Donations – Page 29

PawSox win Moss Community Service Award

November 13, 2014

Award, honoring late Sally League founder, was established in 2013

Minor League Baseball announced today that the Pawtucket Red Sox are the recipients of the second annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. In its inaugural year, the Grand Junction Rockies were named the winners of the recognition. The Pawtucket Red Sox will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California.

“The PawSox family is extremely honored to be selected for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award,” said Pawtucket Red Sox President Mike Tamburro. “The role of any successful franchise must be to help lift those in its community who are in need. The past four decades we have quietly tried to do our part.

“We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life within our community and for creating partnerships that have carried on for generations. We share this award with our community, our Major League partner the Boston Red Sox and our wonderful fans who make all our charitable efforts possible,” added Tamburro.

For the last 38 seasons, the Pawtucket Red Sox have been an integral part of their local community. Along with providing the best in affordable family entertainment, the PawSox primary goal as a team is to be actively involved in making a difference in Southeastern New England. The PawSox are strong financial supporters of countless charitable organizations and youth-based programs in their area, and every staff member either serves on a Board of Directors, sits on Advisory Council or volunteers in some capacity with multiple community organizations.

The Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust has contributed to hundreds of charitable organizations and important causes in the area, donating more than $250,000 during the last five years. For almost 40 years, the PawSox have also contributed to local charities through the team’s Ticket Fundraiser Program. This program has donated more than $200,000 over the last five years to worthy organizations such as American Parkinson’s Disease Association and the American Cancer Society, among many others.

The PawSox have also supported their community by hosting a number of fundraising events on non-gamedays including the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, which benefits inner city youngsters in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. This event included an All-Star Softball Classic game held at McCoy Stadium featuring celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. Light the Night Leukemia Walk, held on Sept. 27, at McCoy Stadium, was another of the team’s non-gameday events. Approximately 2,000 walkers participated and raised $250,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts have benefited from the PawSox generosity to the community. For the last five years, the PawSox have hosted five events at McCoy Stadium annually and donated $10,000 each year to the Boy Scouts. The team has also hosted the Girl Scouts Project Undercover, a clothing drive for needy families in the community, collecting hundreds of new socks, underwear and diapers.

Although the PawSox are busy contributing to the community year-round, the team also supports its own employees by providing five $2,000 college scholarships to seasonal workers who are selected based on their outstanding work ethic during the season.

“It is well established that all members of the professional baseball family are extremely generous with their time, money and efforts in support of their local community,” Randy Mobley, International League President, stated. “The heart of the Pawtucket Red Sox organization is big enough to not only fill Rhode Island, but much of New England. Following the lead of Mike Tamburro and Lou Schwechheimer, this organization has a well-earned reputation for being a selfless regional treasure that is ready to assist and lend its support to all that is good for the community.”

“The Pawtucket Red Sox commitment to their community has positively impacted countless organizations and individuals in Southeastern New England,” Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO, stated. “Through the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust and a number of other philanthropic efforts, the PawSox have embodied one of Minor League Baseball’s most important principles, giving back to the communities where our teams are located. On behalf of Minor League Baseball, I commend the team for their good work, and congratulate them on this honor.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Bandits fulfill $50,000 pledge to Genesis Foundation

November 12, 2014

A portion from each of 68,000 amusement rides last season will benefit health initiatives for children

Holding the donation check are (from left to right) Genesis Health Services Foundation Executive Director Missy Gowey, River Bandits owner Dave Heller, and Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy Ken Croken.

Fulfilling a pledge made for the inaugural season of the Ferris wheel and other amusements at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements on Wednesday presented a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, presented the check to Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, during a press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.

With a portion from each of 68,000 rides of the new amusements this season at Modern Woodmen Park – including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and the Mediacom Drop’N Twist – the donation will benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children, including the Flu-Free Quad Cities campaign, Camp Genesis for kids who have someone close to them with cancer and Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care services to help struggling newborn babies.

“The River Bandits belong to the people of the Quad Cities, and a big part of our mission is to make a positive and lasting impact across this great community,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “When both of my sons were born, they had to spend time in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Fortunately, we were able to afford such care. My hope is that, with this donation, needy families throughout our region will be able to come to Genesis and get the care they need when they need it. We are so grateful for all of the support we receive every day from Quad Cities families and we are delighted to be able to give back in a big way to help others in our community.”

“By their conduct here, the Quad Cities River Bandits and their owner, Mr. Dave Heller, have helped define corporate social responsibility for our community,” said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.

On May 24, with an Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event and fundraiser, the Quad Cities River Bandits became the first team in Minor League Baseball to open a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. Towering 105 feet above the playing field, the Ferris wheel was part of the debut for a full lineup of amusements that opened every weekend, including non-game days, for the Quad Cities community to enjoy through November 1. The Ferris wheel was named Monday as the Best Ballpark Improvement in all of baseball for the 2014 season by Ballpark Digest. It followed a year in which Modern Woodmen Park drew its largest average attendance – 3,885 per game – in the history of the 83-year-old ballpark.

“The success and recognition the amusements have brought to this community has been exciting, but it is most gratifying when our success makes such a positive difference in the lives of Quad Cities families in need,” said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. “This season’s donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation is another example of the strong partnerships we are blessed to have in the Quad Cities community.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award October Grant to Project Paws Alive

November 6, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Four Legged Friends” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of October. Project Paws Alive, Inc. has been awarded the “Four Legged Friends” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits animals.

Project Paws Alive was created in 2012 when the founders heard about a series of Police K-9 deaths that could have been prevented had the dogs been wearing protective ballistic vests while on duty. Since forming, the organization has worked to provide K-9 stab and bullet proof protective vests, as well as other vital K-9 equipment to Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue and Military K-9 units nationwide.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Project Paws Alive in their local mission, providing protective equipment to the nine dogs in the Gwinnett County Police Department’s K-9 unit. Their goal is to raise $16,000, which will provide each K-9 with a ballistic/spike protective vest as well as a K-9 trauma kit.

“We are absolutely honored to be the recipient of this grant so generously offered by the Gwinnett Braves,” said Cheryl Allen, Co-Founder and President of Project Paws Alive. “We are pleased to announce that this particular grant will be used to purchase protective equipment for our very own Gwinnett County Police K-9 Unit.”

About Project Paws Alive, Inc.: Based in Grayson, GA, Project Paws Alive is a nationwide 501(c) non-profit organization. They rely solely on donations and sponsors to provide life-saving K-9 equipment to Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue, EMS and Military units across the country. To learn how you can support Project Paws Alive, visit their website at projectpawsalive.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.

Frederick Keys Care Grants Awarded

November 4, 2014

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

It is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement. In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Teen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Child Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Homeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

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

Wells Fargo Donates $1,000 to Baseballtown Charities

November 3, 2014

Donation made possible through Community Connections Giving Program

Baseballtown Charities would like to thank Wells Fargo’s Community Connections Giving Program for their donation of $1,000.

Through the program, Wells Fargo’s retail banking stores explore the needs of their local communities and select a nonprofit organization to receive a grant. This year, Wells Fargo will award close to $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations and schools across Pennsylvania.

The grants are part of the company’s broader support of its communities. In 2013, Wells Fargo invested more than $14 million in nonprofit organizations and schools and team members volunteered more than 46,000 hours throughout Pennsylvania.

Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) entity, was founded in 2002 in association with the Reading Fightin Phils in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization also pays tribute to Reading’s rich baseball history.

Since its inception in 2002, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment the organization has overtaken was the construction of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park in 2006. Through contributions exceeding $900,000, the youth ballpark was built in a neighborhood that is quickly returning to its glory days. It sits on the grounds of Lauer’s Park Elementary School, named for the former stadium where Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson both played. The original housed several professional teams and hosted barnstorming tours from 1907-1941. Reading’s own baseball legend, the late “Broadway” Charlie Wagner, former Red Sox pitcher and roommate Ted Williams, began his career there.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip returns in 2015

October 29, 2014

WisconsinTimberRattlers_2014-10-29 — Action from the 2014 Jordy Nelson Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium to host event on Sunday, June 14

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 14, 2015. This will be the second year Nelson has been the host of the game between the offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers. Game time is 1:05pm.

“I am honored to host the Charity Softball Game again in 2015,” said Nelson. “My family and I really enjoyed the experience last year, and we look forward to having fun with the fans again this year. I want to thank the fans for supporting this game and helping us to raise money for needed community programs.”

Nelson is currently 2^nd in the NFC in receiving yards, tied for 2^nd in touchdowns by a receiver, and 4^th in receptions.

“The Timber Rattlers are excited to have Jordy Nelson back as the host for this Charity Softball Game and we are proud to once again be the host facility,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “Jordy has solidified himself as a member of this community and we are excited to play a part in helping raise funds for local community programs.”

The offense defeated the defense 26-11 in front of a crowd of 7,354 in the 2014 game. Nelson, who participated in the game when it was hosted by Donald Driver, hit a pair of home runs in last year’s game.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a four-game package starting Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00am by calling (800) WI-TIMBER, (920) 733-4152, or in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office. The package includes a ticket for the Jordy Nelson game and three vouchers that may be used for any Timber Rattlers regular season home game played on a Sunday in 2015. The ticket packages are not available online.

Prices for the four-game packages are:

Premium Box Seat:	$91
Box Seat:	$76
Reserved Seat:	$52

The first two rows of the seating bowl at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are the premium box seat option in this ticket package. Vouchers for the Timber Rattlers games must be redeemed at the box office and are based on availability.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $55 for a premium box seat, $40 for a box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $225. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 12 over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the box office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball game benefits Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Kernels donate MWL fine money to HACAP Food Reservoir

October 17, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels donated their share of the Midwest League fine money, collected from the 16 MWL clubs, to the HACAP Food Reservoir.

As a member of America’s Second Harvest and the National Food Bank Network, the HACAP Food Reservoir distributes donated products to area soup kitchens, pantries, senior & child care centers, drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers and other non-profit food programs that feed the needy. Annually, the HACAP Food Reservoir Programs distribute 2.4 million pounds of food to local organizations and provide 4,000 food boxes to families in need.

The Midwest League collects fine money from players and coaches throughout the season when they are ejected from a game, and the total amount collected this season was $8,450 of which the Kernels’ share was $529.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are pleased to support HACAP, a diverse, community-focused non-profit dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of families living with the everyday barriers of poverty.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Auction Off “Dodger Blue” Jerseys

October 16, 2014

Weekend Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter

Weekend "Dodger Blue" Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. — Weekend “Dodger Blue” Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.

In recognition of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Albuquerque Isotopes will be auctioning off authentic “Dodger Blue” weekend jerseys with net proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. More than 40 game-worn jerseys featuring player nameplates will be auctioned off exclusively online, and an additional 26 authentic jerseys without nameplates will be auctioned.

“With October being domestic violence awareness month, we saw this as a great opportunity to provide a unique, game-used item to our fans and give something back to the community,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we are honored to be able to donate funds to help them fulfill their mission.”

The auction will begin Friday, October 17th, at noon MT and run through Friday, October 24, at noon MT. To bid on a jersey, visit http://isotopes.milbauctions.com. Opening bids for game-worn jerseys with nameplates will start at $180, while other authentic jerseys without a nameplate will begin at $150. Each jersey will also be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Isotopes over the last several years,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “The jersey auction is an exceptional event because it demonstrates both their awareness of domestic violence and their commitment to helping end that violence in our community.”

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey features “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 (see photo attached).

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.

G-Braves Announce September Grant Recipient

October 14, 2014

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. earns $1,000 “All About Kids” grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of September. A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center, Inc. has been awarded September’s “All About Kids” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits children.

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. provides a comprehensive, coordinated response for child victims of sexual abuse or physical abuse and for witnesses to violence, abuse or homicide. The Center partners with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to facilitate forensic interviews and medical examinations in a safe, child-friendly environment. Interviews are video-recorded so that children are spared the need to relive traumatic events while valuable, accurate information can be gathered as evidence.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will provide 13 direct forensic and medical services, free of charge, to children and their families in Newton, Walton and surrounding counties.

“A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center would like to thank the Gwinnett Braves for their generous support of our organization,” said Administrative Assistant Katie Bruner. “With this grant, we will continue our work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide forensic medical examinations utilizing tele-health in our efforts to deliver the best medical care possible for the children who visit our center. We look forward to partnering with the Gwinnett Braves to serve children and their families now and in the future.”

About A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc.: Since seeing their first child in 2009, the Center has shown dedication and commitment to providing the best services possible to the children and families of Newton, Walton and surrounding counties. A Child’s Voice served 190 children in 2013 and expects to serve around 200 children in 2014. For more information, contact Katie Bruner at 770-484-0082 or email kbruner@achildsvoicecac.com.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, 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.

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

October 9, 2014

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels Nominated For John Henry Moss Community Service Award

October 7, 2014

Richmond Tabbed by Eastern League for Award in 5th Season

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that the organization has been nominated by the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The league nominates just one team for the award, presented annually by Minor League Baseball.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is bestowed upon a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Community impact has been a foundational focal point for the Squirrels since their inception in 2010. The Squirrels’ nomination comes following a season in which they continued to expand many of their community aims. That included the launch of the Squirrels’ new non-profit arm, Flying Squirrels Charities, created with the goal of growing opportunities for local children. The first major fundraising campaign for Flying Squirrels Charities was “Smooch-a-Pig,” which included the involvement of 10 local celebrities and benefitted “Operation Renovation.” The campaign, which endeavored to rebuild 12 little league fields for the Richmond City Department of Parks & Recreation, raised over $60,000.

“There are many awards that the Squirrels as an organization would be delighted to receive,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “However, this nomination is of particular significance to us. Community service is the bedrock of the Squirrels’ organization, and it is gratifying that our sustained effort continues to have a profound impact.”

The Squirrels continue to be one of the most active teams in professional sports within their community. Among their other programs and highlights:

“Go Nuts for Reading Program (39,000 student participants)
Flying Squirrels Art Contest (5^th Year)
Score an “A”, Score a Ticket Program
Kroger Squirrels Tails Kids Club (24,000 Members)
In-Season Youth Camps
Drives (Food, Books, School Supplies, Blood)
Mustaches for Kids Program
Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure
Charitable Events (Turn Left Golf Classic, Hot Stove Banquet, Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run, Squirreloween, Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Drive, etc.)
450 Mascot Appearances Annually (Local Schools, Businesses, Non-Profits, Festivals, etc.)
30 Player and Coaches Appearances During the 2014 Season (200+ Hours of Community Service)
Executive Speaking Engagements (100+ in 2014)
ASK Fun Walk & 5K (Ask Foundation – 9^th Annual)
Camp Warrior
Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Baseball Tournament
Monetary Gifts & Gifts In-Kind ($150,000)

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the longtime, former South Atlantic League president, who founded the SAL and presided over it for a half-century (1959-2008).

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held in San Diego, CA, from December 7-11.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

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.

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

September 18, 2014

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

Grand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

HR for Heroes Raises $34,000 In 2014

September 17, 2014

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

OceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

In six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief	First	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council	Second	6	$6,000
ARMS	Third	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund	Fourth	2	$2,000
American Red Cross	Fifth	1	$1,000
Navy Marine Corp Relief Society	Sixth	5	$5,000
Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME!	Seventh	6	$6,000
Vetwork	Eighth	0	$1,000
Catholic Charities	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

For more information on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

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

Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

September 12, 2014

The Rome Braves & Floyd County Police Department announce the Sixth Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament on Friday, November 14, 2014, at beautiful Barnsley Gardens Resort. The course, by Jim Fazio, is one of the most popular courses in the Southeast. The tournament is set in a scramble format with a shotgun start at 11am and will feature current and former Rome and Atlanta Braves greats. A Par three hole will be deemed the Celebrity Shootout hole where a team can invite a celebrity to take a shot. Competing teams have the opportunity to purchase an extra shot at the Par 3 hole for the celebrity to hit a shot off the tee. This annual golf tournament has donated a total of over $50,000 to local and National charities.

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Summit Quest Cancer Support Services. Since 2007, Summit Quest has been dedicated to providing support services and meeting the needs of those affected by cancer through various means: Circle at the Summit (a youth focused support group for children ages 6-17 who are facing cancer directly or who have a parent or loved one affected by the disease), Outdoor Adventure Trips, Youth Cycling Programs, and Team Tiger Flight. “All of us at Summit Quest Cancer Support Services are so very thankful to be the beneficiary of this year’s Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament. The support from this amazing event will allow Summit Quest to continue meeting our mission of providing strength, hope, and service to children & families affected by cancer,” said Founder & Executive Director, William James.

“The Floyd County Police Department is proud to join the Rome Braves in co-sponsoring the event,” says FCPD Chief Bill Shiflett. “We pledge to make this year’s tournament the best to support such a worthy cause and gratefully ask all past and present players to join in on a great day of golf to assist families that have been affected by cancer.” Rome Braves General Manager, Michael Dunn, added, “We are very excited to partner this year with Summit Quest. We hope that through this tournament we can help further their mission of supporting children & their families in Northwest Georgia who have been stricken by cancer.”

Team fees are $450 and include lunch, a goody bag, and raffle tickets. Individual golfers can register for $150 each. Hole sponsorships are available for local businesses and individuals to show their support as well.

Click here to download a registration form now or call 706-378-5100 for more details.

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