The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.
Local Publication Cites RiverDogs with Philanthropy Award
While the sound of bats cracking and the scent of hot dogs grilling may make Charleston RiverDogs fans smile while at The Joe, those same fans have even more of a reason to support the franchise while fancying even bigger smiles when the RiverDogs engage in any of their many community service activities,
Because of the organization’s positive impact in the community, the RiverDogs will be the 2010 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist for the Charleston Region Award, as provided by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.
The citation will be presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 18 at the Charleston Marriot on Lockwood Blvd. with RiverDogs team president Mike Veeck accepting the award on the team’s behalf.
“We, at the RiverDogs, do things for the right reasons and our involvement in the local community is the right thing to do,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols, who will be at the event. “We are constantly reminded by the first part of our name that Charleston as a community is important to us, and we keep that in the forefront of our minds every day. We’re active in the area for a multitude of reasons; the primary being that we are positioned to help and at the end of the day, we do.”
In their most recent issue, the Charleston Regional Business Journal cites the many involvements to the community that the RiverDogs involve themselves in throughout the calendar year. When not in season, the administrative staff closes the office for a day and, as a group, donates time and energy to a worthy cause, like Habitat for Humanity.
Additionally, the organization made a huge commitment to Charleston County Schools. They helped create a reading and fitness program for third graders, and participate in a sports and entertainment academy in the high schools to expose students to the business side of sports.
And during the season, each Monday night’s home game is appropriately billed as “Dogs with a Cause Night” and is devoted to a local non-profit organization as the group is positioned to share its mission with fans.
“The idea is that if you are interacting with the community and giving back, you will feel good, and in ways you are able to be an overall more well-rounded and happier person. And that will translate in the workplace,” Echols said.
“We let them choose what’s near and dear to their hearts,” he added. “We have 15-to-20 full-time staff, so that’s 15-to-20 different organizations that are receiving help from the RiverDogs.”
Fans share their valuable time during the season with the RiverDogs, so it is only fitting that the RiverDogs return that time in various charitable efforts to maximize the potential of community involvement.
And with the club’s “Be Your Own Fan” marketing initiative, the off-season contributions by the organization gives citizens another reason to be a RiverDogs fan.
RiverDogs, ServiceMaster Combine to Donate $10,000 to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction
The $10,000 will go to a scholarship for Lowcountry children to attend Victory Junction, which has a direct tie with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospital.
The RiverDogs and ServiceMaster teamed for a season-long promotion. For each RiverDogs victory, ServiceMaster of Charleston and the RiverDogs donated funds to Victory Junction.
“We were honored to have the opportunity to team up with Lawton Hayes and the good people at ServiceMaster of Charleston in support of Victory Junction,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We, as an organization, are happy to make the contribution to this worthy organization, and congratulate Victory Junction on their successful mission.”
Victory Junction Night on Aug. 31 featured Petty, a part-time Isle of Palms resident who was on hand to sign autographs and help raise money. The NASCAR tire changing simulator was on location at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and fans made a donation for the opportunity to win a Richard Petty Ride-along experience. The fans with the fastest tire change were declared the winner.
Representatives from Victory Junction were on hand to visit with fans and provide information about Victory Junction.
Miracle Lend a Hand for Annual Helping Kids with Cancer Radio-thon
This annual Radio-thon is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Barbara’s Friends with all proceeds going to fund programs, equipment and the children’s medical care.
PRMC AND SHOREBIRDS PARTNER FOR SUCCESSFUL FLU CLINIC
This year, the two-day clinic administered approximately 5,000 vaccinations according to PRMC Director of Community Relations, Roger Follebout, Jr.
“It has been an incredible relationship with the Delmarva Shorebirds,” said Follebout. “The Shorebirds have provided us with everything we need to successfully run this clinic to accommodate over 5,000 people.”
Peninsula Regional Medical Center has effectively used the “Drive-Thru” model for the last 17 years. The clinic was previously run at the hospital until PRMC went in search of a bigger venue.
“We went looking for a venue that could accommodate 7,000 cars over two days and we found it at Perdue Stadium.” said Follebout. “If we can vaccinate 5,000 people, that’s 5,000 people that won’t get the flu this year.”
Including nurses, hospital administrators and volunteers, between 75-100 people assisted in the overall operation of the clinic.
If you missed the clinic and are in need of more information about vaccinations, please contact Peninsula Regional Medical Center at 1-800-955-PRMC or visit them online at www.peninsula.org.
BLUE ROCKS DONATE NEARLY $750,000 TO LOCAL CAUSES
Team’s Efforts with Marketing Partners & Fans Touch Thousands
“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2010 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”
Below is a breakdown of the team’s efforts in the community during the campaign:
Cash Donations – $19,115
During select games, the Blue Rocks wore special jerseys or hats. That apparel was then auctioned and raffled off during those games. Some items were auctioned off online as well. Below are a few examples:
Boots on the Ground – Blue Rocks wore Camo hats
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition – Blue Rocks wore Pink jerseys
B+ Foundation – Blue Rocks wore Throwback jerseys
Ticket Donations – 66,798 tickets, Value – $601,182
Centerplate Concession Stand Money – $63,149.99
During the 2010 season, local organizations had the opportunity to work the concession stands during Blue Rocks games. In exchange, Centerplate, the concessionaire for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, gave them a portion of the revenue from that game. Throughout the season, over $63,000 was donated to these organizations for their efforts.
Non-Ticket Donations – $21,575
These donations are for extraordinary cases that call for something extra special. Non-ticket donations consist of:
Luxury Suites
Experience Items (first pitches, on-field inclusion)
Autographed Items (bats, baseballs)
Merchandise/Promo Items
Blue Rocks Baseball Camp Scholarships
Used Baseballs/Gloves/Equipment
Advertising Donations – $8,500
During home games, the Blue Rocks allowed select non-profits to promote themselves or upcoming events. This promotion was executed through the use of the RocksVision video board, the public address system, and by providing concourse tables.
Speaking Appearances
The Blue Rocks Front Office donated over 50 hours of their time to speak at community events. These events included speaking to children at local elementary schools, high schools, and colleges about careers in sports, and speaking to local organizations about the Blue Rocks.
Player Appearances
Mascot Appearances – $7,500
Rocky Bluewinkle visited 196 community events this year. (Spanned over 240 hours; Value of free or discounted appearances – $7,500).
In-Stadium Fundraising at Frawley Stadium – $23,700
The Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to select charitable organizations during home games, and enabled them to raise money for their respective causes. Money was raised by selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, and by collecting donations. There have also been a number of check presentations before Blue Rocks games during the 2010 season.
K’s for Kids: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware donated money every time a Blue Rocks pitcher recorded a strikeout at home. At the end of the season, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Base Learning Initiative: SBLI Life Insurance donated money for each Blue Rocks stolen base during a home game. At the end of the season, BooksFirst! was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Bases for Happy Faces: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Bear Babe Ruth Baseball League Miracle League Field project.
Miscellaneous
Make-A-Wish Night: On Aug. 31, the Blue Rocks hosted Make-A-Wish Night. Wish Kids were treated like stars. They were able to participate in some unique activities before and during the game, and they received lots of autographs and free stuff.
Challenger Little League: The Blue Rocks continued the tradition of working with the Challenger Little League to host its season’s Opening Ceremonies. Each player was introduced individually, and all teams get to play on Judy Johnson Field.
Stadium Tours: The Blue Rocks offer stadium tours for free. Tours are usually 30 minutes long. In 2010, the Blue Rocks hosted 60 tours, many to community organizations with little to no funding.
Toy Drive: The Blue Rocks were once again, able to contribute toys to the Mary Campbell Center. Rocky Claus surprised guests at the Mary Campbell Center’s youth and children holiday party with a sack full of donated toys.
Tackling Childhood Obesity
Public Safety Agencies Educate at Coolray Field
Gwinnett County’s public safety agencies want residents to know what they do to keep the community safe.
“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Officer Jeffery Richter, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Police Department. “This joint venture has gone off better than we could have ever hoped.”
Richter said the festival provided a stress-free, fun-filled environment for the community to interact with public safety officials.
Saturday’s event also served as a kickoff for National Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County, said Capt. Thomas Rutledge, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Fire Department.
“This is an opportunity to reach people we don’t normally interact with,” Rutledge said. “We want to let them know we’re here to protect them and help them protect themselves.”
Buford resident Kim Arakas and her family came to the festival to see the police and fire vehicles and learn about public safety.
“It was one of those free family events that looked like it would be educational for the kids,” she said. “We learned things as well.”
Haydee Nunez, who lives in Lawrenceville, brought her children and her nephew to the event because they are in Cub Scouts.
“It’s good for them to know about safety,” she said. “I thought it would be good awareness for the kids.”
This article by Heather Darenberg originally appeared in the Gwinnett Daily Post on October 2, 2010
RiverDogs Volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief
Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing goods and services to children that are victims of abandonment, abuse or neglect. The goal of the organization is to ensure that
On September 22, the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Lowcountry Orphan Relief. The staff began the day by sorting clothing and book donations. Shelving and supplies were rearranged to make room for new supplies to be unloaded from the donations truck. The team worked to put together packages of age appropriate items to fill the orders for needy children that are constantly being received by LOR.
Dream House receives G-Braves grant
The $1,000 grant will be used to cover unreimbursed direct care costs associated with the Family For Keeps Transition Care Program. The proven Family for Keeps program provides education and services enabling families to care for these children at home. This gives children with complex health care needs a chance to be part of a loving home where they are valued and cared for effectively.
Gwinnett Braves General Manager North Johnson will present a ceremonial check to the Dream House during the non-profit’s 8th Annual Music-on-Main fundraiser at Lilburn City Park on Saturday, September 11, 2010.
Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
Link to original story
Kernels Continue to Help Flood Victims with Phase II
The Kernels Foundation phase I project included building two new baseball fields and renovating a third that was damaged by flood waters. The Kernels Foundation, Minor League Baseball Charities, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the City of Cedar Rapids, and others raised $170,000 in 2009 for the project. Because of the new playing fields, we were able to offer a free program to at-risk kids this summer. Seventy-five children were able to play baseball two nights a week at the Jones Park Complex for free, including the use of equipment and uniforms.
CarePro, the Kernels, and AEGON raise nearly $10,000 for community betterment
Kernels Complete 12th Year of Summer Reading Program
Kernels players and Kernels Mascot Mr. Shucks visited a record 54 elementary schools throughout the eastern Iowa Corridor this past spring and summer to encourage over 25,000 students to stimulate their imaginations, discover new worlds, and make new friends through reading. Children were rewarded each 250 minutes that they read culminating with the Reader Recognition Day at the ballpark. After reading 250 minutes, the children reached 1st base and were rewarded with a free ticket to a future Kernels game and their name listed in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. After completing the next 250 minutes and arriving at second base, the kids received a free kid’s meal to Fazoli’s. The third leg, which takes the readers to third base and a total of 750 minutes of reading, rewards the readers with a Kernels equipment basket. Finally, after reaching home plate and 1,000 minutes read, children received a Kernels jersey and the opportunity to meet the players.
The Kernels congratulate all of the children who participated in the 12th Annual Kernels Summer Reading Program and thank 12th Year Presenting Sponsor Toyota Financial Services and contributing sponsors The Gazette, Rockwell Collins, and Copyworks for providing awesome rewards to the kids for their fantastic achievements.
Live Jersey Auction Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital
Sunday, August 29th marked that last Sunday home game, and in spite of very warm temperatures and an extra-inning game, the live post-game auction resulted in proceeds well over $3000. A host of fans stuck around after the game to bid on their favorite players’ jersey for the good of charity while Representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin were on hand to present each jersey to its winning bidder while the players stayed around for photos and autographs. The auctioneer even donated his time for charity.
The event marked the first time the Rattlers hosted a LIVE jersey auction, which resulted in a total donation of $3,377 to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin…a definite success.
Grasshoppers Make Major Gift for School Supplies
“We are happy to help our local teachers and students with this donation,” said Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “This adds to our long-term commitment to the children of Guilford County.”
The donated school supplies were purchased at the Walmart store on S. Elm/Eugene Street. Store manager, John Brewer, coordinated the $10,000 spend with representatives from the Guilford Education Alliance.
“At Walmart we are proud to support communities in which we live and work. We know of no greater mission than that of your organization to provide supplies for your great teachers and students of the community”, said store manager, John Brewer. “Thanks to the Greensboro Grasshoppers for selecting our store and letting our team help support their work with the Guilford Education Alliance.”
The Grasshoppers are proud to partner with Guilford County Education Alliance and Walmart. However, this is not the first time the Greensboro Grasshoppers have stepped outside the ballpark to provide aid to the community.
The Latin American Association Receives Gwinnett Braves August Grant
Fully staffed by volunteers led by LAA’s Director of the Youth and Volunteer Program, the Back to School Supplies Drive was held at LAA’s main building prior to school opening. The event was attended by nearly one thousand children who, accompanied by a parent, exchanged free tickets given to them at the entrance for free school supplies that included backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, pencils and pens.
The G-Braves will honor the LAA in an in-game presentation on Sunday, August 29th when the team takes on the Norfolk Tides at 2:05 p.m. Volunteers, staff and families served by LAA will also be in attendance and are invited to a pregame Q&A with a G-Braves player.
Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
About the Latin American Association
The Latin American Association’s (LAA) mission is to help Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. They accomplish this through direct programs and integrated community partnerships that focus on youth academic achievement, education and prevention, and services to families with urgent needs. Last year alone, over 60,000 individuals and their families sought assistance from the LAA. For more information on the LAA visit thelaa.org.
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