SI Yanks Help Major League Umpires Make ‘An Easy Call for Kids’!

Club Participates in 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction

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New York, NY- The Staten Island Yankees are among the more than seventy Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs participating in the 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. Fans can win luxury suites and blocks of 24 tickets at an incredible savings from 66% to 85% off of the retail value or gate price.

The 12-day online auction, with more than 200 items, is currently underway and closes Sunday, March 20. Sports fans can visit and win items at: www.biddingforgood.com/UmpsCare.

Proceeds from the online auction help to provide Major League Baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption, Build-A-Bear Workshop® experiences for children with cancer, and college scholarships for young adults who were adopted as children.

“Bidding is a win-win for everyone involved and we are overwhelmed by the support offered by Minor League Baseball and its member clubs”, said Tim Timmons, MLB umpire and UMPS CARE Charities Board Director. “Baseball fans win luxury suites and tickets at a discount, ball clubs showcase community involvement, and children awaiting adoption are treated to a special day at the ballpark as they wait for a forever home to call their own.”

In addition to MiLB suites and tickets, the auction also includes 2011 MLB All-Star Game tickets, the chance to watch batting practice from the field at a variety of MLB stadiums, Green Monster seats for a Red Sox-Yankees game, the chance to go behind-the-scenes at ESPN Baseball Tonight or play golf with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, 2-night hotel with ticket packages, dinner with financial guru Guy Adami after a taping of CNBC’s hit show Fast Money, a Pinehurst Resort Golf Experience with PGA Teaching Pro Dan Kochevar, memorabilia signed by President Obama and both Presidents Bush, and a selection of signed golf and football memorabilia.

Special “Bid for a Buck” auctions, contests, and giveaways will be announced via Twitter and Facebook throughout the 12-day event. Items starting at one dollar and available for a day or less will include game tickets, sportswear, memorabilia, and gift certificates. Follow UMPS CARE Charities on Twitter and Facebook for “Bid for a Buck” details.

Of course the real winners are the children served by the men in blue of UMPS CARE Charities. UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established by MLB umpires to provide financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. Since 2006, umpires have provided memorable baseball experiences for more than 4,000 children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. They have also hosted more than 50 children’s hospital events to provide Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Learn more at UmpsCare.com.

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

Stockton Ports contribute to local Little League renovation

The Stockton Ports teamed up with the California District 8 Little League to help enrich the lives of Stockton youth through the gift of baseball. The Ports and District 8 Little League announced that Eastern Little League had been selected as the recipient of a grant that helped with field renovation.

“The 12 Little Leagues within California District 8 are extremely fortunate to have the ongoing support of the Stockton Ports,” said Dee Dee Martinez, a CA District 8 Little League Administrator. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Stockton Ports as we work together to provide a program of service to the youth of our community through our baseball and softball programs.”

The grant, worth $1,146, went to the renovation of the East Side Community Park in Stockton where the Eastern Little League plays. The Ports have worked with California District 8 Little Leagues in the past, with the League being active participants in the Ports Little League days. The grant, which was from the Player Fine Money distributed by the California League, marks the first time the Ports have partnered with the League to renovate a field. In addition to the Ports grant, We Paint donated all painting supplies and a free power washing to the renovation efforts.

“We are proud of the relationship we have established with our area little leagues and are looking forward to being able to give back to the league by improving their field for the upcoming season.” said Tim Pasisz, the Ports Director of Business Development and coordinator of the team’s youth baseball programs.

The Ports front office staff donated their time to help with the renovation on March 5. The Ports spent the morning tearing down the worn and broken fence surrounding the little league field.

“Believe it or not, tearing down this fence was a lot of work,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “We are just happy that we have the opportunity to help out with projects like this. This is where it all starts for these kids. We want them to have a nice, safe field to play on. We may see them play at Banner Island Ballpark one day!”

Reading for Rewards Program Reaches Over 100 Schools

The 2011 Reading for Rewards program, presented by Wells Fargo, concluded on Friday, March 4 with the final assembly at Wilson Elementary School in Corona, California. Over the course of the reading program, Thunder visited 13 different cities and worked with over 100 local elementary schools, totaling 103 live performances. All students attending a school performance received a “Go Thunder Green” book. Additionally, schools that missed out on an assembly will receive a Reading for Rewards bookmark that the students and their parents will fill out, return to their teachers and eventually redeem for two free Storm tickets for their accomplishments. In total over 65,000 bookmarks were distributed to local students.

Over the last 11 years, the Storm has been one of the top promoters of literacy in Riverside County. “It’s been an honor to watch the reading program evolve the way that it has,” said Storm President Dave Oster. “It started as an idea to help kids stay out of trouble while promoting literacy to elementary level students. We are very proud to see what good things have come from this program.” Oster also added, “We will continue to strive to be one of the leaders in promoting the language arts as well as the Going Green Movement.”

“Go Thunder Green: Thunder’s Guide to Going Green” was produced, written and illustrated by members of the Storm front office staff at the end of the 2008 baseball season. The book contains a five stanza introduction revealing Thunder’s efforts to help the world by “Going Green” as well as a poem that details Thunder’s eight tips to help our environment. “We reached more students this year than ever before,” said Storm Director of Mascot Operations Patrick Gardenier. “On behalf of Thunder, I would like to say thank you to everyone that was involved in this year’s reading program.” Students can redeem their ticket vouchers for the following dates: Sunday, April 10, Friday, April 22, Sunday, May 8, Wednesday, May 18 and Sunday, May 22.

Legends’ Fan Fest Raises Funds for St. Baldrick’s

Opening Day is only a month away, and Lexington Legends fans showed Saturday that they are ready for a new baseball season.

Despite the cold, rainy weather, several hundred fans turned out at Whitaker Bank Ballpark for the Legends’ annual Fan Fest. Games and a variety of free food were offered, and the Legends teamed up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise funds in the fight against children’s cancer.

“The enthusiasm for this new season and our new sponsors has been very exciting,” Alan Stein said. “As long as this winter has been, we are all in the mood for baseball.”

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. Since the first St. Baldrick’s event in 2000, five principles have directed the Foundation in its quest to Conquer Kids’ Cancer: integrity, efficiency, transparency, pioneering spirit, and sense of fun. This foundation was a perfect fit for the Lexington Legends.

Nine Lexington people had their heads shaved in a show of support for children undergoing cancer treatment, and more than $2,000 was raised for St. Baldrick’s. Hair stylists from Bak 4 More Studio were at the ballpark to donate their services and a monetary amount to assist the Foundation.

“Fan Fest is a lot of fun, and it’s another important date as we get ready for a new season,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It was great to see the fans at the ballpark. We were also very pleased to work with St. Baldrick’s, and happy to help out such a worthy cause.”

The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton receives Gwinnett Braves February Grant

Team’s grant will help expand the Kids in the Kitchen initiative

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves February Grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative.

The goal of the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc., is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. The program engages kids in the preparation of healthy meals and educates them and their parents regarding nutrition and healthy choices.

The initiative provides lessons and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations, chefs and nutritionists. In addition to healthy eating, the Junior League encourages physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. This past year, the initiative provided healthy eating education and demonstrations to more than 300 children and their families. The grant will triple the reach of the Kids in the Kitchen initiative to more than 900 children in our community.

“The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties is honored to receive this grant from the Braves Foundation. We are celebrating our 25th year of service to the community and are striving to expand our impact. The Braves Foundation grant provides our organization with support that will help us expand our programs to reach more families in the area”, said Misty Sutton, Fund Development Chair. “We plan to utilize this grant to expand our Kids in the Kitchen program, which promotes healthy, and economical, food choices for children and their families. The Braves Foundation grant will help us to more than triple the number of children that we are able to educate through this program.”

About the Junior League
The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization of women who are developed as civic leaders to create lasting community impact through training, leadership opportunities, advocacy and hands-on community service. Its purpose is to develop the potential of women to be leaders in their communities and to strengthen local communities by creating and implementing collaborative volunteer projects.

Hit the Books Contest Winner Announced Wednesday

The Omaha Storm Chasers awarded fourth-grader Gracie Davis this year’s Hit the Books contest winner, in a ceremony at Anderson Grove Elementary Wednesday. Davis was selected by the Storm Chasers community relations staff based on her original bookmark design.

“It was extremely difficult to choose a winner this year with so many great entries,” said Andrea Stava, the club’s Community Relations Manager. “The Omaha metro area has many talented students and we looked at thousands of great submissions. We’re excited to finally announce a winner.”

Hit the Books, the Storm Chasers’ literacy program presented by Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST), has a membership of approximately 15,000 students and 1,000 teachers at 50 Omaha-area schools. Students were asked to submit original drawings for this year’s bookmark, which feature the artwork Gracie submitted this January. Bookmarks will be distributed throughout the city to each student who reaches their initial reading benchmark.

Students will have an opportunity to earn the bookmark, a pencil, a ticket to a Storm Chasers game and a prize pack for completing the program. Davis was presented with a Storm Chasers t-shirt, miniature baseball bat, Storm Chasers logo ball and various other items with the full prize pack at Wednesday’s event.

Record $43,313 Raised for Charity at Whitecaps Winter Banquet

The West Michigan Whitecaps’ 17th annual Winter Baseball Banquet raised a record $43,313 for charity Wednesday night at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The event raised funds for the Whitecaps RBI/YMCA Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities. The $43,313 raised brings the grand total of funds raised for charity through the winter banquets over the past 17 years to more than $461,000.

The total raised edged out the funds raised for charity at the 2007 banquet, when nearly 1,000 attended to see Tigers manager Jim Leyland and a caravan of Tigers stars fresh off their World Series appearance three months prior.

Tigers CEO, President and General Manager Dave Dombrowski was the featured speaker at the event. Other special guest speakers were Whitecaps’ 2011 manager Ernie Young, former Whitecaps and current Tigers players Will Rhymes and Brennan Boesch.

WOOD TV 8’s Jack Doles announced the 2011 inductees into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame; they are 2003 Whitecaps and current Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya, 1994-1998 Whitecaps and current Tigers Head Groundskeeper Heather Nabozny and 1996 Whitecaps and current Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez. Zumaya and Nabozny were both present to accept their awards for the induction.

Silent and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items were the primary source of fundraising at the event. The top item of the night was the use of Dave Dombrowski’s personal luxury suite for a Tigers game (donated by the Tigers Foundation), which sold for $3,800 in the live auction. Dombrowski then graciously threw in a second suite at the same price to the other high bidder for another $3,800. Other top live auction items were a spring training trip for two, including airfare, four nights in a hotel and tickets to three Tigers games ($3,500); a Windy City Adventure for four including Cubs tickets, an on-field photo opportunity at Wrigley Field and four VIP tickets to Shedd Aquarium ($3,100) donated by the Cubs and Shedd Aquarium; and a World Series package that includes two tickets to games 3 and 4 with hotel ($2,500).

Top silent auction items included three innings on the air on a Whitecaps radio game broadcast ($1,200), a Kirk Gibson autographed jersey ($999) donated by the Tigers Foundation, the use of a Whitecaps suite for a game with a $100 catering credit ($600) and two Tiger Stadium seats ($550) donated by Jeff Spurrier.
Two raffles, including one that included a 40-inch TV and a Microsoft XBox with Kinect system, raised a total of $5,795.

Drive Support Fluor’s “Discover E Week” Initiative

Team of Fluor engineers to visit 5 Greenville County schools

Fluor and the Greenville Drive are working together to encourage local young people to pursue their interests in the engineering profession. The National Engineers Week Foundation and their coalition strive to be the global leader in cultivating and celebrating the engineering profession. The Discover E program highlighted during National Engineers Week (February 20-26, 2011) helps grade school and high school students discover the exciting worlds of engineering and technology. The goal is to relate practical applications of math, science, and engineering to the world around them.

Education is a priority at Fluor, both for the company and its employees. As a Leadership Council member with the National Engineers Week Foundation, Fluor actively participates in the nationwide Discover E program, joining more than 5 million engineers, designers, principals, teachers, and students. Volunteers visit local middle and high schools to introduce young people to engineering in a fun and interesting ways. During Engineer’s Week, Fluor will speak at 5 schools and cover approximately 24 classes where 1000 students will be exposed to the many attributes of the engineering profession.

Students who participated in Discover E week have the opportunity to provide feedback about their experience. In a continued effort to constantly improve Discover E week, students who take the survey will receive a ticket to a 2011 Greenville Drive game.

To take the Discover E Week Survey, please click here

Foster Children’s Foundation receives Gwinnett Braves January Grant

Team’s grant will help deliver the Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program to foster children in North Georgia.

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Foster Children’s Foundation is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves January grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program.

According to Suzanne Geske, Executive Director, “the children we serve come from negative backgrounds and often believe that following their dreams will only lead to disappointment. All children deserve to hope for a better tomorrow and it begins with a dream. The funds received from the Gwinnett Braves will help the Foster Children’s Foundation support foster and at risk youth and allow them to believe in themselves and begin a path that will lead them to a successful future and allow them to achieve their dreams.”

The Tomorrow Matters® program provides critical life skills training to youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Trained, caring mentors deliver the program to ensure that the participants have what they need to reach their potential and become self sufficient citizens.

The Foster Children’s Foundation is a 501(C) 3 non-profit support organization that provides for the unmet material and emotional needs of youth in foster care. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children who are in foster care or are in danger of entering the foster care system by identifying the economic, environmental, educational and emotional needs and implementing ways to raise public awareness and establish programs in an effort to serve these issues.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club.

$157, 861.68 Raised at Granite State Baseball Dinner

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, today announced that $157, 861.68 was raised for charity at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on November 20, 2010.  Monies raised through dinner ticket sales, raffle tickets and silent and live memorabilia auctions benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have held another successful evening of fundraising and entertainment with so many friends, fans, business partners and volunteers at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental,” said Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board Art Solomon.  “Thanks to the courtesy of our special guests and the generosity of our community, many wonderful memories were made to go along with meaningful financial contributions toward the worthy charities.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Fisher Cats organization, the Ted Williams Museum and the hard working volunteer committee members who helped make the Granite State Baseball Dinner a resounding success,” said Paul Merguerian, MD, Director of CHaD.  “As New Hampshire’s only comprehensive, full service children’s hospital, we are extremely grateful for the Fisher Cats’ generous commitment to the children and families of NH.  It is because of acts of generosity and kindness like this that we are able to provide the very best care for all our state’s children regardless of their family’s ability to pay.  Thank you Fisher Cats-you are number one in our book.”

CHaD, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, is New Hampshire’s only NACRI approved, comprehensive, full-service, family-centered children’s hospital.  CHaD offers compassionate care for the most critically ill and injured children throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and beyond, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner help CHaD further its mission to provide each child the best care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.  CHaD’s facilities include a comprehensive, full-service hospital in Lebanon, which is also home to northern New England’s only Level-I Pediatric Trauma Center, and outpatient facilities offering a full array of specialty care in Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua and Dover.  In southern New Hampshire alone, there are 53 specialists in over 16 pediatric specialties delivering care close to home for kids with chronic and acute illnesses. As a part of the renowned Dartmouth Medical School, with its stellar reputation for innovative research, CHaD’s physicians are among the first to know about advancements in technology and clinical practice, which translates to the best care for patients.

The goal of the Ted Williams Museum is to preserve and build on the rich tradition and heritage of our national pastime in a mission of outreach and education.  The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner are instrumental in ensuring the museum’s continued existence and in providing for numerous youth baseball programs and scholarships for deserving student athletes.  The Museum also provides assistance to charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Children’s Dream Fund, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and many more.

“We are so thrilled to be a part of a truly special event that brings fans and their sports heroes together, all for a selfless and commendable cause,” said Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “We’d like to thank our partners the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and CHaD, and everyone who generously opened up their hearts to help us in furthering our mission of celebrating baseball through outreach and education.”

The Fisher Cats Foundation is a statewide charitable organization dedicated to bettering the lives of young people by supporting CHaD and providing scholarships to college-bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students.  In 2010, the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 12 high school seniors and has awarded a total of $110,000 in scholarships since 2007.  With proceeds from the Granite State Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats Foundation also makes contributions to local and regional non-profit organizations such as City Year, the American Red Cross, the Monarchs Care Foundation, the Bella Tucker Fund and many more.

JCSF ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS

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The Johnson City Sports Foundation has completed another successful season managing the 2010 Appalachian League Champion Johnson City Cardinals. The foundation will once again fulfill its goals by reinvesting excess revenues into the community by providing funding to local youth educational and athletic endeavors. The JCSF was able to distribute over $20,000 in grants to fourteen area non-profit organizations despite facing another year of economic challenges. “Once again we are privileged to have the opportunity to financially contribute to these organizations that serve the youth in our community” said Mark Fox, President of the Johnson City Sports Foundation. “After several years of consecutive giving the economy has proven that these funds will not always be guaranteed, but we are still happy to give back.”

The Johnson City Sports Foundation has now contributed over $280,000 to the community since taking over operations of the Cardinals in 2004. “This success would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and Johnson City Cardinals fans,” said Fox. Herman Rice, president of the Johnson City American Little League and 2010 grant recipient, is greatly appreciative of the support his league has received over the past several years. “The Johnson City Sport Foundation grants have meant a tremendous amount to our league over the years and have allowed us to make upgrades to our facilities and equipment that our budget would typically not allow” stated Rice. “These upgrades are very important to continue to provide a safe environment for the kids in our league. We are very thankful for our partnership with the foundation and for what they do for the entire community.”

A ceremony recognizing each 2010 grant recipient will be held prior to the Cardinals home opener on June 21, 2011. You can help support the Johnson City Sports Foundation and the Johnson City Cardinals by advertising at Cardinal Park, purchasing Cardinals season tickets or by volunteering during the season. If interested please contact the Cardinals office at (423) 461-4866 or by e-mail: info@jccardinals.com.

2010 JCSF Grant Recipients

-David Crockett High School Cross Country -Girls Inc. -Girls on the Run -Good Samaritan Ministries -Johnson City American Little League -Johnson City National Little League -JCSF Internship Program -Johnson City Youth Baseball/Babe Ruth -Jonesborough Little League -Milligan College Baseball -Mountain View Elementary School -Science Hill High School Baseball -Science Hill High School Wrestling -Unicoi County High School Baseball.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Johnson City Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.

Grace Church Forms Double Play Combo with the Fort Myers Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle Professional Baseball Club teamed up with Grace Church to provide toys this Holiday season for the less fortunate. The Miracle donated hats, baseballs, shirts, blankets and jackets, while Grace Church distributed the items to those in need.
We are thrilled with the donation that the Miracle Baseball Club made to our Christmas Gift Giveaway. We were able to assist over 100 children with Christmas gifts, and the Club’s huge donation served as a way for us not to have to turn anyone away, there were gifts for everyone, even those who hadn’t signed up in advance,” said Pastor Arlene Jackson.

“The Miracle are happy to support charitable organizations that positively impact our community,” said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner.
Grace Church is located in downtown Fort Myers. The campus during the past month, collected toys that were given away to needy families on Christmas Eve.

Grace Church at 2415 Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, is dedicated to serving and forming relationships with the local neighborhood and offers a free meal and worship service every Wednesday night as well as free Sunday morning breakfast before and during their two worship services at 10 & 11:30am. They are also open to partnerships with other organizations to provide meals, clothing and other services.

Braves and Floyd Co. Police Present Check to Boys & Girls Club

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department presented a check Tuesday December 21st to the Boys & Girls Club of Rome for $10,648.00 on the front plaza at State Mutual Stadium. The funds for this donation were raised through the 2nd Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament hosted by the Rome Braves and the Floyd County Police Department.

This year’s celebrities were former Rome Braves managers Rocket Wheeler and Randy Ingle as well as Atlanta Braves 3rd base coach Brian Snitker and former Rome Braves coach Bobby Moore.

Photo courtesy of the Rome Braves

Autism group gets $1K grant from G-Braves

A local autism support group is the latest recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves.

On Monday, the G-Braves announced that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. would be awarded its December grant. The money will be used to support the organization’s social skills program for children ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

“When the economy suffers, small nonprofits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give,” Spectrum president Claire Dees said. “But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else.”

The Suwanee-based organization was founded in 1998 and provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

At its monthly meetings, the social skills program allows 50 to 80 children to enjoy interactive and fun activities that focus on social lessons.

For more information on Spectrum, visit www.atl-spectrum.com

Students Score Big with ‘Score an A’ Program

The Richmond Flying Squirrels‘ Score an “A” Free Ticket Program presented by Union First Market Bank was a huge success in its inaugural year, and the program will be available once again during the Flying Squirrels’ 2011 season.

The value of tickets redeemed during the 2010 season was over $18,000.

“The Flying Squirrels are always striving to make an impact in the Richmond community in a positive manner, with the school systems being one of our main focuses,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The ticket program is a way for us to reward those students who push themselves to excel in academics.”

Every “A” on a student’s current K-12 report card during the third and fourth marking periods earned them a FREE General Admission ticket to a Richmond Flying Squirrels home game. Each “A” was good for one ticket per game–for example, if a student earned 8 A’s they would receive 8 General Admission tickets to 8 different games.

“The ‘Score an ‘A’ Free Ticket Program’ is a fun way to reward hard work and achievement or to provide that little extra incentive to push for a higher grade,” said Harry A. Turton, Jr., Richmond President of Union First Market Bank. “Union First Market Bank is headquartered in Richmond and is the largest community bank serving the Richmond-area. We are a proud sponsor of the program and hope the students will enjoy watching the Flying Squirrels as much as our teammates enjoy watching them play.”

Students cashed in on nearly $18,000 worth of tickets in 2010.