PawSox Again Cross the $100,000 Mark in Community Contributions in 2016

The Pawtucket Red Sox again reached a six-figure charitable milestone in 2016, exceeding $100,000 in cash commitments and contributions to the community. The club and its foundation, the Pawtucket Red Sox/James J. Skeffington Charitable Foundation, have typically combined to reach such a level of philanthropy over the past dozen years.

“We inherited a great tradition of giving, led by the late Ben Mondor and our current Vice-Chairman, Mike Tamburro,” said PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino, who established charitable foundations with each of his previous clubs (the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox). “We want to build on this tradition. We believe we are only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential of the PawSox Foundation.

“One of the greatest assets of a professional baseball team is its power to raise funds, do good deeds large and small, and make a real difference in the city, the state, and the region.”

The PawSox Foundation’s largest single commitment this year was the creation of the PawSox Scholars Program, in which two 8th graders, one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls, were selected to each receive a $10,000 college scholarship upon matriculation, provided they maintain their good standards of scholarship and citizenship.

On November 4, the students, 13-year-old Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Junior High School, and 14-year-old Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Central Falls’ Dr. Earl Calcutt Middle School, were joined at a McCoy Stadium Press Announcement by their respective Mayors, the Honorable Donald R. Grebien of Pawtucket, and the Honorable James Diossa of Central Falls.

“The PawSox Scholars program has the capacity to impact lives dramatically,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who was instrumental in establishing similar models in San Diego (Padres Scholars) and Boston (Red Sox Scholars). “Funding dreams is powerful, and we are eager to increase the degree to which the PawSox Foundation does so.”

In addition to efforts in education, the PawSox Foundation also focuses on care for veterans and for children battling cancer.

In the first week of new management in November of 2015, the PawSox hosted a steak dinner for veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse. They did so again in 2016, and in between, they honored a veteran on the field between innings nightly in the new “In Debt to a Vet” program. On Veterans Day, 2016, the PawSox Foundation made a donation of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in an event attended by Governor Gina Raimondo.

The PawSox Foundation raised more than $10,000 for the Tomorrow Fund, the honored Rhode Island institution that helps families whose children are battling cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Beyond the financial help, the PawSox raised awareness for the organization and the cause by “Going Gold” on September 1, the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The club honored Rhode Island’s Melissa Murray, whose late son, Dorian, became an international social media sensation (#DSTRONG) when the little boy’s dream of becoming famous in China came true. Throughout the year and at the holidays, PawSox players, executives, and mascots visited the children, bringing cheer, smiles, and gifts.

Throughout the year, the club engaged in community activities, both at McCoy Stadium and throughout Rhode Island. Corporate partners such as the Rhode Island Honda Dealers, Citizens Bank, and Jordan’s Furniture were instrumental in the efforts.

In January, the PawSox welcomed Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey III, who gave first-hand anecdotes to local youth about his legendary namesake grandfather and the revolutionary signing of Jackie Robinson.

In February, PawSox staff “saw their shadows” on Groundhog Day, as Pawtucket students learned first-hand about the work in a baseball front office. Later that month, Paws and Sox visited seniors and brought them flowers on Valentine’s Day.

In March, new club leaders toured the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, a longtime beneficiary of PawSox philanthropy.

Throughout the baseball season, the PawSox were host to thousands of children, some receiving free tickets, some receiving special care from the Make-A-Wish Program, and some participating in the emotion-filled Challengers Program (for those with disabilities). The club and its foundation presented baseball clinics, collected donations for the Rhode Island Food Bank, and helped hundreds of organizations raise funds for their charities. The club also aided various non-profits by providing hundreds of auction items, including a 20-person suite to benefit Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

In October, the PawSox opened the ballpark to the neighborhood for an Open House and then a Halloween Trick or Treat event.

In November, after welcoming the veterans, the club welcomed 3rd graders from the Potter-Burns School in Pawtucket for a Thanksgiving luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Also at Thanksgiving, the PawSox donated funds and in-person support to Pawtucket First Lady Laureen Grebien’s charitable basket drive to help feed needy families.

In December, the PawSox Holiday Caravan featuring Southpaw Brian Johnson visited Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Tomorrow Fund Clinic. The PawSox then opened their doors to all for a free holiday event, the 2nd Annual PawSox Enchanted Village, which drew more than 1,000 fans.

A week later, more students-this time members of Goff Middle School in Pawtucket–enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Steinberg and General Manager Dan Rea explained the importance of education while mascots Paws and Sox provided entertainment.

The PawSox Foundation engaged in many less visible deeds as well, including sponsoring a PawSox-themed house at the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland and making donations to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen to provide Christmas meals to families.

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

Baseball Dinner Donates Over $127K

In the spirit of the holiday season, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today the proceeds generated by the 2016 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, more than $127,000 was donated from the Nov. 19 event to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We’re honored to host this event every year, and we’re proud of the impact it makes in our community,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is at the forefront of what we do as an organization, and we’re so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who make the Baseball Dinner successful each year.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, especially the kids and families we serve, I would like to express our deepest thanks for the wonderful partnership we have with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats,” said Dr. Keith Loud, Director, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. “The Granite State Baseball Dinner committee, the Fisher Cats staff and the entire Fisher Cats’ organization are truly champions for kids. They make a difference for all the children of our region, but especially those who are sick and injured, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

“This announcement has become a holiday tradition for us, and it means so much to our staff and the entire Fisher Cats family,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “The Baseball Dinner is the highlight of our offseason. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to donate to these great charities, and the support of our fans and partners in the community really makes a difference.”

“We are honored to participate in the Granite State Baseball Dinner every year,” said Ted Williams Foundation Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “Through our partnership with the Fisher Cats and CHaD, and the generosity of the sponsors, fans, and athletes, we can further our initiatives to honor and celebrate the game of baseball.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, more than $1.5 million has been donated to the three charitable groups.

In addition to the main fundraising efforts of the event, the Fisher Cats and Primary Bank partnered to host a coat drive to benefit New Horizons for New Hampshire. Dinner patrons donated dozens of coats, which will be used by New Horizons to provide warm clothing for those in need during the winter months.

The 2016 dinner featured another unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire native and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter and Hall of Famer Wade Boggs. Additional guests included former Red Sox Luis Tiant, Lou Merloni and Rich Gedman, along with pitching greats Denny McLain and Scott McGregor.

Several Granite Staters were also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitchers Carson Cross of Brentwood, and Nashua’s Kevin McGowan.

A group of New England prospects also attended the event, including Alex Powers of Hyannis, Mass. and the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Keene State standout and Orioles prospect Cody Dube, and former St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Dover, N.H.) star Ryan McKenna, who Baltimore drafted in the fourth round last year.

The Fisher Cats were honored to host two members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, Brian Gentilotti and Matthew Pennington, as well as 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2017 on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The Fisher Cats open the 2017 season on Thursday, April 6, versus the recently renamed Binghamton Rumble Ponies (AA-New York Mets). On July 12, the team will host the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium featuring the top prospects from each of the league’s 12 teams.

Fisher Cats full and half-season tickets are available now and feature a wide variety of benefits, including reserved seating for the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic, up to $100 in Fisher Cash, access to exclusive events like on-field batting practice, team autograph signings and more. Visit nhfishercats.com for more information.

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

Legends’ donations for 2016 top $1,000,000

Big L and the Legends welcomed Girl Scouts to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a campout May 6. More than 330 girls spent the night at the ballpark. The Girl Scouts were one of many organizations who received support from Legends’ community programs in 2016.

             (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends made donations totaling $1,000,763 in 2016 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky.

In its 16-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $15 million to the region.

“The Legends are proud to be part of this community and region,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We will continue to provide support to these great organizations that do so much good work.”

Among the organizations and causes who benefited from events and programs in 2016 were:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts:  Overnight campouts for Boy Scouts (August 18) and Girl Scouts (May 6) were held following Legends games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The scouts sold nearly 1,000 donated game tickets to raise funds for their organizations. About 700 scouts participated in the campouts.

                Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on July 9. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the Legends game that night, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Cancer Link, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a celebration lunch, with proceeds going to those same three organizations.

                Military Appreciation Night: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night was held on June 25. It included an auction of jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages with personal items and snacks to military personnel.

                Bark in the Park: The Legends held 12 “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2016 season. Dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to the game, and a two-dollar “admission” charge for each dog was donated to the Scott County Humane Society.

Guns and Hoses Softball Game:  The Legends provide the setting for the Guns and Hoses game, which matches the Lexington Police Department against the Lexington Fire Department in a softball game and home run derby. The winning team takes home a trophy, and the loser receives a toilet seat as the runner-up prize. More than 2,000 people attended the 2016 game.

Community Organization of the Night:  The Legends provide an opportunity for a local non-profit organization to step into the spotlight at a Legends home game. Organizations may set up an information table on the concourse, and a representative is interviewed on the field before the game and on radio during the game.    Organizations who purchased discounted tickets for re-sale as a fundraiser also received 25% of the proceeds from that night’s 50-50 raffle. (The Legends Charitable Fund also received 25%, and the fan holding the winning ticket received 50%.)

                Hit the Books Reading Program: Geared toward elementary schools, the Legends’ Hit the Books Reading Program is designed to encourage students to read, both in school and away from school.    The Legends gave away 33,000 Hit the Books bookmarks to students in central Kentucky in 2016. (A winning bookmark design is selected from students’ entries.) Those who complete the Hit the Books reading program are awarded two tickets to a Legends home game.

Field of Dreams: The Paul Miller Ford Field of Dreams program allows youth baseball and softball players to be part of pre-game festivities. Members of the youth teams are introduced to the fans and take the field along with the Legends starters. Teams are selected at random from registrations received at Field of Dreams sponsor locations.   Team members receive complimentary admission to the game. The Legends hosted 80 Field of Dreams teams in 2016.

           Legends Character Award at William Wells Brown Elementary:   Every nine weeks during the school year, 19 students from William Wells Brown Elementary School in Lexington are selected to receive the Legends Character Award. The award is designed to motivate students to demonstrate good behavior and a great attitude. The students are nominated by their classroom teachers. Winners are publicly recognized and personally congratulated by the Legends’ Big L.

Kids Area:   At every Legends home game in 2016, Lafayette High School cheerleaders volunteered to work in the Aetna Kids Play Area to raise money for their cheer program. The Legends made a $7,500 donation to the program.

Go Red Night: The American Heart Association and St. Joseph Health Care System sponsored a “Go Red” Night June 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, where fans received information on the dangers and risks of heart disease. Free blood pressure checks and presentations of information were provided throughout the game.

Donation requests:  The Legends donate tickets, memorabilia or merchandise to as many organizations as possible. Tickets are used by members of the non-profit organizations or for auctions to raise funds for those organizations. The Legends fulfilled more than 300 donation requests in 2016.

  United Way of the Bluegrass:  Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In 2016, the Legends donated 23,333 tickets for use by the United Way.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the jerseys worn by the players during home games. Proceeds go to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

                Fundraising tickets:   The Legends offer schools, teams and other organizations an opportunity to buy tickets at a discounted price and raise funds by selling the tickets at the regular price. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased at the discount rate for fundraising in 2016.

For more information on the Legends’ community programs, contact Sarah Bosso at 859-422-7847 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com

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

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

For the Sacramento River Cats, the Season of Giving is year-round effort

The Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the “Season of Giving.” At the River Cats (supported by SAFE Credit Union), though, the season of giving isn’t limited to a specific time of the year. Instead, with programs like Cats Care, the River Cats Foundation, and others, we’re working year-round to give back to our community.

Whether it’s Dinger visits to local schools, hospitals, or charity fundraisers, or Cats Care volunteer events at the Front Street Animal Shelter, our dedicated River Cats staff are always finding ways to give of their time, energy, and talents. Even the players get involved, participating in local events for various charity and community organizations.

In addition to giving of our time and energy, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over a combined $100,000 through the River Cats Foundation and ticket donations. This past year, our donations reached various non-profit organizations – both national and locally – as well as local programs, specifically geared toward youth and healthy living.

While not a complete picture, enjoy this visual breakdown of all that our team has done over the past year!

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

Cutters & NYPL Foundation Donate to the American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters and the New York-Penn League Foundation recently donated over $8,000 to the American Rescue Workers. The donation represented the proceeds from the New York-Penn League Foundation 50/50 Raffle held at Cutters games in 2016.

“We were delighted to have the American Rescue Workers as a partner in our nightly 50/50 raffle and look forward to assisting them in their mission again in 2017,” said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations, Gabe Sinicropi. “The amount generated exceeded our expectations and we want to thank all of our fans for their support.”

This past season, the Crosscutters utilized the services of 50/50 Central, a company that provides electronic 50/50 raffle services to many sports teams across the U.S.

Monies generated from the 50/50 raffle go directly to the New York-Penn League Foundation and are then distributed to the American Rescue Workers.

The mission of the American Rescue Workers, founded in 1884, is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

### CUTTERS BASEBALL…FUN ON THE CUTTING EDGE###

Photo Identifier- Members of the Williamsport Crosscutters present a check for $8,151.22 to the American Rescue Workers. The check represents the proceeds from the team’s 2016 50/50 raffles.

(L-R) Sarah Budd – Crosscutters Dir. of Community Relations, Col. Dawn Astin – ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Col. Sam Astin- ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Doug Estes – Crosscutters Vice-President/General Manager

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

RiverDogs, MiLB Make Contribution to SC Based Warrior Surf Foundation

CHARLESTON, SC -Military families and baseball go hand-in-hand. For their continued efforts to support the local military community, the Charleston RiverDogs will have a contribution to the Warrior Surf Foundation donated on their behalf from Minor League Baseball after receiving the inaugural Chuck Murphy Patriot Award at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

“On behalf of Minor League Baseball Charities, it is an honor to present this donation on behalf of the Charleston RiverDogs to the Warrior Surf Foundation,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “The Warrior Surf Foundation was created by veterans for veterans and provides some of America’s true heroes the opportunity to reintegrate themselves back into life after serving our country. They are a worthy organization and I commend them on their efforts to better the lives of Armed Forces veterans.”

As part of their recognition for the newly minted award, MiLB will contribute $2,500 in the RiverDogs’ name to the South Carolina-based nonprofit that serves veterans dealing with post-combat mental health issues.

“On behalf of the Warrior Surf Foundation we would like to thank the Charleston RiverDogs and Minor League Baseball for their donation.   Our program can only succeed with the help of our community. We are honored to have been chosen and feel great joy that RiverDogs entrusted us with the donation and truly support our cause,” said Andy Manzi, President and Co-Founder of the Warrior Surf Foundation “We are a small organization and every dollar counts. Warrior Surf will invest the received donation on our surf program which includes surf boards, wet suits, rash guards, and safety equipment. All of which is costly but necessary for our veterans and their families to succeed in the water.”

Founded in Folly Beach in May 2015, the Warrior Surf Foundation is committed to bringing warriors and their families together to promote mental and physical well-being by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. In just their first year, the WSF provided services to more than 90 veterans and active duty service members through their weekend surf camps.

“We’re thrilled to have a contribution made in our name to this worthy cause,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The fact that this donation comes as part of our recognition of the Patriot Award is a testament to Minor League Baseball’s commitment to serving veterans.”

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the Patriot Award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season, continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military, and honored a military family of the game each night at The Joe. Also in 2016, the RiverDogs hired five homeless military veterans for their stadium clean-up crew in the wake of the dissolution of Charleston’s Tent City, and hired a current Air Force reservist as a member of the sales staff. The RiverDogs employ more than 30 military veterans on their gameday operation.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

 

MBF Grant Applications Available Now

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

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. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

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.

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $10,000 grant to Montoursville based K’s For Cancer.

K’s for Cancer is a 501(c)(3) public charity created in the memory of Justin Flannery Hilton. The organization raises money to provide direct and immediate support for everyday items like gas, food, and more for cancer patients and their families in Lycoming County.

Each year, Phillies Charities, Inc. awards dozens of local charities and organizations who are making an impact in the Phillies’ major league and minor league community.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to support K’s For Cancer, an organization we have supported for a number of years.”

Representatives from K’s For Cancer, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park, where they will be recognized and saluted along with other award recipients by the organization for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. For more information visit www.crosscutters.com or call (570) 326-3389.

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

Dash enjoy record-setting Charity Call-A-Thon

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 30, 2016) – At Tuesday’s Charity Call-A-Thon, the Dash raised more than $4,000 in a two-hour period, easily the most successful Call-A-Thon in team history! Proceeds from this event will go to the Dash’s 2016 Charity Partner, Veterans Helping Veterans Heal (VHVH).

Thanks to this incredible response, we are pushing our Call-A-Thon sales through the end of the week! Contributions for VHVH have come through monetary donations and commemorative brick purchases. These bricks, which can be personalized with a special message, will be installed outside the main gates before the Dash’s 2017 home opener.

From now through Friday, the Dash are offering special pricing for these bricks. The first brick is just $125, and each additional brick is only $75 each. We will also continue to accept monetary donations, and you can support a veteran for a day with a $10 donation, a week with a $50 donation or a month with a $300 donation. Fans can contribute by calling (336) 714-6880.

Full details on the Commemorative Brick Program are available here.

Proceeds for the 2016 Commemorative Brick program will go to Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, a local non-profit that restores home, health and spirit to homeless veterans and transitions them from consumers of services to contributors of our community. More information about this great organization is available at vhvh.org.

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

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Fightins Donate $3,073 to Local Schools

As part of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student program, the Reading Fightin Phils have donated $3,073 to participating schools in the club’s surrounding community. Schools will be able to support students and contribute to the educational process with the funds donated through the program.

“We’re happy to have been able to donate $3,073 to local schools through the Capital BlueCross ‘Live Fearless’ Outstanding Student program, and we are hoping to donate even more money next season and beyond as the program grows,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “We can’t thank Capital BlueCross enough for sponsoring this program and putting us in a position to be able to donate this money to the schools.”

Below is a list of the 32 schools that have participated in the program.

School
Berks Christian School
Bethel Elementary School
Colebrookdale Elementary School
Conrad Weiser East Elementary School
Conrad Weiser High School
Conrad Weiser Middle School
Conrad Weiser West Elementary School
Denver Elementary School
Goddard Sanatoga
Goddard Wyomissing
Green Valley Elementary School
Greenwich Elementary School
Hamburg High School
Hamburg Middle School
Jacksonwald Elementary School
Kutztown Elementary School
New Hanover Elementary School
Oley Valley Elementary School
Oley Valley Middle School
Penn Bernville Elementary School
Perry Elementary School
Pine Grove Elementary School
Pottsgrove Middle School
Robeson Elementary School
Rupert Elementary School
Schuylkill Haven Elementary School
Spring Ridge Elementary School
Tilden Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Whitfield Elementary School
Willow Creek Elementary School
Wilson West Middle School

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program designed to recognize and reward hard-working students. Through the program, students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. Each student who participated in the program during the 2016 season received two tickets to a game, a pre-game meet-and-greet with a Fightin Phils player, individual recognition during a pre-game ceremony, and an Outstanding Student medal from the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor.

For each ticket purchased or redeemed through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school received $1 back.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a five-year program that runs through the 2019 season. Schools can sign up now for the 2017 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Educational Programs, Music, & Game Presentation Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by e-mail at thunsicker@fightins.com. Dates are available in May. The program is easy to implement, and your school receives a check from the Fightin Phils.

Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

PawSox Complete Commemoration of Veterans Day Today at Warwick Mall

After serving a homemade four-course steak dinner to veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox celebrated the national holiday today as well, presenting a check of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in ceremonies with Governor Raimondo at the Warwick Mall. Also attending the ceremonies were United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representative Jim Langevin.

This presentation of funds from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation was the latest in a series of club initiatives to help veterans. Last November 13, the PawSox presented their first steak dinner in the clubhouse for veterans. Then, during the season, they unveiled their “In Debt to a Vet” program, in which a veteran took the field between innings during each home game to be honored and to feel the spontaneous standing ovation of gratitude from fans.

“These efforts bring joy to all of us with the PawSox,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who presented the donation today to Operation Stand Down. “All who have generously contributed to the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation-including the partners who own our club-are seeing their charitable funds benefit deserving members of our community. The passionate people who created Operation Stand Down and the veterans we were honored to meet were so very grateful. We know our gesture is modest, but we love when the community’s baseball team can help improve the lives of those who sacrificed so much for all of us.”

Operation Stand Down’s mission is to get homeless veterans back on their feet, and provide necessary resources to those who have served our country.

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

D-Braves donate to Danville Veterans Memorial Fund

DANVILLE, Va. – In recognition of Veterans Day, the Danville Braves presented the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund with a donation of over $1,200. The D-Braves raised the funds by auctioning off game-worn military appreciation jerseys from the 2016 season. A total of $2,419.04 was raised through the auction, with half being donated to the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund and half to the Camp Lejeune Fisher House.

The D-Braves wore the special military appreciation jerseys for each Friday home game in July during the 2016 season, as well as the team’s July 3rd contest. Those games were dubbed Military Appreciation Nights presented by Angus Heating and Air and Blue Ridge Beverage; all active and retired military members received free admission to the games.

“To be able to help maintain a memorial that honors the sacrifice and service of our nation’s military is the least we can do,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The Danville Veteran’s Memorial is a lasting tribute to the men and women that have helped protect this great country.”

For more information about the Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park, visit http://www.danville-va.gov/1288/Veterans-Memorial.

For more information about the Camp Lejeune Fisher House, visit http://lejeunefisherhouse.org/.

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

PawSox to Commemorate Veterans Day Holiday with Dinner for Veterans Tonight and Check Presentation Tomorrow

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Pawtucket Red Sox will commemorate the Veterans Day holiday by welcoming veterans to a steak dinner at McCoy Stadium tonight, and by making a contribution from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation tomorrow at an event at the Warwick Mall.

For the second straight year, the PawSox this evening are presenting a four-course steak dinner inside the PawSox Clubhouse. The guests also receive a tour of the 75-year-old stadium and gifts from the PawSox. The honorees are residents from the YWCA Gateway to Independence Program for Veterans.

Tomorrow, several PawSox officials will make a donation to an organization that helps veterans secure housing and employment, as well as assistance for basic human needs. The PawSox’ chief liaison to veterans, Mike Lyons, will be joined by PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg and Vice-President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who administers the foundation. The foundation is making a $3,000 contribution to Operation Stand Down of Johnston, Rhode Island.

“These modest gestures allow us to continue to demonstrate our appreciation to those who have served our country,” Steinberg said. “Hosting veterans last year was our first community event after several of us joined the ballclub, and it was inspiring.

“This season, we introduced a ceremony, ‘In Debt to a Vet,’ that allowed our fans to express their appreciation, as veterans stood on the field between innings and experienced a beautiful, nightly, sustained, heart-felt standing ovation.

“Now, in addition to welcoming veterans back for dinner again on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation is seeking to help our veterans further acclimate to their daily lives in our community. We hope that in our small way, we can improve their lives and increase their happiness.”

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