Paws for Presents

November 20, 2014

El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas Team Up for Toy Drive

The El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Chihuahuas have teamed together to make the holiday season brighter for children as they proudly present “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center.

The drive continues through Saturday, Dec. 13. The Chihuahuas and EPFD request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. The team will categorize and deliver to the Child Crisis Center.

“Being the recipient of these donated gifts allows us to provide Christmas for children that are most needy,” said Al Velarde, Executive Director of the Child Crisis Center. “Last year, our center was able to provide 740 gifts to children in the El Paso Community. Not only did we provide for the children and families we served, we were able to work with other non-profit organizations who had identified families that needed assistance during the holidays.”

The Child Crisis Center of El Paso protects children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy, and family support services.

Donations can be dropped off at the 35 El Paso neighborhood fire stations or the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St. The Team Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

“We hope our great community will join the El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas in bringing gifts and joy to the local children this holiday season. Please participate,” said Chihuahuas general manager, Brad Taylor.

“The El Paso Fire Department and its membership are excited to partner up with the Chihuahuas for this worthwhile cause,” said Lieutenant James Schaerfl. “We hope the toy drive helps the Child Crisis Center bring joy to the lives of the children it serves during this Holiday Season. I’m positive that the community will give from their hearts and this event will be a great success.

For more information, call (915) 242-2025.

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13.

WHEN: Now through Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.

WHERE: El Paso Fire Department’s 35 stations and the El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Donate $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House

November 18, 2014

“Dodger Blue” Jerseys Benefit Domestic Violence Shelter

The Albuquerque Isotopes presented a check in the amount of $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter on Tuesday, November 18th with funds raised from the “Dodger Blue” weekend jersey auction.

This money is invaluable to us,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. “We will use it help residents register for day care, buy gas so a survivor can continue to get to work, or pay for a child’s birthday cake. Many, many thanks to the Isotopes organization and to all of their fans for making this possible.”

In recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Isotopes held an online auction from October 17-24 for their “Dodger Blue” jerseys, many of which were game-worn. Bids were received nationwide with Alex Guerrero garnering the highest overall bid at nearly $220. Although most of the bids were from New Mexico, winning bids were also received from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Wisconsin.

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey featured “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve.

“S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we hope that this donation will help fulfill their mission,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes. “Michele and her staff do a tremendous job to help heal wounds of families and raise awareness for domestic violence in Albuquerque.”

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

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

Frederick Keys Care Grants Awarded

November 4, 2014

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

It is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement. In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Teen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Child Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Homeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

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

Isotopes Auction Off “Dodger Blue” Jerseys

October 16, 2014

Weekend Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter

Weekend "Dodger Blue" Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. — Weekend “Dodger Blue” Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.

In recognition of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Albuquerque Isotopes will be auctioning off authentic “Dodger Blue” weekend jerseys with net proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. More than 40 game-worn jerseys featuring player nameplates will be auctioned off exclusively online, and an additional 26 authentic jerseys without nameplates will be auctioned.

“With October being domestic violence awareness month, we saw this as a great opportunity to provide a unique, game-used item to our fans and give something back to the community,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we are honored to be able to donate funds to help them fulfill their mission.”

The auction will begin Friday, October 17th, at noon MT and run through Friday, October 24, at noon MT. To bid on a jersey, visit http://isotopes.milbauctions.com. Opening bids for game-worn jerseys with nameplates will start at $180, while other authentic jerseys without a nameplate will begin at $150. Each jersey will also be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Isotopes over the last several years,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “The jersey auction is an exceptional event because it demonstrates both their awareness of domestic violence and their commitment to helping end that violence in our community.”

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey features “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve (see photo attached).

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

Strikeout Domestic Violence with Penelope House

July 16, 2013

Pledge money for each strikeout produced by the BayBears to help end domestic violence.

Call (251) 342-2809 to pledge today!

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

Lakeland Flying Tigers Raise Money for Mary Kay Foundation

April 25, 2011

The Lakeland Flying Tigers Pink in the Park Night on April 16 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Mary Kay Foundation raise over $6,000 for the 2nd annual event. The Mary Kay Foundation proudly supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers that affect women and programs committed to ending domestic violence.

Flying Tiger players and coaches wore pink jerseys during the game and fans had the opportunity to take the jersey off the back of their favorite player after the game.

There was a pre-game cancer survivor parade as well as a pink Cadillac parade on the field. Even the post-game fireworks show had bursts of pink. The event was a great success helping raise awareness and funds for the Mary Kay Foundation.

Lakeland 5-16-11 — Tony Plagman gives the “shirt off his back” following the game.

FLYING TIGERS GO PINK TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE MARY KAY FOUNDATION

May 15, 2010

The Lakeland Flying Tigers Pink in the Park Night on May 1 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Mary Kay Foundation raise over $12,000 for the inaugural event. The Mary Kay Foundation proudly supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers that affect women and programs committed to ending domestic violence.

Flying Tiger players and coaches wore pink jerseys during the game and fans had the opportunity to take the jersey off the back of their favorite player after the game. Autographed Detroit Tiger pink bats were auctioned off during the game.

There was a pre-game cancer survivor parade as well as a pink Cadillac parade on the field. Bases were painted pink as well. Even the post-game fireworks show had bursts of pink. The inaugural event was a great success helping raise awareness and funds for the Mary Kay Foundation.

Lakeland-Carrithers — Flying Tiger Alden Carrithers with his pink jersey winner after the game.

Blue Rocks Donate Nearly Half a Million for Local Causes

September 22, 2009

The Wilmington Blue Rocks proudly announce that the 2009 season saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, donate and raise $424,000 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum represents a collective of many different types of contributions with the majority coming from monetary and ticket donations.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2009 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Blue Rocks concessionaire, Centerplate, allows community organizations the opportunity to volunteer at the concession stands during home games in return for a percentage of the money received at each stand. Thanks to this program almost $74,000 was given back to community organizations.

The Blue Rocks continue to support local youth baseball and donated over $1,600 as well as used baseball equipment to local Little League organizations.

Game-worn memorabilia auctions saw an increase in frequency and dollar amounts, helping to raise over $6,300. On April 19, the Blue Rocks wore purple hats to raise money for the Bernadette Farrell Memorial Fund as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Night. The Rocks sported pink jerseys on May 29 to benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Rocks wore camouflage hats on May 30 and August 1 to raise money for Delaware Boots on the Ground and USO Delaware. On July 3, Wilmington donned patriotic jerseys to support United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware (UCP). The Rocks wore Red hats on June 25 to raise funds for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. The Rocks also sported gold jerseys on Aug. 13 for Elvis Night to benefit the local chapter of the American Lung Association. Blue Rocks players went beyond the laundry too, donating game-worn cleats and batting gloves that were auctioned off for charity.

Almost 60,000 tickets were distributed to area schools over the course of the season. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle led the charge to promote literacy with

his Reading Challenge, presented by the Delaware State Ed ucation Association. The Blue Rocks worked with local schools to reward kids who met their reading goal. In 2009, over 150 area schools were awarded a total of 57,000 tickets. Along with Rocky’s Reading Challenge the Blue Rocks donated over 2,500 tickets through programs like the IFS Outstanding Students Program, which allows teachers to reward students who display excellence in behavior and performance in the classroom.

The team also donated over 8,000 tickets to community organizations throughout the 2009 campaign with 6,000 going to local fundraisers, 1,000 donated to the USO Delaware to use for their soldiers and staff, and the remainder finding a number of other local non-profit organizations in need. Those same non-profit groups received another $2,000 worth of free/discounted video board advertising and concourse tables to promote themselves and their worthy events.

The Blue Rocks organized special events to collect money and goods for those less fortunate. Before the season, the team held a gift drive for kids at the Mary Campbell Center. The team also offered ticket discounts to fans that donated items to the Food Bank of Delaware. The Blue Rocks Charity Golf Classic, held at Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club on Aug. 17, raised over $1,500 for UCP and CHILD, Inc. in one day.

Community appearances proved a regular item on the team’s calendar. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle and numerous Blue Rocks players visited A.I. duPont Hospital for Children at least once a month throughout the season in addition to other appearances. Rocky logged over 60 community service hours at schools and charitable events as well. Rocks’ players put in over 20 hours despite their grueling 140-game schedule over five-plus months time. The Blue Rocks visited schools and community organizations throughout the Delaware Valley, tallying over 40 hours of their time throughout the season.

The K’s for Kids Program presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSDE) completed its fourth season with great success. BCBSDE donated $10 to a local charity for every home game strikeout the Blue Rocks pitching staff recorded. Thanks to this program, BCBSDE presented Girls on the Run a check for $5,000 before the Blue Rocks game on Sept. 2.

Challenger Little League returned for its annual day of baseball on May 12. Teams from the league were able to play their games on Judy Johnson Field before the Rocks’ contest later that night in a tradition that has spanned over a decade.

During the last homestand of the regular season, the Wilmington police department collected donations for the daughter of a slain Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer. The generosity of Blue Rocks fans contributed over $5,000 to Aubrey Spicer’s trust fund.