daughter of club president Mike Veeck was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration.  Veeck and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves and most of their charitable efforts toward fighting blindness.

“Our entire staff takes a great deal of pride in our combined efforts with the Charleston community to raise money for research,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “The grace with which Rebecca and the Veeck family have handled this disease is inspiring to observe.”

For more information on the MUSC Storm Eye Institute and their effort to battle RP and other degenerative retinal diseases, visit www.muschealth.com/eyes.

Storm Eye Institute Check Presentation 2011

RiverDogs Team Up with Area Youngsters for HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League

Heathcott and Murphy instruct PlayToday! Foundation kids

Charleston-RiverDogsWhether they make it to high school ball or the Major Leagues, everyone has memories of playing wiffle ball in the street or backyard. Members of the HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League had the privilege of learning some wiffle ball skills and tricks from future New York Yankees on Saturday, June 11.

Charleston RiverDogs center fielder Slade Heathcott, and catcher J.R. Murphy, tutored the youngsters in a two-hour session at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park Saturday morning.

The HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League (HWBL) is presented by the PlayToday! Foundation, in partnership with the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Commission and the Charleston Miracle League. The goal of the HWBL is to provide 8-12 year old children from underprivileged backgrounds a chance to participate in an organized sports league over the summer.

PlayToday-logo“We are happy to team with the HWBL and the PlayToday! Foundation,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our ‘Be Your Own Fan’ philosophy is affording each and every child a chance to grow up with the game of baseball. This is a great step in that direction, and we’re pleased our players feel the same way.”

Following the instruction, all participants capped off a memorable morning with a game, supervised by the RiverDogs’ two newly minted SAL All-Stars.

In addition to the lessons learned from being part of a team, the HWBL is designed to boost children’s self-esteem, and encourage exercise and overall physical fitness through nutritional guidance. Throughout the season, prominent members of the Charleston community will take time to address the children and answer questions about what it takes to succeed in today’s world.

CSC-Wiffle Ball DSCN1172

RiverDogs Community Outreach Branches Out

Community outreach is nothing new to the Charleston RiverDogs as the leader of the Lowcountry’s professional sports team clearly sets the bar.  But in return for the overwhelming support the region has provided the RiverDogs over the years, the team is happy to extend itself in return.

At beautiful Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, that philanthropic spirit can be witnessed through our weekly “Dogs with a Cause Night,” where local nonprofit organizations promote their worthy causes to patrons at home games that fall on Mondays.  Away from the friendly confines, the “Be Your Own Fan” mission shines through in the “Reading and Running with the RiverDogs” program for schoolchildren, as well as monthly community service projects staffed by RiverDogs employees during the offseason.

This year, the RiverDogs are pleased to announce partnerships with Lowcountry Food Bank, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, Water Missions International and Teacher Supply Closet, which all position themselves to better help the Holy City and surrounding areas.

“Being a part of the mainstream community is vital to us and we’d like to think that we’re making a difference,” said General Manager Dave Echols.  “Of course, we offer wholesome, family entertainment at a most reasonable price and pretty good baseball at the same time.”

In conjunction with local grocer Piggly Wiggly, RiverDogs fans have the opportunity to aid the needy and catch every ballgame with a special two-for-one rate by donating two canned food items to the Lowcountry Food Bank.  With a grassroots network of more than 320 member agencies providing hunger-relief services throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina, the Lowcountry Food Bank has been a pillar in the Charleston community since 1983.

Our “Raising Cane Launch-A-Ball” promotion has long been a popular part of the gameday experience as fans purchase $1 tennis balls and takes aim at on-field targets after each game for the chance to win tickets and cash.

This season, however, one has the ability to “have a ball” while supplying funds for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy in their quest to lend a helping hand to emergency agencies and personnel in the Charleston area during emergency situations.  Half of the proceeds from the “Launch-A-Ball” postgame throw will be donated to the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, which has proven a comforting presence in trying times, including the 2007 Sofa Super Store tragic fire that claimed the lives of nine of Charleston’s firefighters.

On the concourse this season, the Riley Park faithful may notice the Living Water Treatment System that Water Missions International has provided.  A nonprofit Christian engineering organization, Water Missions International constructs these systems to allow for simple, durable water purification in developing countries and disaster areas.

Located near the left field line adjacent to the customer relations desk, Water Missions International is able to support a community of 3,000-5,000 people with the treated water.  The RiverDogs are pleased to provide the space and hope that loyal supporters will strive to find out how they can help provide clean water as “the source of life” and add to the more than two million people that have received relief and hope through Water Missions International’s work.

Last but certainly not least is the club’s alliance with the Teacher Supply Closet, which serves the educational needs of children in the Tri-county area by providing a unique means to offer free merchandise for teachers to use in their classrooms.  During all RiverDogs home games, fans are able to drop off items at the customer relations desk which go toward the Teacher Supply Closet’s goal to give every Lowcountry child the supplies they need to succeed in school.

With nearly the entire home slate still on tap, there are many chances to catch exciting RiverDogs action and “Be Your Own Fan” while jumping on board to strengthen the fiber of the Charleston community … like the RiverDogs have.

RiverDogs and Gildan Partner to Help Peninsula Youth

Peninsula Baseball and Softball Teams Outfitted with Free Jerseys with RiverDogs Logo

Charleston-RiverDogsWe know that every child that steps onto a baseball or softball diamond dreams of putting on a big league uniform.  While few will realize that goal, the youth of Charleston’s peninsula will now be able to come close. The Charleston RiverDogs have partnered with Gildan Distributors to lend free t-shirts to all Peninsula Parks and Recreation youth baseball and softball teams.

“We appreciate so much the contributions of the Riverdogs and Gildan to the baseball playing youth of our city,” said Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. “Pride in their team and what they learn is a big factor of success and the T-shirts will be a great contribution to success.”

Peninsula youngsters will also have the opportunity to “Be Your Own Fan” and save their parents some cash at every Sunday home game.  Any child that comes to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park sporting their uniform will receive a free general admission ticket to our Family Sundays, which feature Free Parking and Kids Eat Free.

Dressing like the Yankees of tomorrow is one thing but taking the field with them is another.  On Sunday, May 22, Peninsula Parks and Recreation baseball and softball players will get to do both as the RiverDogs host the inaugural Peninsula Youth Sports Day.  Prior to the RiverDogs game versus the Augusta GreenJackets (5:05 pm first pitch), all Little Leaguers will be invited onto the field to participate in a pregame parade in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those youngsters that are participating in the Peninsula Parks and Recreation baseball and softball leagues,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “We are proud to partner with Gildan to make this happen.”

Gildan is a vertically-integrated marketer and manufacturer of quality branded basic apparel.  The company is the leading supplier of active wear for the screenprint market in the U.S. and Canada.  It is also a leading supplier to this market in Europe, and is establishing a growing presence in Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.  Gildan’s corporate head office is located in Montreal, Canada

RiverDogs Promote “Going Local”

They are seen working in the community. Charlie T. RiverDog is seen all over the Lowcountry. Stories are told about how much fans love coming to The Joe and how much the local organization means to the area.

In that local spirit, the organization has announced a formal relationship with Lowcountry Local First for the 2011 season.

The mission of Lowcountry Local First is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support for independent and locally-owned businesses and farmers.

“We want to stress the fact that supporting local businesses helps to strengthen our local economy,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols.  “We are an active player in this region – whether we are in season or not – and we want to do all we can to help our local businesses.  As a result, we hope that our fans will recognize the importance of supporting local businesses and artisans while at the same time allowing Lowcountry Local First members an opportunity to reach our fans, all while enjoying a night of relaxation and entertainment by attending a RiverDogs game.”

Part of the RiverDogs’ involvement with Lowcountry Local First will consists of locally owned businesses having the opportunity to provide information and promote awareness through various table displays near the entrance of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Saturdays.

Fans who come to the ballpark for Saturday home games will not only have the chance to interact with those local businesses, but if they show proof of residency in the Greater Charleston area, they’ll receive $1 off their ticket purchase upon entering The Joe.

Lowcountry Local First is an alliance that educates the public on the importance of supporting the local economy, and encourages businesses and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. They are the 44th network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), North America’s fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses that are comprised of more than 80 community networks representing 22,000 independent business members across 30 states and Canadian provinces.

These networks create local living economies through the building blocks of independent retail, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green building, local zero-waste manufacturing, community capital, independent media and local arts and culture.

RiverDogs Staff Helps Out at Charleston Animal Society

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Charleston Habitat for Humanity, and Feline Freedom Coalition.  On December 17th, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering with The Charleston Animal Society.

The team met with Staci Bennett, the Director of Volunteer Programs and Events, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of CAS, before getting started.  Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the CAS staff by washing windows, cleaning cages, preparing fresh litter boxes, helping with cat enrichment procedures, and exercising dogs.  “It is always gives you a good feeling to help to improve the lives those less fortunate than ourselves.  It is especially rewarding to help animals, that have no means of helping themselves, and you know will give a lifetime of love and affection to you in return,” commented Sarah Ward, RiverDogs Community Relations Director.

The Charleston Animal Society is a non-profit, open-admissions animal shelter serving Charleston County, where no animal is ever turned away.  The mission of the organization is to promote responsible guardianship of domestic animals and advocate the compassionate treatment of all animals.  In order to accomplish this mission, CAS strives to: promote temporary sanctuary to lost, abandoned, or abused domestic animals; promote adoption; provide medical care to indigent pets; eliminate overpopulation of animals with aggressive spay/neuter and education programs; provide education about responsible per guardianship; reunite lost pets and their owners; and reduce cruelty through stronger ordinances, investigations, partnerships, and education.  For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.charlestonanimalsociety.org.

Next month, the Charleston RiverDogs staff will spend a day beautifying their own neighborhood by planting bulbs with the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the Park Angels at Brittlebank Park.

RiverDogs Help Out the Feline Freedom Coalition

‘Dogs helping Cats

As a means of giving back to the community, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office one day each month during the off-season to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. On November 12th, eleven members of the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day in Ravenel, volunteering with Feline Freedom Coalition, Inc. A truckload of sand was delivered to the site, to be dispersed to three of the outdoor cat houses.  The team worked together to shovel the sand into buckets and wheelbarrows, then the sand was spread out into the pens.

Sales manager, Jake Terrell, said, “It always feels good to work as a team toward a common goal, even if it is as simple as moving sand.  You can have fun while trying to figure out creative ways to finish the project, and by throwing sand at your co-workers!”

Together, the RiverDogs staff was able to move all of the sand to complete the project in hours as opposed to the months it had taken the organization in years past.

Feline Freedom Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing services and support to individuals and community groups interested in using TNR (trap, neuter, return or re-home) to effectively control the overpopulation of free roaming cats in Charleston County.  The organization provides education and information to the public, property decision makers and governmental agencies through the TNR Community Hotline and TNR training programs.  In addition, volunteers facilitate the work of caretakers involved in colony management and support the adoption of feral cats and kittens through Petsmart’s Adoption Outreach Program.

RiverDogs staff assist at the Feline Freedom Coalition