San Jose Giants and Excite Credit Union Partner for Frontlines Meal Fund

 

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants and naming rights partner, Excite Credit Union, announced today the Frontlines Meal Fund to support and show gratitude to personnel at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. The Fund will provide meals to essential healthcare, police, fire and EMT personnel working tirelessly to combat this pandemic.

“Excite Credit Union and the San Jose Giants have spent years recognizing Hometown Heroes at the ballpark, and we are putting a new spin on these efforts in a time where our gratitude is greater than ever for these community heroes,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “While we yearn for summer days spent at the ballpark, we all recognize that will not be possible without the continued courage and bravery of people fighting on several fronts of this pandemic.

The Giants are encouraging fans and the local community to contribute to the cause by purchasing San Jose Giants merchandise, bidding on specialty auction item or donating meals directly. The San Jose Giants and Excite Credit Union will also match all fan donations.

“Our partnership with the SJ Giants is not just about baseball, but serving our community when there is a need. To us, helping provide meals for essential personnel through the Frontlines Meal Fund, is not an opportunity, but a responsibility. And a responsibility we perform gratefully,” said Brian Dorcy, Excite Credit Union President and CEO.

The following efforts have been set up to grow the Fund:

• Portion of all San Jose Giants Merchandise sales will go to the Frontlines Meal Fund

For every $40 spent, $10 will be put into the meal fund

Visit https://sjgiants.milbstore.com/

• Special Online Auction featuring autographed items and Specialty Jerseys

100% of proceeds will go to meal fund

Auction Platform waiving all fees

Download Live Source App to bid

• Direct Donation – Fans can purchase the “meal fund” product in the San Jose Giants online Dugout Store

100% of purchase will be placed in fund

For every meal purchased fans will receive a $5 San Jose Giants food and beverage voucher

Visit https://sjgiants.milbstore.com/

Meals will be purchased from local restaurants to provide support for longtime community partners impacted by the pandemic.

ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 212 Major League players, 154 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Excite Ballpark, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen nearly 8 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise in all of Minor League Baseball. For 2020 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at _408_**.**297.1435_** _or visit us online at **sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942.

ABOUT EXCITE CREDIT UNION

Excite is a relatable, jean-wearing, never-boring, highly-caffeinated credit union. We’re made up of smart, friendly people who feel it’s our responsibility to take care of the neighborhoods we live in. And we want to give everyone the chance to build a financially stronger future – because together is the only way to step up to better.

Oh, we are also a very stable financially sound 68-year-old credit union with $500 million in assets and 40,000 neighbors (members). We serve our neighbors in nine counties – Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Monterey, and Alameda counties in California – and New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties in North Carolina. We also offer the same great benefits to over 400 of our business friends. We’d be happy for you to visit us at excitecu.org. Federally insured by NCUA.

Bats, Hot Rods & Legends Announce “Team Kentucky” COVID-19 Relief Effort

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals), today announced they have formed a joint effort “Team Kentucky” campaign to benefit respective local charities that are offering assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

The three clubs have joined for the first time to create a T-shirt which showcases both the unity of the teams and their shared goal of providing assistance to those in need from the Coronavirus pandemic. The shirts proudly display the state of Kentucky and feature each of the three teams’ logos in relative location to where to their home ballpark is located. The words “We are Team Kentucky” surround the silhouette from above and below, stressing that everyone in the commonwealth is banding together in this time of need.

Shirts will be available for just $15 online through the Bats team store by clicking HERE. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt ordered through the Bats’ website will benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Likewise, $5 from each purchase through the Hot Rods (HOTEL Inc., a Bowling Green based nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for the housing crises and homelessness) and Legends (The Coronavirus Response Fund, which is organized by the United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation to provide resources to organizations who support the region) will benefit a respective local charity.

Fans can order shirts beginning today (April 16). The Bats will only take preorders for this limited-edition T-shirt, and production is slated to begin May 15.

For additional information, contact the Bats’ team store at (502) 614-4509.

Visalia Rawhide Owners Team Up to Donate $30,000 for Community Relief

 

Visalia, CA- The Sigal Family, owners of the Visalia Rawhide, have committed over $30,000 to Central Valley non-profits to immediately assist those in need during the current national emergency. The Rawhide staff and the Central Valley Community Foundation have been key in researching and advising where funds should be allocated.

Joe Ross, Director of Community Partnerships for the Rawhide, would have been leading cheers and interviewing fans at a Rawhide game this week. Instead he has been reaching out to community members to learn how the Rawhide can help. “I am glad to be able to be part of the Rawhide’s generous efforts,” said Ross.

“We have been touched by our staff’s deep concern for our neighbors and our community’s willingness to chip in wherever they can.” said Sam Sigal, Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC, owners of the Visalia Rawhide. “We are grateful to these non-profit organizations for the vital work they are doing on the frontlines today and for their continued leadership in ensuring a strong and healthy tomorrow.”

Organizations receiving grants include:

Central Valley Community Foundation, Emergency Response Fund

Central Valley Health Foundation/ Adventist Health

Family Health Care Network

Food Link of Tulare County

Kaweah Delta Hospital

Kings Community Action Organization

Neighborhood Industries Take Care Fund

Sierra View Hospital

Tulare Hospital

Valley Children’s Hospital

Visalia Emergency Aid Council

Visalia Rescue Mission

In addition to monetary assistance, the Rawhide has partnered with Neighborhood Industries’ Take Care Grocery Relief Program. The Rawhide staff are volunteering to distribute Neighborhood Industries’ grocery boxes throughout Tulare County from a Satellite Distribution Center set up at Rawhide Ballpark.

If you or someone you know is in need of an emergency grocery box, please visit https://bitwiseindustries.com/takecare-request

Want to help? For only $20 you can help provide a family in need with a week supply of Groceries. If you would like to support the Take Care Program, please consider making a monetary donation at www.neighborhoodindustries.org.

For more information on COVID-19 in Tulare County please visit www.tchhsa.org

About the Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 74th year of play in 2020. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County. In 2020, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. To be a part of the 2020 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

Fisher Cats Support Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund

 

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) have introduced a new donation program to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

The Fisher Cats will make $12 and $6 donations to the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund through two new donation packages:

For $24, fans will receive four undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $12 donation will be made to the relief fund.

For $12, fans will receive two undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $6 donation will be made to the relief fund.

The donation packages are now available for purchase in the Fisher Cats online store.

“We’ve been so inspired with how our community has rallied together during these challenging times,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “We’re doing everything we can to help, and we’re proud to offer an incentive for fans to donate to the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund.”

Granite United Way is committed to ensuring that our community’s most vulnerable families have the support they need to weather the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Granite United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund rapidly deploys resources to community-based organizations that are offering emergency relief to families and individuals in need.

“During these unsettling times, one of the greatest things we’ve seen is our community pulling together,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “We have built a strong partnership with the Fisher Cats and know that their efforts will benefit those who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both with immediate needs and in the long term.”

Fisher Cats single game tickets are on sale now, starting at just $8. To learn more, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Captains announce United Way Ticket Package to support COVID-19 relief efforts

 

(Eastlake, OH) – In an effort to support COVID-19 relief efforts, the Lake County Captains are proud to announce a new ticket package in partnership with the United Way of Lake County (UWLC). Proceeds from the package will support the UWLC’s Lake County Relief Fund, which benefits food pantries, in-home grocery delivery for seniors, the Lake County Free Clinic and more.

Included with each $20 United Way Ticket Package purchase is a $5 donation to the UWLC Lake County Relief Fund, four (4) tickets to any 2020 Captains home game, four (4) ice cream vouchers, one (1) Skipper foam head, one (1) Captains autograph book and one (1) mystery bobblehead.

UNITED WAY TICKET PACKAGE

ABOUT UWLC’S LAKE COUNTY RELIEF FUND

“We know this crisis is challenging for our entire community and we’re so proud of the work being done by our partners at the United Way of Lake County,” said Captains General Manager Jen Yorko. “Their efforts are crucial to supporting Lake County residents in need and we want to help in any way we can, while giving our fans something to look forward to when baseball returns.”

Fans can donate to the UWLC at uwlc.org and they can learn more about the UWLC’s Lake County Relief Fund by visiting uwlc.org/lake-county-relief-fund.

The Captains’ front office staff is currently working remotely, but staff members can all be reached via email. A full staff directory can be found here. Fans with general questions can also email [email protected].

The Lake County Captains are the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

Carryout lunches are available to general public Tuesday-Friday and delivered to front-line COVID-19 responders on Mondays 

 

The Charleston RiverDogs announced that on Thursday, the ballclub – whose season’s start has been delayed by COVID-19 – will begin drive through lunch service at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Vice President of Food and Beverage Josh Shea, a longtime chef in the Charleston culinary scene, has created a special menu, from which patrons can order for pickup during lunchtime Tuesday through Friday for the foreseeable future. On Mondays, Shea will prepare 100 meals to be donated to various front-line COVID-19 responders in the Charleston area.

The RiverDogs, long-known as one of baseball’s nationwide leaders in food and drink creativity at the ballpark, will roll out a full menu prepared and cooked in the kitchen of the Segra Club at Riley Park. Items for purchase include ballpark favorites (yes, you can get the HomeWrecker) and healthy options, inspired by the RiverDogs’ partnership with MUSC Health.

Online orders can be placed at http://charlestonriverdogs.ehopper.info/. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and available for pickup from the VIP lot directly adjacent to Riley Park. Also included on the menu are Kids Meals, which come with RiverDogs baseball cards, and all meal orders include two free RiverDogs ticket vouchers, good for any game in the 2020 season.

The RiverDogs will also take the chance to give back to the community in this time of need. Individuals can nominate groups of community members working to fight the effects of COVID-19, including first responders and medical professionals, for free lunch for up to 100 through an online nomination form. The RiverDogs will choose recipients and deliver hot lunches each Monday, starting on Monday, April 6. The link for nomination is: https://forms.gle/yQx2sFD1j9HD94fx6.

“We’re not, unfortunately, making final preparations for RiverDogs baseball as we normally would be rolling into April,” said president and general manager Dave Echols. “However, we believe using our resources and talent to offer an option for drive through meals and help those who are hard at work on this pandemic is a way to still be a positive force in this community.”

In offering this special menu, the RiverDogs have enacted additional health measures to ensure the safety of both its employees and its patrons. Additional sanitizers will be placed throughout the ballpark and pickup location, and health checks will be conducted on the limited RiverDogs employees involved in food service. The operation is made possible in large part due to its longstanding partnerships with Sysco and Pepsi.

All links are available at RiverDogs.com.

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is also available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

RubberDucks Launch QuAkron Cares Program To Assist With COVID-19 Relief Efforts

 

(AKRON, OHIO) March 31, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to introduce the QuAkron Cares Program in coordination with United Way of Summit County and the City of Akron. Fans can support those in need with donation to the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund and receive two (2) undated 2020 vouchers.

Included in each $10.00 purchase with the Quakron Cares Program is a $5.00 donation towards the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund as well as two (2) undated vouchers. This package is now available at the RubberDucks online team store.

QUAKRON CARES PROGRAM

VISIT THE ONLINE TEAM STORE

“We know this is a difficult time for many around Northeast Ohio, but we are excited and proud to help those in need with this donation package,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “We are proud to support the hard work of the City of Akron and the Akron-Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund. We hope these packages will help during this crisis as well as offer a way to celebrate our community when we play baseball again.”

While the RubberDucks front office continues to work remotely, staff members are available by phone and email to answer any questions or concerns. The ticket office can be reached at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

 

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.

###

Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

 

Since it’s inception in March of 2019, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund has implemented the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ desire to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community through their official team charity. Investing over $71,000 in charitable giving, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours in their inaugural season, the Woodpeckers set out to establish a winning record not only in baseball games, but in their commitment to helping the community surrounding Segra Stadium.

The core program of this initiative, The Community Leaders Program, emphasizes a focus on youth sports and military causes. With the volunteerism and funds contributed by the Woodpeckers’ 2019 Community Leaders Corporate Partners (Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, Inc., and CarolinasDentist), we were able to accomplish the following projects below in 2019.

Youth Sports

  • Sponsored uniforms for 21 youth baseball and softball teams throughout Cumberland County, including the Buddy Baseball Program for special needs children.
  • Purchased and installed a new scoreboard for the Buddy Baseball Program at their home field in Massey Hill. The previous scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.
  • Provided new Nike PG3 basketball shoes for both Men’s and Women’s varsity basketball teams at E.E. Smith High School.

Military

  • Funded 50 scholarships for military children to attend summer camp at Rick’s Place. Rick’s Place is a veteran owned 50-acre park just outside Fort Bragg that provides support for active duty and veteran soldiers and their families. In addition, the Woodpeckers provided all 250 campers with a t-shirt to wear during the duration of camp.
  • In conjunction with the USO of North Carolina and with the help of over 70 volunteers from our corporate partners, the Bird Bath Kits initiative was launched. Over 1,000 Bird Bath Kits, which included various personal care hygiene items, were packed at Segra Stadium and then delivered to elementary and middle schools on Fort Bragg as part of our back to school project.
  • Purchased a new irrigation system to benefit the community garden established for veterans therapy at Rick’s Place. This garden has a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that veterans and their families are able to plant, tend, and harvest free of charge.

Other 2019 Charitable Initiatives: 
Paint the Park Purple, Alzheimer’s Awareness Night – On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the Woodpeckers partnered with McKee Homes to host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Segra Stadium. The team wore custom purple jerseys that were auctioned off in-game, raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The first 2,000 fans through the gates that night receieved custom purple Woodpeckers shirts to wear during the game, while awareness/educational videos played throughout the evening.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund Jersey Auctions – The Woodpeckers held two other impactful jersey auctions that benefited the club’s charity in 2019. The first was a Patriotic jersey for our Independence Day Celebration game on July 3rd and the second was our end-of-season Inaugural home jersey set. These funds were used to help with the above Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund initiatives.
Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Initiative – The Woodpeckers purchased 120 toys for children (infant to 19 years old) to open during the annual Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Party in December.
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hailey Keller’s Home Run for Life & Jacob Moore’s Woodpecker for a Day – The Woodpeckers were honored to have Hailey and Jacob be a part of our Inaugural season. Hailey celebrated her five year anniversary of being cancer free by hitting a “home run” and running the bases during one of our inning breaks to a standing ovation. Jacob signed a one-day contract and enjoyed a full day of team training and fun as an honorary Woodpecker. Jacob has defied the odds and continues to fight while living with terminal neuroblastoma.

In addition to the above, the club fulfilled over 200 in-kind donations to organizations throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Our favorite red-cockaded woodpecker Bunker also made over 100 appearances throughout the region, putting a smile on the face of children and keeping our fans in good spirits!

 

WooSox Foundation Pledges $10,000 to “Worcester Together”

 

WORCESTER, MA – The WooSox Foundation today pledged a donation of $10,000 to “Worcester Together” to help those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and to aid charities in the longterm recovery of the city from this pandemic.

Worcester Together, a central fund uniting the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is distributing donated funds to both meet acute needs and to help the city recover from the impact of the virus. The effort began last week as an initiative of the two charities in conjunction with the leaders of the City of Worcester.

“We are eager to do our part as members of this compassionate community,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of both the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “Larry Lucchino has often said that Polar Park will be more than a ballpark, and that the WooSox will be more than a ballclub. We hope this donation helps the people of our adopted city in this time of real need; and, we congratulate Tim Garvin, Barbara Fields, and City Manager Ed Augustus for their important collaboration on this major charitable effort.”

The Worcester Red Sox established the WooSox Foundation on January 28, 2020, when it announced donations to the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the WooSox Scholars program to benefit students in the Worcester Public Schools.

If you can, please donate to the “We Care Fund” today: https://bit.ly/2J4o8OV

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

 

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.

 

Sounds Donate $100,000 to Music City Inc. to Help Aid Tornado Relief

 

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club, on behalf of owners Frank Ward and Masahiro Honzawa, has announced a donation of $100,000 to Music City Inc., the 501c(3) charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The funds will go towards providing immediate and direct support to families that have been affected by the tornadoes in Nashville.

In addition to the donation made to Music City Inc., numerous members of the Sounds front office have lead relief efforts in the Germantown area near First Horizon Park. Those recovery efforts will continue until at least Sunday evening.

Additional donations are being made to the Nashville Sounds Foundation from the baseball community, including a significant donation from the Sounds parent club, the Texas Rangers.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation has received an initial monetary donation of $10,000 from the Texas Rangers. Additionally, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will donate to the Sounds Foundation the proceeds generated from the team’s Texas 2 Split Raffle at a home game to be announced early in the 2020 season at the new Globe Life Field. The Rangers are also donating auction and raffle items to contribute in raising funds.

“The Texas Rangers extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and to everyone affected by the devastating tornados in Tennessee earlier this week,” said Rangers Chief Operating Officer and Baseball Foundation Chairman Neil Leibman. “We want to pledge our assistance to our great partners, the Nashville Sounds in their efforts to help the community in its recovery.”

The foundation has also received a $5,000 donation from MiLB Charities and generous monetary donations from Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner, and the Pacific Coast League.

“All of Minor League Baseball stands ready to assist the people of Nashville and central Tennessee with the recovery efforts, and we are proud to assist the Sounds organization as they help those in need,” said O’Conner. “Community is a focal point of what we do across the country and when one community is in need, we rally to address the needs of those affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this disaster.”

Other Minor League Baseball Clubs or any individuals wishing to donate to the Nashville Sounds Foundation can do so at www.nashvillesounds.com/community. All funds raised will be used to help those in Nashville directly affected by the tornadoes.

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation is to utilize baseball to positively impact communities throughout Middle Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility, education, and the power of sports to transform lives.

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. 2020 season ticket memberships are on sale through the Nashville Sounds ticket office. For more information on membership packages, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

 

10th Annual Jersey Shore Wine Festival Returns April 25th

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The return of the Jersey Shore Wine Festival for a 10th season at FirstEnergy Park is so exciting that the BlueClaws moved the event up to April!

For the first time, this year’s festival will move INSIDE FirstEnergy Park, utilizing the ballpark as the backdrop for a fun Saturday afternoon with family and friends.

The Jersey Shore Wine Festival is an exciting event that features samplings from a variety of award-winning wineries from throughout the Garden State. Current wineries include Chestnut Run Farm, DiMatteo’s Vineyards, Plagido’s Winery, Villari Vineyards, Wagonhouse Winery, White Horse Winery and Valenzano Winery with more to be added soon.

Festival goers will enjoy various local crafters, many merchandise vendors, select gourmet foods, several food trucks, and a live musical performance from Jersey Shore’s finest American country group, After The Reign. Each attendee will also receive a souvenir Jersey Shore Wine Festival glass.

Tickets are on sale now! Enjoy the Early Cork Special and purchase your tickets before March 15th for only $15. Click here to purchase tickets.
March 15th until April 24th, tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 if you purchase on the event day. Designated driver tickets are $5 and include festival admission.
Vendors interested in participating on April 25th can call Sylvia Allen at 732-946-2711 or email her at [email protected] to request a vendor form be sent to them directly.

The event has a rain date of Sunday, April 26th.

Net proceeds will be donated to Sylvia’s Children, a Holmdel-based 501(c)3 organization working over the past two decades to improve the living conditions for more than 1,000 children in Uganda, 25% of whom are orphans.

About the BlueClawsThe BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They open their 20th season at FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, April 16th. Opening Night is presented by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.