Donations – Page 28

IronPigs Charities Announce Record-Setting Donations

January 23, 2015

Grants Were Awarded during Thursday’s Phillies Winter Banquet

IronPigs Charities, presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, awarded a record-breaking 101,897.45 in cash grants to 22 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s Phillies Winter Banquet at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2008, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $750,000 in cash grants to dozens of local non-profit entities. Between the IronPigs Charities organization and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the total all-time cash distribution is nearing $1.1-million.

“The Phillies Winter Banquet, coupled with the opportunity to make meaningful donations to so many deserving local organizations, is truly the highlight of our year,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “It’s genuinely humbling to be in such a position to be able to impact our community in such a significant manner. And, the best is yet to come.”

The 2015 beneficiaries are listed below:

Allentown School District Foundation
Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council
Boys and Girls Club of Allentown
Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem
Boys and Girls Club of Easton
Center for Vision Loss
Community Bike Works
East Side Memorial Little League
East Side Youth Center
Easton Area Police Athletic League
Friends of Allentown Parks
Girl Scouts of Eastern PA
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
Lower Macungie Athletics
Mikayla’s Voice
Miracle League of Lehigh Valley
Northeast Ministry
Sacred Heart Hospital
Wildlands Conservancy
YMCA of Bethlehem
YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity
Youth Education in the Arts

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Ryne Sandberg along with OF Ben Revere, INF/OF Darin Ruf and RHP David Buchanan headlined the 2015 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. Other Phillies dignitaries included broadcaster Tom McCarthy, Assistant General Manager Scott Proefrock and Assistant Director of Player Develoment Steve Noworyta.

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level. The annual Phillies Winter Banquet is IronPigs Charities’ flagship event and all of the money raised at the event directly benefits IronPigs Charities.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Feb. 13

January 22, 2015

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded online

The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2015 grant application season will be closing on Friday, February 13.

Grant applications can picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All grant 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 eramseyer@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past seven 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.

– The organization contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities, and promoting the general welfare of the area.

– The organization is based in the Mid-Michigan area and serves young people.

– The 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.

Grant recipients will be notified by mid-April 2015. 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.

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 Class A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For more information contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Stove Banquet Raises Over $6,000

January 20, 2015

With a guest list that included two hall of famers, a World Series MVP and a former 30-game winner and a sold out Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 9th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $6,000 for charity.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, former Phillies GM Pat Gillick, former World Series MVP Pat Borders & legendary pitcher Denny McLain entertained attendees with stories, signed autographs and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2015 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “We are rebuilding and we’ll have a lot of changing faces but at the same time it will be exciting watching a new core of players develop for the team. We have to start the process of getting younger.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and jersey signed by Sandberg, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, a special VIP Package to a Phillies vs. Yankees game and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Paul Velte into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Velte was responsible for bringing pro ball back to Williamsport in 1994 where he owned the team for 21 seasons until recently selling the team to Cutting Edge Baseball headed by new principal owner Peter Freund

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the American Rescue Workers whose mission is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need. At the conclusion of the festivities, the Rescue Workers were presented with a check for $6,175 which represents the largest-ever donation from this event.

The Crosscutters open the 2015 season on June 19 at State College with the home opener slated for Saturday, June 20 against the Spikes at Susquehanna Bank Park. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

Pinstripe Pals Program Launches

January 6, 2015

RailRiders Seek to Sponsor Local Youth Baseball Teams

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) love baseball, families and NEPA. In 2015, they will combine all three loves into the Pinstripe Pals, presented by Maines Food & Party Warehouse. A youth baseball sponsorship initiative, the Pinstripe Pals program includes a $500 sponsorship from the RailRiders and a $500 gift card to Maines Food & Party Warehouse for each selected league.

The program is open to Little League districts 16, 17, 18, 29, 31 and 32 along with Cal Ripken district five. Other benefits include:

The chance for each selected league to be honored at a RailRiders game with a pre-game parade on the field.
The league’s ability to choose a photo for the cover of the GuideRail cover for that league’s game.
A mascot appearance and giveaways for the league’s opening ceremonies.
One of the league’s teams can serve as the “Field of Dreams” squad that takes PNC Field with the RailRiders.

For consideration, a league representative should fill out a form found on the RailRiders website and mail it along with a 500-word essay describing why the RailRiders should choose his/her league. The completed forms and essays should be sent to SWB RailRiders, Attn: Pinstripe Pals, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507.

Please note that the sponsorship preferably includes a team within each selected league adopts the nickname “RailRiders” and uses the RailRiders logo on team jerseys/shirts.

“The holiday season might be over but giving is a year-round activity for the RailRiders,” said RailRiders community relations director Rachel Mark. “We started this program today to benefit NEPA’s baseball stars and fans of tomorrow.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Legends’ donations top $715,000 for 2014

December 22, 2014

14-year total nears $13 million

Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends) — Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)

The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Connection, 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 dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

–Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer: Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and sign of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with 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 the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Spotlight: The ROCK Center for Youth Development

December 22, 2014

Creating new, positive path for area youths at core of mission

For the staff of The ROCK Center For Youth Development, creating a new, positive path for area youths isn’t just an idea. It’s at the very core of everything they do.

The ROCK, based in Midland, is a teen-focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Its mission is to provide every youth with unconditional love, support, respect, a safe environment, guidance and a model of healthy behavior.

And it works.

In a recent evaluation by The Legacy Center for Community Success, teens involved in The ROCK’s Exposure program scored higher in all developmental asset categories while the program curriculum positively impacts participants.

“If we can get young people to truly desire something positive, then that makes everyone’s job easier – parents, teachers … everyone involved with their lives,” said Beverlee Wenzel, ROCK’s executive director.

“Once a person is on fire for something, they’re going to succeed.”

In a season of giving, while also spotlighting non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, The ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) has provided solid ground for local teens looking to build life skills, gain confidence and make healthy life choices.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation has recognized The ROCK’s efforts by rewarding them with three grants over the years: In 2008, MBF provided $4,000 toward the purchase of The ROCK’s mobile rock climbing wall; in 2011 it provided $2,500 for playground equipment, and in 2013 $1,580 was given for a portable sound system of sporting events.

“The rock climbing wall is a big part of our ‘Unplugged’ program,” said Wenzel. “It’s used for larger events in the community that we’re a part of, plus it’s just a great symbol for what we are.”

The ROCK was established in 2001 as an independent, grass-roots program located at 2300 E. Gordonville Rd. Bullock Creek Schools bused students to the facility, and the program provided after school and Friday and Saturday night activities.

Since then, the program has expanded widely, encompassing several local schools, establishing a new base at the Midland Community Center, while also providing programs for juvenile care and detention centers.

It’s open to any teen.

“We do well with at-risk kids but we target all kids,” said Wenzel. “We serve all socio-economic groups.”

The ROCK offers three umbrella programs: ROCK Exposure, ROCK Grounded and ROCK Unplugged. The group employs several full-time “coaches”, or mentors, who work with teens in a variety of settings and activities.

The Exposure program includes ROCK-authored curriculum focused on developing life skills and character. Within Exposure are four unique programs: Drive, Perform, Build and Accelerate. Courses, which are taught by ROCK staff members, include character development, decision-making, conflict resolution, independent living, resource and finance management, trades or college, and employment.

“It’s highly activity-based,” said Wenzel. “If I stand up there and say (to a teen), ‘You need to do this,’ it’s not nearly as effective as them experiencing it. Once you experience something you really can’t un-experience it.”

Current venues and classrooms for the Exposure program include Meridian High School, Coleman 7-12 school, Bullock Creek High School and Middle Schools, Midland High, Midland Dow High, Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools, the Academic and Career Education Academy and the Juvenile Care Center.

In 2014, Midland Public Schools approved Exposure as curriculum and it is provided in the classroom to all freshmen.

The ROCK Grounded program provides after school mentorship, tutoring, food and activities at Northeast, Jefferson, and the ROCK Underground at the Midland Community Center. In fact, The ROCK has taken over all of the after school non-athletic teen activities at the MCC.

Part of the Grounded program’s mission is to provide a safe place for students who might otherwise go home to an empty house. Its mentors/coaches fill a need for positive role models many teens don’t have.

“With teens, you have to provide something safe enough that the parents trust, but you also have to have programs that are relevant to the teen,” said Wenzel.

Another consistent lesson in ROCK programs, says Wenzel, is perseverance.

“One of the things we teach is grit,” said Wenzel. “There are always going to be tough times in anyone’s life, but you have still have to find a way to get up and face another day. The tough times will pass, but you have to learn how to endure them in a positive way.”

ROCK’s Unplugged program provides community-based summer activities that encourage healthy life choices and relationship. Its activities include the climbing wall, an annual Battle of the Bands, the Midland County youth fishing program, and teen pool parties.

“The Rock Wall was really the start of that program in many ways,” Wenzel said. “We wanted something unique to take to events, and we felt it was also a universal symbol for what we’re about.”

To contact The ROCK’s offices, call (989) 835-2542. Information can also be found on its website, www.therockc4yd.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

December 17, 2014

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

December 16, 2014

With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:

STARS – Tuesday, Dec. 16

Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17

YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22

Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Award November Grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry

December 15, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Thanksgiving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of November. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc. has been awarded the “Thanksgiving” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that works to end hunger.

Meat can be a difficult and costly item for food banks and feeding ministries to obtain. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry that seeks to transform the renewable resource of deer and other wild game into food for the hungry through locally established chapters. For the past eight years, the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter has provided over 5,000 pounds of venison to local food-needy groups.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves helped the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter pay for the processing costs of donated deer. On average, it costs around $55 to cut, package and distribute one deer to local food banks. Funds may also be used toward promoting the option of deer donation to the local farming and hunting community through printed, web and broadcast media.

“We are truly blessed to have the Gwinnett Braves partner with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to provide assistance to our food ministry,” said Joe Schuster, President of the FHFH Georgia Foothills Chapter. “FHFH raises funds from sponsors like the G-Braves to process protein enriched venison donated by local hunters which is then directed to the food needy. The Abba House of Cumming, GA, a ministry focused on helping women break free from addiction and abuse, was the recipient of our harvest this year.”

About Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc.: Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a 501c(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. The organization is comprised of a main office in Hagerstown, MD and 120 local coordinators serving in 24 different states. FHFH includes a network of hunters, farmers, ranchers, butchers, food banks, ministries and financial supporters working together to provide meat to the hungry among us. For more information or to make a donation, visit FHFH.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply for future grants, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

December 12, 2014

The Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization	Program	Grant Amount
Every Child Valued	After School Program	$2,500
Mercer Street Friends	Trenton Digital Initiatives	$2,500
NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc	Just Kids	$1,500
Hope Loves Company	Camp HLC	$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to see fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

December 4, 2014

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

The San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Thunder & NJM Score For T.A.S.K.

November 24, 2014

(Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM's Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM's donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK. — (Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM’s Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM’s donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK.

The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, scored 298 runs on their way to 31 victories at ARM & HAMMER Park this season, but the real winner this season was the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) thanks to NJM Insurance Group and their Safe at Home program.

As part of the Safe at Home program, NJM made a $14,900 donation, based on $50 per run scored at ARM & HAMMER Park, to TASK. With this season’s donation, NJM’s Safe at Home program has donated more than $45,000 to local non-profits over the last three years.

“Thanks to the hard work of the Thunder offense this season and NJM Insurance, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen can continue their mission of feeding those that are hungry and offer programs that encourage self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of their patrons,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations T.J. Jahn. “This program is precisely the type of program that the Trenton Thunder strive to promote; one that includes a great corporate partner, NJM, and enriches our community and its residents.”

“In their 21 seasons in Trenton, the Thunder have truly become an institution,” said NJM Corporate Communications Administrator Eric Stenson. “We share the Thunder’s commitment for our capital city. The Safe at Home program provides NJM a wonderful opportunity to benefit an institution like TASK, which makes such a big difference in the lives of so many people in our community.”

The 2015 season, the 22nd in franchise history, will begin on April 9 at Erie with the home opener scheduled for April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs. Season tickets and group outings are on sale now by calling 609-394-3300. For the full schedule and more team information, please visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

November 19, 2014

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

BlueClaws Charities has completed its 6^th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

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.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

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 underserved 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 Lakewood 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 their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15^th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Midwest League Fines Benefit Stateline Community Foundation

November 18, 2014

The Beloit Snappers have selected the Stateline Community Foundation to receive the donation resulting from the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy. The League splits up the amount of player fines it collects evenly between all 16 teams in the league. This year the Snappers will donate its share, $529.00, to this great charitable organization.

Each season, the Midwest League asks its member teams to select a deserving group or organization in their respective community to receive a portion of the money collected from fines handed out as part of the league On-Field Behavior Policy. Past organizations selected have included Beloit Turner High School Baseball Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Beloit Memorial High School Baseball Program, Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Stateline Youth Sports Complex, Rock County Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA’s Partners of Youth Program, Caritas Inc., and Hands of Faith.

“We appreciate this opportunity to support the Stateline Community Foundation,” stated Snappers President, Dennis Conerton. “We are more than happy to partner with this foundation that helps the Stateline community have a better quality of life. Through the program, our players learn how to take a negative experience and learn from it. The lessons they learn benefit their on-field behavior, personal development and the greater good of the community.”

This annual contribution is just one of the many ways the Snappers and Midwest League Teams make efforts to give back to their communities. The Snappers are very involved in the Stateline Community, donating to hundreds of different causes each and every year.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Beloit Snappers. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Donate $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House

November 18, 2014

“Dodger Blue” Jerseys Benefit Domestic Violence Shelter

The Albuquerque Isotopes presented a check in the amount of $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter on Tuesday, November 18th with funds raised from the “Dodger Blue” weekend jersey auction.

This money is invaluable to us,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. “We will use it help residents register for day care, buy gas so a survivor can continue to get to work, or pay for a child’s birthday cake. Many, many thanks to the Isotopes organization and to all of their fans for making this possible.”

In recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Isotopes held an online auction from October 17-24 for their “Dodger Blue” jerseys, many of which were game-worn. Bids were received nationwide with Alex Guerrero garnering the highest overall bid at nearly $220. Although most of the bids were from New Mexico, winning bids were also received from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Wisconsin.

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey featured “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve.

“S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we hope that this donation will help fulfill their mission,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes. “Michele and her staff do a tremendous job to help heal wounds of families and raise awareness for domestic violence in Albuquerque.”

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.