Children’s Health and Development

Michigan Baseball Foundation Reflects During Season of Giving

December 3, 2014

Area MBF grant recipients will be highlighted in coming weeks

As we enter this season of giving, we’d like to take time to reflect on the impact the Michigan Baseball Foundation has had on other non-profit organizations in our region.

The MBF has always strived to hit a home run when it comes to promoting regional economic development and supporting local non-profit organizations. These organizations encompass a vast range of community engagement and improvement – from homeless shelters to local Little Leagues.

And now we’d like to show not only how MBF grants have helped non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but also the good works that those groups do.

In the coming weeks, we will spotlight some regional non-profit organizations that have received MBF grants. We’ll share information about the organization, including their mission and the work they do in the community, as well as show how their MBF grant was used by the organization to enhance their efforts.

In 2014, a total of $98,555 was distributed by the MBF between 25 different organizations. To date, the MBF grant program has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

But there’s always more work to be done.

The MBF accepts grant applications throughout the year and awards grants of various amounts to deserving non-profit organizations. In order to qualify for a grant, applicants must contribute to regional economic development, serve young people in the Great Lakes Bay Region, or fund projects promoting amateur sports.

The grant money is used to fund projects within the non-profit organization, but isn’t intended to fund day-to-day operations.

Primary consideration is given to organizations in Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Ogemaw, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac and Iosco counties. The MBF is currently accepting grant applications from now until February 13, 2015.

MBF owns and operates Dow Diamond – home of the Great Lakes Loons – as an engine of economic growth, charitable giving and high quality of life through its Dow Diamond All-Stars program, a charitable giving program that enables its members to contribute to future enhancements of Dow Diamond. Through a tax-deductible donation to the Dow Diamond All-Stars Fund, supporters are able to select a distinct level of giving, with levels beginning at $10.

Dow Diamond has been rated as one of the premier minor league baseball stadiums since it opened on April 13, 2007. Over 2-million fans have attended Loons games through eight seasons.

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

Santa Claus is Coming…Back to PNC Field

December 1, 2014

Breakfast with St. Nick & Friends on Dec. 13

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) fans that is. On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., the big man himself, Santa Claus, and several of his friends will be on hand in the Mohegan Sun Club at PNC Field for breakfast and more.

The full breakfast features scrambled eggs, mini-pancakes, home fries, ham, sausage, juice and coffee. The accent sure to excite – a hot chocolate bar with all the fixins kids can add including sprinkles, marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

There will be activities for the little ones as well with craft tables sporting: reindeer puppets, candy cane reindeer ornaments, Christmas cookie decoration and Christmas cards for veterans. Every guest will also be eligible for three different baseball-related prize giveaways on a raffle basis during the breakfast. One lucky guest will receive a grand prize giveaway of four tickets to Opening Day 2015.

Santa and the RailRiders’ mascots will be available for pictures along with the chance for a Christmas family photo in the RailRiders clubhouse. The Marines will be on hand as well to accept new, unwrapped Toys for Tots donations. The first 100 people to donate toys will receive a RailRiders baseball. The team store, SWB Station, will have gear available for your holiday needs.

Tickets for the event are on sale now in advance at the PNC Field box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), or the day of the event. All payments will be run through the box office and guests shall receive tickets that must be presented at the door to gain entrance to the breakfast. The ticket prices are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 3-12. Children that are 2 and under will be allowed in at no charge.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Holiday Purchases Will Benefit The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

November 25, 2014

The tenth annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of cheering on the hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased between November 24 and December 19, the Thunder will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by Children’s Home Society to attend a 2015 Thunder game.

“Our fans and corporate partners deserve a big “thank you” for supporting this initiative every year,” said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. “We’re hoping even more families can visit ARM & HAMMER Park next season thanks to our fans’ holiday shopping.”

In its first nine years, the Gift of Baseball program has allowed the Thunder to donate a total of 6,344 tickets to the Children’s Home Society.

“We are so grateful to the Trenton Thunder for once again sharing this wonderful ‘Gift of Baseball’ with the children we serve,” said Donna C. Pressma, CHSofNJ President and CEO. She continued, “This gift allows hundreds of our children to experience a live baseball game. It is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime, and we cannot thank the Trenton Thunder enough for always thinking of our CHSofNJ children and families.”

2015 Trenton Thunder Mini Plans go on sale December 1st. Mini plans include five or six of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each game, a Trenton Thunder hat, a complimentary ticket to Opening Night and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any 10 or more games and like Mini Plans include free food, a limited edition hat and a free Opening Night ticket. More information about Pic-A-Plans can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS

Season Tickets are available as either a full (71 games) or half (36 games) and include a lot of perks such as early entry, special events and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey provides at-risk children and their families with a range of services that empower them to achieve their potential. They are child-oriented, family focused, community based, and outcome-oriented.

The Thunder will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). 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.

Blue Rocks Announce 2014 Holiday Card Contest Winner

November 25, 2014

5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA chosen out of thousands of entries.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 13^th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be only one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Benjamin Trowbridge, a 5^th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. His artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Benjamin will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2015 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. The art teachers of the winner and honorable mention designers will be contacted by a Blue Rocks representative in the next week. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Iyanna Flores
Kindergarten
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Dafne Ruiz
2^nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Sophie Dodds
3^rd Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Emily Ford
4^th Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Adrienne Testa
5^th Grade
Holy Angels School
Newark, DE

Erica Panico
5^th Grade
North Star Elementary
Hockessin, DE.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5^th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2015 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks, who drew 284,701 fans to Frawley Stadium in 2014 and averaged more than 4,400 patrons per game, have season seats and group packages for the 2015 season on sale now. Fans should call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Paws for Presents

November 20, 2014

El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas Team Up for Toy Drive

The El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Chihuahuas have teamed together to make the holiday season brighter for children as they proudly present “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center.

The drive continues through Saturday, Dec. 13. The Chihuahuas and EPFD request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. The team will categorize and deliver to the Child Crisis Center.

“Being the recipient of these donated gifts allows us to provide Christmas for children that are most needy,” said Al Velarde, Executive Director of the Child Crisis Center. “Last year, our center was able to provide 740 gifts to children in the El Paso Community. Not only did we provide for the children and families we served, we were able to work with other non-profit organizations who had identified families that needed assistance during the holidays.”

The Child Crisis Center of El Paso protects children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy, and family support services.

Donations can be dropped off at the 35 El Paso neighborhood fire stations or the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St. The Team Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

“We hope our great community will join the El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas in bringing gifts and joy to the local children this holiday season. Please participate,” said Chihuahuas general manager, Brad Taylor.

“The El Paso Fire Department and its membership are excited to partner up with the Chihuahuas for this worthwhile cause,” said Lieutenant James Schaerfl. “We hope the toy drive helps the Child Crisis Center bring joy to the lives of the children it serves during this Holiday Season. I’m positive that the community will give from their hearts and this event will be a great success.

For more information, call (915) 242-2025.

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13.

WHEN: Now through Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.

WHERE: El Paso Fire Department’s 35 stations and the El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango.

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

Keys to Host Toys for Tots Drive

November 5, 2014

Fans Who Contribute New Toy to Receive Tickets and Hat

The holiday season is right around the corner, and for the third consecutive season the Keys will be partnering with Toys for Tots. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Members of the Frederick community can drop off toys at Harry Grove Stadium starting on November 5, from 9-5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Anyone who donates a toy will receive two tickets to a 2015 Frederick Keys home game along with two Keys hats.

The Toys for Tots Drive concludes on Saturday, December 13, when the Keys host their annual holiday event in the Mattress Warehouse Club.

“We received tremendous support from the community during our toy drive last year,” said Director of Marketing Bridget McCabe. “The Keys love bringing smiles to the faces of local kids during the holiday season, and our annual partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to do just that.”

The Keys Holiday Event on December 13 will run from 10am-1pm. More details will be available at a later date. Ticket plans for the 2015 season are now available, and can be purchased by calling an account manager at 301-815-9900. Every plan comes with the choice of a Zach Britton or Kevin Gausman bobblehead.

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

Frederick Keys Care Grants Awarded

November 4, 2014

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

It is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement. In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Teen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Child Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Homeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

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

Drop off Toys For Tots at Zephyr Field

November 3, 2014

Zephyr Field an official holiday drop-off location for new toys

This holiday season, the New Orleans Zephyrs are again partnering with Toys For Tots, with Zephyr Field providing an official drop-off location for toys to be given to needy children in the community.

As sponsors of the Toys For Tots program, new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Zephyr Field through Friday, December 12. Those toys will be delivered to less fortunate children in the community as Christmas presents.

The Toys For Tots program accepts only new, unwrapped toys.

Toys For Tots campaigns are conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in approximately 500 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Orleans Zephyrs. Click here to view the original story.

Wells Fargo Donates $1,000 to Baseballtown Charities

November 3, 2014

Donation made possible through Community Connections Giving Program

Baseballtown Charities would like to thank Wells Fargo’s Community Connections Giving Program for their donation of $1,000.

Through the program, Wells Fargo’s retail banking stores explore the needs of their local communities and select a nonprofit organization to receive a grant. This year, Wells Fargo will award close to $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations and schools across Pennsylvania.

The grants are part of the company’s broader support of its communities. In 2013, Wells Fargo invested more than $14 million in nonprofit organizations and schools and team members volunteered more than 46,000 hours throughout Pennsylvania.

Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) entity, was founded in 2002 in association with the Reading Fightin Phils in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization also pays tribute to Reading’s rich baseball history.

Since its inception in 2002, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment the organization has overtaken was the construction of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park in 2006. Through contributions exceeding $900,000, the youth ballpark was built in a neighborhood that is quickly returning to its glory days. It sits on the grounds of Lauer’s Park Elementary School, named for the former stadium where Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson both played. The original housed several professional teams and hosted barnstorming tours from 1907-1941. Reading’s own baseball legend, the late “Broadway” Charlie Wagner, former Red Sox pitcher and roommate Ted Williams, began his career there.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip returns in 2015

October 29, 2014

WisconsinTimberRattlers_2014-10-29 — Action from the 2014 Jordy Nelson Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium to host event on Sunday, June 14

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 14, 2015. This will be the second year Nelson has been the host of the game between the offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers. Game time is 1:05pm.

“I am honored to host the Charity Softball Game again in 2015,” said Nelson. “My family and I really enjoyed the experience last year, and we look forward to having fun with the fans again this year. I want to thank the fans for supporting this game and helping us to raise money for needed community programs.”

Nelson is currently 2^nd in the NFC in receiving yards, tied for 2^nd in touchdowns by a receiver, and 4^th in receptions.

“The Timber Rattlers are excited to have Jordy Nelson back as the host for this Charity Softball Game and we are proud to once again be the host facility,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “Jordy has solidified himself as a member of this community and we are excited to play a part in helping raise funds for local community programs.”

The offense defeated the defense 26-11 in front of a crowd of 7,354 in the 2014 game. Nelson, who participated in the game when it was hosted by Donald Driver, hit a pair of home runs in last year’s game.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a four-game package starting Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00am by calling (800) WI-TIMBER, (920) 733-4152, or in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office. The package includes a ticket for the Jordy Nelson game and three vouchers that may be used for any Timber Rattlers regular season home game played on a Sunday in 2015. The ticket packages are not available online.

Prices for the four-game packages are:

Premium Box Seat:	$91
Box Seat:	$76
Reserved Seat:	$52

The first two rows of the seating bowl at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are the premium box seat option in this ticket package. Vouchers for the Timber Rattlers games must be redeemed at the box office and are based on availability.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $55 for a premium box seat, $40 for a box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $225. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 12 over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the box office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball game benefits Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Safe & Seen trick-or-treat event set for Oct. 26

October 15, 2014

3rd annual kids Halloween event at Medlar Field

The State College Spikes, Centre LifeLink EMS and B94.5 FM are once again teaming up to present this year’s safest and most fun children’s trick-or-treating event in the State College area.

The Third Annual Safe & Seen in the Ballpark will take place on Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the home of the Spikes. This free admission event is designed for young trick-or-treaters and their parents and will include many fun activities for children and their families.

Each child is invited to wear his or her favorite Halloween costume and bring their bag or bucket to be filled by area non-profit agencies or community supporters stationed throughout the ballpark. Trick-or-treaters will be invited to go “door to door” to visit each participating group to collect treats and other fun items.

Families can also enjoy ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, meet and greets with Spikes mascots and more. The event will be held rain or shine as most of activities and trick-or-treat stations will be under cover.

Anyone attending the event is encouraged, but not required, to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Announce September Grant Recipient

October 14, 2014

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. earns $1,000 “All About Kids” grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of September. A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center, Inc. has been awarded September’s “All About Kids” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits children.

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. provides a comprehensive, coordinated response for child victims of sexual abuse or physical abuse and for witnesses to violence, abuse or homicide. The Center partners with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to facilitate forensic interviews and medical examinations in a safe, child-friendly environment. Interviews are video-recorded so that children are spared the need to relive traumatic events while valuable, accurate information can be gathered as evidence.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will provide 13 direct forensic and medical services, free of charge, to children and their families in Newton, Walton and surrounding counties.

“A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center would like to thank the Gwinnett Braves for their generous support of our organization,” said Administrative Assistant Katie Bruner. “With this grant, we will continue our work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide forensic medical examinations utilizing tele-health in our efforts to deliver the best medical care possible for the children who visit our center. We look forward to partnering with the Gwinnett Braves to serve children and their families now and in the future.”

About A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc.: Since seeing their first child in 2009, the Center has shown dedication and commitment to providing the best services possible to the children and families of Newton, Walton and surrounding counties. A Child’s Voice served 190 children in 2013 and expects to serve around 200 children in 2014. For more information, contact Katie Bruner at 770-484-0082 or email kbruner@achildsvoicecac.com.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

October 9, 2014

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

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

Legends invite schools to ‘Hit the Books’

October 8, 2014

Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends' Big L. — Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends’ Big L.

It’s time for elementary schools to “Hit the Books” with the Lexington Legends.

Teachers, librarians, media specialists and other educators are encouraged to register with the Legends to get their elementary schools involved in the Hit the Books reading program for the 2014-15 school year.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. Kindergarten students may participate by having their teachers read four books to them.

When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The school with the highest bookmark redemption (based on percentage of enrollment, minimum 50 students) will receive a school-wide reward from the “Hit the Books” sponsor.

To begin the process, educators must register with the Legends by November 14 to ensure their school’s participation. Registration information is available at www.lexingtonlegends.com.

“Hit the Books is one of the Legends’ favorite community programs,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Encouraging the students of central Kentucky to read and show off their artistic creativity through the bookmark design contest is very rewarding. Big L loves visiting all the participating schools, and we hope there will be more for this year’s program than ever before.”

In addition, the annual bookmark design contest is under way and will run through December 12. The winning student will have his or her artwork featured on the official 2015 Hit the Books bookmark and poster that are distributed to every student participating in the reading program, which runs through March 31, 2015. About 23,000 students participated during the 2013-14 school year.

Schedule a visit by Big L

The Lexington Legends and Big L would like to visit any participating school and serve as a guest reader for any class or scheduled Media Center time to encourage students to complete the Hit the Books program and redeem their bookmarks for Legends game tickets. For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at (859) 422-7855.

The 2015 season will be the 15th for Legends baseball and also marks the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 195,000 students have participated.

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

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

October 8, 2014

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.