MBF Spotlight: The ROCK Center for Youth Development

Creating new, positive path for area youths at core of mission

BruceGunther_2014-12-22

Great-Lakes-LoonsFor the staff of The ROCK Center For Youth Development, creating a new, positive path for area youths isn’t just an idea. It’s at the very core of everything they do.

BruceGunther1_2014-12-22

The-ROCKThe ROCK, based in Midland, is a teen-focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Its mission is to provide every youth with unconditional love, support, respect, a safe environment, guidance and a model of healthy behavior.

And it works.

In a recent evaluation by The Legacy Center for Community Success, teens involved in The ROCK’s Exposure program scored higher in all developmental asset categories while the program curriculum positively impacts participants.

“If we can get young people to truly desire something positive, then that makes everyone’s job easier – parents, teachers … everyone involved with their lives,” said Beverlee Wenzel, ROCK’s executive director.

“Once a person is on fire for something, they’re going to succeed.”

In a season of giving, while also spotlighting non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, The ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) has provided solid ground for local teens looking to build life skills, gain confidence and make healthy life choices.

BruceGunther2_2014-12-22

The Michigan Baseball Foundation has recognized The ROCK’s efforts by rewarding them with three grants over the years: In 2008, MBF provided $4,000 toward the purchase of The ROCK’s mobile rock climbing wall; in 2011 it provided $2,500 for playground equipment, and in 2013 $1,580 was given for a portable sound system of sporting events.

“The rock climbing wall is a big part of our ‘Unplugged’ program,” said Wenzel. “It’s used for larger events in the community that we’re a part of, plus it’s just a great symbol for what we are.”

The ROCK was established in 2001 as an independent, grass-roots program located at 2300 E. Gordonville Rd. Bullock Creek Schools bused students to the facility, and the program provided after school and Friday and Saturday night activities.

Since then, the program has expanded widely, encompassing several local schools, establishing a new base at the Midland Community Center, while also providing programs for juvenile care and detention centers.

It’s open to any teen.

“We do well with at-risk kids but we target all kids,” said Wenzel. “We serve all socio-economic groups.”

The ROCK offers three umbrella programs: ROCK Exposure, ROCK Grounded and ROCK Unplugged. The group employs several full-time “coaches”, or mentors, who work with teens in a variety of settings and activities.

The Exposure program includes ROCK-authored curriculum focused on developing life skills and character. Within Exposure are four unique programs: Drive, Perform, Build and Accelerate. Courses, which are taught by ROCK staff members, include character development, decision-making, conflict resolution, independent living, resource and finance management, trades or college, and employment.

“It’s highly activity-based,” said Wenzel. “If I stand up there and say (to a teen), ‘You need to do this,’ it’s not nearly as effective as them experiencing it. Once you experience something you really can’t un-experience it.”

Current venues and classrooms for the Exposure program include Meridian High School, Coleman 7-12 school, Bullock Creek High School and Middle Schools, Midland High, Midland Dow High, Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools, the Academic and Career Education Academy and the Juvenile Care Center.

In 2014, Midland Public Schools approved Exposure as curriculum and it is provided in the classroom to all freshmen.

The ROCK Grounded program provides after school mentorship, tutoring, food and activities at Northeast, Jefferson, and the ROCK Underground at the Midland Community Center. In fact, The ROCK has taken over all of the after school non-athletic teen activities at the MCC.

BruceGunther3_2014-12-22

Part of the Grounded program’s mission is to provide a safe place for students who might otherwise go home to an empty house. Its mentors/coaches fill a need for positive role models many teens don’t have.

“With teens, you have to provide something safe enough that the parents trust, but you also have to have programs that are relevant to the teen,” said Wenzel.

Another consistent lesson in ROCK programs, says Wenzel, is perseverance.

“One of the things we teach is grit,” said Wenzel. “There are always going to be tough times in anyone’s life, but you have still have to find a way to get up and face another day. The tough times will pass, but you have to learn how to endure them in a positive way.”

ROCK’s Unplugged program provides community-based summer activities that encourage healthy life choices and relationship. Its activities include the climbing wall, an annual Battle of the Bands, the Midland County youth fishing program, and teen pool parties.

“The Rock Wall was really the start of that program in many ways,” Wenzel said. “We wanted something unique to take to events, and we felt it was also a universal symbol for what we’re about.”

To contact The ROCK’s offices, call (989) 835-2542. Information can also be found on its website, www.therockc4yd.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Staten Island Yankees lend a helping hand at Salvation Army toy drive

Scooter joins New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain in handing out toys

Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army's Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive
Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army’s Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive

Staten-Island-YankeesOn Tuesday, December 16, the Staten Island Yankees beloved mascot Scooter the Holy Cow joined the Salvation Army at the organization’s toy drive in nearby Stapleton in Staten Island. In the spirit of the holiday season, each member of the Staten Island Yankees front office fulfilled a child’s wishlist, making sure as many kids have a present to open on Christmas as possible.

Salvation-ArmyClick here to view more pictures

Scooter, along with current New York Giants linebacker and former Syracuse Orange Jameel McClain, helped the Salvation Army hand out toys to more than 200 children and parents in need from Staten Island. The Salvation Army is an organization especially close to McClain, as the seven-year NFL veteran lived at a Salvation Army shelter in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, with his mother and three siblings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Staten Island Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

NewHampshireFisherCats_2014-12-17

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

CHaD-Hospital-logo“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

El-Paso-Chihuahuas-2014With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:Alzheimers-Association

       STARS  – Tuesday, Dec. 16

        Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17YMCA-blue-&-purple

        YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

        El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

        Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

        Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22El-Paso-BYAA

        Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.Salvation-Army

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Spinners to Spread Holiday Cheer Thursday

Caravan to visit McAuliffe School, Bedford VA

SpinnersHeadlines_2014-12-15

Lowell-SpinnersThe Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will be getting a hand from a few famous faces and the students from McAuliffe Elementary School in Lowell as we spread holiday cheer to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford Thursday, December 18.

The McAuliffe School was selected amongst a number of submissions through both Facebook and mailed submissions, on the basis of their dedication to helping the local community and support of their writing initiative.

The Spinners front office staff will be joined by a number of familiar faces, including the World Famous Dog Man, beloved Spinners’ mascot Canaligator, the LeLacheur Park Minions, Stuart and Dave, members of the Lowell Police Department and more guests to be announced.

“We are so grateful to the staff and students at the McAuliffe School for their support in saluting our heroes,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “In addition, to have these special guests take time out of their schedule to interact with the students and visit with the veterans makes this a truly special event.”

The caravan will be joined this year by a pair of lovely ladies, as Queen Elsa of Frozen fame, will be joining the caravan for the visit to McAuliffe School, while Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn will be joining up at the veteran’s hospital.

The group will join the students in making holiday cards to be delivered later that morning to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford.

“Seeing the joy that something as simple as the student’s cards can bring is emotional,” said Bawmann. “The holidays are about sharing cheer and joy and we are thrilled to be able to bring just a little bit of that to our heroes.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

Trenton-ThunderThe Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization

Program

Grant Amount

Every Child Valued

After School Program

$2,500

Mercer Street Friends

Trenton Digital Initiatives

$2,500

NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc

Just Kids

$1,500

Hope Loves Company

Camp HLC

$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500Mercer-Street-Friends

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to seEvery-Child-Valuede fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations thaNational-Alliance-on-Mental-Illnesst enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

Hope-Loves-CompanyThe Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats accepting youth field renovation applications

‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York extend Community Grounds Crew partnership

Tri-CityValleyCats_2014-12-05

Tri-City-Valley-CatsThe Tri-City ValleyCats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York will team up for the fourth straight year to continue the efforts of the Community Grounds Crew Program, an initiative that assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer.

The Community Grounds Crew will begin in early April 2015 with the annual ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, as four select youth fields will receive a facelift in less than 24 hours. The extent of the work includes new sod placed on the infield, rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and more.

“BlueShield is proud to renew our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities.”

“The Community Grounds Crew and ‘4 in 24’ renovation project are key initiatives for our organization each year. Our goal with these programs is to create a positive impact on the community by making a difference in the lives of so many young ballplayers,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “Thanks to our outstanding partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are continually able to provide safe and well-maintained fields for youth sports organizations throughout the Capital Region.”

The ValleyCats are currently accepting renovation applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region who are interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew projects. Applications can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. New for this year, applicants have the ability to submit their form electronically. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION>>

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 16. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2015 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 26 and Softball Night on June 25.

Mini-plans, season tickets, and flex plans for the ValleyCats 2015 season are on-sale now. For full details, or to purchase tickets, call 518-629-CATS, log-on to tcvalleycats.com, or visit the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

One Day High School Baseball Clinic Announced

Learn from Mickey Morandini & Dong Lien on January 17

JonSchaeffer_2014-12-04

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsThe IronPigs are hosting an indoor hitting and strength and conditioning clinic featuring former Major League All-Star and current IronPigs coach Mickey Morandini along with IronPigs Strength & Conditioning coach Dong Lien on Saturday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Coca-Cola Park. The clinic – available to current high school baseball players in grades 9 through 12 – costs $80 per player. Interested participants are encouraged to register by contacting Hannah Ishida at (610) 841-1228 or at hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com as space is extremely limited and the event is expected to sell out.

As an added bonus, sign-up by Friday, Jan. 9 and be entered to win one of three Mickey Morandini autographed baseballs!

The clinic will take place in Coca-Cola Park’s indoor batting cages and weight room area with players receiving hitting instruction as well as learning strength and conditioning techniques that are designed to prepare them for the upcoming baseball season as well as take their game to the next level. Players must bring their own equipment, including a water bottle. Water jugs will be provided. This event is limited to high school baseball players only.

About the instructors:

Morandini begins his fifth season on the Phillies developmental staff after spending four years as the head coach for Valparaiso (Ind.) High School. After being drafted by the Phillies out of Indiana University in the fifth round of the 1988 draft, the native of Leechburg, Pa., went on to an 11-year major league career that was highlighted by a trip to the 1993 World Series and a selection to the 1995 National League All-Star team. Morandini finished his career batting .268 with 32 home runs, 351 runs batted in and 123 stolen bases in 1,298 games – 956 (74%) of which he donned a Phillies uniform. In fact, Morandini finished his career as the Phillies’ all-time leader in most seasons (eight) as a regular starter at second base (later surpassed by Chase Utley, who recorded his ninth in 2013).

Lien is entering his second season as the IronPigs strength and conditioning coordinator and his tenth in the Phillies system. Prior to joining the IronPigs, he spent the previous six seasons in a similar post at the Major League level with the Phillies. Lien holds a Master’s from California University of Pennsylvania and was part of the Phillies’ 2009 Dick Martin Award winning training staff. Lien was born in Indonesia and resides in West Chester, Pa.

For more information or to register today, please call (610) 841-1228 or email hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com. Space is limited and the registration deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (if space remains).

The IronPigs 2015 season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Meet Reedy and Santa on Saturday!

Dynamic duo will be at the Drive Team Store from 11 AM-1:30 PM

GreenvilleDrive_2014-12-04

Greenville-DriveKids all over the world adore Santa Claus, and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It is one of the most beloved mascots around. On Saturday, December 13th, you can get the chance to meet them both!

Santa Claus and Reedy Rip’It will be stopping by the Greenville Drive Team Store on Main Street from 11 AM-1:30 PM on the 13th to talk Christmas wishes and take photos.

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet these two jolly, lovable friends!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Brooklyn Baseball Academy

brooklyncyclones.com-News_2014-12-04

Brooklyn-CyclonesThe Brooklyn Baseball Academy is recognized throughout New York City as one of the premier developmental baseball programs in the five boroughs. This winter, MCU Park will host a five-week program designed to develop and sharpen the fundamental skills that all of our athletes need in order to be successful on the baseball diamond. The offseason is not a time of rest for the serious baseball player. Our winter program is designed for the serious athlete in mind who wants to gain that competitive edge on the field.

The Brooklyn Baseball Academy is available starting on Monday, December 8th. There will be four different sessions per week.

  • Monday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Tuesday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Wednesday: Pitching (Mechanical Work and Drills, Grips, Pitchers Fielding Practice and Video Analysis)
  • Thursday: Open Development (Players Will Have Option to Choose What they Want to Work On)
* Each session will last one (1) hour and there will be a limit of four players per group.
** Sessions start at 5:00 PM and run through 9:00 PM each night

WHERE: The five-week Winter Baseball Developmental Program will run at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The program will use the same training facilities that the professionals use every day during the Cyclones season.

WHEN: We will be training athletes ages 8 and up.

REGISTRATION: The cost per player the for the five-week program is $200 which also includes two ticket vouchers for a 2015 Brooklyn Cyclones game.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Individual Lessons

30 Minutes $50
60 Minutes $90
5 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $230
10 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $420

Group Lessons

Two Players $60 per player
Three Players $45 per player
Four Players $40 per player

Batting Tunnel Rentals

30 Minutes $35
60 Minutes $60

To Reserve Your Spot Contact :

Tommy Cardona

718 – 382 – 2682 / TCard@BrooklynCyclones.com

Gary Perone, Founder – Brooklyn Baseball Academy,

718 – 382 – 3608 / Gary@BrooklynCyclones.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.

“Anchor the Anchors” Child Car Seat Event Saturday

Event in Conjunction with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Safe Kids Oklahoma

Oklahoma-City-RedHawks-LogoThe Oklahoma City RedHawks, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Technicians will be on hand to install car seats and to check previously installed seats for the general public. Local media, especially television anchors, are encouraged to attend and participate to ensure their car seats are properly installed and correctly “anchored” in their vehicles.

Safe-Kids-Oklahoma“Studies show that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly,” said Katie Mueller, Executive Director at Safe Kids Oklahoma. “Events like this give parents and caregivers a chance to make sure their car seats are properly installed and to ensure that they are using the correct type for each child’s age, size, and weight.”

A very limited number of cars seats will be available for $10 to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be eligible to receive a car seat, the child and the legal guardian must be present and show proof of state assistance, food stamps, WIC, etc.

“We encourage families and caregivers to stop by and make sure they have all car seats properly installed,” Mueller said. “Our goal is to be sure that occupants in each car leave the event safer than when they arrived.”

“The RedHawks are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office,” said RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our community.”

For more information about Oklahoma’s occupant protection laws, car seat guidelines, and other seat check events across the state, visit www.ohso.ok.gov.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Click here to view the original story.

Mascot Stormy Debuts Children’s Book Saturday at The Bookworm

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” is first ever children’s book produced by Storm Chasers

AndrewMitchell_2014-12-03

 

Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Omaha Storm Chasers mascot Stormy has many accomplishments since he was born in 2010, but he will now add his own book to that list! “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister,” the first ever children’s book produced by the Storm Chasers, will be officially released this Saturday at The Bookworm, and the mascot himself will be there!

Home-Run-Foundation-of-Omaha-logoThe Bookworm, located at 2501 South 90th Street, will host Stormy on December 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. as part of the celebration for “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.” The price for each book is $13.95, and portions of the proceeds from purchases will go to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha.

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” was written David Green (son of Storm Chasers owner Gary Green) and Constantine Ladikos, while being illustrated by Andre Frattino. In the book Stormy learns a twister might spoil his special day at Werner Park, so he goes on a search to find the threatening twister.

Fans can also purchase “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” at the Storm Front Team Store or online here:

http://stormchasers.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=117&dept_id=-1&product_id=58218.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

CharlestonRiverDogs_2014-12-03

 

Charleston-RiverDogsDuring this holiday season, the Charleston RiverDogs invite kids of all ages to The Joe to have their photo taken with the club’s popular mascot Charlie T. RiverDog AND Santa Claus on December 13.

The RiverDogs will interrupt Santa’s busy season and will have him from approximately 11am – 1 pm at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Santa and Charlie will be spending time with fans to help them enjoy the holiday season, RiverDogs style!

Salvation-ArmyIn order to have the free picture taken with Santa and Charlie, one must donate a new and unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Giving Tree or a cash donation, which will be donated to the Salvation Army through one of their recognizable kettles.

As Christmas music will be played over the Riley Park sound system, fans may enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate. There will be a station for kids to write their letters to Santa so that he can take them back to the North Pole with him that evening. There will be holiday themed crafts, including an ornament making area where kids can bring their creations home with them. Fans will be given the chance to tour the clubhouse and other parts of The Joe. Those shopping in the RiverDogs Souvenir Shop will receive 25% off all clothing.

While the photo opportunities with Charlie and Santa will cost a toy or a donation to the Salvation Army, entry into Riley Park for this event is free.

For more information, please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647).

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

Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Aaron Cox. Click here to view the original story.