Cougars Donate Foundation Funds to Benefit Local Community Programs

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the three local organizations that will be receiving a monetary donation on behalf of the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Focusing on the three pillars and areas of need in which the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation was built on, the Cougars will be donating to organizations involving children’s programs, homelessness and indigent healthcare.

“The Cougars would like to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks for their generosity,” said owner Cheryl Froehlich. “As we continue to grow our charitable initiatives through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. we are constantly looking for additional areas where we can make a difference. This donation from the D-backs will enable us to expand our community service programs.”

In the area of children’s programs, the Cougars will be making a contribution to the Kane Excellence in Education Partnership (KEEP). The KEEP program supports and assists the academic and social emotional needs of children throughout the Kane County area. Through collaborations with districts, businesses, government agencies and education organizations, KEEP provides scholarships, educational activities, at-risk programming and necessary educational services to schools in Kane County.

To assist homeless families in the area, the Cougars will make a donation to Bridge Communities located in Glen Ellyn, Ill. The mission of Bridge Communities is to help transition homeless families into a life of self-sufficiency by providing mentoring, housing and supportive services.

Community Nurse Health Center, in LaGrange, Ill. will be receiving the final portion of the donation to help assist the healthcare needs of the local community. Since 1921, Community Nurse Health Center has served residents of the western suburbs by providing direct medical and dental care as well as health education including medical preventive services, chronic disease management, acute illness services, prenatal case management and oral health treatments for low income children and adults.

“The Kane County Cougars are a true asset to their community and share similar values to us at the Arizona Diamondbacks,” said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. “We are extremely proud of their efforts and know that initiatives such as this help teach young players the importance of giving back. In doing so, it is our hope that when they do reach the Major Leagues, their approach is aligned with ours. We applaud the efforts of Dr. Bob and Cheryl Froehlich as well as the entire Cougars front office.”

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the up to date promotional information.

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 152 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Sea Dogs Community Week March 6th-10th

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs have designated the week of March 6th-10th as Sea Dogs Community Week. Throughout the week, the Sea Dogs will donate a portion of the ticket sales to local non-profit organizations.

The Sea Dogs have teamed-up with five local non-profit organizations for the week. Each day throughout the week will benefit one of the five non-profit organizations. The Sea Dogs will be donating $3.00 from every ticket sold to that day’s selected non-profit organization.

Tickets can be purchased at the Hadlock Field ticket office, by phone at 207-879-9500, or online at www.seadogs.com. Individual tickets, group tickets, and new season tickets are all eligible as part of the offer, but must be paid in full that day.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our fans to get tickets and support a local charity at the same time,” stated Sea Dogs Executive Vice President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa. “The Sea Dogs are committed to being an integral part of the community and are happy to give back to those organizations that do so much to help the communities in which we live.”

The Sea Dogs open the 2017 season on Thursday, April 6th at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field against the Reading Fightin Phils.

Helping Hands: 2016 Power Donation Review

The annual Trick-or-Treat at Appalachian Power Park saw record attendance in 2016 with over 3,000 in attendance for the free event.

CHARLESTON, WV (February 16, 2017) – The West Virginia Power strive to build stronger relationships within the Kanawha Valley and surrounding communities. During the 2016 calendar year, the Power made donations totaling $93,800 through monetary, stadium events at Appalachian Power Park and in-kind contributions.

 

“We believe it is important to support the people in the community who support us,” said Ken Fogel, the Executive Vice President of the West Virginia Power. “We have the unique opportunity to work with a captive audience at the ballpark during the season and also help organizations raise funds through their own events.”

 

The most sizable donation was made to the American Red Cross in September. In response to the June floods, the Power worked with fans, vendors, sponsorship partners and the Pittsburgh Pirates to raise $51,115 for relief efforts. The club also made financial donations to a variety of charitable efforts like Thomas Health System’s Keys for Healthy Kids. Walks, charity functions and similar events are held at Appalachian Power Park each year, including the Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics West Virginia, the Alzheimer’s Walk and Autism Awareness Day. The

Power once again hosted the BridgeValley Community and Technical College Pumpkin Drop, where 1,200 students from 38 schools converge through a fun engineering project. The club also hosts an annual trick-or-treat event each Halloween with the 2016 version being the most successful to date.

 

The West Virginia Power also fulfill a multitude of requests for donations throughout the each year. The club has donated items for auctions and raffles to organizations like Charleston Montessori School, Read Aloud WV, FestivALL, and the March of Dimes. The Power donated hundreds of game tickets in 2016, including 285 free tickets to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Autographed items or merchandise are also popular donation requests and are used in raffles or auctions to raise money for a variety of charities.

 

Charitable organizations interested in receiving items for auctions or raffles must fill out a donation request form, available online by clicking here or submit their written request to the Power front office. For more information, call 304-344-BATS.

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

RoughRiders donate to Jerry Walker Fund

The RoughRiders Foundation presented a $3,000 check to the Jerry Walker Fund on Tuesday in Little Elm. (Frisco RoughRiders)

FRISCO, Texas (February 14, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders today donated $3,000 to the Jerry Walker Fund in a check presentation alongside the Little Elm Police Department.

Little Elm Chief of Police Rodney W. Harrison and several officers attended the event at the Little Elm Public Safety Building, with the check presented on behalf of the RoughRiders by Breon Dennis, Executive Director of RoughRiders Foundation.

“On behalf of the Little Elm Police Department, I would like to thank the RoughRiders Baseball organization for their support of the Walker Family and LEPD,” Chief of Police Harrison said. “We sincerely appreciate the entire baseball community for their contributions to the Jerry Walker Fund and the care they have shown to the men and women of our police force. We could not ask for better neighbors.”

Funds were raised during the Texas Rangers Winter Caravan at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Jan. 28.

Walker died in the line of duty on Jan. 17. He left behind a wife and four children.

About the Jerry Walker Fund

Donations can be made to the Assist the Officer Foundation, Attn: Jerry Walker Fund, 1412 Griffin St. East, Dallas, TX 75215.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing more than $7 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store, and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The upgrades made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. The same publication also honored the Choctaw Lazy River as the best ballpark improvement over $1 million for the 2016 season. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, and Nelson Cruz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor, and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Bandits donate $5,000 to American Legion

River Bandits owner Dave Heller (left) presents check to American Legion Post 26

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Furthering the traditions of giving back to the local community and honoring the United States military, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Baseball have donated $5,000 to the Davenport American Legion. River Bandits owner Dave Heller presented a check for the full amount to Post 26 Monday evening during the post’s member meeting. The donation will be used by the Legion for building repairs and roof improvements.

The grant continues the River Bandits dedication to honoring and helping those who have served our country. The Bandits currently provide ticket discounts – sometimes as low as $1 a ticket – to current and former military members, honor military and civilian personnel by giving them four free tickets to sit in the Lane Evans Patriot Seats during each home game, host the patriotic Red, White and Boom celebration every July 3 and work with military programs, such as Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, to raise money for the organizations that serve, protect and honor our service men and women.

“We at the River Bandits appreciate more than words can express the selfless dedication of all of the men and women who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform,” said Heller. “We are delighted to make this grant to fund the necessary building and roof repairs that our local Legion Post required, and even more excited to welcome Quad Cities’ veterans, guardsmen, reservists and active duty military to the ballpark all season long. Our great country was built on the strength of our veterans, and we are so grateful for their sacrifices to ensure our freedom.”

Post 26 is one of the largest American Legion branches in the state of Iowa and has been chartered since 1920. The American Legion is a national, community-service organization that has served as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization chartered by congress nearly a century ago.

“American Legion Post 26 wants to thank Mr. Dave Heller for his generous donation to Post 26,” said Commander Mike Matson. “His kindness will go a long way in helping the American Legion in Davenport help serve our local Veterans.”

In 2016, the River Bandits gave over $320,000 in charitable contributions to the Quad Cities community and seek to improve upon that number in 2017. The River Bandits season begins on Thursday, April 6, at 6:35 p.m. against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Modern Woodmen Park. Group packages are available now by calling (563) 324-3000 or visiting riverbandits.com.

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

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Friday

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application season will be closing this Friday, February 17. Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Baby Cakes donating to tornado relief fund

The New Orleans Baby Cakes have made a financial contribution to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s tornado relief fund.

Proceeds from the fund support nonprofit organizations providing assistance to families who suffered catastrophic losses due to the devastation wreaked by tornadoes throughout the region on Tuesday.

“We encourage anyone who is able to join us in assisting those in the community who need help getting their lives back to normal,” said Baby Cakes Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation donations page is located here.

Baby Cakes legal counsel and local owner Walter Leger, Jr. sits on the Board of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Through Sunday, the Trombone Shorty Foundation is matching donations to the fund dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Issues First Grant

Daytona Beach, FL — The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation issued their first $500 grant to The Miracle League of Volusia County Tuesday afternoon.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation was founded in September of 2016 by the ownership group of the Daytona Tortugas, with the mission of enriching the lives of youth in the community through physical education and sports. With the Daytona Tortugas serving as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, a partnership with a local foundation impacting the lives of youth through baseball is the perfect marriage.

Miracle League of Voluisa County was formed in early 2015 and will give those with special needs the opportunity to play America’s favorite pastime. The city of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has donated land for the future home of our local Miracle League; however, there is still a dire need to raise funds to officially break ground.

For more information on The Miracle League of Volusia County, and ways that you can help get 13,000 school-aged children to step up to the plate, please go to http://www.miracleleaguevolusia.org

And please like the Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Facebook page.

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

Riders and Kroger team up to support North Texas Food Bank

The Kroger Strikeout Hunger program helped generate $7,000 for the North Texas Food Bank. (Frisco RoughRiders)

FRISCO, TEXAS (February 3, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders, in partnership with Kroger, made a $7,000 donation to the North Texas Food Bank Wednesday as a result of the Kroger Strikeout Hunger program.

Strikeout Hunger debuted for the 2016 season, and the RoughRiders made a $100 donation to the North Texas Food Bank for the first strikeout at each of the 70 home games.

The North Texas Food Bank is a non-profit hunger relief organization that serves 13 counties across the region. A member of Feeding America, NTFB provided more than 70 million meals to the community during fiscal year 2016 and strives to close the hunger gap and provide 92 million meals by 2025. For more information or to make a donation, visit ntfb.org.

“As an organization that values being active members of our community, we are proud to support the North Texas Food Bank and assist their efforts to end hunger in Collin County and beyond,” said RoughRiders Executive VP & General Manager Jason Dambach. “We are grateful to have partners like Kroger who support our efforts to give back to those who make this area such a great place to live.”

The 2017 Frisco RoughRiders season begins on April 6, when the RoughRiders host the Springfield Cardinals at Dr Pepper Ballpark. For all 2017 ticketing information, including tickets for the Choctaw Lazy River and ticket packages for the 2017 Texas League All-Star Game at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Tuesday, June 27, fans can visit RidersBaseball.com, email info@ridersbaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200, or stop by in-person to the RoughRiders Ticket Office.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing over $7 million in wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including the new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store, and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The improvements made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and C.J. Wilson as well as current Rangers stars Derek Holland, Rougned Odor, and Mitch Moreland. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at (425) 736-2785 or via e-mail at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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PawSox Create New Pawtucket Mentoring Program with Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership

The Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership today announced a collaboration to provide mentors to Pawtucket children at nearby Agnes E. Little Elementary School. The program, announced during National Mentoring Month, features members of the PawSox front office providing their time and attention to third-graders.

In addition, the PawSox Foundation will serve as a Silver Sponsor of the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership’s signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring,” on Thursday evening, April 27, at the Rhodes of Pawtuxet.

“At the RI Mentoring Partnership, our work is all about relationships,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of the Partnership. “We are excited to support the mentoring relationships that will be formed between the PawSox staff and the students at Agnes E. Little Elementary School by coordinating this new mentoring program. The need for mentors is great, and we are hopeful this amazing example set by the PawSox will encourage other community-minded organizations to ‘step up to the plate’ for mentoring.”

“This latest initiative with RI Mentoring Partnership is another example of the true partnership that currently exists between the Pawtucket School District and the PawSox organization,” said Patti DiCenso, Pawtucket School District Superintendent. “It is a shining example of their dedication to providing our students with the positive influences and influential relationships needed to develop into focused students and model citizens.”

“Our interaction with children is rejuvenating,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Even though adults are considered the teachers, we realize that we are the ones learning from our students. The members of the PawSox front office eagerly embrace this opportunity to spend an hour or so each week to fortify a child’s belief in his or her dreams.

“In addition to our hands-on mentoring, we are pleased that the PawSox Foundation will be a Silver Sponsor of ‘Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring’ in the spring. This fundraiser is a key component that fuels the successful programs that the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership operates elsewhere in our state.”

The Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership directly operates programs in five other cites: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. This program is its first in Pawtucket.

In addition to its own programs, the Partnership supports the services of various mentoring programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students.

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

Thunder Eclipse $6,000,000 in Community Engagement in Franchise History

Throughout the 23 years that your Thunder have brought affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the greater Mercer and Bucks County region, the team has engaged in community partnerships and projects to aid people and organizations.

The Thunder are pleased to announce that the team’s, 501(c)(3), Grand Slam We Care Foundation has donated over $6,000,000 in goods, services and monetary donations in its history.

“Since our first game at beautiful ARM & HAMMER Park, we have engaged with non-profit organizations, fundraisers, and community organizations to support those in need,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled with the programs and intitiatives that we have currently and look forward to our Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci, building on the momentum of this past season to help even more familes and organizations in 2017 and beyond.”

In 2016, the Thunder engaged in more than 20 community related programs such as the NJM Safe at Home Program, PNC First Strikeout, Good Deed Day, HOPE Week, and Group Sales Fundraising to donate more than $400,000 in goods, services and monetary donations. The team also added new initiatives, one with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and the F.I.E.L.D. Program.

On June 18th, Thunder front office staff members and Thunder players Daniel Camarena, Dietrich Enns, and Jose Rosario shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research through the Vs. Cancer Foundation. The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. Money raised from the event at ARM & HAMMER Park went to national childhood cancer research as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. See photos from the event by clicking here.

The Thunder debuted their F.I.E.L.D. Program on Wednesday, July 20. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development. The program supports youth baseball in the area and in partnership with Merck, a health care leader worked to help the world be well for 125 years, Thunder front office members and volunteers came together to rebuild the fields at West End Little League in Trenton, NJ. As part of the rebuild, Diamond Pro provided professional infield materials and Finch Services Inc. donated equipment delivery in support of the rebuild. See a video recap of the program by clicking here.

The Thunder’s annual Community Grant Program supports organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children in our surrounding area as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. The Grant Program will disperse $10,000 equally to five different organizations this year. In the five-year history of the program, the Thunder have donated more than $50,000 to grant recipients.

Your Thunder will again take part in many community-related programs during the 2017 season.

Friday, April 21 – F.I.E.L.D. Program. The Thunder will again renovate a Trenton-area Little League.
Saturday, May 20 – Trenton Thunder Treasure Hunt. Take part in the annual scavengar hunt around Bucks and Mercer County for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize! To sign up to be a sponsor of the Treasure Hunt, click here.
Tuesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 10 – HOPE Week. A New York Yankees initiative that is designed to reach out to remarkable people and organizations who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities. HOPE Week stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel, the Thunder will honor an outstanding organization and take part in outreach programs during each day of the week.
Saturday, August 5 – Good Deed Day. Do good for those in your community by bringing donations to various non-profit organizations at ARM & HAMMER Park.
Tuesday, August 22 – Vs. Cancer. Following that night’s game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Thunder front office members and players will shave their heads to raise money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation and a local research partner.
Wednesday August 23 – Trenton Economic Development Networking Extravaganza. Join the Thunder for a day of networking at the ballpark and enjoy a night visiting some of the brightest night life in the city of Trenton.

The Thunder will also continue to engage in more than 20 community-related programs throughout the 2017 season. For more information on these programs, contact Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci at 609-394-3300 x118 or at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The 2017 season, the 24th in franchise history, will begin at ARM & HAMMER Park on April 13 when the Thunder host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at 7:00 p.m. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2017. For more information on the Thunder, visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Grasshoppers Step Up to Help GUM Food Pantry

GREENSBORO, N.C. – With less than a week’s supply of food on the shelves, Greensboro Urban Ministry’s executive director turned to the community for help on Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore delivered a home run.

The Hoppers presented Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) with a check for $5,000 to purchase needed food items immediately.

“Hunger and food insecurity create a terrible need in our community, and we thought it was the right thing to do to get involved and encourage others to step up so that our neighbors who need food can continue to receive help,” Moore said Wednesday afternoon. “This donation – and the tremendous support it represents – is such a blessing to the households who are counting on food assistance to make ends meet,” said Rev. Myron W. Wilkins, GUM executive director. “We are thankful and grateful for the Grasshoppers’ quick and generous response.”
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are a key partner in GUM and Church World Service’s annual CROP Hunger Walk.

Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Food Pantry is the largest local resource for men, women and families who lack adequate access to food. Requests for assistance continue to increase. In the first 12 business days in January, GUM distributed 49,686 pounds of food through emergency assistance food bags, compared with 59,132 pounds for the entire month of January 2016.

GUM distributed 1,058,152 pounds of food to the community in 2016 through the food pantry and Potter’s House Community Kitchen, which serves lunch daily to anyone in the community who is hungry. The majority of the food, 759,737 pounds, was distributed through the food pantry to men, women and families with children needing food assistance. GUM assisted 38,429 individuals and 20,947 households with food assistance in 2016.

About Greensboro Urban Ministry
Greensboro Urban Ministry, since 1967, has worked to share the love of God with people in need through practical action. The agency’s work centers on several programs: emergency financial and food assistance to help households avoid eviction; shelter for men and women at Weaver House and families at Pathways Center; daily lunch in Potter’s House Community Kitchen; and case management and financial assistance to support men, women and families moving back into permanent housing.

Please learn more about Greensboro Urban Ministry by visiting our website: www.greensborourbanministry.org.

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

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is pleased to share the second Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2016. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the many notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

The 50/50 Raffle and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2016 these two programs generated over $27,000 to support local causes including Anderson Animal Shelter, Hesed House, People’s Resource Center-DuPage County, West Suburban Community Pantry, Rush-Copley Foundation and YWCA Victims Support Services of Naperville.

A new charitable contribution for the 2016 season included the Paramount Fence Home Run for Charity. For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House in Aurora which was then matched by the Cougars organization, raising a total of $1,900.

Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K generated funds for the Ozzie’s Scholars program, which awarded $3,000 in scholarships to local students as well as the Waubonsee Community College Foundation. The Cougars Legacy Brick Program shares proceeds with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Kane County Cougars Foundation was pleased to present them with over $1,900 in 2016.

Each year the Cougars Reading Program encourages over 140,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for Ozzie’s Reading Club totaled $562,207 last year.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $14,689 in 2016.

Various other in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics, events and the Cougars on-going commitment to the senior citizen community added to the overwhelming donation total that the Kane County Cougars Foundation was able to provide in support of organizations across Kane County and the surrounding area. The Cougars hope to continue this outreach and remain active in giving back to its supporters and community members.

“As recipients of the prestigious Kane County ‘Sparkler Award’ which recognizes commitment to charitable work in the surrounding community, it’s important to us as an organization that we continue to find new ways to give back to the local organizations that help our community day in and day out,” said Cougars owner, Cheryl Froehlich.

“We are proud to once again share this information with our local community,” added Cougars owner, Dr. Bob Froehlich. “We are humbled by the generosity that has allowed us to support these initiatives and look forward to continuing our charitable outreach in the coming season.”

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 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Aces reach community impact records in 2016

RENO – Since the Reno Aces Baseball Club’s inception in 2009, the club has maintained a dedicated focus on making a positive impact in Reno and the surrounding Northern Nevada region. The Aces posted record-breaking charitable donations in 2016, thanks to overwhelming support from Aces fans and the community.

“In return to our great fans and wonderful community, we strive to impact Reno and Northern Nevada through a variety of programs and charitable donations,” said Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein. “Our vision builds on making Greater Nevada Field more than just a sporting venue, but a center for community empowerment and celebration.”

The Aces and their staff focused on four key components to the club’s overall community impact: baseball development, community events at Greater Nevada Field, community outreach and in-game fundraising and awareness.

BASEBALL DEVELOPMENT

In 2016, the Aces showed their continued support to baseball at all levels locally by hosting youth baseball camps and high school games at Greater Nevada Field.

105: In partnership with Gamer Baseball, the Aces served 105 campers over three separate youth baseball camps. The camps provided instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, along with speed, agility and strength training to make Northern Nevada youth successful baseball players in the future. Each camper received a free Reno Aces t-shirt, Aces Team Card set, two tickets to an Aces game and an Aces batting practice viewing session.

4,767: The Reno Aces partnered with multiple Northern Nevada and California little league and softball leagues to provide on-field inspiration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through Reno Aces Youth Baseball & Softball Days. Youth baseball and softball teams attend a Reno Aces game and parade around the field pre-game. In 2016, three Youth Baseball & Softball Days were held with over 4,767 participants.

$15,000: The Aces and University of Nevada baseball team played their annual exhibition game in early April, with $15,000 of the ticket sales proceeds being donated to the Nevada Dugout Club.

$54,000: For a seventh consecutive season, the Aces invited local high schools to play regular season games at Greater Nevada Field. To participate in the program, high schools committed to purchasing 500 tickets (good for any Aces regular season home game) to sell to local community supporters, with the proceeds benefiting their respective school’s athletic program. Twelve high school baseball programs participated in 2016, and a total of 4,500 tickets were sold, equating to $54,000 in donations.

COMMUNITY EVENTS AT GREATER NEVADA FIELD

In 2016, the Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted 56 programs and events, ranging from the Biggest Little Startup Fair to Trick-or-Suite prior to Halloween. A few major events are highlighted below:

30: Biggest Little Startup Fair, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – Greater Nevada Field hosted the Biggest Little Startup Fair for a third consecutive year. The fair is a cooperative effort between 30 Reno startup companies, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College. Students from across Northern Nevada were given the opportunity to meet potential employers and find out about volunteer opportunities, internships and job openings.

500+: Christmas on the Corridor, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – For the first time, Greater Nevada Field hosted the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department annual Christmas on the Corridor event. This event provided coats, toys, child I.D. and the opportunity to meet Santa for children living along the 3rd, 4th and 5th Street corridors of Reno. Families and children that attended also received the opportunity to meet the Aces mascot, Archie, and got a voucher to skate at the Reno Ice Rink. Over 500 families attended the 20th anniversary of the corridor event.

$550 + 1,077 = 898: Trick-or-Suite, benefiting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada – The Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted the fourth annual Trick-or-Suite to provide a safe trick-or-treat environment for children in the Northern Nevada community. Aces community partners decorated suites along the suite level and passed out candy to provide youth in Reno-Sparks a unique and fun trick-or-treating experience. Admission to Trick-or-Suite was $3 or 3 canned food items, with all proceeds and food benefiting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. A total of $550 and 1,077 pounds of canned and boxed foods were donated, equaling 898 meals.

11,032: Slaughter House, benefiting the Washoe County School District Children in Transition Program – Slaughter House returned to Greater Nevada Field for its third year in 2016. Slaughter House is Reno’s largest and longest running haunted house, and has become the most attended and highly anticipated Halloween attraction in Northern Nevada. Slaughter House donated a portion of all proceeds to the Washoe County School District Children in Transition Program after a total of 11,032 people visited in 2016.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Aces’ heightened focus on community outreach paid dividends in 2016.

20′: Sierra Arts Foundation Partnership, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – The largest community relations initiative the Aces and Greater Nevada Field advocated for in 2016 was the inclusion of local artwork at the Field. The initiative stemmed from seeing other ballparks’ inclusion of local artwork, and the fact that Reno has the most public artwork per capita than any other city in the world. Two 20-foot murals were painted at Greater Nevada Field’s home plate gate, and the Nevada Appeal Luxury Suite level featured local artwork along the hallway and in each suite. The Aces and Greater Nevada Field plan to continue this partnership with Sierra Arts into 2017 with another ballpark mural and new artwork in the suite level.

$1,355: Nevada Humane Society – In the fall of 2014, the Aces fostered Princess, a pit bull from the Nevada Humane Society, in effort to get her adopted and begin the organization’s goal to be ambassadors for not only pit bulls, but all animals in need of a home. After five months of no potential adopters, the organization officially adopted Princess and crowned her the “Princess of the Field.” This past year, the Aces started selling Princess Plush toys in the Team Shop. All proceeds from those sales benefited the Nevada Humane Society. In 2016, 231 Princess plush toys were sold and $1,355 was donated.

$151,175: In-Kind Donations/Donation Requests, benefiting various Northern Nevada and California Communities, Organizations, Schools and Non-profits – Throughout the year, the Reno Aces donated tickets, memorabilia, mascot appearances, merchandise and ice skating admissions to as many organizations in the Northern Nevada and California communities as possible. Donated items are used for members of those organizations to raise funds for their cause, provide awards and spread the love of baseball. The Aces donated to 532 organizations, resulting in a monetary value of $151,175.

IN-GAME FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS

The Aces hit a home run with their in-game fundraising and awareness in 2016, with fundraising totals reaching $190,434.

$12,406: Jersey Auction Totals, benifiting Veterans Guest House, American Red Cross of Northern Nevada, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, Artown, Special Olympics and Omicron Alumni Association (NAK) – The Aces hosted six jersey theme nights in 2016, with the jersey tops being auctioned off as an in-game fundraiser. Each theme night was dedicated to one of the organizations listed above. The six theme nights are listed with their corresponding jersey auction totals in parentheses: Star Wars Night ($3,690), Artown ($2,924), D-backs Affiliation Night ($2,385), Going for the Gold Night ($2,325), Heroes Night ($555) and Los Aces Night ($527).

42,500: JAKKS Pacific Home Run for the Holidays, benefiting various Northern Nevada organizations – For the fifth consecutive year, the Reno Aces partnered with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., and Reno 1868 FC to donate toys to help less-fortunate children living in Northern Nevada. This holiday season, 3,000 toys were donated to organizations in the Reno-Sparks/Carson community assisting at risk and in need youth. Since 2011, JAKKS Pacific has donated over 42,500 toys to the Northern Nevada community.

$123,271: Non-Profit Ticket Fundraising Program presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union, benefiting Northern Nevada Non-Profits – The Non-Profit Ticket Fundraising presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union program returned for the third consecutive season, with 106 organizations participating in 2016. Available to non-profit organizations, schools, sports teams, special causes and community organizations, the Aces provided tickets and fundraising materials for groups to sell game tickets at an increased price in effort to make the organization the most money possible. Groups also receive a variety of benefits to spread awareness about their cause during their game, depending on the number of tickets sold. In 2016, non-profit organizations raised a total of $123,271 through the program.

2016 monetary donations: $36,015.00

The Aces open their 2017 season on Thursday, April 6 at 7:05 p.m. against the Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park. The home opener is set for Tuesday, April 11 at 6:35 p.m. against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Greater Nevada Field. Season memberships are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Cutters Raise over $7,700 for Williamsport Area Little League

The Williamsport Crosscutters 11th annual Hot Stove Banquet was held January 16 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, outfielder Roman Quinn and TV voice Tom McCarthy in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

Quinn, reflecting on his time playing in Williamsport in 2012 said, “Just looking back on that year, it was a good time. It was my first professional baseball experience and it was great. Playing in front of the Williamsport fans was awesome.”

The night, presented in part by Pana Patriot Power, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, a Maikel Franco autographed bat, a NY Yankees VIP Game Experience and much more.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of Tony Visco into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame.   Visco, the owner and principal architect of Anthony H. Visco Architects has been part of virtually every renovation project at BB&T Ballpark since 1994. Over the last 24 years, Visco and his crew have been involved in no less than 12 renovations covering literally dozens of different projects.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the Williamsport Area Little League. At the conclusion of the festivities, they were presented with a check for $7,725

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone, online at crosscutters.com 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.