Mudcats Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ZEBULON, N.C., April 28, 2020 – The Carolina Mudcats today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mudcats fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Carolina Mudcats as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Triangle and East Wake community. For every $10 donated, the Mudcats will donate one ticket to a future home game to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Mudcats fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting “Carolina Mudcats” at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced today they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Woodpeckers fans are encouraged to visit MILB.com/CommUNITYFirst starting today, April 28th through May 31st to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to Fayetteville’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeastern North Carolina. For every $10 raised, the Woodpeckers will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic. Additionally, the club has pledged to match up to $3,000 of the donation amount contributed to this initiative from their team charity, The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund.

“We admire Minor League Baseball’s activity during this challenging period,” said Mark Zarthar, President of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. “They have continued to engage with baseball fans throughout the nation and support the small businesses that are MiLB clubs. The CommUNITYFirst initiative will leverage the scale of our platform to both feed the hungry and honor those on the front lines. We are proud to partner with MiLB and Feeding America.”

School closures, rising unemployment and poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Fayetteville Woodpeckers fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Fayetteville Woodpeckers at https://milbstore.com/products/milb-community-first and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

 

Nuts For You, Curve offer free ballpark snacks to essential workers and fans

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and Nuts For You are teaming up to hand out free ballpark snacks to essential workers and fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Tuesday, April 28 from 2-8 p.m. The ballpark lights will once again be lit up for the weekly Illumination Ovation to stand in solidarity with the area’s essential personnel.

The drive-through service will distribute Nuts For You’s signature cinnamon roasted almonds, pecans and cashews in addition to kettle popcorn that are proudly served during Curve home games. Each vehicle will be limited to two bags of nuts and one bag of popcorn to help reach as many people as possible during the six-hour window.

“When we’re in a crisis like this, it’s nice for companies to step up,” said Jerry Long, owner of Nuts For You. “It’s perfect to do something generous for people going through rough times. We hope to cheer someone up by grabbing a bag of nuts and for the Altoona Curve and Nuts For You to show we’re thinking about them.”

“We are very grateful for Jerry’s generosity,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “There is a distinct aroma that spreads around the ballpark from the Nuts For You stand. This is a simple, kind reminder that the two of us can provide for essential workers and our community that good times have been shared here and more are on the horizon.”

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365.

-CURVE-

Curve organize online raffles and auctions for COVID-19 relief

Proceeds to fund The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are hosting a series of online raffles through the end of April to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Several pieces of Curve memorabilia are up for grabs with the funds aiding The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Schedule of raffle and auction items:

  • Cole Tucker autographed BP jersey auction (April 21-30)
  • Andy Van Slyke autographed baseball raffle (April 21-22)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – Loco seat visit and goody bag (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home game) (April 23-24)
  • 2017 championship team autographed, uncut card set raffle (April 25-26)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – four tickets and watch fireworks from the field (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home firework date) (April 27-28)
  • Gerrit Cole autographed program raffle (April 29-30)

The LiveSource app will host each raffle and auction. Instructions for how to download the app and view the items can be found here. Raffle items can be won for as little as $3, the cost of a single digital raffle ticket. Additional chances can be purchased at the buyer’s discretion. Each raffle and auction item closes at 9 p.m. on the last date of each event.

St. Vincent de Paul has put major fundraising programs on hold but continues to operate their Kitchen and Food Distribution Program during the pandemic to help feed those in need.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365 at AltoonaCurve.com.

“Opening Day” Fundraisers, Flying Squirrels Charities to donate $40,000 to local COVID-19 relief

April 16 fundraising efforts to benefit organizations assisting families and individuals across the Richmond region

RICHMOND, Va. – Last week’s “500 Bases of Love” and “Bring it Home” fundraisers by the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan raised more than $30,000 for COVID-19 relief. With an additional $10,000 contribution from Flying Squirrels Charities, more than $40,000 will be distributed to local organizations combating needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Holli Fund, The Community Foundation, Robins Foundation’s Family Crisis Fund through RVA Strong, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Nourish Henrico and Chesterfield Food Bank.

On Thursday, April 16, the date originally scheduled as the team’s home opener, Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walked 125 laps around the basepaths at The Diamond, touching 500 bases, as part of the “500 Bases of Love” fundraiser. Each lap and each base touched were representative of donations made to the fundraiser. Parney’s walk totaled more than 8.5 miles.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Parney joined Wes McElroy on Sports Radio 910 The Fan for “Bring it Home,” a four-hour live fundraiser with celebrity guests and prize opportunities for donors.

The double-header of events resulted in more than $30,000 raised.

On Wednesday, the team announced that Flying Squirrels Charities will be contributing an additional $10,000.

“We miss our fans terribly, so the ‘500 Bases of Love’ was a great way for us all to connect positively, raise some money to fight COVID-19 and tell our fans we appreciate them, love them and can’t wait to make memories again soon,” Parney said. “Each of these organizations will work diligently to make sure this money helps people in need because of this pandemic. We pray we can be together soon in safe and happy surroundings.

The money from the fundraisers will be distributed to organizations assisting families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as groups helping those who are combating the outbreak.

Holli Fund offers grants to individuals in the food service industry experiencing an economic crisis. Grants help pay for rent, transportation, mortgage payments, and/or utilities. Holli Fund supports individuals in the Richmond-area food service industry who are experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of income due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.

The Community Foundation is a leading partner and advocate for philanthropy and service in the Richmond region. Founded in 1968, they’ve built a strong legacy of helping people and institutions give back with passion and purpose.

“You can always count on Parney and the Flying Squirrels organization not only to entertain us, but also to give back in meaningful ways,” Community Foundation CEO Sherrie Armstrong said. “At a time when many of our community members are particularly hard hit by this crisis, a donation to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund will directly support local organizations that are working hard to fulfill basic needs such as food, healthcare and shelter. Their generosity also sends a powerful statement that we can do more good when we come together.”

The Robins Foundation in partnership with the City of Richmond launched The Family Crisis Fund earlier this month to assist families with children in direct and immediate need of support due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has partnered with Family Independence Initiative to work with families across Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico.

Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with the school district to improve student learning and achievement in preparation for success in college, career, and community. Their role is to seek private sector philanthropy to support new and existing evidence-based programs and enrichment activities.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation from the Flying Squirrels,” Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation Executive Director Ty Toepke said. “At a time when so many of our local businesses are facing their own challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, their generosity towards the students of Richmond Public Schools is inspiring.”

Nourish Henrico supports locally owned restaurants in Henrico by buying meals for police officers, firefighters and other county employees who are working the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the county’s program, 700 to 900 employees are eligible to receive meals valued at $15 or less from about 100 approved restaurants. In addition to its own support, Henrico welcomes contributions from the community. Donations for Nourish Henrico may be made through the Henrico Police Foundation and the Henrico Firefighter Foundation.

“The Nourish Henrico Program is about giving back – giving back to one of the most impacted industries and to our frontline employees,” Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas said. “This effort has also shown me how strong and supportive our community is during times of difficultly, and the Flying Squirrels are an integral part of our community.”

Chesterfield Food Bank strives to stop families in the community from going to bed hungry every night. They proudly serve a variety of neighbors, a majority of whom do not qualify for government assistance. In cooperation with local Social Services, they locate and help those families and individuals that would not have been helped otherwise and serve 1,800 people a week.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Items donated will benefit the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and Local Hospitals

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Idaho Falls Chukars will hold a food and medical supply drive benefiting those effected by COVID-19 in the community. The drive will be held on Friday April 24, from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.

Each donor will receive a coupon for buy-one get-one Chukars tickets for the 2020 season, in addition each donor will be entered into a raffle for a Chukars jersey and on field experience.

Items in need include at the community food basket include: cereal, white rice, mac and cheese, canned tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, canned chili, and side dishes. However, any food you are generous enough to donate will be accepted. Items in at local hospitals include facemasks, latex glove, and any other personal protective equipment.

Chukars staff will collect donations in the parking lot of Melaleuca Field, the team asks that donors place their donations in their trunk or an empty seat in order to respect social distancing

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Partner on Delaware Together Campaign

Wilmington, DE – As the world unites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two professional sports organizations in Delaware are coming together to support and raise money for two of the state’s largest health providers. The Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Delaware Blue Coats today unveiled the “Delaware Together” campaign, a joint fundraiser to benefit ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR “DELAWARE TOGETHER” T-SHIRT

The campaign kicks off with a “Delaware Together” t-shirt available for purchase HERE. The t-shirts are $20 with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to support these two health systems currently serving on the front lines of this pandemic. The shirts will be available for an initial pre-sale period of two weeks from April 22 until May 10.

“We can’t wait for the next pitch at Frawley Stadium or the next basket at 76ers Fieldhouse,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “Each will be far more special than usual due to these unprecedented circumstances. In the meantime, we are thrilled to unite with the Blue Rocks and use our platforms to offer a way for our fans, should they have the flexibility to do so, to contribute to the front lines of Delaware’s health care systems.”

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “There’s an unsinkable spirit and determination amongst us to help each other get through even the toughest times. That’s why our two organizations have joined forces to support our community heroes with these awesome t-shirts and why we’re asking all First Staters to give whatever they can as we raise money for our dedicated and selfless health care workers and first responders to help them effectively conquer the COVID-19 crisis.”

Please note, stadium pick-up is an option for those that wish to save on shipping. However, due to mandated closures pick-up will be delayed until further notice. The order window for the Delaware Together campaign t-shirt will run from April 22 – May 10. T-shirts will start shipping in mid- to late-May.

 

Cardinals #FlyTogether t-shirt supports frontline workers, local restaurants

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With all of the challenges being faced by so many right now, there’s never been a more important time to #FlyTogether. As we continue to try to support our community in a variety of ways, the Springfield Cardinals are excited to unveil the Fly Together T-Shirt Theme Ticket Fundraiser, running through Tuesday, May 12.

For only $26 the Fly Together T-Shirt Package includes the Fly Together T-Shirt and a 2020 Springfield Cardinals Ticket Voucher (plus free shipping!), and net proceeds will be utilized to purchase food from locally owned and franchised restaurants for frontline workers in our community.

Additionally, the Cardinals will be ordering the Fly Together T-Shirts from a printing company in Nixa, keeping all funds local. To further promote everyone staying at home, we will be mailing your Fly Together T-Shirt and Tickets to you for no additional charge.

We are asking all of Cardinals Nation to #FlyTogether with us and help us support our local frontline heroes and our local businesses, all through the Fly Together T-Shirt Theme Ticket Fundraiser. There is an additional $2 cost for sizes above XL. Click here to order yours and support local today.

Bats to Stream Live Concert From Ballpark to Treat Fans to Show, Raise Money for Charity

 

[WATCH LIVE ON THE BATS FACEBOOK PAGE]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats today announced an effort to raise funds for those affected by COVID-19 by hosting a live stream of a live musical performance from home plate at their ballpark, Louisville Slugger Field.

The initiative, “Live At Home(Plate)” will treat fans to “live” music from a member of their promotional staff, Jeremy Sharfe. Sharfe, along with working on the Bats’ staff for the last 18 seasons, is also a singer-songwriter from Louisville who has been performing around the region since 1999. He has opened for bands such as Trick Pony, Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky Headhunters and Joan Jett, and has contributed on studio recordings for tracks with country star, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Sharfe will perform live at home plate at Louisville Slugger Field from 7 – 8:15 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Fans will not be permitted to attend the performance in-person, but instead are encouraged to tune in to the live performance on a live stream from the Bats’ Facebook page. Throughout the performance, fans will have the option to donate directly from their Facebook accounts to benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.

The fundraising initiative seeks to provide an entertainment outlet for fans at home during these difficult times, while also creating the opportunity to chip in for a charitable effort to benefit those in need in the Louisville area. Fans will be treated to a mix of covers of all-time classics and several original songs from Sharfe during the performance.

Live At Home(Plate) marks just the most recent effort by the Bats to help raise funds for those affected by COVID-19. The Bats have also participated in Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up to benefit local restaurant partners and the “Team Kentucky” campaign with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League teams from Bowling Green and Lexington to benefit respective local charities.

About One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund:
One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund is an assistance program designed to attract and provide financial assistance to help those who are disproportionately impacted by the virus and its economic consequences. Grants from the program are directed weekly by the One Louisville Fund Committee, whose membership includes representatives of the philanthropic, nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. Financial support is deployed to households, businesses and nonprofit organizations working at the frontlines of the Louisville-area Coronavirus outbreak.

Smokies Offer Free Lunch to First Responders & Health Care Workers

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced all first responders are able to pick up a free lunch on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 11:30am-1:00pm. Curbside pickup is available in front of the restaurant located on the left-hand side of Smokies Stadium.

First responders including medical staff, police officers, fire fighters, and military personnel do not have to leave the comfort of their own vehicles to pick up their food. Upon arrival, a Smokies Staff Member will take their order and deliver the food back to their car.

“During this unprecedented time, the Smokies keep looking for ways to support our local first responders,” said Boyd Sports Director of Food & Beverage Chris Franklin. “Being able to provide them a free meal is just one way we are able to support them for all they do in our community.”

In partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, the Tennessee Smokies menu options include either a cheeseburger, tenderloin sandwich, or hot dog with a bag of Uncle Rays chips, Bush’s Baked Beans, and a bottle of water.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

Aces Season Ticket Members Convert Jerseys into Protective Masks

 

Willing to help anyway they could, Aces season ticket members Jeff and Sheila Wood turned Aces jerseys into over 190 protective masks.

The masks were sold to benefit six different local healthcare centers – they raised $3,600 in two hours. KOLO’s Kurt Schroeder has the story:

The entire organization would like to thank Jeff and Sheila, the Aces cannot wait to have them back at Greater Nevada Field when it is to safe to do so to honor their incredible efforts.

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TinCaps Team with Community Harvest to Host Downtown Fort Wayne Farm Wagon Distribution

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In an effort to feed more individuals suffering from the economic effects of COVID-19, the Fort Wayne TinCaps have partnered with Community Harvest Food Bank to distribute food at Parkview Field’s “Silver” parking lot. The food bank has operated the Farm Wagon program since 1999, and has recently made changes to the schedule to eliminate unnecessary personal contact by using a drive through system.

“We want to reach as many people as possible who are living without affordable food access,” said Carmen Cumberland, Community Harvest Executive President. “This unique opportunity to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps allows us to get food distributed into the hands of vulnerable families downtown.”

“Although the TinCaps are not currently playing games at Parkview Field, we want to continue our focus on impacting the community during these tough times,” said Mike Nutter, TinCaps President. “We have been longtime partners with Community Harvest Food Bank and we are happy to be partnering with them again to get food to the families and folks in our region that need it the most.”

The Parkview Field Farm Wagon will be held for two weeks, and may extend for a third week. People in need of food assistance can drive to the location and Community Harvest will distribute food boxes into car trunks.

Parkview Field Distribution Schedule:

  • Monday, April 20, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, April 27, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, May 4, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field (Added to original schedule)

The Farm Wagon at Parkview Field and all other Farm Wagon trucks are open to anyone in need with no ID required. Currently, Community Harvest operates Farm Wagons throughout northeast Indiana in their nine-county service area. Anyone in need of food assistance can visit CHFB.org to see the schedule and find out more information.

About Community Harvest Food Bank

Established in 1983, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. feeds 21,100 people every week. Last year, CHFB distributed 13.8 million pounds of food to nearly 85,000 unique individuals. Donna Van Vlerah serves as Board Chair, Carmen Cumberland serves as Executive President, and John Wolf serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Community Harvest is one of 200 Feeding America member food banks in the United States, and one of 11 regional members of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. Community Harvest feeds hungry people in the nine counties of northeast Indiana. For more information, please visit www.chfb.org.

San Jose Giants and Excite Credit Union Partner for Frontlines Meal Fund

 

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants and naming rights partner, Excite Credit Union, announced today the Frontlines Meal Fund to support and show gratitude to personnel at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. The Fund will provide meals to essential healthcare, police, fire and EMT personnel working tirelessly to combat this pandemic.

“Excite Credit Union and the San Jose Giants have spent years recognizing Hometown Heroes at the ballpark, and we are putting a new spin on these efforts in a time where our gratitude is greater than ever for these community heroes,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “While we yearn for summer days spent at the ballpark, we all recognize that will not be possible without the continued courage and bravery of people fighting on several fronts of this pandemic.

The Giants are encouraging fans and the local community to contribute to the cause by purchasing San Jose Giants merchandise, bidding on specialty auction item or donating meals directly. The San Jose Giants and Excite Credit Union will also match all fan donations.

“Our partnership with the SJ Giants is not just about baseball, but serving our community when there is a need. To us, helping provide meals for essential personnel through the Frontlines Meal Fund, is not an opportunity, but a responsibility. And a responsibility we perform gratefully,” said Brian Dorcy, Excite Credit Union President and CEO.

The following efforts have been set up to grow the Fund:

• Portion of all San Jose Giants Merchandise sales will go to the Frontlines Meal Fund

For every $40 spent, $10 will be put into the meal fund

Visit https://sjgiants.milbstore.com/

• Special Online Auction featuring autographed items and Specialty Jerseys

100% of proceeds will go to meal fund

Auction Platform waiving all fees

Download Live Source App to bid

• Direct Donation – Fans can purchase the “meal fund” product in the San Jose Giants online Dugout Store

100% of purchase will be placed in fund

For every meal purchased fans will receive a $5 San Jose Giants food and beverage voucher

Visit https://sjgiants.milbstore.com/

Meals will be purchased from local restaurants to provide support for longtime community partners impacted by the pandemic.

ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 212 Major League players, 154 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Excite Ballpark, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen nearly 8 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise in all of Minor League Baseball. For 2020 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at _408_**.**297.1435_** _or visit us online at **sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942.

ABOUT EXCITE CREDIT UNION

Excite is a relatable, jean-wearing, never-boring, highly-caffeinated credit union. We’re made up of smart, friendly people who feel it’s our responsibility to take care of the neighborhoods we live in. And we want to give everyone the chance to build a financially stronger future – because together is the only way to step up to better.

Oh, we are also a very stable financially sound 68-year-old credit union with $500 million in assets and 40,000 neighbors (members). We serve our neighbors in nine counties – Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Monterey, and Alameda counties in California – and New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties in North Carolina. We also offer the same great benefits to over 400 of our business friends. We’d be happy for you to visit us at excitecu.org. Federally insured by NCUA.

Bats, Hot Rods & Legends Announce “Team Kentucky” COVID-19 Relief Effort

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals), today announced they have formed a joint effort “Team Kentucky” campaign to benefit respective local charities that are offering assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

The three clubs have joined for the first time to create a T-shirt which showcases both the unity of the teams and their shared goal of providing assistance to those in need from the Coronavirus pandemic. The shirts proudly display the state of Kentucky and feature each of the three teams’ logos in relative location to where to their home ballpark is located. The words “We are Team Kentucky” surround the silhouette from above and below, stressing that everyone in the commonwealth is banding together in this time of need.

Shirts will be available for just $15 online through the Bats team store by clicking HERE. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt ordered through the Bats’ website will benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Likewise, $5 from each purchase through the Hot Rods (HOTEL Inc., a Bowling Green based nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for the housing crises and homelessness) and Legends (The Coronavirus Response Fund, which is organized by the United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation to provide resources to organizations who support the region) will benefit a respective local charity.

Fans can order shirts beginning today (April 16). The Bats will only take preorders for this limited-edition T-shirt, and production is slated to begin May 15.

For additional information, contact the Bats’ team store at (502) 614-4509.

Visalia Rawhide Owners Team Up to Donate $30,000 for Community Relief

 

Visalia, CA- The Sigal Family, owners of the Visalia Rawhide, have committed over $30,000 to Central Valley non-profits to immediately assist those in need during the current national emergency. The Rawhide staff and the Central Valley Community Foundation have been key in researching and advising where funds should be allocated.

Joe Ross, Director of Community Partnerships for the Rawhide, would have been leading cheers and interviewing fans at a Rawhide game this week. Instead he has been reaching out to community members to learn how the Rawhide can help. “I am glad to be able to be part of the Rawhide’s generous efforts,” said Ross.

“We have been touched by our staff’s deep concern for our neighbors and our community’s willingness to chip in wherever they can.” said Sam Sigal, Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC, owners of the Visalia Rawhide. “We are grateful to these non-profit organizations for the vital work they are doing on the frontlines today and for their continued leadership in ensuring a strong and healthy tomorrow.”

Organizations receiving grants include:

Central Valley Community Foundation, Emergency Response Fund

Central Valley Health Foundation/ Adventist Health

Family Health Care Network

Food Link of Tulare County

Kaweah Delta Hospital

Kings Community Action Organization

Neighborhood Industries Take Care Fund

Sierra View Hospital

Tulare Hospital

Valley Children’s Hospital

Visalia Emergency Aid Council

Visalia Rescue Mission

In addition to monetary assistance, the Rawhide has partnered with Neighborhood Industries’ Take Care Grocery Relief Program. The Rawhide staff are volunteering to distribute Neighborhood Industries’ grocery boxes throughout Tulare County from a Satellite Distribution Center set up at Rawhide Ballpark.

If you or someone you know is in need of an emergency grocery box, please visit https://bitwiseindustries.com/takecare-request

Want to help? For only $20 you can help provide a family in need with a week supply of Groceries. If you would like to support the Take Care Program, please consider making a monetary donation at www.neighborhoodindustries.org.

For more information on COVID-19 in Tulare County please visit www.tchhsa.org

About the Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 74th year of play in 2020. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County. In 2020, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. To be a part of the 2020 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).