Indianapolis Indians Charities Partners with Toys for Tots

Rowdie plush doll donations highlight “Rowdie’s Toy Drive”

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities is partnering with Toys for Tots of Central Indiana this holiday season thanks to the Tribe’s lovable mascot, Rowdie. The toy drive campaign begins today on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1 and continues thru Thursday, Dec. 17, with various initiatives driven by IIC, fan and community involvement benefiting Toys for Tots.

“Rowdie brings smiles to the faces of thousands of young Hoosiers each year at the ballpark and in our community,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “This holiday season, we hope Rowdie’s plush dolls bring the same delight into the homes of children in Central Indiana through our partnership with Toys for Tots.”

Over 100 Rowdie plush dolls have already been donated by IIC to Toys for Tots thru a merchandise initiative. From Nov. 23-29, online merchandise orders over $60 received free shipping and as a bonus, IIC donated one Rowdie plush doll per order to the toy drive.

Starting today and continuing until Sunday, Dec. 6 at 11:59 PM ET, IIC will donate a Rowdie plush doll to Toys for Tots for every doll purchased online by fans.

Sun King Brewing is generously contributing to IIC’s Toys for Tots collection efforts by housing toy collection boxes at its four locations in downtown Indy, Broad Ripple, Fishers and Carmel thru Dec. 17. Sun King’s contributions expand to three consecutive Tuesdays – Dec. 1, 8 and 15 – with the local brewery donating $1 to Toys for Tots for every 4-pack sold at each location on those dates.

Any direct donation to Toys for Tots this holiday season can be made here.

2020 Giants in the Community Report

Annual report highlights organization’s impact in the San Jose community

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2020 Community Report. In unprecedented circumstances, this year’s report highlights the organization’s creative success and community involvement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in 166 events despite the absence of baseball.

“As we look towards brighter days and the return of baseball sounds echoing through Excite Ballpark, I hope this report brings a communal sense of pride in what we can accomplish together when the odds are against us,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing you out in the community and cannot wait to welcome you all back to the ballpark when baseball returns.”

The 2020 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include the organization’s involvement with Bay Area SHiP Kits, information on successful fundraising efforts to support both Frontline Workers battling the pandemic and the Northern California Fires, as well as never-before-seen events and opportunities at the ballpark without Giants games being played. For the complete 2020 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2020 Community Report

Bats to Host Youth Sports Equipment Drive & Holiday Open House

 

Louisville, KY – The Louisville Bats are partnering with Humana and the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) this holiday season to host “Playing It Forward”, a used sports equipment collection drive on Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Louisville Slugger Field.

Playing It Forward is designed to provide new and/or gently used youth baseball or softball equipment to low-and moderate-income kids and help eliminate the cost of equipment as a barrier to participate in organized sports. By removing this barrier, the LSC will help nearly 100 Louisville-area kids participate in sports in their own neighborhoods as a means to experience physical activity.

“The Bats are thrilled to partner with Humana and the Louisville Sports Commission to help make possible such an impactful initiative. With so many young people in need of proper sports equipment, we’re asking our fans to donate so that we can all help make a difference in the lives of the youth in our community,” says Team President Vic Gregovits.

Walk-up drop off will be available inside the Hall of Fame Pavilion of Louisville Slugger Field. Participants may enter through the east gate doors next to Against the Grain. Parking is free in the main lot located on the east side of the ballpark.

Participants who wish to donate but want to stay in their cars may do so by visiting the drive-by drop off bins located in the main parking lot located on the east side of the ballpark. Bats staff members will be on hand to help with the drive-by donation process.

All participants who donate will receive a 20% off coupon to Dick’s Sporting Goods as well as a 20% off coupon for the Bats Team Store.

Holiday Merch Blowout Sale

In addition to the Playing It Forward initiative, the Bats will be holding their first-ever “Holiday Merch Blowout Sale” which will be offering discounted team merchandise items for up to 50% off. Specially discounted items will be available inside the Team Store. All fans will be required to wear masks when shopping and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

Ballpark Renovations

Fans who attend are invited to walk around the ballpark to view many of the exciting renovations happening in advance of the 2021 season.

For any questions, please contact the Bats Front Office at (502) 212-2287 or email [email protected].

The Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program

 

Last month the Eugene Emeralds launched their online initiative to donate reusable, washable masks to local school districts. Through the Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program fans can purchase an adjustable face mask, or a gator, and the Emeralds will donate an identical mask to a local school district.

The Emeralds will distribute the masks through the Eugene Education Foundation, Bethel Education Foundation and the Springfield Education Foundation to go to the students, teachers and supporting staff. Although the re-opening of in person instruction is fluid, schools will be able to disturb the masks as needed and have them on hand when they are able to start in person instructions.

“It is so important for our students, teachers and support staff to have access to face masks,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “Masks are going to be an ongoing need for schools for the foreseeable future, and we want to make sure schools are able to provide PPEs to those who need them.”

The Emeralds have two options for fans to purchase from. The first one, a mask that has adjustable elastic ear loops. This mask is made of polyester super dry mesh fabric interior and has an interior pocket for a filter pad. Also available is a light weight and breathable gator. This standard fit (one size fits most) gator can be worn in any number of ways such as a headscarf, face mask or bandanna. These are not medical grade masks, but it has been proven to help reduce a person’s chance of spreading COVID-19 by up to 70 percent.

Fans interested in participating in the Buy a Mask/Give a Mask program can visit the Emeralds Team Store here, https://emeralds.milbstore.com/collections/buy-a-mask-give-a-mask. Fans who visit the site will also see the option to purchase a mask to given to schools. The program will run until January 2021.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Tiffany Gray, Mansfield Middle School

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Tiffany Gray of Mansfield Middle School as our October Teacher of the Month.

A Mansfield native, Tiffany has spent all 19 of her years in education as a teacher at her hometown’s middle school. As this different and challenging school year approached, Tiffany worked tirelessly on new and innovative ways to meet the needs of students in the classroom and learning in a virtual setting.

Early on when COVID-19 began to impact her community, Tiffany was there to help package, hand out and deliver meals to her students. As her school district’s meal plan phased out towards the end of the 2019-20 school year, Tiffany continued to deliver food to area families through a community donor program by buying two large coolers to fit in her vehicle that allowed her to continue to package and deliver meals on a weekly basis.

Tiffany’s commitment to the well-being of her students and her impact on their learning environment not just now, but over the past 19 years, is why she’s this month’s Teacher of the Month, presented by Missouri Lottery.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Tiffany and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To learn more about the Teacher of the Month award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, or to nominate a November Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Round Rock Express to Host Winter Baseball Camp

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce details for the team’s annual Winter Baseball Camp at Dell Diamond. The three-day camp is scheduled to run 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. from Monday, December 28 through Wednesday, December 30. Registration is $250, open to participants ages 6-14, and available now via ExpressCamps.com.

“Hosting a baseball camp over the holiday season has become one of our favorite winter traditions here at Dell Diamond and we are thrilled that we can continue that tradition in 2020,” Express Camps Director Chase Almendarez said. “As always, the safety of our campers remains the top priority and we have proven through our previous summer and Skills & Drills camps that we can continue to provide high-level baseball instruction from our experienced group of coaches in a safe, responsible and socially-distanced manner.”

Express Camps offer big league quality instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Express Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels and provide high-level instruction from knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches. Every Express Camp aims to develop the complete ballplayer by emphasizing physical, mental and leadership skill sets.

The safety of participants and staff at Express Camps is the top priority. As mandated by the State of Texas, the Express will be implementing a series of expanded protocols and procedures. Each camp will be limited in numbers to follow health and safety protocols from local and state officials with campers split into small groups based on age that will remain consistent for the duration of each camp. Each group will have two dedicated coaches that will stay with that group for the duration of camp. Campers will not participate in games or scrimmages with other groups.

Additionally, parents and guardians will not be allowed to attend camps, except to drop off and pick up campers at designated curbside areas. Assigned coaches and staff will check campers in and out of camp at designated curbside areas. Water stations, which are regularly monitored and sanitized, will be available to campers only. Campers are required to bring their own bats, gloves and refillable water bottles. For more on the enhanced safety procedures being implemented, please visit ExpressCamps.com.

To view the full lineup of a variety of special events coming to Dell Diamond in 2020, visit RRExpress.com/Events. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Chasers in the Community

 

The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality combined for over 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year, and welcomed nearly 90,000 fans to a safe and socially distant Werner Park in 2020.

“We are proud of our staff for continuing to work in the community during this especially difficult year and we will continue to pursue opportunities and plan events that provide community connections in 2021,” said Storm Chasers General Manager Laurie Schlender. “While we have had staff reductions and no baseball in 2020, our commitment to being involved in the community has not wavered and we are planning things for 2021 that will continue that commitment.”

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and staff appearances totaled 75. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Livia McFadden and Nolan Christianson. The Chasers also partnered with numerous non-profit organizations throughout the year including Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Salvation Army, the Tangier Shrine, Project Wee Care and the Foodbank for the Heartland amongst many others. They also partnered with Jack Daniels to provide for Operation Ride Home for the second straight year.

A brand new classroom program, Chasers All-Stars, was also created in 2020 providing parents, teachers, and administrators the ability to nominate teachers from the metro to be honored. Over 20 classrooms were surprised in February and March with a visit from Stormy, a weather demonstration provided by KMTV and a variety of prizes.

Despite many challenges brought by Covid-19, the Storm Chasers remained committed to providing relief for the Omaha Metro Community. A partnership with Kidwell Inc. provided 25 gallons of hand sanitizer to the Ronald McDonald House in April and nearly $1000 was donated to the Foodbank of the Heartland through Feeding America, while donating tickets for the 2021 season to frontline workers. The Storm Chasers were also able to provide a sense of normalcy providing two free drive-in firework shows and six Curbside To Go pick up meals.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2020 Community Relations efforts can be found online here.

Springfield Cardinals ‘Track-or-Treat’ coming October 30 to Hammons Field 

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — TRACK-OR-TREAT! With so many families having their normal trick-or-treating plans changed this year, Hammons Field is getting a candy-filled makeover on Friday, October 30 with our first-ever Cardinals Halloween event!

Track-or-Treat will be a free, socially distanced night of trick-or-treating that will provide families in the Springfield area with a completely new outdoor Halloween experience on the award-winning field at Hammons Field.

All attendees will end their Track-or-Treat experience by picking out a pumpkin from the Price Cutter Pumpkin Patch! Pumpkins available while supplies last.

To participate, families must sign up for a specific time slot for a pod of people between 4:00 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. and come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes! Please note each pod must include at least one child 12 or under to make sure Track-Or-Treat stays about the kids in our community. A pod may have up to six children, but when signing up only the Pod Leader needs to register.

Springfield Cardinals RED Access Members will be granted an early registration window for their pod from Monday, October 19 to Tuesday, October 20. Pod sign-ups open to all fans at on Wednesday, October 21. Time slots for pods will be organized in 10-minute increments with five reservations per time slot. Each pod reservation is allowed up to six children aged 12 and under.

A sign-up e-mail will be sent to RED Access Members on Monday. A sign-up link will be released to all fans on Wednesday.

All attendees aged five years and older must be masked throughout the event. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver in advance and get their temperature checked upon entry (all kids must have their waivers signed by their parents and/or legal guardians). All Springfield-Greene County Health Department COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.

Once inside, Track-or-Treaters will walk around the Hammons Field warning track where they’ll get to collect candy from different tents and tables decorated and assembled by Cardinals partners and other Springfield companies. The Cardinals will have Halloween-themed fun and music playing on the video board and will have a photo station set up in center field.

For the safety of our fans, vendors and Cardinals employees, please note that all workers will be masked, have their temperatures checked upon arrival and will wear gloves while distributing individually wrapped candy.

BooClaws Spooktacular Comes to FirstEnergy Park on October 30th

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Get ready for a spooky night out with the family and celebrate Halloween with the BlueClaws on Friday, October 30th. The first BooClaws Spooktacular, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJR Home Services and the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore comes to FirstEnergy Park with gates opening at 6:00 pm.

The team will screen Hocus Pocus on the 1,857 square-foot video board beginning at 7:00 pm.

Additionally, the night includes a costume parade for kids, and fun, safe, and low-contact trick-or-treating with food provided by Bimbo Bakeries featuring Takis and Entenmann’s, plus additional candy from Hershey’s.

TICKET INFORMATION – Tickets are just $10 and includes popcorn plus soda or water. CLICK HERE to order online.

Due to current state regulations regarding outdoor gatherings, only 450 tickets will be sold.

“This is certainly a unique Halloween around the Shore, but the BlueClaws are excited to help do what we can to provide a fun and safe option for families,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “We look forward to a spooky, fun, and safe Halloween!”

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up. Fans are permitted to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch the movie from the field.

All kids will automatically be signed up for Home Run Membership in the BlueClaws Kids Club, and five random kids will win a 5-Game BlueClaws Mini Plan for the 2021 season.

Masks are required when moving about the ballpark, while in line for entrance or food, while in the restrooms, or in the team store. Groups must be seated in a socially-distant manner, at least 6-feet from other groups. Fans are permitted to sit either in the stands or on the field. Click here for a rundown of BlueClaws safety and sanitation procedures.

This event has a rain date of Sunday, November 1st.

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

-BlueClaws-

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

 

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.

Spend Halloween with the Hooks on October 31

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Join us at Whataburger Field on Saturday, October 31 for the 7th annual Halloween with the Hooks, presented by H-E-B.

Trick or Treat from the socially-distant confines of your vehicle in the ballpark’s South Parking Lot from 1 to 4 p.m. Treats will be delivered from booth-to-booth directly to your car window. The drive-thru experience is free to the public. Guests are encouraged to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

“We want to thank H-E-B for their amazing support in keeping Halloween with the Hooks on the calendar,” Hooks Director of Business Development Maggie Freeborn said. “It’s been a challenging year in so many ways, and they have stepped up to the plate to provide a safe and alternative way for families to have fun and help out their neighbors.”

Last year’s Halloween with the Hooks garnered 1,002 pounds of donated food.

“As a result of the COVID-19 economic impact in our communities, the Coastal Bend Food Bank has seen a significant increase in demand for food,” CBFB Executive Director Bea Hanson said. “As the holidays approach, we will need extra help to make sure that families can celebrate, especially when times are tough. Every $1 donated helps to secure four meals for families in need.”

The festivities also feature a virtual Halloween costume contest. Participants are asked to submit their best photos by Sunday, October 25 via Facebook or Twitter (@cchooks). Entries can also be made by emailing Dan Reiner at [email protected].

Categories include Best Hooks Costume, Best Sports-Themed Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume and Best Pet Costume. The grand-prize winner will be announced on Halloween and will receive a $50 gift card to Hook, Line & Sinker.

H-E-B, Academy, CITGO, Clemtex, Corpus Christi Police Department, Dave & Busters, DGS Construction, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, First Command Financial Planning, Kiewit, Kleberg Bank, Muniz Electric, Pepsi, RBFCU, State Farm, Texas Bridge Credit Union, VALERO and Whataburger will join the Hooks in giving away treats.

To inquire about hosting a booth, contact Freeborn via email or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With its origins dating all the way back to 1938, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield has enabled young people in our city to reach their full potential in a completely inclusive environment for over eight decades.

The club boasts five different locations throughout Springfield that offers a broad range of programs in the arts; character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; and sports, fitness and recreation.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached our city, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield became a key local food distribution center, distributing over 40,000 meals to the Springfield community. They went on to create a phased opening to safely accommodate high-need families at their facilities. Today, they are serving Springfield Public Schools students five days a week while providing virtual learning support and after-school programming.

And that is 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.

“On March 18, we closed our doors. On March 19, we opened new ones,” Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield Brandy Harris said. “[COVID-19] has brought uncertainty and disruption to the communities we serve, but Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield’s top priority has not changed: the well-being and safety of the children and families we serve.’

“We have been a consistent, safe and stable place for many kids during these unstable times.”

That instability includes families who were suddenly unsure of how to balance work and life. With schools closed or operating on a limited schedule, many were suddenly facing challenges to which they didn’t have answers.

“I would have had to quit my job as a single parent [once school started if not for BGCS],” a Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “They have offered my child tutoring, behavioral health and counseling during such a difficult time in our lives. They are always there when we need them.”

“They provided meals when all clubs and schools were closed,” another Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “Then, within days of Springfield Public Schools announcing a two-day per week classroom option, they stepped up to offer care for kids and also help with their virtual learning. They have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to make sure kids and parents have all the resources they need, while also offering scholarships for families that need care but can’t afford it.”

A visit to the official website of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield (BGCS) is the quickest way to see how the organization has pivoted to the times we’re experiencing. The first tab on the home page reads “BGCS AT HOME.” It’s a portal to activities for all age groups and all aspects of life, from arts to STEM to emotional well-being to physical activity and more. It provides a schedule specifically built around the regulations that come with life during a pandemic. And it’s access to The Club Crate program–a reasonably priced club that includes an exclusive BGCS-created program curriculum, access to weekly custom ZOOM classes, weekly recognition and incentive-based activities, and access to additional at-home focused content.

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 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, visit bgclubspringfield.org.

For more on what BGCS is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/bgclubspringfield.org.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Maria San Paolo, Cassville Intermediate

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Maria San Paolo of Cassville Intermediate School as our September Teacher of the Month.

Maria spent her summer teaching in-person summer school and thinking of ways to make her classroom as safe as possible for her kids to return for the 2020-21 school year. Because her students sit four to a table, she had to think of a creative way to socially distance her students from one another.

To do so, she made dividers from curtain rods and clear shower curtains, which divided each table into four private sections for the safety and well-being of her students during COVID-19.

Today, she continues to prepare virtual lesson plans for her students just in case another “wellness break” occurs at her school. Maria has also taken time to prepare virtual learning for students who are currently and may in the future be quarantined due to exposure to the virus—a necessity in keeping them caught up with the rest of the class.

Maria lets nothing stand in the way of the safety and success of her students, and that’s why she’s this month’s Teacher of the Month, presented by Missouri Lottery.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Maria and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate an October Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Soddies Saturday Spooktacular To Bring Halloween To Downtown Amarillo

 

BUY TICKETS NOW

A Soddies’ “Saturday Spooktacular” outdoor family movie night presented by Sonic is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at HODGETOWN and is set to bring a socially-distanced and safe Halloween to downtown Amarillo. The event will feature the showing of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” along with pre-movie, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the concourse, adult, child and family costume contests, and more. Tickets for the event are limited and are on-sale now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, over the phone, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff during the event and masks are required upon entry, exit and while moving about the stadium but can be removed while seated. Entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates, which open at 5 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Additionally, only clear, plastic totes/bags and empty candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

From five to 6:30 p.m., event attendees and families may participate in outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the stadium concourse. Sponsors and partners from around the community will be safely distanced at individual tables for spaced groups to visit and grab pre-packaged goodie/candy bags. Additionally, there will be a costume contest held for best individual adult/child costume and best group/family costume. All costumes worn at the event must be family-friendly.

A variety of movie seating will be available for purchase, including on-field, reserved square spaces, hospitality suites, and individual bowl seats.

On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity). Four-person squares (10’x10’) are $32 and eight-person (10’x20’) squares are $64. Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited. Sod Poodles Blankets (54″x84″) can also be added to a reservation for $36 – various colors available and limited quantity available.

Private luxury suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are also available for purchase as group hospitality options.

Group hospitality options offered for 10 people are a Tailgate Meal suite, which includes hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, and canned sodas, for $320, or a Movie-Night Snack suite, which includes a choice of 10 candy-item mix and match – Cotton Candy, M&M’s Peanuts, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles, 10 Drinks – Sierra Mist, Mt Dew, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Water, Bottomless Popcorn, and Bottomless Peanuts for $200.

Individual bowl seats are $8 per seat. A Family Movie Meal Pack is available for purchase which includes two candy choices, two buckets of popcorn, and four drinks for $25. Standard concessions will also be open for individual-item ordering.

The Sod Poodles team store will be open from 5 p.m. (gates open) until all guests have left the park.

Fans can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available but ticket availability is not guaranteed.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

EVENT INFORMATION & GUIDELINES SUMMARY:

· All Guests MUST wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the stadium unless seated at assigned seat/pod.

· Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff.

· Only ONE entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates (across from City Hall building)

· Gates open at 5 p.m.

· Movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

· Outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating will be open for event attendees from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

· ONLY clear, plastic totes/bags and EMPTY candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

· Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited.

· All costumes worn at the event MUST BE family-friendly.

· On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity).

· Private luxury, upstairs suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are available for purchase

· Guests can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Utilities Employees Credit Union to Host Halloween for Baseballtown Dream League

 

Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils are excited to give members of the Baseballtown Dream League a safe opportunity to Trick-or-Treat this Halloween. The event will take place on the Savage 61 Dream League field thanks to Utilities Employees Credit Union.

On Saturday, October 31st people with special needs are invited to dress up in costume and participate in a Halloween event. From 12-2pm, they will have the opportunity to experience the holiday in a safe and friendly environment. It will be filled with lots of fun and candy! Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

“Baseballtown Charities is excited to present a Halloween event to engage members of the Dream League! This is a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors in a safe, community environment,” said Jenna Lawville, the Extra Events and Baseballtown Charities Manager.

The event caters towards people with special needs who could benefit from having a set up at a handicap accessible facility. It gives the Baseballtown Dream League the chance to experience a classic Trick-OR-Treating environment complete with candy galore.

Greg Cosgrove, the Marketing Manager of Utilities Employees Credit Union, notes the significance of participating in this event. “Our employees are very excited to be a part of this special event with the Reading Fightin Phils and the Dream League community. As a credit union, we whole-heartedly believe in living the credit union mantra of “people helping people” and volunteering in the communities we serve. This past year has been challenging for families, and we hope this event will give them a fun family outing they can enjoy together.”

Baseballtown Charities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading so youngsters can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities.

The Savage 61 Dream Field is located at the Relevant Sports Complex, 2816 Old Pricetown Road, Temple, PA 19560.