Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Discovery Center

 

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.

Sea Dogs Virtual Sell Out to Help Strike Out Cancer in Kids

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Portland, Maine– Throughout the month of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Sea Dogs are asking fans to help virtually sell out Hadlock Field to raise money for the Sea Dogs’ official charity- Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

The Sea Dogs and Maine Children’s Cancer Program are hoping to sell 7,368 virtual seats, representing the capacity of Hadlock Field, at $10.00 per seat, with all the money generated benefitting Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Fans can purchase their virtual seats and contribute to the fundraiser at seadogs.com. The virtual sell out fundraising campaign will run from September 1st -30th.

Everyone who purchases a ticket will be entered to win a Sea Dogs prize pack. Winners will be drawn weekly throughout the fundraising campaign.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to sell out any games this season at Hadlock Field,” stated Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “We have the best fans in baseball and we know that they will help us achieve the most meaningful sell out of them all, the one that helps children and their families in Maine battling cancer.”

During a normal season, the Sea Dogs’ Strike Out Cancer in Kids program, raises money through fan pledges per strikeouts thrown by Sea Dogs pitchers. In 25 seasons of the program, more than 5 million dollars has been raised for Maine Children’s Cancer Program. With the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, the virtual sell out, is a crucial program for the Sea Dogs to still be able to deliver the fundraising that Maine Children’s Cancer Program counts on us and our fans on to provide so that they can help strike out cancer in kids.

“Unfortunately, childhood cancer does not let up during a pandemic, which is why support from community members like you remains as vital as ever,” stated Maine Children’s Cancer Program Philanthropy Manager Ashton Hunter-Sildve. “For 25 years, the Portland Sea Dogs have made it their mission to “go to bat” for local children battling cancer. The funds raised through Strike Out Cancer in Kids over the last 25 years has helped our team at MCCP provide world-class cancer care in a closer to home setting, support services for the entire family through their journey with childhood cancer and research opportunities that continue to bring us closer to a cure! Join the Portland Sea Dogs as they virtually sell out Hadlock Field to continue making a difference in the lives of Maine’s youngest cancer fighters.”

Ports Virtual Back to School Drive

 

The Ports are excited to launch it’s Virtual Back to School Drive, starting today and running until September 14!

The purpose of this event is to support local schools in the community and provide schools, teachers, and students with the proper supplies and visual learning materials to enhance both online and in person education. This drive gives the Ports the opportunity to interact with the community and give back to those schools, especially during times where many schools are dealing with the downfalls of COVID-19. Schools we will be supporting are Hong Kingston Elementary, Pittman, Pulliam Elementary, John Adams Elementary, John F. Kennedy Elementary and Cleveland Elementary.

In order to follow safety protocols and guidelines regarding COVID, we will allow the local community to contribute to the back to school drive without having to leave their house! We are asking for Monetary Donations that will be used towards gift cards for teachers to purchase software educational enhancements to best supply their students with the proper learning material for virtual learning. Gift cards will be to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, Teachers Paying Teachers, etc.Donations can be done online on the Ports Website. Donation values are in increments of $5, $10, $20, and $50, but multiple donations are able to be combined to add up to $15, $30, $40, etc.

Donor names will be featured on “The Honor Roll” page on the Stockton Ports website. Donors also have the opportunity to win one of the three special gifts – the more you donate, the more chances you have to win a gift!

Gift 1: A suite with 16 tickets to a game in 2021
Gift 2 and 3: 2020 Giveaways (One of each of the 2020 Giveaways)

Learn more and donate HERE!

To donate a specific amount, contact Christine in the Ports Front Office at 209-644-1967.

For additional information or questions, contact Jordy Feneck at [email protected]

Knights help Charlotte youth lead the way

Nonprofit selected as one of five CommUNITY grant recipients

For Charlotte’s Megan Smithers, nominating an organization for Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grant program was a no-brainer, given the team’s relationship with and appreciation for the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Knights’ director of community relations selected YBLA for its involvement with Black youth in the Charlotte area. Founded in 2006, YBLA works to “educate and develop young black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond.” Through its flagship Ambassador program, YBLA identifies student leaders in high school, helps get them ready for college and their early professional years while also training them to mentor students of all grade levels.

Recently, in light of social justice issues that have come to the forefront, YBLA launched another campaign called Community Conversations — a three-tier program aiming to educate, collaborate and solve disparities affecting the Black community in Charlotte.

“Community Conversations has been a great way to create positive communication,” Smithers said. “They’ve been able to create a platform where people can come join and talk openly and really either educate themselves or listen to other people.

“I think the leaders and founders of YBLA realized the opportunity to create positive conversation. This also showed these young Black youth that they are helping to further their careers and further their education. It allowed them to get involved.”

Members of the Young Black Leadership Alliance enjoy a Knights game. Charlotte Knights

Eager to recognize the important work of nonprofit organizations in 2020, Minor League Baseball came up with the idea of awarding five $500 grants to organizations spanning the country that are supporting their local and diverse community in an impactful, relevant way. YBLA joins Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs), El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas) and ¡HICA! (Birmingham Barons) as recipients receiving that grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

“YBLA is doing some really great things in our community,” Smithers said. “They make sure (their ambassadors) succeed, go to college and become good community advocates.”

This is not the first time the Knights have helped recognize the efforts of YBLA. In 2017, Charlotte awarded the organization a $3,500 grant as part of its Safe at Home campaign. The Knights also work closely with YBLA for education opportunities in the sports industry, serving as a community liaison.

“If they have kids in their program that have sports-tracked minds or want to go into sports, we are a good advocate for them,” Smithers said.

COVID-19 has forced YBLA’s in-person sessions for the 2020-21 school year to be conducted online. However, that hasn’t hindered the organization’s ability to impact and inspire the Charlotte community. Community Conversations still take place online every Tuesday, and the sessions are open to the public.

“This allowed the youth to get involved, which was a different aspect hearing how things are affecting them,” Smithers said. “It’s definitely a cool way that they were able to engage with all the demographics during this kind of unrest.”

Katie Woo is an editorial producer for Minor League Baseball. Follow her on twitter at @katiejwoo.

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

 

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.

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night



There may not be any Drive baseball this year at Fluor Field, but that won’t stop us from continuing what has become the most anticipated event each year at the ballpark – Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Day! Join us on Sunday, September 27th, as this year’s event is going VIRTUAL! Discover the exciting world of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering in a completely unique and virtual environment, presented by BMW Manufacturing, Hubbell Lighting, and Greenville Technical College!

EVENT DETAILS

This event is completely FREE to students of all ages, and will be an interactive experience on the Greenville Drive’s Facebook page!

YOUNG INNOVATORS CLUB

Click HERE to register for the event. At the time of registration, you’ll also be able to submit questions for the interactive Q&A portion with each participating organization. If your question is selected, you’ll win a special prize!

VIRTUAL EXHIBITS

The following organizations will have awesome virtual exhibits on Sunday, September 27th:

  • BMW Manufacturing
  • Hubbell Lighting
  • Greenville Technical College
  • Michelin
  • Milliken
  • General Electric
  • Bosch Rexroth

PRIZES

Remember to submit questions to the participating organizations during the registration process. If you question is selected, you will win a special prize! Prizes include:

  • BMW Performance Driving School Experience (must be at least 16 years of age)
  • Drones
  • iDevices Home Package
  • VR Headsets
  • Greenville Drive Experience Packages for the 2021 Season

R-Phils Announce Rip It Fall High School Showcase 

 

The Reading Fightin Phils are proud to present their second Rip It Baseballtown Charities High School Showcase. All games will be played at the Double-A ballpark of the Philadelphia Phillies, FirstEnergy Stadium.

With the success of the first showcase, the R-Phils are happy to provide an opportunity to allow more kids to play baseball. Registration will benefit Baseballtown Charities.

There will be one game a night, played at 5:30 pm, starting Monday, August 24. Muhlenberg, Twin Valley, and Wilson are set to square off during the showcase.

The schedule is as following:

24-Aug — 5:30

Wilson

Twin Valley

25-Aug — 5:30

Twin Valley

Muhlenberg

1-Sep — 5:30

Muhlenberg

Twin Valley

2-Sep — 5:30

Muhlenberg

Wilson

Select food and drink concessions stands will be open for purchase. There will be no admission fee and, as always, parking will be free.

The R-Phils will also be hosting their Rip It Baseballtown Charities Fall Showcase for 13U-19U teams on weekends in September. Please visit rphils.com/showcase for more information or email [email protected] to sign up.

Paul Davis Scholarship At Clinton Community College Announced

The LumberKings and the entire Clinton community lost a good friend in March with the sudden passing of LumberKings President Paul Davis. To honor his memory, friends and family have established a scholarship at Clinton Community College to honor him and his commitment to education and the community. Paul Davis

The LumberKings and the entire Clinton community lost a good friend in March with the sudden passing of LumberKings President Paul Davis. To honor his memory, friends and family have established a scholarship at Clinton Community College to honor him and his commitment to education and the community.

Paul Davis grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Clinton Community College. An agent with the Iowa Bankers Association in Des Moines, he placed great value in education. He was a dedicated volunteer and champion for many causes in the community. His love of sports grew from being an athlete as a young kid, to coaching at all levels, especially the 20-plus seasons of coaching his children’s teams. He loved attending events with wife Kris, and supporting his family by cheering on any team they are part of.

Camanche High School Basketball Coach Josh Davis said this about his father, “Dad was a great example on how to serve others. It was great to have him involved with our basketball program in Camanche. Most of the things I do as a coach, I learned from watching him when I was a kid. This scholarship will be a great way to honor his memory.”

Paul was an official with the Iowa High School Boys and Girls Athletic Associations, as well as the NAIA and NCAA college associations. He served on a variety of foundations including Riverboat Days, Clinton Junior Baseball, local volleyball organizations, and was Past President of the Clinton LumberKings Baseball Club.

Clinton LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow commented, “Paul valued education and learning. He was always looking for ways to improve not only himself, but others. He touched many lives in this community and this scholarship is a testament to a life well-lived. Many future students will benefit from this and I know that Paul would be very happy to know that.”

The Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, an annual $500 scholarship through the Paul B. Sharar Foundation for Clinton Community College, will be awarded to a CCC student who makes a difference. The student must demonstrate a commitment to their education and to the community through hard work and active volunteerism. Paul Davis believed that everyone in the community could come together to make this a great place. He valued hard work, and also appreciated the lessons that extracurricular activities could provide.

For more information about the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, contact the Paul B. Sharar Foundation at 563-244-7040. Donations can be made to the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship at Clinton Community College Sharar Foundation, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa or at https://www.eicc.edu/alumni-and-giving/sharar-foundation/.

Cutters & SCI Launch “My Best Summer Read” Contest

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Susquehanna Computer Innovations of South Williamsport to offer area students a chance to win a new laptop computer system with the “My Best Summer Read” Contest.

“We are grateful to Susquehanna Computer Innovations and their owner Tim Heitzman, for teaming up with us for this special program,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “SCI has been a long-time partner in our Grand Slam Reading Program which was suspended this year due to schools closing in the spring. Despite that, the Cutters and SCI both agreed that we still wanted to offer something to area students.”

The contest is open to all area students age 14 and under. To enter, parents are required to send an email entry with a photo of their child holding a favorite book that they read this summer. Along with the photo, the email entry should contain the child’s name, age, the book title and author along with what they liked most about the book (in 50 words or less). All entries are to be submitted via email no later than September 7 to [email protected].

All valid entrants will receive a certificate for a free ticket to a Williamsport Crosscutters game of their choice in 2021. The winning entry will be determined via a random drawing of all valid entries. The drawing, done by Boomer, the Cutters mascot, will take place live on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page September 8 at 7pm.

Fans can find more information on the “My Best Summer Read” Contest by clicking HERE.

DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS TO HOST YOUTH SOFTBALL CAMP

 

Kinston, North Carolina – The Down East Wood Ducks will host a Youth Softball Camp, Presented by Stallings Plumbing, Heating and A/C, on Monday, August 31st through Wednesday, September 2nd.

The Youth Softball Camp will offer daily sessions from 9am-1pm. The three day camp is $50 per participant for all three days. This camp will include instructions on infield, outfield, pitching, catching and hitting.

The instructors will include current and former team members from the Shockers travel softball team along with Head Coach Jody Turner. The Shockers teams have produced 104 D1 college athletes over the years and the current team will be sending one hundred percent of its senior class to play collegiate softball. “The Shockers are both honored and thrilled to partner with the DEWDS to bring fast pitch softball to historic Grainger Stadium. We cherish every opportunity to cultivate a young girl’s dream of playing a game that promotes integrity in all aspects of life” says head coach Jody Turner

As part of our COVID19 event protocol, each child is responsible for bringing their own equipment to the camp (i.e bat, glove, cap, catching equipment if applicable) as well as water or Gatorade. Limited concessions will be available daily. Each session will be limited in space to not only help with one on one instruction time but also for social distancing. Parents will be required to sign a waiver for the participant and themselves prior to entering the Grainger Stadium.

Parents may register their children by calling Jackson Cook at 252-686-5142 or email Jackson at [email protected].There is limited space so don’t delay, contact Jackson and register today as we expect the camps to fill up in advance.

Cardinals, Missouri Lottery partner for Teacher of the Month Award

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented 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 set to launch on August 12. The Cardinals are accepting Teacher of the Month nominations right now on SpringfieldCardinals.com/molotteryteachers, creating an opportunity to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, each 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.

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.

“We’re really excited to recognize some of the great educators in the region,” Cardinals Vice President & General Manager Dan Reiter said. “Both the Cardinals and Missouri Lottery have worked closely with and supported local schools and teachers for years, making this partnership a perfect fit to honor a profession that truly shapes the future leaders of our country.”

In order to be eligible for the program, nominees for Teacher of the Month must be public school teachers in the state of Missouri. Missouri public school teachers at all grade levels and disciplines are eligible for nomination.

Register for the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Fall Showcase 

 

Rip It Baseballtown Charities is excited to announce its fall showcases for 13U, 14U, 15/16U, and 18/19U. All games are played at America’s Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

With the uncertainty of fall sports, the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase will provide athletes with the opportunity to play on a professional baseball field. The showcase is open to all teams within the age classification. Join us for two weekends filled with memorable baseball and fun!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 15/16U

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 18/19U

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 13U

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 14U

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Call C.J. Lindsay at 484-784-7392 or email *[email protected]* to reserve your spot.

Please note – if any games are unable to be played, either because of weather, or Covid-19 related issues, teams will receive a full prorated refund (ie. if you pay $750, and only play 1 game, you would receive a $375 refund). Teams must provide a Certificate of Insurance in advance.

This showcase is presented by T-Mobile, E.G.Smith, Inc, Abilities in Motion, Fleetwood Bank, Comfort Pro Inc, Albright College, Stoney Creek Rentals, Deer Country Farm & Lawn, Inc., and PSECU!

Proceeds will benefit Baseballtown Charities – helping more kids play baseball. Specifically – Inner-City kids, and physically and developmentally challenged kids. Thank you for supporting Baseballtown Charities. Admission, as well as parking, is FREE for all fans. R-Phils concessions will be open at all games for fans to enjoy their favorite ballpark food and drink.

All information about the showcase and FirstEnergy Stadium’s COVID safety guidelines can be found at milb.com/reading/events/showcase.

FirstEnergy stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Shorebirds Baseball Camp Set for August 25 – 27

 

The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 3-day Shorebirds Baseball Camp from August 25 – 27 with each day running from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is limited to the first 50 people ages 5 – 12 and will be led under the instruction of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball staff including Hawks Head Coach Brian Hollamon.

“We have a tremendous relationship with Coach Hollamon and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and are excited to partner together for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Throughout these unprecedented times, we all have been forced to adapt, but we are thankful that we are still going to be able to host our annual baseball camp and continue to teach the game of baseball to our youth with first-class instruction from Coach Hollamon and his staff.”

The camp will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day from August 25 through August 27 and costs $120 per camper for the entire event. Each camper will receive lunch after each day and one Camp T-Shirt that is all included with your child’s registration for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp. To register for this event, please click here or go to our website at www.theshorebirds.com.

Coach Hollamon has been the skipper of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since August of 2017 as 2020 marked his 3rd season with the Hawks. Hollamon is a fixture in the Delmarva baseball community, after coaching Parkside High School to 14 straight winning seasons, two-state finalist appearances, and earning the accolades of Bayside South Coach of the Year three times and District 8 Coach of the Year twice before taking the helm for the NCAA Division 1, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

All campers are required to bring their own equipment and campers will not be permitted to share equipment due to local and state health guidelines. Baseballs will be provided and we ask that all campers please arrive in proper baseball attire by 8:45 AM each day.

Parents are allowed to watch the camp inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, but will be required to wear a mask until reaching their seat. Campers should wear a mask when arriving to the stadium, but will not be required to wear masks when participating in athletic activities and the Shorebirds will be sanitizing all frequently touched areas throughout the event.

To register, please visit theshorebirds.com by clicking here. If you have any questions at all in regard to the event, please email [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

 

2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.