PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Tides organization to renovate local youth field

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The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“After the overwhelming community support we’ve received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at hmckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

“Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one” said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. “Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone – individuals, families and communities.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

 

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Present 12th Annual Essay Contest

Students in 7th and 8th grade write about “Why I Want to Go to College”

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OMAHA, Neb. – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially kicked off the 12th-annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Storm Chasers announced this week.

Full Contest Rules Here

Students in 7th and 8th grade both in and outside the state of Nebraska may send their entries until the March 28 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each entry must be accompanied with the required cover sheet found at http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/2014writingContestCoverSheet.pdf.

Judging will be conducted by faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The essay contest awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, with winners earning prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 toward a NEST College Savings Plan.

All winners from Nebraska, which will be notified in early May, will receive four box seat tickets and earn recognition prior to the Storm Chasers game on May 11 against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Each winning student will get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during their visit to Werner Park.

For complete rules and information on the Essay Contest, check http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/. Entries must be postmarked by March 28 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Stava

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

2013 Winners

1st Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Sophie Anne Glaubius, Wisner-Pilger Junior-Senior High, Wisner, Neb.
  2. Treslyn Hubbard, Norfolk Junior High, Norfolk, Neb.
  3. Adam Zastrow, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Lincoln, Neb.

2nd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Samantha Moulton, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, Elkhorn, Neb.
  2. Mallory Bretsen, Alice Buffett Middle School, Omaha, Neb.
  3. Claire Scanlan, Platteview Central Junior High, Springfield, Neb.

3rd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Marisa Hutchinson, Valentine Middle School, Valentine, Neb.
  2. Britley Schlueter, Wood Lake School, Wood Lake, Neb.
  3. Mitchell Leininger, Moving Mountains Home School, Auburn, Neb.

Out-of-State

  1. Micki Miller, Family of Christ Christian School, Lutz, Fla.
  2. Zoe Jee, Harry C. Fulton Middle School, Fountain Valley, Calif.
  3. Mary Elizabeth Hartness, North Habersham Middle School, Clarkesville, Georgia

 

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

Express CEO Reese Ryan to Host HeartGift Patient

Belize Child to arrive in Austin January 6 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

AUSTIN, Texas (January 3, 2013) -The HeartGift Foundation, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children from developing countries, is preparing for the arrival of the nonprofit organization’s 200th patient.

Courtney, an almost two-year-old girl from Belize, will arrive January 6 in Austin, TX and will undergo life-saving surgery January 14 at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Her medical care team will be led by HeartGift physicians, Drs. Stuart Rowe and Kenneth Fox.

“Without surgery Courtney would develop difficulty exercising, then difficulty breathing, and then would ultimately die. But with the help and generosity of HeartGift, Courtney will receive a second chance of living a full life,” explained Fox.

Courtney will stay with Reese Ryan, CEO of the Round Rock Express baseball team and son of famed baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The Ryan family has been very involved with HeartGift patients in both Austin and the Dallas Fort Worth area, but this is their first time to host a patient in their home. “We appreciate the opportunity to introduce our daughters to families in need from around the world. It will be a blessing for us to be able to open our home and share in this life changing experience for this family” said Ryan.

“When the HeartGift Foundation was incorporated in 2000, it was hard to envision that we could save the lives of 200 children with heart problems,” said Dr. John “Chip” Oswalt, co-founder and chairman of HeartGift. “As we approach this milestone, it gives me pause to look back on the 200 precious lives saved. As the years pass we will reach more milestones, enlist many more volunteers, and save many more children-one heartgift at a time.”

About HeartGift

HeartGift brings children from around the world to the United States for surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects.

Founded in Austin, the HeartGift Foundation has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and New Orleans. All medical services are provided for free. Patients’ families do not pay a penny.

Since its inception, HeartGift has helped children from 28 countries: Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, the Republic of Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Syria and Uganda.

These children come to the states because their home countries lack adequate health care; they leave with repaired hearts and a new sense of hope for the future.

To learn more about HeartGift, visit www.heartgift.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

All Aboard the Fit Track Program

RailRiders’ Community Program Encourages Healthy Lifestyle

Moosic, Pa. – “All aboard” has taken on a whole new meaning. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are coming down the stretch run for registration in their new Fit Track Program for the 2014 season. Fit Track is designed to enhance schools’ physical education programs and educate children, grades K-5, on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Area schools are encouraged to register for the free program. Registration concludes Friday, Dec. 20 and is limited to the first 15,000 students.

“We are delighted to do whatever we can to promote a healthy lifestyle among our children,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “The habits for making healthy decisions begun at a young age can last a lifetime. We hope this program will trigger more and more smart choices.”

Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active at least 60 minutes per day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. The RailRiders encourage kids to follow Fit Track by rewarding them with free admission to select SWB RailRiders home games and the chance for pre-game recognition at PNC Field.

For participating in the Fit Track program, each child will receive a RailRiders jump rope, meant to serve as a tool to get kids active outside of school. Jump ropes will be distributed to schools immediately following the return of the school’s registration form to the RailRiders front office, or during the kick-off assembly if applicable. The flexible program allows each school to create a four, eight or 12-week program.

CLICK HERE for registration forms and more information. All contact information is listed on the registration form. For any additional information or questions, please contact community relations manager Rachel Mark at 570-969-2255 ext. 3140 or rmark@swbrailriders.com.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information or to book a ballpark group outing, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

Gwinnett Braves Award November Grant to Nothing but the Truth

“Thanksgiving” themed grant will help fund Weekend Food Bag Ministry program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of November to the Nothing but the Truth organization, announced on Monday, December 9. The “Thanksgiving” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness.

Based in Dacula, GA, Nothing but the Truth serves food insecure children across Gwinnett County and beyond through its Weekend FooNothing-but-the-truth-logod Bag Ministry. The program assists students in Title I schools that have been identified by their counselors as being in a crisis situation and in need of additional food over the weekend and during extended school breaks.

Each Friday, volunteers with Nothing but the Truth supply school counselors with bags filled with kid-friendly items that are sent home with the students in their book bags. Since starting the program in December 2010, Nothing but the Truth has served 18 Gwinnett County schools, one Barrow County school and three Clayton County schools, sending home approximately 360 food bags each week.

The grant awarded to Nothing but the Truth will go directly toward the purchase of food for the Weekend Food Bag Ministry program. In addition to the funds provided, the Gwinnett Braves have extended the partnership further by supplying volunteers to pack food bags once a month.

“It is an honor to work with local Title I schools to help students who are food insecure,” said Scarlett Rigsby, Executive Director of Nothing but the Truth. “No one wants to think of students going home on Friday from school and having little or nothing to eat over the weekend. Unfortunately this is a reality among way too many of our students. This grant from the Gwinnett Braves helps us serve 18 schools and provide food for 360 students per week through our Weekend Food Program.”

About Nothing but the Truth:  Nothing but the Truth is a faith-based organization in Gwinnett County that serves the community through three major areas of ministry: the Weekend Food Bag Ministry, the Multi-Housing Ministry and Community Outreach Events. For more information on how you can donate money or volunteer your time, contact Scarlett Rigsby at 770-845-3029 or scarlett@nothingbutthetruth146.org.

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

Sign your little slugger up for 2014 Youth Camps!

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The Mud Hens Youth Baseball Camps are back for the 2014 season! There will be two separate three-day camps, a one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp, and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found at www.mudhens.com/camps. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation early to guarantee a spot!

Call 419-725-4367 with any questions or to make your registration by phone.

Click the links below to order online:

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats Accepting Applications for ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations

‘4 in 24’ kicks off a new season for the Community Grounds Crew, a partnership between the ‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

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TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats are now accepting applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region for the 4th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations. The renovations will take place in a 24-hour time period in early April 2014, as four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“BlueShield is proud to continually support the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, 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. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to learn the importance of making healthy choices, like playing and staying active, because we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

“With the continued loyal support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are able to provide safe and well-maintained fields of play for the youth in our community, an initiative that is immensely important to us,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 3. 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 2014 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 16 and Softball Night on June 24.

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and two corporate baseball tournaments that take place at “The Joe” including the Battle of the Beverages and the Capital Region Series.

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

Baseball Academy to Host Holiday Clinics

December 26th – 28th at FirstEnergy Park

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host two holiday camps, each for players ages 8-13 running from Thursday, December 26th through Saturday, December 28th at FirstEnergy Park.

The Holiday Hitting Camp runs from 9 am – 10:30 am each day. This three-day program is designed to teach players the essential techniques and philosophies of hitting. Each day, players will work on pre-pitch techniques, stride, balance, grip, bat path, and hitting zones among other aspects of hitting. There will also be games to make this a fun, informative environment.

The Holiday Pitching Camp runs from 11 am – 12 pm each day. This three-day progressive program is designed to teach players the proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season. Each session will build on the previous in order to give the players a multitude of drills that they can use at home throughout the winter months to be ready to pitch when the season starts.

All camps are kept to a maximum of 16 players to allow for an intimate setting.

Registration for the Hitting Camp is $149 and registration for the Pitching camp is $129. Those that register for both can do so for $235, savings of 15%. To sign up, call Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or sign up on line by clicking here.

Camps will be run by Agnello, BlueClaws Baseball Academy Executive Director, and the staff of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy Claws, the 17-under travel team. Agnello, who played Division 1 baseball, has experience coaching for MLB Player Development at the international level and has eight years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, Division III, and Junior College levels.

About BlueClaws Baseball Academy: BlueClaws Baseball Academy provides elite baseball instruction to youth players throughout the year at FirstEnergy Park and is fully supported by the Lakewood BlueClaws, single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This fall, the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Baseball Academy ran two 17-under teams, believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team had their own youth teams playing home games in the Minor League stadium. 33 players from Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties participated.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

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

Baseball Camp set for Thanksgiving weekend

Learn baseball from the Rams inside BB&T Ballpark

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 11, 2013) – After a successful event last week, the Winston-Salem Dash and Winston-Salem State University are partnering to hold a three-day Baseball Camp at BB&T Ballpark from November 29 through December 1, the three days after Thanksgiving.

All participants will work with the Rams players and coaches on various baseball skills, such as hitting, throwing and fielding. All campers will also receive a t-shirt to commemorate their experience, along with a free token to The Hitting Zone. Also, lunch will be provided after Friday and Saturday’s activities.

The registration fee is $50 per day or $120 for the entire three-day camp. Here is the camp schedule:

Friday, November 29: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 30: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 1: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

To register, parents can call Brian Boesch at (336) 714-2287 (extension 1130), stop by the Dash’s front office at 926 Brookstown Avenue or fill out this form and fax it to (336) 714-2288. Payment via cash, check or credit card will be accepted, and parents must pay in advance.

The baseball camp is open to young baseball players at least five years old. Participants must bring a glove, and they are encouraged to bring their bat, too.

Full- and partial-season ticket plans for the 2014 season are on sale now, and the Dash’s schedule will be released soon. For more ticket information or to purchase Dash tickets for next season, call (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball announced Thursday that the Grand Junction Rockies are the winners of the first John Henry Moss Community Service Award for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the Grand Junction community and the baseball industry.

The Rockies are committed to make an ongoing annual gift to the NJCAA World Series played annually each year in Grand Junction, Colo., with a substantial monetary contribution per year that is earmarked for the capital building and remodel plan for Suplizio Field, “Home of the JUCO World Series” and the Pioneer League club. Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local high schools and many other groups also use the facility on a regular basis throughout the year. The Rockies have also made a multi-year commitment to the Mesa County School District #51 athletic program to pay for varsity uniforms for all four local high school baseball and softball teams.

The Rockies also partner with the CMU Sports Management/Marketing and Mass Communication departments to provide on-the-job training for students during the season. Each year, six students receive class credit for working as paid interns with the club. This season, another half dozen students gained valuable experience by being responsible for the entire production and video streaming of all 38 home games that were seen on MiLB.com.

Grand Junction principal owners Dick and Charlie Monfort’s monetary contribution to CMU was a key component to the construction of a performance lab built on campus. General manager Tim Ray is a member of the Community Hospital Foundation Board and the NJCAA World Series Baseball Committee. Other Grand Junction staff members serve on the committees of civic organizations as well.

The Rockies conduct an indoor baseball camp in January for local youths with professional coaches and players from the Colorado Rockies organization serving as instructors. All net monetary proceeds from the camp benefit the CMU baseball scholarship program.

Numerous other charities benefited from Grand Junction’s support in 2013 as well, including Special Olympics Colorado, Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, Riverside Education Center, A.C. Foundation, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, City of Grand Junction Audubon Society, Mesa County Firefighters and the Community Hospital Foundation.

“The Rockies have fully immersed themselves into their community since relocating to Grand Junction just two seasons ago,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. “Their numerous philanthropic endeavors with civic organizations, local high schools and Colorado Mesa University are examples of their strong commitment to give back to their community and contribute to its quality of life.”

“This honor is a reflection of the community commitment by our ownership” said Ray. “The opportunity to partner with a community that has such a rich history of baseball and has already shown such enthusiasm for Minor League Baseball is exciting.”

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

Grand Junction will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rookie Pioneer League. Click here to view the original story.

Team Honors South Dorchester School

Shorebirds award school $1,000

Delmarva-Shorebirds-2010The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to South Dorchester School in Church Creek Maryland to award them a check for $1,000. South Dorchester School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in first place in the ticket redemption contest.

Shorebirds-Community-Fund-lCongratulations to all the students, their parents and faculty members of South Dorchester School for a job well done.

Scrappers Launch Healthy Kids Challenge

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have launched Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge, presented by the Eastwood Mall Complex with partners Humility of Mary Health Partners, M.V.P.B.A. Scrappers Backers and ComDoc, to encourage physically active and healthy lifestyles.

Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge follows the 5-2-1-0 message: 5 — or more servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 — hours or less recreational screen time, 1 — hour or more of physical activity, 0 — sugary drinks, more water and lowfat milk (adopted from Let’s Go! www.letsgo.org).

The Scrappers are working with local schools to participate in the program. For 21 Days, students log their choices into a journal. All of the students that complete Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge will receive a ticket to go to a Scrappers game during the 2013 season. At the game they will receive a special 5-2-1-0 Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge Completed T-Shirt and special recognition at the game.

If you would like your school to participate in Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge or are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the program, contact the Scrappers Front Office at 330-505-0000.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are the Short Season Single A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and play all home games at Eastwood Field. Notable alumni include C.C. Sabathia, Vinnie Pestano, Jason Kipnis, and Victor Martinez. For more information about individual game tickets, ticket packages or group outings visit www.mvscrappers.com or call the front office at (330) 505 – 0000.

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

Fightins to Host 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

Sunday’s event to benefit Toys for Tots and The Children Home of Reading

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The 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run will benefit Toys for Tots and The Children’s Home of Reading.

On Sunday, November 3rd, the Reading Fightin Phils will be hosting the 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run presented by Classic Harley-Davidson from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in VIST Bank Plaza at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Folks will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Motorcycle registration for the toy run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11:00 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course until arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark for an estimated noon arrival. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy or game.

Upon his arrival at noon, Santa will be available in the Yuengling Hometown Tap Room until 2:00 p.m. for photos with those on both the naughty and the nice list. He and his helpers will also present this year’s Santa’s Choice Awards to his favorite classic car, Jeep, and motorcycle. Winners will receive an official Eastern PA Toy Run trophy.

Along with Santa Claus, Lebanon Levi from the hit Discovery Channel series “Amish Mafia” will be on hand for autographs with a small donation to Toys for Tots.

Attendees and participants will be served complimentary hot dogs and beverages as part of the event. There will also be live music on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage throughout the day.

For those looking at getting a jump on holiday shopping, the Fightins Mitchell & Ness Team Store will be open with deals on team apparel and caps. A portion of merchandise profits from Sunday will also be donated to Toys for Toys and The Children’s Home of Reading.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was potentially cancelled after the Marine Corps Reserve Unit was deployed. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefiting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon County and The Children’s Home of Reading.

Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets for the 2014 season at FirstEnergy Stadium are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

 

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

IronPigs Host Sixth Annual Suites-n-Treats

Annual Event Attracts Nearly 800 Children

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IronPigs Charities hosted its sixth annual Suites-n-Treats event designed to offer a safe and unique ‘trick-or-treating’ opportunity – as well as other Halloween activities — to both under-privileged and special-needs children in the Lehigh Valley.

Nearly children and 1,300 total guests participated in this year’s event, making it the largest Suites-n-Treats turnout in the event’s history.

The Club Level — and for the first time ever the Clubhouse Level – were utilized this year. Coca-Cola Park suite holders were invited to decorate their suite as the children went door-to-door ‘trick-or-treating.’ Other features included cookie decorating, meeting mascots FeRROUS and FeFe, entertainment from a balloon artist, and much more.

As IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes put it, “This is the IronPigs signature community event and, by far, my favorite charitable function we host at Coca-Cola Park.”

Participating non-profits included: Angel 34 Foundation, Autism Resource Community Hub (ARCH), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton), Camelot for Children, Children’s Home of Easton, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Diakon Adoption and Foster Care, Dream Come True, Easter Seals, Good Shepherd LVHN Pediatric Clinic, Make-a-Wish, Miracle League of the LV, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Sixth Street Shelter and Valley Youth House.

IronPigs Charities presented by The Air Products Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity of the IronPigs. The mission of IronPigs Charities is to provide educational and recreational opportunities to Lehigh Valley youth. Since its inception in 2007, IronPigs Charities has donated more than $575,000 to the Lehigh Valley community.

For more information or to inquire about the 2014 event, please contact Sarah Marten at smarten@ironpigsbaseball.com.

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