Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $72,000 in 2022

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks awarded over $70,000 this past season to several local non-profits through contributions made by fans towards the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 raffle.

Non-profit recipients included CC RIMZ, Texas State Aquarium, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, The Traveling Library, USO South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association & Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Coastal Bend Food Bank and Rainbow Room.

“Thank you to our fans who make this possible, their support impacts more than just baseball as shown by the diversity of 50/50 raffle recipients in 2022,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “The Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle continues to be a gameday staple and creates a win-win experience for both our fans and the community.”

CC RIMZ promotes adaptive sports within the Coastal Bend. Texas State Aquarium aims to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. The mission of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation was created to expand awareness of his legacy and the continued relevance of his fight for equal rights for all. The Traveling Library provides knowledge to those in need by providing literature and other resources that are needed. USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country.

The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598 was formed for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration and offers youth programs focused on fostering patriotism and good citizenship among America’s youth. Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment.

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas promotes the advancement of women in public, corporate and civic life through education, personal and professional development. Coastal Bend Food Bank fights hunger and promotes wellness through food distribution and nutrition education. Rainbow Room provides hope for abused and neglected children.

Storm Chasers Highlight 2022 Community Service Efforts

PAPILLION, Neb. – The Omaha Storm Chasers and Chasers Charities have announced highlights of the community service efforts achieved during the 2022 season. In a year which saw an increase in community service opportunities, the Storm Chasers were excited about continuing to build upon recent successes as well as increase their presence in the community. Through their efforts, the Omaha Storm Chasers front office and players committed 683.50 hours in volunteering at over 70 community organizations within the Omaha Metro.

The Chasers’ efforts allowed $23,695 in grants to be awarded to local non-profit youth baseball and softball organizations for field and facility improvements. The Chasers were also able to raise over $36,000 for five local non-profit partners through the jersey auctions during select games in the 2022 season.

“Being a part of and giving back to our local community that supports us is a fundamental pillar of the Omaha Storm Chasers organization,” said VP and General Manager Laurie Schlender. “It is vitally important that we use our platform to help create awareness for these organizations so that they can continue to do such valuable work in our community.”

The 2022 season once again saw fans get involved in important causes. 6,206 cans of non-perishable food was donated through the Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday promotion and $10,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House Charities through the Leonard Management McDonald’s and Woodhouse Auto Family Hurl the Pearl promotion which saw fans purchase softie baseballs to be thrown into the back of a truck driven around the field.

Additional highlights include raising over $15,900 through the Chasers Charities garage sales, two $1,000 scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship presented by Weitz Company, $4,000 donated to Playsmart via the Werner Enterprises RBI promotion, and $3,381.50 donated to Operation Ride Home through a partnership with Jack Daniel’s, Republic National Distributing, and Spectra Food Services.

For more information or to see how you can get involved in the Omaha Storm Chasers community service efforts, visit omahastormchasers.com or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service.

The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian League executives, team staff members and players volunteered through food pantries, reading programs, baseball clinics, toy drives, youth centers, hospital visits and numerous service organizations.

“As league members, we appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteering, donating and providing outreach to the communities that have supported our clubs for more than 100 years,” stated Elizabethton River Riders GM and Appalachian League Charity Committee Chair Kiva Fuller.

In January, Appy League representatives participated in the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteering in 11 communities across four states, team members were involved with food pantries, book drives, local YMCA and libraries, as well as the House of Hope and Good Samaritan Ministries.

In conjunction with the League All-Star Game, league executives volunteered at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington, N.C. Along with moving items to the center’s storage unit, the group packaged and bundled diapers for families in need.

On the day of the All-Star Game, the Sock Puppets hosted a successful Play Ball youth clinic at Burlington Athletic Stadium where all 2022 All-Stars participated.

Prior to the GM meeting in Bluefield on Oct. 18, Appalachian League clubs participated in a service project at the Bluefield Union Mission. A total of 19 league and club representatives packaged meals and prepared personal hygiene kits for families in need.

More details and a full breakdown of the 2022 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2023 Appy League season begins Tuesday, June 6. The full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter and Instagram (@AppyLeague).

Chihuahuas & Locomotive Deliver Beds to Families in time for the Holidays

EL PASO, TEXAS – December 16, 2022 – Two weeks after building and assembling beds, the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal, both presented by Helen of Troy, are partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) El Paso Chapter to deliver beds to children of two El Paso families just in time for Christmas.

The team of volunteers will deliver beds to the Ramos and Lubreras families, respectively, tomorrow, Saturday, December 17 beginning at 10 a.m. Each of the families have three children and will receive bunk and single beds. The team will also set up the beds for the children. Each bed will take 15 minutes for set up.

The beds were built and assembled by Chihuahuas & Locomotive volunteers on December 3 at Southwest University Park. The build was the first of its kind in the El Paso area for SHP El Paso. As part of the volunteer event, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive Foundation donated $5,000 to purchase materials for beds.

SHP El Paso is currently taking bed request for families with children between the ages of three and 17 years of age. Families who wish to apply can visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-el-paso/. SHP is seeking bed requests for children living in the 79901, 79905, 79907, 79915, and 79930 El Paso area codes.

About Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace had its start like many other charities, in a garage. It was Christmas time, a time of joy and happiness, a time of giving and love, but also a time of bitter, cold weather and snowstorms. A project, that was started with the build of one bed for a single family developed into something a whole lot more. With wood left over from the first bunk, another idea was created. “Who else could benefit from this bunk”?

SHP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The federal ID is 46-4346568 in the United States.

WooSox Foundation Contributes $1,000 to Jingle Bell Toy Drive Benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Worcester 

Representatives of the Worcester Red Sox gathered at “El Basha” at Park Ave in Worcester on December 7 at a fundraiser hosted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Association to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

Toys and funds were collected to ensure as many kids as possible in Worcester can enjoy presents and gifts during the holiday season with their loved ones. George Lorin, Kevin Hartigan, Alex Richardson, Diane Flanagan, Eric Olafsen, and mascot Smiley Ball were among the WooSox officials on hand with Sheriff Lew Evangelidis to present the check to Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Liz Hamilton.

“On behalf of the children and staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, I wish to express our appreciation of the WooSox and everyone who made this year’s toy drive a success,” said Executive Director Liz Hamilton. “We serve more than 8,000 youth annually, and nearly 500 attend our three Clubhouses every day. We know these toys will make an impact on our kids during the holiday season.”

“Each year during the holiday season, the WooSox want to spread as much joy as possible to children and families throughout Central Mass,” said Alex Richardson, the WooSox’ director of baseball and game day operations. “It’s always a pleasure to support our community partners at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, and we’re glad we could help make this year’s Jingle Bell Toy Drive a success.”

$10,300 Raised For Charity With 2022 Home Runs

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, and their partners at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 have donated $10,300 to local non-profits through the Home Runs For Charity program.

For every home run hit by the Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark during the 2022 season, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 generously donated $100 to help the community. Somerset’s offense hit a franchise record 205 home runs last season, including 103 in Bridgewater.

Seven non-profits have been selected by the team and organization to each receive $1,471.29. The benefiting non-profits are:

  • Alternatives, Inc.
  • Easter Seals of NJ
  • Matheny
  • SHIP (Samaritan Homeless Interim Program)
  • St. John’s Episcopal Church (Somerville)
  • Somerset Health Care Foundation
  • Operation Shoebox New Jersey

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 has a long history of charitable work supporting both local as well as national causes. The motto “people helping people” is the driving force behind their efforts to help those less fortunate throughout the community. Over the years, Bridgewater Aerie # 2137 has provided monetary support for programs that assist the homeless and hungry, funded scholarships for deserving high school seniors, donated to groups that assist our veterans as well as local police, fire and rescue groups.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.

Indianapolis Indians Charities to Partner with DICK’S Sporting Goods for Holiday Shopping Spree

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indianapolis Indians announced that the organization’s nonprofit Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) will match a $1,000 donation made by DICK’S Sporting Goods to give 10 Indy RBI ballplayers and their families $200 gift cards to purchase baseball and softball equipment. The shopping spree will take place from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at DICK’S Sporting Goods located at 6020 East 82nd Street in Indianapolis, with Indy RBI families, Indians staff and the team’s mascot Rowdie in attendance.

“We are excited to partner with DICK’S Sporting Goods in giving Indy RBI families the chance to buy new baseball and softball equipment to add to a memorable holiday season,” said Joel Zawacki, Indianapolis Indians assistant general manager – corporate sales and marketing. “We can’t wait to see young ballplayers grab their favorite cleats, gloves, bats and apparel off the shelves.”

In addition to the $1,000 match donation, IIC will also purchase $3,000 of equipment in bulk orders for Indy RBI’s upcoming 2023 season.

“At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe that sports matter and instill lifelong lessons and values in our youth. For these reasons, it’s so important to host events like this in support of kids who need it most,” said Susan Myers, senior community marketing manager at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “DICK’S Sporting Goods will hold many more events throughout the holiday season to help impact children in need across the country.”

“DICK’S Sporting Goods is not only a sponsor of our program, but it is now helping Indy RBI kids directly,” said Mike Lennox, Indy RBI executive director. “We are thankful to have both DICK’S and Indianapolis Indians Charities’ contributions in what is a fantastic holiday gesture.”

The Indians open their 2023 season on March 31 at Victory Field. Full season, half season and mini plans are now on sale, and group and premium reservations may also be made. For more on the Indians, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected].

BlueClaws Charities Announces 2022 Grant Recipients

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, has announced grant recipients for their 2022 grant program. 40 organizations, all of which operate at the Jersey Shore, will use the grant money to help Jersey Shore-based programs and initiatives.

BlueClaws Charities raises money throughout the year in several ways, including the daily 50/50 raffle at BlueClaws games, special jersey and other miscellaneous auctions, the sale of mystery merchandise bags in the Claws Cove, and through other initiatives.

“We’re grateful to hand out grants to these 40 deserving organizations and are proud that all of the grants will directly benefit residents of Ocean & Monmouth counties,” said Jim McNamara, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities.

“We’d also like to thank all of the fans and supporters that contributed to our fundraising throughout 2022 to make these grants possible,” McNamara added.

Below, find the 2022 grant recipients (alphabetical order).

21, Plus Inc. – for their Main Street Greens hydroponic farm, proceeds of which benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – for their Care Services Program to provide for patients with ALS around the Jersey Shore.

American Cancer Society – for patient service programs that assist cancer patients in Ocean & Monmouth Counties including their Road to Recovery program which provides rides for patients to and from treatments.

American Littoral Society – to their Beach Grasses in Classes program, an initiative designed to engage students in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in ecological restoration and stewardship by planting and growing beach and marsh grasses.

Barnegat / Waretown Little League – to purchase uniforms and additional equipment for players in their Challenger Division.

Bridging The Gap for Veterans – for their Hometown Heroes program which recognizes and thanks a frontline worker for their service.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – to help defray the costs of mandatory volunteer background checks. Volunteers provide a variety of tasks for the disabled and homebound elderly in the area.

Child Care Resources of Monmouth County – to purchase diapers and wipes for families in need in helping to address diaper insecurity in Monmouth County.

Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation – to support treatment and research initiatives of Children’s Specialized Hospital including new facilities opening in Toms River and Eatontown.

Community Options – to support the Cupid’s Chase 5K race that benefits adults with developmental disabilities in their program.

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation – to provide financial assistance for families affected by a cancer diagnosis in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. This grant will provide a special holiday for two area families.

Easterseals New Jersey – to offset the cost of fuel to help transport adults with disabilities to social activities, concerts, fitness events, museums, and festivals.

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey – to support the 12th annual Paint the Pony Purple event at the Stone Pony, a family friendly day with live bands and activities in support of people affected by epilepsy and their loved ones.

Exit 82 Theatre Company – to provide programming including both their mainstage season of four musicals/plays and creative and performing arts academy productions of three junior musicals/one high school-college musical.

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County – to provide gift cards for new outfits and toiletries for families in need in addition to haircuts for parents and potential applicants for job interviews.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – to support Innovation Station, an education program designed to meet the needs of disadvantaged girls so they can pursue STEAM in high education and throughout their careers.

Homes Now, Inc – to help construct and monitor quality housing, enhancing the lives of income-restricted families, veterans, individuals with special needs, seniors and women/children survivors of domestic violence.

Jake’s Got This – to help offset the cost of sending children with special needs to a week-long physical therapy program not covered by insurance.

Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America – to help underwrite the cost of Scouting for low to moderate programs that are run throughout Ocean County.

JP Party Dragon – for food that will be donated to local food pantries and people in need throughout Ocean County.

Kids Need More – to benefit their holidays program, an event for children and families in Ocean or Monmouth Counties that are dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or other life-threatening illness.

LADACIN Network – towards their Give and Take Child Care program, which offers early care and learning for children between the ages of six weeks and nine years old.

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – to help funding Soldier Dogs for Dennis, which provides aDA approved service dogs to wounded warriors suffering from PTSD and/or TBI injuries.

Lunch Break – to purchase Chromebooks for their Alliance for Success students, a program that promotes youth development through constructive use of time, reinforcing emotional health, building self-esteem, and fostering a commitment to learning.

Ma Deuce Deuce (Ma22) – to provide presents to children of local veterans in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – to build and repair homes through their Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative that provide moderate to low-income homeowners critical repairs and ADA modifications.

Ocean County Family Support Organization – to offset the cost of their youth partnership camping trip in June of 2023 for youths in Ocean County with behavioral, emotional, developmental, and mental health challenges.

Ocean County YMCA – to support the Y for All Financial Assistance Program to ensure no one is turned away from the Y due to an inability to pay.

Ocean Partnership For Children – to further support groups created by the organization such as Your Authentic Self (for LGBTQ+ youth), Girls Empowerment Group, and Boys Empowerment Group Game Changers.

Ocean’s Harbor House – for general operating support providing shelter, programs, and services for homeless and vulnerable teens and young adults in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) – to support programs in Ocean & Monmouth Counties benefiting families that include children with autism and to allow these families to access recreation in the community in a safe and tolerant atmosphere.

Raising Hope for Others – to support and offset costs related to their sixth annual golf tournament that benefits Mary’s Place by the Sea, Cancer Institute of NJ, and the Lustgarten Foundation.

RJM Sports Group – to help fund scholarships given to students that graduate from the Jackson school system each year.

Seabrook Senior Living – to help make improvements to the library at their Tinton Falls senior living facility.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide – to support the Ocean County Youth Wellness Summit, a day-long event hosted by SPTS and designed to provide students, school administrators, and school staff with the necessary resources needed to encourage and support overall wellness, including the prevention of teen suicide.

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – to support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their Supported Employment and Trial Work Experience programs.

The Mya Lin Terry Foundation – to provide financial and additional resources to pediatric cancer patients in the Jersey Shore community.

The TEARS Foundation, NJ Chapter – to install a cuddle cot, bassinet that is used when a family experiences the loss of their baby and placed into the room with the bereaved family, at Southern Ocean Medical Center.

The Village of Children & Families – to support local foster and adoptive families including through clothing drives, shoe drives, and diaper drives plus through Family Fun Days for adoptive families.

United Way of the Monmouth and Ocean Counties – to support their Warmest Wishes Coat Drive for local preschool, elementary, and middle school children in need.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Woodpeckers head Second Annual “Backpacks for Patriots”

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are teaming up with the Military Luggage Company, Off-Road Outreach, Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch, and Veterans Services of the Carolinas for the second annual “Backpacks for Patriots” program. This initiative provides backpacks and other essential items for unhoused veterans and low-income military families.

The Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program have donated $7,500 for the purchase of 200 backpacks from the Military Luggage Company. The backpacks and essential items will be distributed to unhoused veterans and low-income military families on Monday, January 9th, 2023, at Operation Inasmuch. Several other services will also be available to those in need at this event.

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be collecting donations for Backpacks for Patriots over the duration of their annual Fayetteville Holiday Lights, which runs December 8th through 23rd, 2022. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, packaged donations of paper towels, toilet paper, athletic clothing, handwarmers, deodorant and over-the-counter medicine. In return for donating, attendees will receive a voucher for a discounted ticket to the Fayetteville Holiday Lights night of their choosing. Donations will be collected beside the Truist Box Office at Segra Stadium nightly from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. during Fayetteville Holiday Lights.

Backpacks for Patriots is part of the Community Leaders Program, which supports youth sports and military initiatives. For more information about the Woodpeckers, Community Leaders Program, or Fayetteville Holiday Lights, please visit https://www.milb.com/fayetteville

WooSox Wrap Up Month of Giving with Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Activities and Events

The Worcester Red Sox and WooSox Foundation wrapped up a busy November with a slew of community events and good deeds to carry the club into what’s poised to be another busy month in December.

More than 150 veterans gathered in Polar Park’s DCU Club for the club’s 8th Annual Veterans Steak Dinner, presented by Country Bank on Thursday, November 10. Veterans from all over the region were treated to a complimentary steak meal prepared by WooSox Executive Chef Tom Whalen. The WooSox welcomed vets from organizations such as Veterans Inc., Project New Hope, Clearpath New England, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Korean War Veterans of Massachusetts, Green Meadows, and other local V.F.W.’s.

Veterans at the dinner received “thank you” cards from Ms. Kara Lynch’s 5th grade class at Gates Lane Elementary School in Worcester, and were treated to a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Alan Swartz of Leominster, MA.

On Veterans Day the following day, WooSox mascot Smiley Ball stopped by Veterans Inc.’s Pancake Breakfast and marched in the City of Worcester’s Annual Veterans Day Parade with community leaders and elected officials.

On Wednesday, November 16, the WooSox welcomed 50 fourth graders to Polar Park from Worcester’s Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, and the students enjoyed a turkey feast prepared by Chef Tom Whalen.

The WooSox began the week of Thanksgiving by volunteering at Friendly House, a Worcester-based non-profit located less than a mile from Polar Park that offers social services, feeding programs, housing services, and youth programs for underserved residents throughout the city.

WooSox representatives were also joined by their community partners from the Worcester Railers, and together they helped Friendly House Executive Director Trish Appert distribute food to those in need just days before Thanksgiving.

After Friendly House, the WooSox traveled to El Buen Samaritano, a food pantry in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood, where they helped distribute food to those in need alongside Robyn Kennedy, State Senator in Worcester’s 1st District. The WooSox Foundation made $500 donations to both Friendly House and El Buen Samaritano.

On Tuesday, November 22, the WooSox Foundation deployed its Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, to help fix up a softball field in Sturbridge, MA. The team was joined by their corporate partners from AbbVie, in addition to Sturbridge Town Manager Robin Grimm, who was instrumental in alerting club officials of the field’s needs.

Chihuahuas & Locomotive to Build and Assemble Beds for Area Children and Families for the Holiday

Volunteer Information

EL PASO, TEXAS – November 30, 2022 – The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal, presented by Helen of Troy, will help make a child’s holiday brighter as they partner with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) El Paso Chapter to build, assemble, and deliver bunk beds to children and families in need.

The build will take place Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Southwest University Park. The event marks the first of its kind for the SHP El Paso Chapter.

“It is a privilege to have our baseball and soccer staffs contribute their time and efforts to such a needed cause,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “We are proud to work alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace here in El Paso to help our community.”

Founded by Luke and Heidi Michelson in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a 501(c)(3) organization that builds and delivers beds to children who do not have beds to sleep in. What stared as one bed for a family during the holiday season turned into requests from other families along with volunteers willing to donate time and money. Since its inception, the organization has grown to more than 270 chapters in the United States and across Canada, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

“I am excited about El Paso’s first bed build and excited that we are going to be building them at such an iconic place and with an iconic organization that represents joy and hope in El Paso,” said Brian Carter, Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter founder and president. “I hope this is a day of momentum that sparks lots of interest in building and giving beds for El Paso children. No child sleeps on the floor in our town.”

As part of the volunteer event, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive Foundation donated $5,000 to purchase materials for Saturday’s build.

SHP El Paso is currently taking bed request for families with children between the ages of three and 17 years of age. Families who wish to apply can visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-el-paso/. SHP is seeking bed requests for children living in the 79901, 79905, 79907, 79915, and 79930 El Paso area codes.

The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack & Locomotive Heart of Goal, both presented by Helen of Troy, are an El Paso-wide volunteer force created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region. Joining together with non-profit organizations and community partners, they are made up of Chihuahuas & Locomotive fans, players, coaches and staff with the mission of making a positive impact in the community.

The Chihuahuas and Locomotive front offices contribute more than 200 hours annually in volunteer hours via their respective volunteer groups. They have each volunteered at the Animal Shelter walking dogs, Rebuilding Together El Paso repairing homes, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, to name a few.

For more information regarding the build at Southwest University Park or to volunteer, contact Andrea Mendez at (915) 235-GOAL, Andy Imfeld at (915) 533-BASE, or CLICK HERE.

Auburn Wins WooSox’ Inaugural “Town Takeovers” Competition

On Sunday, September 25, as the Worcester Red Sox concluded a sensational second season, during which they attracted well over 500,000 fans to Polar Park, they honored the Town of Auburn as the winners of the inaugural “Town Takeovers” competition—a new program that will expand in WooSox ’23.

Of more than 20 towns and cities throughout Central and Western Mass to be featured in the program this season, Auburn produced the highest turnout with 546 fans on “Auburn Night” Wednesday, June 15.

During pre-game ceremonies at the season finale September 25, WooSox Chairman & Principal Owner Larry Lucchino and WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg presented representatives from Auburn with a large trophy and two large championship banners—one of which will remain on display at Polar Park for years to come.

The Auburn representatives were Select Board Vice Chair Sara Rufli; Director of Department of Development and Inspectional Services Darlene Coyle; Stacy Fitzgerald, an administrative assistant within the Auburn Police Department; Sue Strozina, an administrative assistant within the Town Manager’s Office; and Amy and Erik Berg, two teachers within Auburn Local Schools.

At “Auburn Night” earlier in the season, Auburn residents raised $855 for the Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. Charitable Fund, which was established in 2018 by Tarentino’s loving family, friends, and colleagues. So, on September 25, the WooSox Foundation matched this donation and presented Auburn representatives with a check for $855.

As this year’s “Town Takeovers” champions, Auburn is guaranteed another “Town Takeover” game during the 2023 season.

The AquaSox wear pink! 

The AquaSox wear pink! This October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Everett AquaSox are joining forces with the American Cancer Society to raise funds for groundbreaking research and services for people dealing with cancer. The AquaSox will be matching all donations made through our fundraising page (link below) up to $2,500! By donating and participating with us in this event, you can help us make a difference and honor those touched by cancer!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: https://tinyurl.com/y4nbveej

$61,000 Awarded Through Home Runs For Heroes Program

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The 2022 Home Runs for Heroes Program wrapped up its 14th season scoring $61,000 in grants for 14 nonprofit partners serving local members of the United States Military and Veterans. Each charity partner was assigned an inning at the beginning of the season, and each home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark during their designated inning scored a $1,000 donation.

“OceanFirst Foundation is honored to work our incredible Home Runs for Heroes partners and we’re proud to share that this special program has resulted in $560,000 in grants over 14 amazing Jersey Shore BlueClaws seasons. We take great pride in supporting the local heroes who protect and have served our great nation. Thank you Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Townsquare Media – 96.7/104.1 Cat Country for your partnership over the last 14 Seasons!” – Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation.

“Deborah Hospital Foundation is a grateful partner with OceanFirst Foundation, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and Townsquare. We’re extremely appreciative to have received a $4,000 grant from this year’s Home Runs for Heroes Program. The grant will support the HeroCare Connect program which provides high quality concierge healthcare navigation services to Veterans, active duty and retired military, and their dependents. We look forward to participating again next year. Go BlueClaws!” – Steve Toal, Chief Development Officer, Deborah Hospital Foundation.

“Military causes are very close to us all and we’re honored that OceanFirst Foundation has continued this amazing program with the BlueClaws once again,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “The program helps a grouping of amazing, local, charities that help veterans and we thank OceanFirst Foundation for their support.”

Recipient organizations included: American National Red Cross, Army Emergency Relief, Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton), Ma Deuce Deuce, Chariot Riders, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, Vetwork, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, National Guard State Family Readiness Council, GI Go Fund, Cape May Coast Guard Foundation, Jewish Federation of Southern Ocean County, Deborah Hospital Foundation, and Homes For All.

The $500,000 mark was eclipsed on the first home run of 2022, hit by DJ Stewart in the second game of the season on April 9th. Baron Radcliff led the team with seven home runs at ShoreTown Ballpark. Rixon Wingrove had six home runs and Carlos De La Cruz added five.

About OceanFirst Foundation
OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 8,600 grants totaling more than $46 million to non-profits and schools within our footprint. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

About the Jersey Shore BlueClaws
The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2022, they welcomed their 8-millionth fan to ShoreTown Ballpark since team’s 2001 inception. Additionally, the BlueClaws had 14 sellouts across the summer. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is set for Tuesday, April 11th and 2023 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale at BlueClaws.com or by calling 732-901-7000 option 3.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws/OceanFirst Foundation-

Cutters Donate to American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters recently presented the American Rescue Workers with a check for $7,626, representing the proceeds from the team’s 50/50 raffles during the 2022 season. The nightly 50/50 raffle is presented by the Crosscutters and the Pitch In Charitable Foundation, a non-profit foundation of professional baseball teams.

This represents the sixth straight season that the team has donated it’s 50/50 proceeds to the American Rescue Workers. Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The American Rescue Workers is a great organization, run by great people, doing great work. We know that the donated funds are put to good use, helping the most vulnerable in our community in their time of need.”

In the past six seasons, the Williamsport Crosscutters have donated over $39,000 to ARW through the foundation’s 50/50 raffle.