Cutters Banquet raises over $5,000 for Special Olympics

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $5,000 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies TV Field Reporter Gregg Murphy & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2014 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “”I think we have that talent. We do have some young players that have a chance to chip in. Ben Revere was going good last year when he got hurt. The young arms in the bullpen got a shot to get some work last year and did a good job for the final six weeks of the season. I think that’ll go a long way for us.” When asked what is goal was, he said, “I want to get to a World Series, and I want to get there more than once.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and glove signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, jerseys signed by Sandberg and Asche and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of R.D. Slingerland into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Slingerland has worked on the Bowman Field playing surface for more than 25 years including installing an entirely new playing surface and irrigation system in 1997.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Lycoming County Special Olympics whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. At the conclusion of the festivities, Special Olympics was presented with a check for $5,150.

The Crosscutters open the 2014 season on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Sign your little slugger up for 2014 Youth Camps!

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The Mud Hens Youth Baseball Camps are back for the 2014 season! There will be two separate three-day camps, a one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp, and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found at www.mudhens.com/camps. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation early to guarantee a spot!

Call 419-725-4367 with any questions or to make your registration by phone.

Click the links below to order online:

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

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

Bisons given ‘Community Partnership Award’ by Parent Network of WNY

Team honored for support of individuals living with special needs

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The Parent Network of WNY is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Community Partnership Award is the Buffalo Bisons. The award will be presented on Thursday, October 17 (7:00 p.m.) at the Alleyway Theatre before the group’s debut of the play, “Always October.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented every year to an agency, school, or person who has assisted individuals with special needs through their activities. The Bisons are an avid supporter of individuals with special needs. Their support of persons with disabilities is not a product of a special effort, rather, they include people with disabilities as members of the community and treat this as “business as usual.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented in conjunction with Parent Network’s annual Harvest Honors Fundraiser. Funds raised are utilized to educate families of children with disabilities about services and supports in the community.

As part of Harvest Honors we will be hosting a Silent Auction and Basket Raffle along with the Red Carpet premier of “Always October”. This ground-breaking play was co-written by Western New Yorkers Mary McLaughlin, Wanda Wilson and Beth Geyer, directed by Victoria Pérez with a cast comprised of both individuals with and without disabilities, as well as parents of those with disabilities.

The Harvest Honors fundraiser is on October 17th and will begin at 5:30pm with a cocktail reception, a silent auction/basket raffle and award ceremony. The main event at Harvest Honors will be the opening of “Always October”. The play will then continue its run until Sunday October 20th. All evening performances are at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. The fundraiser/play will take place at Alleyway Theatre-1 Curtain Up Alleyway in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown theater district. For ticket information please call Peg Kovach at 332-4170 or visit our website at http://www.parentnetworkwny.org/harvest-honors.

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

Sounds Host Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Community Night On August 17

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nashville Sounds and Beltone are partnering up on Saturday, August 17, to provide a special evening for the hearing-impaired as a part of the team’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Night at Greer Stadium as the Sounds take on the Round Rock Express.

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for the National Anthem, 7th Inning Stretch, and select public address announcements, courtesy of Bridges, Middle Tennessee’s premier non-profit resource for interpreting, education, and youth services for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities.

And to top the night off, one lucky fan in need will win a pair of Promise 17 hearing aids, valued at $8,600.

In addition, the first 2,000 fans to the park will receive drawstring backpacks courtesy of Burger King. The game will be followed by a post-game fireworks show presented by Nashville’s News 2. Kids 12 and under are invited to the Delta Dental Run the Bases following the game.

Reserved tickets for the night will be $10, with $2 of each ticket benefitting the Hearing Loss Association of America’s Nashville Chapter and Bridges. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, August 12, to qualify for hearing aid giveaway.

Fans wanting the best seats for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Night can purchase tickets by visiting our online ticket ordering site and using the username ‘DHHNight’ and password ‘sounds817’. For any additional questions or information, please contact Andi Grindley at (615) 690-4487 ext. 103 or via email.

Founded in 1940, Chicago-based Beltone is a global leader in hearing health care. One of the largest manufacturers of hearing instruments, Beltone products are sold in the United States, Canada and over 50 countries worldwide. Beltone remains the most trusted brand for quality products and care among its patients and adults aged 50 and older.

The Hearing Loss Association of America is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 48 million (20 percent) Americans have some degree of hearing loss making it a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis.

Bridges main goal is to unite the deaf, the hard of hearing and the hearing communities through education, services and support, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Individual tickets as well as group packages for the 2013 Nashville Sounds season are currently on sale. Call (615) 690-HITS or click here to visit our tickets page to order or for more information.

 

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

Ports To Host Challenger Little League Game May 29

STOCKTON, Calif.-Before the Ports face the Inland Empire 66ers in the final game of the three-game homestand, they will participate in the third annual Challenger Little League game starting at 5:30 p.m. Participating in the game will be Challenger little leaguers from the California District 8 Little League who play on Western Little League’s field in Stockton. The game will give all Challenger participants the chance to take some swings on the field at Banner Island, as well as interact with Ports players.

The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Contact the Stockton Ports (209)644-1900 with any further questions.

Fans can purchase tickets at the Ports ticket office, online at www.stocktonports.com or by phone at (209) 644-1900. The Ports ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the season.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award April Grant to Gwinnett County Special Olympics

“Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant will help fund sports programs for disabled youth

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of April to Gwinnett County Special Olympics. The “Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that promote youth athletics and activities, will help fund Special Olympics’ sports programs for youth with intellectual disabilities.

Gwinnett-County-Special-Olympics-logoThe Special Olympics program was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and provides year-round training and athletic competition for more than one million athletes in nearly 150 countries and all 50 states in the United States. Gwinnett County Special Olympics is the agency that operates the Special Olympics program in Gwinnett County. Their program supports more than 2,000 athletes of all ages including school-age children with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy of sports participation.

The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Gwinnett County Special Olympics in its continued mission to provide uniforms, transportation, sports facilities and equipment for youth athletes specifically in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Braves and Gwinnett County Special Olympics have had a strong partnership for the past five years, including an annual “Best Buddies” clinic where disabled youth learn baseball skills from G-Braves players at Coolray Field.

“The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Shriver,” said Karen O’Connor, Fundraising & Outreach Chairman of Gwinnett County Special Olympics. “Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Our 2,100 school age athletes, parents and volunteers are so appreciative for the Gwinnett Braves’ support.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website can can be viewed by clicking here.

Cutters 5K Run to benefit CDC

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The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 3rd Annual Cutters 5K Run, presented by The Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, on Saturday, June 29th   at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the finish line on the field.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 200 participants while raising $15,000 for the CDC.

“Since the affiliation between Hope Enterprises and the Children’s Development Center was finalized on last year, both organizations have been working together to enhance the service options for children and their families in our area. Having the support of our community with events such as the Cutters 5K Run, allows us to be better prepared to meet the needs of those to be served” according to Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female finisher will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game that evening. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi. “We expect to raise over $10,000 for the CDC with this event.”

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the June 29th Crosscutters vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at Bowman Field or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

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

2013 Grant Beneficiaries Announced

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsIronPigs Charities presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, will award a total of $85,700 in cash grants to 20 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s sold-out Phillies Winter Banquet featuring 1,100 guests at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2007, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $550,000 in cash grants and $215,000 in in-kind donations to dozens of local non-profit entities.

“Without question, this is the most rewarding night of the year for our organization,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “Make no mistake; these contributions would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and business partners. We are truly humbled by the generous backing that IronPigs Charities receives and we look forward to continuing to make a tangible impact in our wonderful community.”

IronPigs-Charities-LogoOne of the annual highlights of the Winter Banquet event is the distribution of grants to local non-profit organizations. In fact, over $280,000 has been distributed at this event alone since debuting in 2008.

The 2013 beneficiaries along with a brief synopsis of their benefitting programs are listed below:

  • Allentown School District Foundation: An after-school intra-district middle school baseball program will be started in Allentown School District. At current, the Allentown School District does not have a baseball program at the middle school level. This program will allow for dozens of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to play baseball.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem: Mind, Body and Soul are the three components of the Triple Play program. The multi-faceted program is designed to help young people become healthy and active while forming new relationships.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Easton: The Triple Play program consisting of the Mind, Body & Soul components, addresses a need for low-income youth to get more structured exercise in sports, explore healthy nutrition and learn social skills.
  • Community Bike Works: Children participate in a three month “Earn a Bike” program in which they receive instruction on bike mechanics, bike safety, employment skills and business concepts. At the successful conclusion of the program they earn a bike and a helmet.
  • Easton Police Athletic League: New uniforms and equipment will be purchased for the Easton Police Athletic League’s wrestling program. This program serves 50 youth from the Easton area.
  • Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity: The Family YMCA Summer Youth Basketball League serves boys and girls ages 8 to 18. This program supports 80 youth and focuses on low income families.
  • Friends of the Allentown Parks: The Queen of the Court will give girls in the city of Allentown the opportunity to play basketball. Nearly 100 girls are expected to participate in the four week program.
  • Lehigh County Conference of Churches: The Aspires mentoring program addresses the health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Allentown School District. The IronPigs Charities grant will fund ten weeks of recreational and educational group activities.
  • Lehigh County Youth Association: LCYA serves over 100 youth who participate in a variety of sports, including baseball. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide new catchers equipment, a pitching machine, new bases as well as field maintenance equipment.
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Wildlife & Wellness Program is a nature inspired health and fitness after-school program to benefit primarily disadvantaged, school-age youth in our community.
  • Lower Macungie Youth Association: After receiving a 2012 grant for field maintenance related items, Lower Macungie Youth Association will now receive funding for a storage shed for the items that were purchased last year.
  • Mikayla’s Voice: This June, Mikayla’s Voice will be hosting a one-of-a-kind triathlon for children with and without disabilities. Children with physical disabilities will participate in all three phases of a triathlon with a little help from their friends.
  • Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Their mission is to provide an all-inclusive baseball program for children with various special needs. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide uniforms and equipment for the nearly 300 players in the league.
  • Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: Golden Dippers Ice Cream Parties will take place at the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network for children battling cancer who are hospitalized. Additionally, PCFLV will celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments with a Last Round of Chemo party.
  • Sacred Heart Hospital: An afternoon program of health and wellness will provide over 400 low-income youth with fitness activities, healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and a backpack giveaway filled with school supplies.
  • Salvation Army: The Breaking Barriers Fitness Camp will teach youngsters how to get fit, how the body works and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Each child will receive a personalized workout routine after the instructional sessions.
  • Special Olympics Lehigh County: A full course of track and field events will be setup for over 500 Special Olympics Athletes at Whitehall High School.
  • Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House will be building “Pigtown” as the fifth element of the adventure course at Camp Fowler. Throughout the year nearly 850 youth will participate in the adventure course.
  • YWCA of Bethlehem: The YWCA will give over 50 girls the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Held at Southmoore Golf Course and Wedgewood Golf Course, the young women will learn the necessary skills needed to play in tournaments throughout the area.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Charlie Manuel along with Dave Brundage (IronPigs manager), C Erik Kratz and INF Kevin Frandsen headline the sold-out 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Coca-Cola and the Lehigh Valley Health Network to be held on Thursday at the brand-new Sands Events Center in Bethlehem. Other Phillies dignitaries include Benny Looper (Asst. GM), Joe Jordan (Dir., Player Development) and Steve Noworyta (Asst. Dir., Player Development).

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  Click here to view the original story.

Miracle Field Play Begins for Fall

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The Braves Miracle Field of Rome kicks off its fall season beginning Saturday October 20th. The Rome Braves and Rome Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority are in need of volunteers for the season that runs through November 17.

The younger division will play each Saturday at 12:30pm and the older division will play at 1:30pm. A pre-season practice will be held on Saturday October 13th.

For those interested in playing, the registration fee which includes your uniform and end of season reward remains $50 per player. Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Bryant with RFPRA at 706-234-0383 or Erin Elrod with the Rome Braves at 706-368-9388.

Click here to download a registration form now.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Helping Hens award $30K to local non-profits!

Toledo Donations 08-26-12

 

The Toledo Mud Hens announced today that during the 2012 season, the Helping Hens Charitable Fund awarded $30,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations, providing youth with sports and recreation services.

Helping Hens Charitable Fund

“Helping Hens” is the official charitable fund of the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club and is administered through the Toledo Community Foundation. Keith Burwell, President of the Toledo Community Foundation, and Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens, presented checks to the grant winners prior to the Hens game on Sunday, August 26th.

Toledo-Helping-Hens-logo“These organizations do exceptional work and the Mud Hens are thrilled to support local children in their efforts to stay active and healthy,” said Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens.

The 2012 “Helping Hens” Grant Winners

Ability Center of Greater Toledo – A grant was awarded to implement a bicycle education program for individuals with disabilities.

Children’s Resource Center – A grant was awarded to provide a one-year membership to the Bowling Green Community Center, where children can engage in safe indoor recreation activities including soccer, volleyball and basketball.

City of Fremont-Parks and Recreation Department – A grant was awarded to support the Flash Youth Running Program, which allows children to participate in Cross Country and Track & Field.

East Toledo Family Center – A grant was awarded to purchase equipment that 600 children use for its baseball, soccer and basketball programming that the organization offers throughout the year.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio – A grant was awarded to provide scholarships for girls who cannot afford program participation fees.

Kids Unlimited, Inc. – A grant was awarded to purchase playground equipment to be used by 150 children participating in its after school and summer programming.

Salvation Army, NW Ohio Area Services – A grant was awarded to purchase sports equipment that will be used during the physical education module of the Bridging the Gap Program and in conjunction with activities that are sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo.

Toledo Ballet Association, Inc. – A grant was awarded to support the Musical Theater Camp that is conducted in partnership with the Catholic Club.

Toledo School for the Arts – A grant was awarded to provide 50 underserved youth with the opportunity to participate in the Urban Dance Program.

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

Bob Brown Bear goes ‘Dreamin’ at the Aquarium

Canadians Mascot cheers on kids as they get special night after hours at Vancouver Aquarium

Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)
Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)

(Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver Canadians mascot Bob Brown Bear was thrilled to get a chance to attend ‘Dreamnight’, which is an annual event organized by the Vancouver Aquarium to share their facility with children that have life threatening illness.

These brave young children along with their families got the opportunity to visit the Aquarium past regular hours and connect with the aquatic animals and exhibits.

The night welcomed over 500 children and their families where they got to meet Bob, learn all about aquatic environments and animals as well as managed to see the famous Vancouver Aquarium dolphins and much more.

Many of the children were from BC Children’s Hospital and would not have had the opportunity to visit the Aquarium during regular hours due to their situation in the hospital.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support local initiatives that give children the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

Our thanks and admiration to all involved for giving so many children the chance to create a new and exciting memory as they fight to stay healthy and positive.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Tigers Partner With UCP to Help New London Resident

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NORWICH, CT-The Connecticut Tigers and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Eastern Connecticut have joined together to help New London resident and former Assistant Waterford Baseball Coach Michael Loper raise funds to help make his home more accessible. Loper, a client of UCP, has been unable to live an active life since undergoing spinal fusion surgery eight years ago to help relieve symptoms of Cerebral Palsy. He and members of the Connecticut Tigers Front Office staff will be selling tickets to the Tigers game on Saturday, July 21 against Lowell at 7:05 p.m. at the Waterford Little League South Opening Day this Saturday, April 28. The ticket sales will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the field on Gardiner’s Wood Road. Half of all ticket sales will go to helping Michael’s cause.

Tickets are currently available at the following locations around Eastern Connecticut: Sportee’s in Waterford, (262 Boston Post Road # 9); Picardi’s Pub in Waterford, (120 Boston Post Road); and at Angie’s Pizza in Mystic (25 Roosevelt Avenue). Those interested in helping promote Michael’s cause are asked to call Michelle Bussolotti at UCP of Eastern Connecticut directly at 860-443-3800, extension 11.

“This is something we’re really pushing for Michael’s benefit,” said Bussolotti, Disability Support Coordinator at UCP of Eastern Connecticut. “With Michael’s love of baseball and his history with the sport, we’re really committed to making this project a success.”

Michael will also be available along with members of UCP at the game on July 21 to take donations and talk with fans interested in helping his cause. The Tigers will also hold a ceremonial first pitch on July 21 honoring individuals that helped Michael’s fundraising effort.

The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011 (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and will open their third season at Dodd Stadium on June 20 against the Lowell Spinners, affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Season tickets, suite rentals, and group outings are currently on sale. For more information go online to cttigers.com or call 860-887-7962.

 

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

TinCaps Named “Business of the Year” by NEIDAC

Award Given for Accessibility and Employment of Individuals with Disabilities

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and Hardball Capital were presented with the Above and Beyond Business of the Year Award by the Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition (NEIDAC). The award is given to an organization for accessibility and employment of individuals with disabilities. Several members of the TinCaps staff were on hand to accept the award at the Abilities Abound Awards Reception at the Holiday Inn on Coliseum Boulevard in Fort Wayne.

“We are honored and thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s award,” said TinCaps team President Mike Nutter. “Providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities and being in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act is a top priority for our team. We’re proud, along with the City of Fort Wayne and Hardball Capital, to have such a great facility like Parkview Field to be able to do all of those things.”

NEIDAC presented the TinCaps with a banner, which will be displayed at Parkview Field.

Opening Night is Thursday, April 5 with first pitch at 7:05pm. Opening Night features post-game fireworks and is a Thirsty Thursday with $1.00 beer specials. Visit TinCaps.com or call (260) 482-6400 for more information.

Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball… It’s All About You!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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