PaddleHeads + YWCA Campaign Raises $46,570

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As the PaddleHeads & YWCA ‘Strike Out Domestic Violence’ came to a close on Sunday, the support in this wonderful community has never been more prevalent. Surpassing the goal of $20,000 fundraised, YWCA Missoula received $21,570 in direct donations!

The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, received a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match on donations to YWCA, up to $20,000 – with an additional match from the PaddleHeads to YWCA on all merchandise sold online during this time period, bringing the two week fundraising total to $46,570!

“We are blown away by the success of this campaign.” Said, YWCA Communications Coordinator Becky Margolis. “It’s truly a reflection of how generous this community is, and how we continue to show up and support one another through challenging times. Thank you to the Missoula PaddleHeads and to every single one of people who donated.”

“Our franchise has committed to being the best steward we can be for our community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Merchandise & People Engagement Kim Klages Johns. “We are truly humbled by the response and support this campaign has brought about. This pandemic has turned everyone’s world upside down and we recognize some are more gravely affected than others. Because of COVID shutdown Missoula YWCA was seeing a growing gap between need and funding specifically for their Domestic Violence Program. We are incredibly proud to partner with the YWCA and can’t thank our fans and community enough for their unprecedented support of this campaign.”

Though the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign has come to a close, now more than ever it is important for us all to continue and create a positive impact in our community. If you are in a position to give, we urge you to visit https://ywcaofmissoula.org/donate/ and donate directly to any of the YWCA’s community programs. Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

PaddleHeads, YWCA Launch Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign

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The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to May 10th.

“Abuse happens behind closed doors. We often don’t notice that it’s happening, even when the victim is a friend or neighbor.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “Social isolation measures necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic make this an especially dangerous time for people trapped at home with an abuser. Now, more than ever, survivors and their children need access to safety and support.”

Supporters will have two ways to donate to the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign.

The first, donate directly to YWCA Missoula’s crowdfunding campaign here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=33)
Second, purchase any merchandise item from the Missoula PaddleHeads’ shop at: https://paddleheads.milbstore.com during this campaign. Every dollar spent, or donated during this campaign will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $20,000!

Your contribution helps meet critical needs at a critical time:

  • Operation of the YWCA’s secure domestic violence shelter
  • Crisis counseling and support to help survivors heal from abuse
  • Food, phone cards, diapers and other necessities for survivors and their children
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and other protective measures
  • Operation of our 24/7 crisis line: a lifeline that’s available anytime a survivor reaches out

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is everyone’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and we commend the work being done to support survivors of domestic violence who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.”

Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The Strike Out Domestic Violence campaign will only run from April 27th to May 10th. If you can, donate directly or purchase any item from the PaddleHeads’ store, double your impact, and support those in need.

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Reno Aces and 1868 FC donating 100% of select team shop proceeds to local hospitals

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In support of the local healthcare community, the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC will be donating 100% of proceeds from a selection of items in the Greater Nevada Field team shop from now until Friday, April 17. The proceeds will go towards assisting Renown, Saint Mary’s, Carson Tahoe and Northern Nevada Medical Centers, as well as Tahoe Forest and Barton Memorial Hospitals in providing direct support to the employees fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds donated will go towards supporting the staff working in hospitals: protective equipment so the staffs can help others safely, childcare so medical professionals can continue to work, as well as food, groceries and hotel stays to ensure the families of hospital staffs are safe, healthy and fed during the pandemic.

“In speaking with our healthcare partners, there is a significant need for basic necessities, and we want to contribute,” said Aces and 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein.

“We commit 100% of the proceeds of this sale will go directly to those on the front lines against this pandemic. There are heroes among us, and right now they wear masks, gloves and PPE.”

“Residents of The Biggest Little City are doing their part, staying home, and making personal sacrifice during these unprecedented times, but the biggest heroes during this unprecedented crisis are the medical professionals,” Aces general manager Emily Jaenson said. “As an organization whose role is to physically bring people together, we thought, what can we do to help? The answer was a fundraiser where 100% of the purchase price of any pieces in the collection will benefit this community. Please join us in supporting these hospitals in the Northern Nevada community, just as they have always supported us.”

“I’m thrilled that we are able to provide an outlet for our community to support,” said 1868 FC general manager Doug Raftery. “In the end, we are rewarding you with Reno 1868 FC and Aces gear for your donation to our local healthcare workers.”

Aces items going towards the fundraising efforts include team cards, New Era packable visor hats and OT Sport replica jerseys. Reno 1868 FC will offer New Era fitted hats, women’s crew neck sweaters and men’s track jackets. The team store is currently only accepting orders made online, with the Aces team store found here, and 1868 FC’s team store here.

 

Drillers Join Tulsa Kitchens Unite to Help Feed Those in Need

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The Tulsa Drillers organization will begin to participate in Tulsa Kitchens Unite, a program that has been developed by Hunger Free Oklahoma to help feed families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the program, the Drillers’ food and beverage personnel, who normally work the games at ONEOK Field, will now instead provide a minimum of 250 meals daily that will be distributed free of charge through the program.

In addition, the Drillers have also pledged to donate proceeds from all online merchandise sales during the month of April to Hunger Free Oklahoma. For the remainder of this month, 100% of the proceeds from sales of any items listed under the “COVID-19 Relief” tab in the Drillers online store will be donated to Hunger Free Oklahoma. Also, 20% of the total on purchases of all other items in the Team Store will be donated. The Drillers online store can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Under the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program, Hunger Free Oklahoma is partnering with locally owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers and other local businesses like the Drillers that have the ability to produce pre-prepared and refrigerated to-go style meals. In turn, the meals are provided to families in this time of crisis. The program goals are to keep local kitchens open, keep workers paid and keep local families fed.

The Drillers food and beverage staff will began preparing meals this week using the facilities at ONEOK Field.

The prepared dinners are distributed at sites set up by Hunger Free Oklahoma, including at schools and at nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The meals are provided at no cost to the recipients. Tulsans who are struggling during this unprecedented economic downturn will be able to pick up the free meals and feed their families.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Hunger Free Oklahoma in the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “These are difficult and unsure times for so many of us, and we hope that the work of our folks to provide quality meals will be a comfort to local families. It is a just a small part that we can play in a very important program that Hunger Free Oklahoma has developed.”

Hunger Free Oklahoma Executive Director Chris Bernard said, “We are grateful to so many of our community partners who are working at or above capacity to make sure Tulsans in need have access to food.”

“We are also grateful to the Foundations who are supporting so many efforts around the city, including this one.”
Through the generous donations of many individuals and foundations, Tulsa Kitchens Unite has reached nearly 70% of its funding goal. The program has set an initial goal of running the program for 12 weeks, averaging 30,000 meals per week.

 

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

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Renegades focus on community-based sales, to assist the Hudson Valley during COVID-19 pandemic.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – The Hudson Valley Renegades, Short Season Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and it’s rippling effects on the local community an initiative to give back to local non-profits.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it’s safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

“As a small business ourselves, our organization and employees feel the hardships being felt by many in the Hudson Valley area and throughout our country,” said Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner. “The Renegades have always worked hard to put our fans and community first and this is more important now than ever! Through our #GadesGivingBack initiative, we hope to rally our fans and community and give back to local organizations that directly assist those in need. This season is dedicated to YOU, and we hope that you will help us support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

The breakdown of purchasing gift cards is as follows:

Purchase (You Pay): $20 Gift Card Value: $30 Donated to Charity: $5

Purchase (You Pay): $50 Gift Card Value: $60 Donated to Charity: $10

Purchase (You Pay): $100 Gift Card Value: $120 Donated to Charity: $20

Purchase a gift card HERE!

The purpose of Dutchess Responds is to provide critical needs such as food, medications and household essentials to individuals experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 virus emergency. Community leaders, in conjunction with Dutchess County government have established the Dutchess Responds fund at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

The next #GadesGivingBack initiative will be when single game tickets go on-sale, which will go live on Saturday, April 11 for online purchases only at hvrenegades.com. The first week, Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18, $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to a charity.

In 2019 the Renegades donated over $170,000 in in-kind donations to hundreds of organizations throughout the community. One of the most successful ways of generating money for organizations was through the Renegades Fundraiser Program. The program allows a group the ability to choose the Sunday through Thursday game they want to attend, the Renegades will set-up an online portal for individuals to purchase. Each package is $13, and includes a General Admission ticket, Gades Group Hat and a $5 donation back to your organization. If this is something your group is interested in participating in please email Tyson at [email protected] with the Subject: Host A Fundraiser.

The Renegades will choose a new non-profit for each community outreach initiative that is rolled out, making sure to reach not just those in Dutchess County but all of our fans in the Greater Hudson Valley Region.

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2020 Danville Braves 5K Date Announced, Presented by HomeTrust Bank

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DANVILLE, Va. – For the second consecutive year the Danville Braves will host a 5K race at their stadium, presented in back-to-back years by HomeTrust Bank on Saturday, July 25 at 8 a.m.

“At HomeTrust Bank we take community support seriously, and we’re so thankful to be sponsoring The Danville Braves 5K that contributes to the United Way,” said Kimberly Fox, branch manager at HomeTrust Bank’s north Danville location. “The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County’s focus on education, health, financial empowerment, and workforce development are near and dear to us, and we look forward to being involved in this event each year.”

This is the third year the Danville Braves have hosted a 5K race in the last four years (2017, 2019, 2020). The event raised over $1,400 for the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County in 2019, and the event expects even more participants and donation money in 2020. In total, the D-Braves gave nearly $50,000 in gifts in-kind and monetary donations in 2019.

“We are so proud to bring our 5K back to our Danville community in 2020,” said Stephen Brunson, D-Braves assistant general manager and community relations contact. “This event epitomizes what our team stands for – fun, family-friendly activity and giving back to the community that has supported us these past 27 years.”

Each race pack includes a ticket to the game at 6:30 p.m. on July 25 vs. the Pulaski Yankees, a race performance shirt and official timing, provided by the Brick. Registration for the race is $30 for all participants that register online or over the phone by July 10th and will raise to $35 for participants that sign up after the early bird deadline. All participants will be required to sign a waiver at the ballpark the day of the event. The race route is yet to be definitively determined but will include aspects of the warning track in the stadium and the Riverwalk trail along the Dan River.

Registration is open for purchase at dbraves.com/5K or by calling our office at 434-797-3792.

Opening Night for the D-Braves is set for June 22, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. For all up-to-date information on the upcoming 2020 season visit dbraves.com or follow the team @DanvilleBraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Elias, Donations Highlight Jam-Packed Hot Stove Banquet

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SALISBURY, MD – An appearance from the Orioles’ general manager and a donation to a new Wicomico County project became highlights of the 19th annual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet, held on Thursday, January 23, at the Wicomico Civic Center in preparation for the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball.

The keynote speaker for the event was Mike Elias, general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Orioles. Elias, who last visited Salisbury for the Shorebirds’ playoff game on September 6, took questions from the audience and spoke at length about the importance of Delmarva and Baltimore’s other minor league affiliates in reversing the Orioles’ major league fortunes in the coming years.

“Some of the names we’ve been reading about are going to start to arrive in Camden Yards,” said Elias. “It’s still about player development and those individual performances and not necessarily the team’s win-and-loss record. Those guys are taking steps forward, graduating to the big leagues and adjusting to big-league life.”

Elias also paid one last homage to the 2019 Shorebirds, who won a franchise-record 90 games en route to a South Atlantic League postseason berth and earned MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year honors. Delmarva was one of four Orioles affilates who either made the playoffs (Bowie), contended until the season’s final day (Aberdeen), or finished with their league’s best record (Gulf Coast League Orioles).

“It’s exactly what you want to see, especially when you’re in a rebuild,” said Elias. “We’re focused on that type of success. The success of teams like the Shorebirds is really going to dictate what we do the next couple of years in Baltimore.”

Before Elias’ keynote address, the Civic Center crowd of almost 300 heard from several other speakers, including Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters and 7th Inning Stretch LP President Pat Filippone. Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Kent Qualls was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to unscheduled business.

Bitters announced during his presentation that the Shorebirds were donating $25,000 to Field 7 ½, a new initiative from the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Bitters presented a ceremonial check on-stage to Department Director Steve Miller.

In addition to the Field 7 ½ donation, the Shorebirds held a silent auction and raffle in order to raise funds for two other charitable partners. The auction and raffle brought in nearly $3,000 for the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, partner of the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund, and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Shorebirds also presented hardware to their 2019 Fan of the Year, longtime season ticket holder and player host family mom Vicki Parks. Caroline Beauchamp, Shorebirds head groundskeeper, was named Employee of the Year by the Delmarva Shorebirds Fan Club.

The night served as the downbeat for the 25th season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, set to begin on Thursday, April 9, against the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Season tickets are now on sale and single-game tickets will be unveiled week-by-week for online purchase in the coming weeks.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

IronPigs Charities presents $53,400 in Community Grants

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IronPigs Charities, the philanthropic branch of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, announced the 20 recipients of the 2020 Community Grants. Grants, which totaled $53,400, were provided to the following organizations in support of educational and recreational programs for youth in the Greater Lehigh Valley, especially those in underserved populations or those who are differently abled. IronPigs Charities has donated $1,081,329 since 2007.

“These grants are made possible through the proceeds of multiple fundraising events conducted during our season,” said IronPigs Charities Executive Director Diane Donaher. “We received 80 grant applications from many worthy community non-profits. While the decision was difficult, we are excited that the projects selected by our Board of Directors will use the funds to provide positive experiences for children that often go without these sometimes-transformational opportunities because of economic and other access barriers. We thank all Lehigh Valley IronPigs fans for their support of IronPigs Charities. It is through your generous donations that these grants are possible.”

Here’s a full list of the 20 recipients of the 2020 Community Grants:

Bethlehem Area Public Library
Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Boys & Girls Club of Easton
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Camelot for Children
Center for Vision Loss
Children’s Home of Easton
Community Bike Works
Diakon-Adoption Program
Easton Community Center
Greater Valley YMCA
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
Mikayla’s Voice
Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley
Northeast Community Center
Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority
Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.
The Salvation Army
Wilson Area LINCS Family Center
YWCA Bethlehem

IronPigs Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ commitment to the Lehigh Valley community and is presented by the Air Products Foundation.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Modesto Nuts Release 2019 Community Impact Report

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The report covers the 2019 fiscal year and discloses the Nuts contributions of over $375,000 to community related programs.

“Our community is the backbone of everything we do, without it we cannot exist.” said Zach Brockman, General Manager of the Modesto Nuts. “In the coming years, we will be continuing to increase our community footprint and we invite all of our current and potential partners to join us in this initiative.”

With the help of The Parks Group and Mocse Credit Union, the Modesto Nuts Reading Program involved around over 80 schools and over 35,000 local students. The Reading Program motivated children to reach their reading goals by offering performance-based incentives from Save Mart, Chuck E. Cheese, Taco Bell, and The Modesto Nuts.

Non-profit organizations and little leagues used the Modesto Nuts ticket fundraising program to generate much needed funds. Additionally, the Nuts donated gift baskets which included game tickets, premium suites & autographed memorabilia to over 200 different local charities.

Modesto Nuts players, coaching staff, and front office donated their time generously to different organizations throughout the community. From school career fairs, to little league opening days, and much more; the Modesto Nuts were able to teach important values such as chasing dreams, having integrity and working hard for what they want.

In back to back years, the Modesto Nuts have doubled their community appearances. For more information on how you can have a Modesto Nuts representative at your event, please head to our Community Appearance Page.

CLICK HERE for the full 2019 Community Impact Report

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the California League Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Modesto Nuts is the Central Valley’s place for family, fun, affordable entertainment. For more information on season tickets, group rates, sponsorships and more visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).

Cutters Hot Stove Banquet Raises over $6,700 for Charity

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The Williamsport Crosscutters 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was held January 15 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies legendary outfielder Greg Luzinski, ESPN Baseball Insider Tim Kurkjian, 1992 World Series MVP Pat Border who managed the Cutters the past 5 seasons and Phillies Asst. General Manager Bryan Minniti.

The night, presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia.

It was announced at the event that Borders has been reassigned to manage the Phillies full season Class A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers in 2020. It had been previously announced that Borders would return to manage in Williamsport for a sixth season. As part of the Hot Stove festivities, the Cutters retired Borders jersey number 10. He ends his Williamsport managerial career with 186 wins, the most by any Cutters manager.

Additional highlights included the induction of Rob Thomas into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and Navy quarterback Hal Spooner’s induction to the Williamsport Sports Walk.

Thomas has been the public address announcer at Cutters home games for the past 20 seasons. Spooner, a Williamsport native helped lead the 1960 Navy Midshipmen to a 9-1 regular season record and a trip to the Orange Bowl

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the West End Christian Community Center. At the conclusion of the festivities, they were presented with a check for $6,750.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 19 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone, online or in-person at BB&T Ballpark.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Grizzlies Give Back More Than $1M in 2019

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Chukchansi Park thrived in 2019, playing home to more than 135 non-profit events, with a total of nearly 25,000 attendees. The Grizzlies also gave more than $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations, which was the most in Minor League Baseball’s Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

The Fresno Grizzlies take pride in assisting, rewarding and supporting worthwhile causes throughout the Central Valley. In 2019, the Grizzlies and Chukchansi Park were grateful to help out so many individuals and organizations.

“Giving back to the community is in our DNA at the Fresno Grizzlies, and these efforts extend far beyond the baseball diamond,” said Madeline Hamada, Community Engagement Manager. “Grizzlies’ programs and community initiatives are helping fulfill our vision of giving back and making the Central Valley a better place to live.”

Non-profit events held at the ballpark included the Cen Cal Fury softball clinic, the Downtown Academy graduation, the Valley Children’s water safety presentation and the Exceptional Needs Formal. Also, the Fresno American Indian Health Project company retreat, Valley PBS end-of-year awards and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk held their events in the friendly confines of Chukchansi Park.

“The Grizzlies are an integral part of Downtown Fresno and we are so thankful for the team’s exceptional community contributions,” stated Lee Brand, Fresno mayor. “The array of events that Chukchansi Park hosted last year clearly demonstrate the organization’s dedication to the City and its residents.”

Besides these non-profit events, the Grizzlies continued a trio of programs with amazing community benefits. Junior Grizzlies, a 10-week, non-competitive, adaptive baseball league for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities had more than 160 children and adults participate during the 2019 season. Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently celebrated its 16th season in 2019. Since 2012, Wild About Reading has reached 95,000 students with more than 160 schools involved. Finally, Making the Grade allows area schools to reward hard-working students with an afternoon at Chukchansi Park. Nearly 20,000 students and 224 schools participated this year.

Overall, the Grizzlies gave $1,038,310 in monetary and in-kind donations during 2019. $65,500 was raised in ticket fundraisers for non-profits and little leagues, $11,500 was earned through theme jersey auctions, $10,530 was raised through food donations to the Poverello House through the Zero Waste Policy and $10,500 was awarded in Farm Grown Scholarships. On top of that, the Grizzlies front office spent 400 plus hours volunteering around the Central Valley. If you would like to help around your community, join one of these amazing events or be apart of helping the Grizzlies in 2020, click here to learn more.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League (PCL) and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue, hosting a myriad of other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, festivals, high school baseball and over 100 non-profit community events every year. The Grizzlies enter the 2020 season – their 23rd in Fresno – on the momentum of the fifth championship in 10 years by their big league affiliate. The team celebrated their own PCL title in 2015.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. Releases 2019 Annual Report

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GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. proudly presents the 5th Annual Report to the Community detailing the organization’s charitable outreach in 2019. Each year, the report lists the extensive accomplishments of the Foundation as well as the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

It was another record-setting year for the Cougars Foundation as giving exceeded the $1 million mark, making 2019 the second consecutive year charitable giving was above the $1 million milestone. In addition, the Cougars moved into the top five among all Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams in charitable giving following the release of the MiLB Charity Report for 2018. The Cougars are currently ranked fifth out of all 160 teams, marking the second consecutive year the team was ranked in the top ten for charitable giving.

The Foundation achieved additional milestones as the five-year record giving streak has soared over 1,500% since 2014. Individual programs supported by the Foundation have reached a total of 24, while cash contributions were provided to 32 community organizations, the largest number of programs and organizations that have benefited from the Foundation in its history. Program highlights include the Cougars Reading Club which now reaches over 450 schools and 138,000 students with the Summer Reading Program now including 89 libraries and over 5,400 student participants. The Foundation also operates two scholarship programs, issuing grade school level scholarships to six local students and five college-level scholarships. Military Outreach continued to see growth, reaching over 1,100 current and former military service members while the Senior Citizens Outreach touched over 2,500 local seniors age 65 and over.

In addition to the expansion of current programs, new programs were added such as Mental Health and Deaf Awareness Night. The Foundation teamed up with local charities that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during select nights, the Foundation made a donation with a portion of the total proceeds benefiting the selected charities.

The highlight of the year for the Foundation came at Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. Ballpark Digest selected the Cougars Foundation out of all 160 MiLB teams to receive the prestigious Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award for the 2019 season. Following the announcement that the Cougars had been selected, the Foundation received a congratulatory message from NASDAQ on the famous MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square. This marked the first time a MiLB Foundation was featured on the MarketSite Tower.

Across all 24 programs, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation’s charitable giving reached a total of $1,054,980.

“None of these accomplishments would be possible without the commitment of our Foundation’s sponsors, donors and partners,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Their willingness to step up for our community is seen each and every year that we’re able to expand our outreach. It’s amazing to watch the impact of the Foundation stretch far beyond the baseball field.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

The Kernels Foundation is now excepting Grant Applications Online

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Awards for the Spring Cycle will be selected in March

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Kernels Foundation is now accepting grant request applications online at www.kernels.com. All information, including the application form, guidelines, and application cycles, can be found at the following link: https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/community/grants.

The Kernels Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for the Spring Cycle, which runs from January 1 – February 15. Approved grants will be announced in March.

The purpose of The Kernels Foundation is to ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life-enhancing lessons that come from engaging in athletics and recreational activities.

All grant applications that are submitted online will be evaluated by The Kernels Foundation Board of Directors.

Pinstripe Pals: Little League program returns in 2020

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

MOOSIC, PA (December 20, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in partnership with Maines Food and Party Warehouse, will once again offering the Pinstripe Pals program, supporting area youth softball and baseball leagues. Applications are being accepted now and 10 youth leagues will be chosen to receive a sponsorship from The SWB Pinstripes Foundation and a gift card from Maines.

Pinstripe Pals heads for year six in 2020. Each of the ten leagues selected will receive a $500 sponsorship to help pay for costly supplies, such as uniforms and equipment, as well as a $500 gift card to Maines Food and Party Warehouse, which can be used to help teams pay for items for concessions, thus raising more money for their respective league.

Click here to print the application.

Each league selected will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade at PNC Field before a RailRiders home game and the opportunity for RailRiders assistance with league fundraising. Selected leagues will have a photo of their choice placed in the GuideRail game day program on your league’s night and one of the teams in each league will serve as the “Field of Dreams” club on that night and take the field with our players.

League representatives are encouraged to fill out the Pinstripe Pals application form and submit a 500 word essay describing why their league should be chosen. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 21, 2020.

Completed applications can be emailed to Jordan Maydole at [email protected], faxed to 570-963-6564 or mailed to:
SWB RailRiders
Attn: Pinstripe Pals
235 Montage Mountain Rd.
Moosic, PA 18507

For more information on the Pinstripe Pals program, presented by Maines Food and Party Warehouse, please contact Jordan Maydole or Robby Judge at 570-969-2255. The 2020 season opens on April 9 at PNC Field against the Buffalo Bisons.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Gwinnett Stripers Accepting Grant Applications for 2020

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, are now accepting applications for the 2020 Stripers Grant Program. The program will award a $2,500 grant to a different nonprofit organization each month from May through August.

Each month will focus on a different category of nonprofit organizations, all fitting within the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are:

  • May: Military programs
  • June: Health and wellness programs
  • July: Service-oriented programs
  • August: Youth programs

Interested nonprofit organizations may apply online at GoStripers.com/grants through March 1. Organizations deemed qualified will be contacted by the Stripers to provide supporting documents by March 23. One organization will be selected by the Stripers as the recipient of a $2,500 grant each month and will be recognized during a Stripers game at Coolray Field.

The Stripers have partnered with the Atlanta Braves Foundation to award grants to nonprofits since 2009, totaling $185,000 in donations over 11 seasons. After awarding $1,000 grants from 2009 to 2018, the Stripers increased the total to $2,500 in 2019, donating to four organizations: Operation Homefront, Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett, Mending the Gap Inc., and Spectrum Autism Support Group.

“The Stripers Grant Program is central to our goal of making a lasting impact in Gwinnett County,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “We look forward to continued success in improving our community through support of local nonprofit organizations and their essential missions.”

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.