Mahoning Valley Scrappers join the Spread the Red to Feed Hungry Families Campaign

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The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have teamed up with YSU Football and First Place Bank to help feed the hungry families of our Valley. Together these three organizations will use this partnership to help Valley families who are struggling to keep food on the table.

On Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Scrappers are hosting their Annual Trick or Treat Event at Eastwood Field. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. That evening, the Scrappers and First Place Bank are asking families to drop off canned or boxed food donations to help feed the hungry families in our Valley. The first 500 people that bring in a perishable food item and drop it off at the First Place Bank table will receive a free First Place Bank cinch bag.

“We are happy to partner with YSU football and First Place Bank at this event to make sure that we continue the effort to fight hunger in the Valley”, stated Jordan Taylor, General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

“The First Place Bank team will continue to find ways to help put food on the tables of hungry families right here in the Mahoning Valley”, stated Steve Lewis CEO First Place Bank. “We hope that Valley residents will join us the week of October 31st through November 4th and stop by one of our branches to make a donation,” he concluded.

About First Place Financial Corp.: First Place Financial Corp. is a $3.1 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio, with two wholly-owned subsidiaries: First Place Bank and First Place Holdings, Inc. Through First Place Bank, the Company operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 24 loan production offices. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Place Holdings, Inc. include First Place Insurance and Title Works Agency, LLC. Additional information about First Place Financial Corp. may be found on the Company’s web site: www.firstplacebank.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Thirteenth Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field

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The Scrappers and Buckeye Online School for Success present the thirteenth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ, WBCB, and Mix 98.9. The event will take place Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Companies that are involved will receive a free table and banner space on our concourse. The participating businesses may pass out information and decorate their table however they choose. We are allowing distribution of items and flyers, however we ask that no registration sign-ups or contests be held. You are welcome to invite employees from your company to represent your business. If this is not possible, volunteers are available that can assist you. In addition to your materials, we ask that your company provide candy for an estimated 2,000 children. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Please contact Heather Sahli at the Scrappers office by Friday, October 21st if interested. Space is limited and is available to the first 30 companies who reply.

For further information, contact the Scrappers team 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.

RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

Frisco-RoughRidersFor the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Frisco-Foundation-LogoOver 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

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Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.
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A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

 

Fang’s Reading Program

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, in partnership with local schools, strive to emphasize the importance of reading by encouraging youth to read regularly. Offering an incentive- based rewards program in conjunction with great family entertainment can only enhance this education experience for students, teachers, and families alike!

This past season, over 160 schools/libraries and 38,000 students participated in Fang’s Reading Club. All students that complete the program by reaching their individual reading goals receive a free ticket to a Timber Rattlers game in April or May. Many schools choose to pick a “Family Night” where the entire school is invited out to the ballpark. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in the Goodwill Book Drive and bring any new or gently used books.

For the 2011 season, the Timber Rattlers collected 1400+ books through Fang’s Reading Club. All books donated are given to Goodwill Industries for distribution. In turn, the donations help support programs and services that enrich individual lives and our communities!

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Charleston-RiverDogsThanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logo“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

CSC Winwood Farm Presentation 2011

Win a scholarship at College Preview Night!

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Come visit with top colleges and universities at the Fifth Third Bank ‘College Preview Night’ event, taking place at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Enter to win one of four scholarships, too! Details and RSVP info at www.mudhens.com/collegenight.

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

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation awarded 5 grants to The Special Olympics, West Dallas Community School, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, Buckner International and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco during the 2011 season.

“The RoughRiders Foundation is thrilled to award our five grants to these deserving organizations,” said Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “Each organization helps execute the RoughRiders Foundation’s mission of motivating and rewarding children and families in the areas of education, good health and community service activities.”

Each organization received a $1,000 grant from the RoughRiders Foundation to help continue its mission serving the North Dallas Community. 2011 marks the fourth year of the RoughRiders Foundation’s Grant Program and each of the five grant recipient organizations plan to use their grant in different ways.

“Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is truly grateful to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation for the generous $1,000 grant,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO. “This funding will provide much-needed support to afford the opportunity for more than 400 local SOTX athletes to compete in an eight-week softball training program, followed by the chance to compete and go for the gold!”

Each organization that received a grant also received 4 tickets to a RoughRiders game and participated in an on-field check presentation.

Non-Profit Organizations interested in applying for a grant in 2012 can visit www.ridersbseball.com/foundation or contact Michael Davidow at mdavidow@ridersbaseball.com.

(Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

RoughRiders Foundation Awards Five Scholarships

The RoughRiders Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to five graduating high school seniors in North Texas during the 2011 season.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Rooks Patterson and Blake Harrell from Frisco, Mauro Santos and Arturo Gonzalez from Dallas, and Kenbea Walker from McKinney.

Each scholarship winner received $2,000 for their college education, tickets to a RoughRiders game, all-you-can-eat food and Dr Pepper products and a VIP tour before the game.

“The RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship Program is one of our biggest financial contributions of the season,” said Mike Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The RoughRiders appreciate the importance of getting a college education and are proud to help these outstanding students pursue their goals.”

Since the RoughRiders Foundation started their scholarship program seven seasons ago, they have awarded over $55,000 in scholarship monies to local students.

Over 270 applications were submitted by high school seniors around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. All applicants must have met the criteria of a minimum 3.0 GPA and participated in at least one athletic activity during their senior year. Winners were selected by the RoughRiders Foundation Board of Directors based on academic merit, financial need and athletic accomplishments.

Scholarship Winner, Kenbea Walker (left), and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Scholarship Winner, Blake Harrell, and his family.

Local Girl wins NYPL Scholarship

NYPL Charitable Foundation awarded over $10,000 in scholarships

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The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League, its member clubs and the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, once again awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

The 2011 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball has had on their lives.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation initiated the scholarship program in 2009 as a way to assist high school seniors from within our league’s footprint who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but have also demonstrated the positive benefits their local NYPL club has had on their life,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “The Foundation is pleased to have this scholarship program in place and to support our 14 member clubs in their year-round community outreach efforts.”

The Scholarship Program consisted of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students applied directly with their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional round. The 14 finalists were separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) received the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists received a $250 book award.

Andrea Moore, of Staten Island, took home the $2,500 scholarship from the McNamara Division. Andrea’s academic accomplishments, leadership experience, exceptional community service efforts and extra-curricular activities made her stand out above the rest. The Staten Island Yankees wish to congratulate Andrea and applaud her charitable contributions.

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

Dragons ‘MVP Students’ Get The Spotlight

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers has made the popularity of the Dayton Dragons an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in the classroom.

This program, which is in 900 Dayton-area classrooms, reaches more than 25,000 students. Each classroom teacher is given five “Dragons MVP” awards to hand out at their discretion. The awards include tickets to a sold-out Dragons game, a custom “Dragons MVP” hat, a certificate recognizing their achievement as a “Dragons MVP” and also admission to a private field day/carnival with the entire Dragons team.

These “Dragons MVP” awards, which were distributed to the teachers at absolutely no cost, were awarded to students as the teachers saw fit. In addition to handing them out for success and achievements inside the classroom, many teachers rewarded students for accomplishments in the community as well.

The Dragons also shared some of the stories of success and achievement the “Dragons MVP” students created in local newspaper ads, television and radio commercials, and also in full page ads in the Dragons game day program.

Plus, 24 winners were selected to either throw out a first pitch or participate in an on-field entertainment skit on the night they attended the sold out Dragons game.

The Dragons also made Player/Mascot visits to 12 schools that participated in the MVP Program. Two Dayton Dragons players and the mascot, Heater, went to these schools and provided an entire class with an opportunity to ask questions of the players, get autographs from the players and hugs from our mascot. Every child in these classrooms received a Dragons hat, a Dragons baseball and a Dragons pen during the visit too.

Dragons players and mascots visit a local classroom as a part of the “Dragons MVP” program that rewards outstanding 4th and 5th grade students.
An MVP poses with her favorite Dragons player at a private field day only for Dragons MVP winners.
A Dragons MVP winner spends time on the live radio broadcast, telling listeners about what he did to become a Dragons MVP

Annual Community Events Raise Money for Ports Anchor Fund

Two very popular events for the Stockton Ports were recently held at Banner Island Ballpark. Root Beer Float Day was held on Sunday, July 10.  Not only did fans get to cool down with “bottomless” root beer floats on a hot day, but the proceeds from the event went towards the Ports Anchor Fund, which in turn helps local youth centers and youth sports.

The event was sponsored by Metro PCS and all of the root beer and ice cream was generously donated by Sunnyside Farms and Super Store Industries. Metro PCS also donated all of the mugs used for the event.

Root Beer Float Day also gives fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite Ports players. Ports pitchers Scott Deal, Mike Hart, Josh Lansford, and Rob Gilliam helped out with the event by scooping ice cream and pouring root beer for eager fans. Alongside the players, the Ports had help form radio DJ Lucas from KWIN, Dinger from the Sacramento River Cats, several Sunnyside Farms employees, and of course Splash got in on the fun as well.

The Ports were also host to two sessions of a youth baseball camp. Youth camp serves a number of purposes. First, all proceeds from the camp go to the Ports Anchor Fund. Camp also gives kids, boys and girls alike, ages 5-13 the chance to learn from the pros. Campers are able to get up close and personal with the Ports players and coaches. Youth camp is all about a fun experience for the kids, but it is also organized each year to teach young kids the fundamentals of baseball. Kids look up to the Ports players, so they always enjoy learning a few new skills from them.

Session one of baseball camp was held on June 17 & 18 and session two on July 16 & 17, both from 9 AM to 2 PM. Campers started the day with a warm-up with Ports Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Borgard. After the warm-up, the kids were broken up in to six different groups, according to age. Each station was staffed with a Ports player and the kids were taught a different skill at each one. Ports Manager Webster Garrison & Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts roamed through out each station to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Campers learned all about outfield throwing, base running, hitting, in field throwing, and pitching. The campers also got a special treat with a visit to the clubhouse. A favorite of camp was the end-of-the-day game that they played with the Ports players. The group was divided into four different teams. Two teams in left field, two in right. Each camper had a chance at bat as well as in the outfield.

Joining Webster Garrison, Craig Lefferts and Chris Borgard was Ports Hitting Coach Brian McArn. Position players Connor Crumbliss, Leonardo Gil, Ryan Lipkin, Anthony Aliotti, Michael Choice, Rashun Dixon, and pitchers Jose Guzman, AJ Huttenlocker, Connor Hoehn, Scott Deal, and Murphy Smith all helped out.

Not only did the campers receive detailed instruction and advice from the players, they were also given a camp T-shirt, were entered in a raffle to win prizes, were given a free Ports ticket, took part in our Jr. Ports program, and were provided lunch each day of camp by Subway and Pizza Guys.

If you would like any information on any of these events, or would like to donate to the Anchor Fund, please contact Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet at (209) 644-1900 or msacchet@stocktonports.com.

Ports pitchers Scott Deal & Mike Hart scoop ice cream and pour root beer for fans.
Ports coaches, along with former Oakland A Rickey Henderson, and University of the Pacific baseball coaches all participating in the Home-Run-a-thon.

Frisco RoughRiders Host Hoot’s Chalk Talk

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation teamed up with the Taylor Hooton Foundation to host the the 3rd Annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk on Saturday, July 16th, at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

The free clinic was open to youth baseball and softball players between the ages of 12-15.

Donald Hooton, director of development for the Taylor Hooton Foundation, spoke to over 150 youth baseball and softball players, and their families, about the dangers of steroids.

“I was thrilled by the turn out of kids and parents to our 3rd annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk,” said Donald Hooton of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. “We fielded a lot of great questions and I feel the kids got a lot out of it.”

After Donald’s speech, Frisco RoughRiders team trainer, Carlos Olivas, and strength and conditioning coach, Eric McMahon, spoke to the group about the smart and safe way to train for athletic competition.

The second half of the event was an on-field clinic where Mr. Olivas and Mr. McMahon lead different training exercises, and RoughRiders players, Elio Sarmiento and Renny Osuna, executed baseball drills with all of the attendees.

“I’m so happy the RoughRiders Foundation hosted this event,” said Jack Brewer from Plano, whose grandson attended the Chalk Talk. “This clinic helped kids learn the right way to train and stay healthy, while trying to become top athletes.”

Donald Hooton speaks to Chalk Talk attendees about the dangers of steroids.
RoughRiders catcher, Elio Sarmiento, organizes a fielding drill on the Dr Pepper Ballpark outfield grass.

Lake Monsters Partner With NY Life

Insurance Company Promoting Child Safety At Home Games

BURLINGTON, VT — In an effort to promote child safety within the Burlington community and the state of Vermont, the Vermont Lake Monsters and New York Life have teamed up to provide Child Identification services at Lake Monsters home games this season, both the New York-Penn League team and New York Life announced today.
Agents from New York Life’s local office will be at historic Centennial Field during approximately 20 home games over the summer to create and distribute personalized child identification cards for no cost. The Child ID card includes the child’s fingerprints, photo and other pertinent information to be helpful in case of an emergency.”New York Life and its Vermont General Office are excited to team up with the Lake Monsters this summer to bring their Child ID services to the people of Vermont,” the Insurance Company said in a statement. “Both New York Life and the Lake Monsters care about children and families and this is a natural partnership-as stewards of the community we want families to be healthy, safe and successful.””We are a team and venue that focuses children, families and the community and when New York Life approached us about this partnership, it was an easy decision,” Lake Monsters General Manager Nate Cloutier. “This free service will help keep children safe, and that is what its all about.”So come out to the ballpark, take in a game, and while there, stop by the New York Life tent and learn about how you can keep your children and family safe, both now and in the future.This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Akron Aeros Help Paint A Picture for Hope

The Akron Aeros front office staff made their way to ACCESS earlier this month to help the local shelter prepare recreational rooms at their facility.

Upon arrival, the staff got straight to work with paint and brushes in hand. They started with painting a Teen Room, and then moved to painting an office at ACCESS.

“It was inspiring to volunteer at a place like ACCESS. To think of all of the individuals they help after these people have been turned down elsewhere, really puts things into perspective. Our staff has really enjoyed this experience, paint clothes and all,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.

ACCESS, or The Akron Citizens’ Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services, was created to meet the need for the 625 monthly requests for shelter in the Akron area. With only 150 beds available and just 18 reserved for women and children, ACCESS helps fill the void by providing emergency shelter for those women and children. ACCESS also provides meals, group support, children’s programming, parental programming, and a Care Clinic.

“When I picked up a brochure after leaving ACCESS, I read the first line, ‘Providing Help When It’s Needed The Most.’ That quote seems to resonate throughout this organization. They certainly help those in need to the best of their ability. But there’s always more that can be done. That’s where volunteers come in,” Aeros Executive Vice President/COO JIM PFANDER said.

As a part of their ‘Helping Hands’ program, the Aeros volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as ACCESS. Next month, the Aeros will assist The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County.

For information on ACCESS, visit access-shelter.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Director of Sales, Greg Berry and Manager of Promotions, Calvin Funkhouser prepare the Teen Room before painting at ACCESS shelter in Akron.
Aeros staff is all hands on deck, painting the Teen Room at ACCESS.

‘Riders Classic Raises Over $23,000 for RoughRiders Foundation

The RoughRiders Foundation hosted the third annual ‘Riders Classic presented by Tye Williams Financial Services, Smashburger and DC Rightside, LLC on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes in Frisco, TX. The golf tournament raised over $23,000 for the RoughRiders Foundation through sponsorships, registrations, a silent auction and raffle and mulligan sales.

Boxed lunches were donated by Chick-fil-A at Preston Road and Highway 121, and dinner was donated and catered by Chuy’s on the Tollway.

27 foursomes competed in the ‘Riders Classic; 12 of which included RoughRiders pitchers Justin Miller, Richard Bleier, Jake Brigham, Ben Snyder, Corey Young, and Tyler Tufts. Other RoughRiders who participated were infielders Davis Stoneburner and Tom Mendonca, as well as pitching coach, Jeff Andrews.

“The RoughRiders are extremely thankful to have such fantastic charitable support from our players, sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders,” commented Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament and registering to golf, we raised a significant amount of money for our foundation partners and community programs.”

In 2011, the RoughRiders Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Miracle League of Frisco. The money raised from the 2011 ‘Riders Classic will help fund these partners as well as the RoughRiders Foundation’s scholarship and grant donation programs.

United Healthcare’s foursome pauses for a quick picture. Photos by Falcon Photography