Round Rock Express to Honor Class of 2020 on Dell Diamond Marquee

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Dell Technologies want to tip their caps to the Class of 2020 through personalized messages on the outdoor marquee along Highway 79 at Dell Diamond. Fans are encouraged to submit names and photos of local high school graduates in the Class of 2020 to be featured by clicking here.

“Dell Diamond has been the home of countless milestone events for high school seniors over the years, including proms, graduation ceremonies, graduation parties and sports banquets. Our hearts go out to the seniors in the Class of 2020 that cannot experience these memories in the traditional sense, so with the help of Dell Technologies, we wanted to do something special for them,” Round Rock Express President Chris Almendarez said. “We look forward to sharing these messages not only with friends and family of the graduates, but with the thousands of people who pass by Dell Diamond along Highway 79 each day.”

The Round Rock Express graphic design team will create a personalized message of congratulations for each submission to be displayed on the Dell Diamond marquee on a date of the graduates’ choosing, free of charge. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, messages will be displayed in alphabetical order by last name and will run for a minimum of 10 seconds each. The entire collection of messages for each day will run on a loop until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. A maximum of 100 messages can be displayed each day from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29. Additional days to honor more students will be added if demand allows.

Fans are encouraged to safely capture these moments from their vehicles in the Suite Lot at Dell Diamond and to tag the Round Rock Express when sharing on social media. The Express are asking for fans to submit the graduates’ name, high school and photo by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 through this link. Please note, solo photos of the graduate only are preferred.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Fireflies T-Shirts Result in Donation for “Peace of Mind”

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies raised over $2,300 to support “Peace of Mind,” a program that provides free hotel rooms to Columbia’s first responders, medical professionals and front-line city staff who work in challenging environments that might allow for overexposure to the Coronavirus. The Fireflies were able to raise the money by selling a limited edition “Wash Your Wings” t-shirt and donated the profits to the Midlands organization.

“We are extremely excited that we were able to raise over $2,300 for Peace of Mind,” said Mallory Turnbull, Merchandise Manager for the Fireflies. “Orders for the Wash Your Wings T-Shirt came in from all over the country and we would like to thank everyone who purchased a shirt for supporting our local community and the front line workers who continue to work hard to keep our community safe.”

The Fireflies initiative started April 16 and ran through April 30.

Peace of Mind is administered by the Columbia Police Foundation, who have set a goal to raise at least $20,000. If you would like to donate separately, you can send donations to:

Columbia Police Foundation

Attn: Chief Skip Holbrook

1 Justice Square

Columbia, SC 29201

Even though shirt sales have ended, the Fireflies are continuing their efforts to help the Midlands during this time. The Fireflies have partnered with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America to help the national CommUNITY First campaign. Fireflies 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 Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

IronPigs to celebrate Nurses Week

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will celebrate Nurses Week presented by The GIANT Company, Friendly’s of the Lehigh Valley and NJM Insurance, which begins on Wednesday, May 6 and runs through Tuesday, May 12. The celebration will recognize nurses from Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, who have been in the front lines battling COVID-19.

“With this week being Nurses Week, we want to celebrate it by honoring nurses in a very fun and special way,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “We hope this week will bring recognition to a special group of people who’ve endured so much throughout this pandemic.”

The IronPigs will be bringing the Pork Race to each facility throughout the week. Medical personnel will be able to see and cheer on their favorite pork racers as they battle it out and see a piece of IronPigs fun outside the confines of Coca-Cola Park.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation will each receive a balloon structure courtesy of BalloonWorks that says, “Thank You” and will be displayed for many to see. The balloon structure is a token of gratitude for each facility. To cap off the celebration for Nurses Week, the video board at Coca-Cola Park will be lit up at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 and streamed live on the IronPigs social media pages. The video board will consist of messages of gratitude to individual nurses. Those who would like to submit names of nurses they know, will be able to do so by commenting on the social media pages.

Throughout the week on social media, nurses will be highlighted on baseball cards. The baseball card will feature information about the nurse as it would about a baseball player. IronPigs staff members and players will be sending their gratitude throughout the week via video messages. Local businesses will be offering discounts for nurses and will be featured as well.

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Participating in MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America, is participating in the new CommUNITY First campaign, aimed at helping fight hunger while also recognizing frontline workers battling against the COVID-19 pandemic.

From now through May 31, fans can visit milb.com/CommUNITYFirst to donate and select the community they want to support. All proceeds pledged to Oklahoma City will be given to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

For every $10 donated, the Oklahoma City Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation will provide one ticket to a local first responder and/or frontline worker during the 2020 or 2021 baseball season through the team’s Community Night Out program. Between 2018-19, approximately $60,000 was raised through Community Night Out to provide 6,000 tickets to families and individuals in need.

Fans are encouraged to donate on Giving Tuesday, May 5, and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst and tag the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation (@OKCDBFoundation) on social media to show support.

“At this time it’s especially important to recognize community victories, and we see this as a true win-win situation,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Executive Director Carol Herrick. “Not only does this program allow us to provide for those in need, but we can also say ‘thank you’ to those who are doing their best to fight this pandemic.”

Per Feeding America, an estimated additional 17.1 million people will experience food insecurity within the next six months. As a result, Feeding America is projecting a $1.4 billion shortfall during that time.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue to fight hunger across America during this pandemic. When it is possible to hold games once again, our teams will provide local heroes across the country with unforgettable experiences in our ballparks.”

For more information about the CommUNITY First campaign or the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2104.

Dunedin Blue Jays partner with Dunedin Cares Inc. to Band Together Against Hunger

 

The Dunedin Blue Jays announced on May 1st we are joining Dunedin Cares Inc. to raise funds for the local food bank and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dunedin Blue Jays fans are encouraged to visit (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedin-cares) through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount to directly benefit Dunedin Cares Inc. and the community. For every $10 donated, the Dunedin Blue Jays will donate one ticket to a future home game to local essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Up to 1,000 tickets donated).

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak stated, “The Dunedin community is extremely important to the Blue Jays along with our relationship with Dunedin Cares Inc. Dunedin Cares does so much good for the local community working around the clock to feed those most in need, and we are glad our organization is able to assist them during these trying times when the community needs it the most.”

In response to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributions from the Dunedin Blue Jays fans will help ensure families and individuals across Dunedin and our surrounding communities most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join our campaign by donating at (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedincares).

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Cardinals join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals today announced 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.

Cardinals fans are encouraged to #FlyTogether and visit www.MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Springfield Cardinals as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Southwest Missouri community and the Ozarks Food Harvest. For every $10 donated, the Cardinals will donate one ticket (and up to 500 tickets) to a future home game to local heroes of the pandemic.

“Springfield and all of Southwest Missouri has done such a great job coming together as a community over the past six weeks, and the donations that will come from this program will help so many avoid hunger during this difficult time,” Cardinals Vice President & General Manager Dan Reiter said. “Community is at the center of what the Cardinals are all about and what Minor League Baseball is all about. This initiative is such a perfect partner to our #FlyTogether community campaign to benefit Springfield during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”

According to Feeding America, 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. 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 Cardinals 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 Springfield Cardinals at www.MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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.

Everett AquaSox Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

EVERETT, WA, April 29, 2020 — The Everett AquaSox 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.

AquaSox 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 Everett AquaSox as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Everett community. For every $10 donated, the AquaSox will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“Supporting the local community is a top priority for the AquaSox, so we are happy to join Minor League Baseball in this nationwide effort,” said AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “This effort will allow us to not only support our local food banks at this very difficult time, but also recognize our essential workers for all they are doing for the community.”

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 AquaSox 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 Everett AquaSox at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About the Everett AquaSox

The Everett AquaSox have been the Seattle Mariners’ short-season single-A affiliate since 1995, offering affordable entertainment for families in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with the Frogs, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook or visit AquaSox.com.

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.

Round Rock Express Hosting Blood Donation Drive on May 14

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are joining forces to host a blood drive to benefit We Are Blood on Thursday, May 14 inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. The drive will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is by appointment only. Those wishing to donate can sign up by clicking here.

“We are grateful to the Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing for partnering with We Are Blood to host a mobile blood drive to collect critical donations at Dell Diamond,” We Are Blood Vice President of Community Engagement Nick Canedo said. “Blood donations collected at Dell Diamond are critical for patients in need at Central Texas hospitals. We are thrilled to see community partners like these joining together with generous blood donors to protect vulnerable Central Texans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser’s initiative to host temporary blood donation drives at prominent sports venues across the country, the Express teamed up with Brown Distributing at the local level to share resources and benefit We Are Blood’s mission in Central Texas.

“Budweiser has been a part of American culture for generations and Brown Distributing wanted to do our part to help the people of Central Texas in a time when it’s needed most,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Together with our many partners, we have worked as one team to extend our resources to support the surrounding areas that have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, like blood supply.”

Additional safety measures have been implemented to protect both donors and staff. Scheduling an appointment in advance is mandatory and no walk-ins will be allowed. Donors must wait to arrive until their specified appointment time and wear a protective face covering. Donors must also agree to have their temperature checked at registration and again during their standard health pre-screen. We Are Blood staff will be providing hand sanitizer and enforcing social distancing policies during the blood drive at Dell Diamond.

“Dell Diamond has been a local landmark in Central Texas since 2000 and we are honored to be able to use our resources to help our community, especially during these difficult times. With the additional safety measures that We Are Blood has in place, we encourage those who are willing and able to donate on May 14,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “We want to thank Brown Distributing for helping us organize this donation drive to benefit the lifesaving work that We Are Blood is doing throughout our community.”

Please note, We Are Blood is unable to test for COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies. Diagnostic tests are unavailable to We Are Blood as they are currently administered by health officials and physicians. Antibody tests are also not available to We Are Blood at this time.

Anyone who is feeling unwell or has experienced any symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or has cared for, lived with or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to attempt to donate. Those who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 must refrain from donating for 28 days since their last symptom or potential exposure date.

We Are Blood is a nonprofit blood center that has been serving Central Texas since 1951. We Are Blood is the sole provider of blood donations to over 40 hospitals and clinics in Central Texas, including all St. David’s HealthCare locations. For more information on We Are Blood and to sign up for the May 14 blood drive at Dell Diamond, click here.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Tampa Tarpons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons 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.

Tarpons 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 Tampa Tarpons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tampa Bay community. For every $10 donated, the Tarpons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 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 Tarpons 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 Tampa Tarpons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

Altoona Curve join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY first campaign

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve 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.

Curve 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 Altoona Curve as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Altoona community. For every $10 donated, the Curve will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 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 Curve 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 Altoona Curve at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365_. _

**-CURVE-**

Louisville Bats Lend a Helping Hand

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats are proud to help serve the Kentuckyiana area and continue to unveil programs this offseason to provide support to those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The team has launched six initiatives during April alone and looks forward to continuing to offer help during this time of need.

Below are the programs launched this offseason with information/links if fans wish to become involved or view additional details:

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up: Through a partnership with ImagineAR, the Bats are encouraging fans to order takeout from local restaurant partners. Fans who activate the ImagineAR app when picking up their to-go orders can spot a digital Buddy Bat on their cellphone. After taking a picture of the AR Buddy Bat, fans will be entered to win a variety of team prizes by simply sharing the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. The initiative also features a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up

Team Kentucky T-shirts: The Bats partnered with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League Baseball teams the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals) on a limited-edition T-shirt available for online purchase. The shirts honor each of the three baseball teams and a portion of the proceeds from each shirt sale benefit a respective local charity. Shirts are available for just $15 through the Bats team store, with proceeds benefiting One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
**Click here for additional information on Team Kentucky T-shirts

Live at Home(Plate): To provide an entertainment outlet for fans wrestling with cabin fever, the Bats streamed a free live concert from within their ballpark on their Facebook page. The concert was hosted by staff member and longtime local singer-songwriter, Jeremy Sharfe, who performed rousing covers of all-time classics and treated fans to several of his own original songs. The Facebook Live stream reached more than 50,000 fans over the 90-minute show.
**Click here for additional information on Live at Home(Plate)

Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse: The Bats and Texas Roadhouse treated customers to an in-person special delivery from Buddy Bat and Andy Armadillo for curbside orders during the restaurant’s Kids Night. Fans who stopped by during a select time period had the chance to win a free membership to the Bats’ Kids Club for the upcoming baseball season and the opportunity to be a Play Ball Kid at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse

MiLB CommUNITYFirst: The Louisville Bats partnered with Minor League Baseball in a league-wide initiative to raise money for local chapters of the Feeding America Food Bank and provide a free ticket for an upcoming home game for a local hero. Each $10 donation under the Louisville Bats’ name on the website goes directly to Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank and provides one game ticket to a local hero such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others.
**Click here for additional information on MiLB CommUNITYFirst

Hometown Heroes: The Bats launched the Hometown Heroes program to recognize individuals in the Kentuckiana area who provide a vital service for our hometown community. From healthcare employees and police officers on the front lines, to those helping behind the scenes like truck drivers and utility workers, the Bats are honoring a different hometown hero each week with special, dedicated posts on social media. Fans are invited to nominate a hometown hero by simply filling out the form on the following link:
**Click here for additional information on Hometown Heroes

Fan Donations to Benefit Local Food Bank, Provide Free Ticket to Local Heroes

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the launch of MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed with Feeding America® to raise funds for local food banks and honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the initiative, the Louisville Bats are accepting donations that will benefit Louisville’s local Feeding America Food Bank, the Dare to Care Food Bank, and provide a free ticket for an upcoming Bats home game to a local hero.

Fans can visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Simply select the “Louisville Bats” from the “participating team name” drop down menu on the website to activate our team’s donation to the program.

Each $10 donation will provide one ticket to a future Bats home game to a local hero, such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others. The monetary donations will go directly to the Dare to Care Food Bank as they continue to support our community during this time of need.

Fans are also encouraged to use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show their support.

Pigs raise more than $20K to battle COVID-19 

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are proud to announce that $21,704 has been raised from their “In This Together” t-shirt and #HopeningDay celebration to help the local battle against COVID-19. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network will receive 100% of the proceeds.

“We are grateful to the entire Lehigh Valley for their outstanding support and coming together to help raise funds to fight this dreadful disease”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network have both been tremendous partners and do incredible work within our community. We’re both proud and thankful to help fund their efforts and support their employees on the front lines of this battle.”

The ”In This Together” t-shirt campaign was the initial response to the battle against COVID-19 and to bring awareness throughout the community. Over the two-week campaign, the IronPigs sold over 1500 t-shirts and raised $19,254.04. T-shirts were purchased throughout the Lehigh Valley and the state of Pennsylvania but were also sold in 18 other states such as: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, California, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Virginia.

#Hopening Day was a weeklong celebration of support of the community and the IronPigs, culminating a televised two-day, two-game series on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 and Service Electric TV2 Sports. The goal was to bring additional awareness and support to fight against COVID-19. A GoFundMe fundraiser courtesy of IronPigs Charities raised $820 throughout the two-day, two-game series.

Valley Prep Meal Prep’s “Eat like a PIG” promotion – a $15 home-delivered ballpark meal package that featured a hot dog, popcorn, Coca-Cola beverage and Philly Pretzel rivets – raised $1,630. The ballpark meal package was sold throughout the Lehigh Valley and areas around the region.

Here is a list of the money raised for the Covid-19 efforts:

• “In this Together” t-shirt: $19,254.04

• Valley Prep Meal Prep “Eat like a PIG” promotion: $1,630

• IronPigs Charities GoFundMe courtesy of #HopeningDay broadcasts: $820

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

CommUNITY First: SWB partners with MiLB

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have announced that 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.

The local benefactor is the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

RailRiders 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 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the NEPA community. For every $10 donated, the RailRiders will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“In these trying times, we should do what we can to help those in need around us,” said John Adams, the RailRiders Team President. “Minor League Baseball, as an industry, has always done a great job in community-driven events and focused efforts like this. Donations to this cause will help benefit our region immensely. While we are certainly aware that times are tough financially, this is a tremendous way for those who can donate to make an impact.”

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 RailRiders 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 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Modesto Nuts Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign 

National Initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Modesto, CA, April 28th, 2020 – The Modesto Nuts 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.

Nuts fans are encouraged to visit CommUNITY First through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the “Modesto Nuts” as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Modesto/ Central Valley community. For every $10 donated, the Nuts will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 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 Nuts 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 Modesto Nuts at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call (209)572-HITS (4487)

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.