‘Dads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend

Weekend highlighted by pink jersey auction on Sunday

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads have announced the details for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, May 9th – Sunday, May 11th.

The 3-day promotion, presented by KICKS 103.3, will focus on the color pink with the team hoping to raise both awareness and financial support in the battle against breast cancer. The festivities begin on Friday, with the Crawdads looking to “Paint the Park Pink.” The ‘Dads players will debut special pink game jerseys that they will wear throughout the weekend, and any fan who wears pink to the ballpark will receive a $5 ticket to the game.

Saturday will feature replica pink Crawdads uniforms for the first 1,000 fans with paid admittance, courtesy of Pepsi.

The weekend promotion will wrap up with a big day on Sunday. In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation at the front gate. The Crawdads will also finish the auction of their game-worn, pink jerseys, with a live silent auction at L.P. Frans Stadium. The online portion of the jersey auction is available now, with fans able to bid on the uniform of any 2014 Hickory Crawdad. The online auction will end at 12:00 pm on May 11th, with the auction concluding live at the ballpark during the game

A portion of the proceeds from the jersey auction will go towards a local breast cancer support organization. You can find the online auction page on the Crawdads website here.

For more information regarding any of the activities during the Crawdads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, call the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

City Stadium Will See Purple on May 2nd!

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Lynchburg-HillcatsThe Lynchburg Hillcats are teaming up with Relay for Life of Lynchburg and the American Cancer Society on Friday, May 2nd at 6:05pm for the 3rd Annual Paint the Park Purple Night and T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia!

Gates will open at 5pm and general Admission Tickets for the game will be $10 with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life of Lynchburg will be held on May 30, 2014 at Heritage High School and is an overnight relay style walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society, as well as honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer. Local participants have been able to sell tickets to Paint the Park Purple Night as a part of their fundraising for their relay team. Fans will also be able to participate in a 50/50 raffle during the game, proceeds of which will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

AmCancerSoc-Relay4LifeApproximately 1,596,000 people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States last year and it is estimated that over 41,000 new cancer cases will be reported in 2013 for the state of Virginia alone. The American Cancer Society raises funds worldwide for research programs to find cures for all forms of cancer, and helps those diagnosed to find treatments and support. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about staying healthy and preventing cancer, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

The Hillcats thank the following Paint the Park Purple sponsors: Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA (Title Sponsor); Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg; Cintas; Merrill Lynch; 97.9 FM The Planet; Scott Insurance; STEVE FM; Star Country/Q99/K92/WLNI; Virginia Foam Insulators; Westover Dairy; WIQO/ESPN Radio.

To purchase tickets for the Paint the Park Purple Night, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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

Jacob G. Smith Wins Doubles for Technology Grant

Thomas and Hutton supports technology needs with generous donation

Savannah-Sand-GnatsThe 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Sand Gnats were fantastic to watch throughout last season. While their pitching was dominant from Opening Night through the League Championship, one offensive stat will pay dividends for school children in the Savannah area.

Thanks to a generous pledge from Thomas & Hutton and 116 doubles at Historic Grayson Stadium from the potent Gnats’ lineup, Jacob G. Smith Elementary will receive a $2,900 technology grant. Thomas and Hutton will present the check to the school on the field at Historic Grayson Stadium just before the Sand Gnats game on Friday, May 16.

“This is a great partnership between Thomas & Hutton and the Sand Gnats,” said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. “Both of our organizations are passionate about education and we’re excited to be able to help Jacob G. Smith Elementary expand their access to technology.”

“Thomas & Hutton is excited about providing this grant to Jacob G. Smith Elementary for their use in expanding technology,” stated Ben Jones with Thomas & Hutton. “Our partnership with the Sand Gnats provided us with a great opportunity to place technology directly into a classroom and to help our students prepare for a successful future.”

J.G. Smith Elementary was named a “Title I Highest-Performing Reward School” in 2014 by the Georgia Department of Education and is ranked among the top five percent of Title I schools in Georgia, having the highest absolute performance over three years for the “All Students” group on the statewide assessments.

The grant will be used for the school to purchase Chromebooks, providing second grade students and their teachers the opportunity to utilize another technology resource that will enhance instructional practices in reading and math and help students prepare for testing such as the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Additionally, students will be more prepared for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) which begin in the third grade.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

MiLB donates to Snohomish United Way

Contribution to help disaster recovery after Oso, Wash. landslide

MiLB-CharitiesMinor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish (Wash.) County’s Disaster Recovery Fund to aid in the relief efforts related to the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Wash. More than three dozen people have lost their lives and several others are still missing as a result of the devastating incident. The mudslide occurred just 30 miles from the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League Baseball club in the Northwest League.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

United-WayThe AquaSox will present the $10,000 check, on behalf of MiLB Charities, to the United Way of Snohomish County on Friday. A formal check presentation will be made to the organization prior to an AquaSox game this summer.

The club is also donating all walk-up ticket sales from its June 16 game to the relief and recovery efforts.

“As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation.”

Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Visit http://milbcharities.milbstore.com to make a tax-deductible donation to MiLB Charities or http://charities.milbauctions.com for additional opportunities to show your support.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Short Season Northwest League. Click here to view the original story.

AquaSox & MiLB Partner to Assist Oso Relief

Everett-AquaSoxThe Everett AquaSox announced today that they are dedicating their June 16 game towards relief efforts related to the Oso mudslide. All walk-up ticket sales from this game will go directly towards relief and recovery efforts caused by the mudslide that occurred only 30 miles from the AquaSox on March 22.

“So many families and businesses have been impacted locally by the mudslide,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer, “As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy.”

United-WayIn conjunction with the AquaSox’s efforts, Minor League Baseball™ Charities, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, has donated $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish County’s Disaster Recovery Fund for Mudslide Relief. The AquaSox will present the check to the United Way of Snohomish County on behalf of MiLB on Friday, April 25th.

“We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation,” said Backemeyer.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

A formal check presentation to the United Way will be made prior to an AquaSox game later this summer. To donate directly to the United Way’s Disaster Recovery Fund, and to find out how else you can help, please visit www.uwsc.org.

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

Bisons sponsorship of Buffalo Public High School baseball program reaches 8th year

Team has contributed more than $500,000 since 2007.

As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the 'Junior Bisons' team that plays in the CEBA.
As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the ‘Junior Bisons’ team that plays in the CEBA.

Buffalo-Bisons-2013-logoAs part of the Buffalo Bisons‘ long-standing sponsorship of the City of Buffalo Public High School baseball program, City high school games will return to Coca-Cola Field starting this Saturday, April 19. The Bisons wide-ranging sponsorship, which enters its eighth year in 2014, has successfully revitalized the game within Buffalo Public High Schools as well as prepared young athletes to compete at the collegiate level.

The year’s games begin Saturday, April 19 (10 a.m.) at Coca-Cola Field as City Honors hosts Nichols High School (schedule below).

Since 2007, Bisons owners Bob and Mindy Rich have contributed nearly $500,000 towards the enhancement of high school baseball throughout Buffalo’s Public High Schools.

The Bisons support for the program includes providing team uniforms, paying league and umpire fees, funding stipends for assistant coaches for each Buffalo Public High School team and the use of Coca-Cola Field’s diamond and indoor batting cages year round. Additionally, $250,000 was provided for the renovation of Johnny B. Wiley Stadium, providing the City of Buffalo a top-notch athletic facility for their teams to play in and for the community to share.

Part of the Bisons’ adoption also includes the formation of the Junior Bisons baseball team. The top players from each of the City of Buffalo high schools are joined together to compete in the County of Erie Baseball Association (CEBA) throughout the summer. The focus of the team has always been team-building, fundamentals and life skills teachings. The Junior Bisons have made the post season four times and two former Junior Bisons are currently playing baseball at the collegiate level.

City of Buffalo HS Games this week
City Honors vs. Nichols (Saturday, April 19 -10 a.m.)
South Park vs. J.F.K. (Saturday, April 19 -12 p.m.)
Olmsted vs. CSAT (Monday, April 21 -11 a.m.)
Hutch Tech vs. Roy-Hart (Monday, April 21 -2 p.m.)
McKinley vs. Maritime CS (Tuesday, April 22 -4 p.m.).

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

6th Annual Autism Awareness Night April 19th

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Lynchburg-HillcatsWith 1 in 110 children in the United States diagnosed with some form of Autism, the Hillcats are lending a hand to offer awareness and support to this cause in 2014. The 6th Annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is scheduled for Saturday, April 19th and will raise money for Commonwealth Autism Services.

As many as 75,000 in Virginia are affected with this developmental disability and Commonwealth Autism Services is an organization that strives to enrich the lives of those in Virginia with autism, throughout their entire lifespan through statewide services. GA tickets are $10 and two dollars of each ticket sold for April 19th’s game will be donated to this organization.

Commonwealth-AutismThis year’s Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is slated for 6:05pm when the Hillcats will take on the Potomac Nationals at City Stadium. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates that evening will receive a free commemorative t-shirt! Along with donating a portion of the ticket costs, proceeds from a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and sponsor donations will also be donated during an in-game check presentation. Last year’s Autism Awareness Night raised $11,000!

The Hillcats thank the following Autism Awareness Night Sponsors:

Physicians Treatment Center as the title sponsor; Lynchburg Project Lifesaver, Inc; Sam’s Club; After Hours Plumbing; Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg; Central Virginia Autism Action Group; Courtyard by Marriott; Developmental Pediatrics; Flowers Baking Company; Gary’s Garden Center; High Peak Sportswear; Kroger; Larry’s Tire & Auto Repair; Laslie’s Auto Body; Piedmont Eye Center; Rehab Associates of Central Virginia; 97.9 FM The Planet; Servpro; Star Country/Q99/K92/WLNI; T.J. Maxx; Winoa USA; WIQO/ESPN Radio; WKDE; Wooldridge Heating, Air & Electrical; WYYD.

Fans will also have the chance to give back to great local causes with the 3rd Annual Paint the Park Purple Night presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA, Relay for Life & The American Cancer Society on Friday, May 2nd at 6:05pm as well as with the 8th Annual “Swing for a Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Society on Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm.

To purchase tickets to Autism Awareness Night, Paint the Park Purple Night, Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). So don’t miss your chance to give back to the community with the Lynchburg Hillcats this season!

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

Help the Senators Paint the Park Pink

Special night is Saturday, August 9th

Harrisburg, PA – The Harrisburg Senators, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, are proud to announce details for their annual Paint the Park Pink night presented by Pennsy Supply. On Saturday, August 9th the Senators will Paint the Park Pink with balloons, jerseys, t-shirts and more, with all the proceeds from this special night going to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

The players will once again be wearing pink jerseys but this year 200 names of cancer survivors will be on the jersey. These jerseys, which the players will wear during the game, will be auctioned off after the game that night.

“On behalf of the cancer patients the American Cancer Society serves, I want to thank the Harrisburg Senators for this wonderful and unique opportunity to raise funds for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” said Darlene Blantz, 2014 Volunteer Event Chair. “The American Cancer Society provides emotional support, day to day help and information to 1 in 2 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients that call us for help. Because of generous organizations like the Harrisburg Senators, the American Cancer Society is making a difference every day in the lives of those touched by cancer.”

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Pennsy Supply and the American Cancer Society on our Paint the Park Pink Night this season on Saturday, Aug 9th,” said Senators’ President Kevin Kulp. “We hope to raise a lot of money as well as honor those that have battled breast cancer.    It should really be one of the most special nights of our season.”

Starting today, and extending through April 28th, fans will be able to submit an entry with the names of anyone who has battled breast cancer. Following the submission period, 200 names will be randomly chosen and will be printed onto the Senators pink jerseys, which will be worn by the team for the annual Paint the Park Pink Night.

That evening the Senators will also invite all women in attendance that are survivors and are currently fighting onto the field to take part in a pregame ceremony. The women on the field will create a human ribbon in the outfield during the National Anthem. There will also be a banner on display that evening with every name of every survivor from the submissions.

For more information about Paint the Park Pink Night, please visit the Senators website or click here.

The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com..

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

Bisons and United Way South Niagara team up to benefit South Niagara residents

Special Flex Tickets Sold in South Niagara to benefit United Way

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Baseball fans in Niagara have even more of a reason to head across the river to watch the Buffalo Bisons. Not only are the Bisons the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, but in 2014, proceeds of Bisons Flex Tickets purchased at the United Way South Niagara will benefit the South Niagara region.

“We are thrilled that the Bisons are helping us out here in South Niagara,” says Tamara Coleman-Lawrie, executive director of United Way South Niagara. “There are a lot of baseball fans in our region, and when tickets are ordered through our office, our whole community will benefit.”

Bisons Flex Tickets give baseball fans the ultimate flexibility when planning for the 2014 season. Each ticket purchased at the United Way South Niagara costs just $12 and is undated, meaning it can be redeemed at any time at the Coca-Cola Field Box Office for any 2014 game (excluding special events). Plus, each ticket purchased will benefit the United Way South Niagara.

“The Buffalo Bisons are the top minor league team in the Toronto Blue Jays system and these players represent the bright future of the Blue Jays.” said Coleman-Lawrie. “Getting to see so many of the great young stars while also benefitting the United Way South Niagara is a perfect combination.”

For more information or to order tickets for the Buffalo Bisons, please contact deanna@southniagara.unitedway.ca, or call 905-735-0490.

 

-the herd-

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

MBF Announces 2014 Grant Recipients

The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class.

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class, which includes 25 organizations from six counties in Mid-Michigan. The 2014 class received a total of $98,555, bringing the grant program’s total to $721,014 since its inception seven years ago.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 209 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties.

The Foundation began its seventh annual grant process in April 2013, and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

This year’s Michigan Baseball Foundation grant committee was chaired by Jenee Velasquez. Committee members included Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau, Ann Craig, Mike Hayes, Susan Kaltenbach, Scott Litle, Dom Monastiere, Abbe Mulders, and Jerry O’Donnell – a combination of members of the Michigan Baseball Foundation board of directors and the Great Lakes Loons management team.

Grant applications for the 2015 grant session are currently available and will be accepted until February 13, 2015. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

Note: Please see attached documents for a complete listing of organizations receiving MBF grants and a 2015 grant application.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

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

‘Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Sawmills Elementary’s Nathan Connor creates winning artwork

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan’s artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the ‘Dads game day program.

Nathan’s artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the ‘Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

“Nathan’s picture really stood out to us,” said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan’s was the one that won us over.”

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the ‘Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the ‘Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan’s winning art, while St. Stephen’s Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year’s contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 ‘Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

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

Gwinnett Braves Continue Non-Profit Partnership Series in 2014

Team to continue helping local organizations raise awareness, funds for third straight season

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have announced plans to continue their Non-Profit Partnership Series for a third straight season in 2014. Introduced in 2012, the series is an all-inclusive program that allows multiple organizations who volunteer for a common cause to rally together on themed nights that correspond with the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program. The goal is to help local organizations raise awareness and funds for their causes all season long.

The Non-Profit Partnership Series will continue to follow the monthly themes of the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, giving special recognition to grant recipients from 2013 and 2014. Each grant theme will be assigned a different game date during the 2014 season. Respective grant recipients will be given free promotion and acknowledgement on their date as well as a concourse table, pregame video PSA, on-field check presentation and tennis toss profit (when applicable).

All grant applicants will be given free tickets for the event and will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets as a fundraiser. Applicants who were not selected to receive a grant will be given a concourse table if they purchase 30 or more additional tickets. The group who purchases the most tickets will have an opportunity to spread their message via a live radio interview.

The series is not just limited to grant applicants. All non-profit groups whose causes fit the event theme are invited to participate.

Gwinnett Braves 2014 Non-Profit Partnership Series

 (all dates, times and promotions subject to change)
Date Theme / Month Cause / Description
Sunday, May 42:05 PM All About Kids (September) Organizations that benefit children. Part of “Star Wars Day” at Coolray Field.
Thursday, May 810:35 AM I Have a Dream (January) Organizations that grant wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick. Part of “Belk Education Day” at Coolray Field.
Friday, May 237:05 PM Salute to the Arts (March) Organizations that support art programs or education. Part of “Educator Appreciation Day” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, May 252:05 PM Four-Legged Friends (October) Organizations that benefit animals. Part of “Bark in the Park” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, June 82:05 PM Summer of Safety (June) Organizations that fund or run safety programs for children. Part of “Public Safety Day” at Coolray Field.
Friday, June 277:05 PM Red, White and Blue (July) Organizations that support the military or military families. Part of “Military Appreciation Night” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, June 292:05 PM Heart Month (February) Organizations that bring awareness and/or raise funds for heart related diseases and illnesses or that promotes a healthy diet and fitness programs for children.
Saturday, July 197:05 PM Thanksgiving (November) Organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness, that support children and families that are homeless or that run and maintain a food bank.
Sunday, July 202:05 PM Season of Giving (December) Organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming. Part of “Christmas in July” at Coolray Field.
Saturday, August 27:05 PM Back to School (August) Organizations that support education or afterschool/mentoring programs. Part of “Back to School Night” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, August 102:05 PM Take Me Out to a Ball Game (April) Organizations that promote youth athletics or activities. Part of “Chopper’s Birthday Celebration” at Coolray Field.
Saturday, August 307:05 PM Cancer Awareness (May) Organizations that bring awareness to cancer prevention/detection or that raise funds for cancer research. Part of “G-Braves vs. Cancer Night” at Coolray Field.

For more information on the Non-Profit Partnership Series, including details on how your organization can participate, call Shay Marlowe with the Gwinnett Braves at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

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

Bradenton Boosters Make Annual Donation

Money Assists Pirates Charities in Manatee County Efforts

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Boosters today presented their annual donation to Pirates Charities. The club’s officers presented a check for $35,000 to Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby before the Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field.

The Bradenton Boosters have volunteered at Pirates Spring Training since 1969. Members of the Boosters work as ushers, program sellers, parking lot attendants, and several other roles at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The Boosters annual donation has helped to grow several Pirates Charities programs in Manatee County, such as the Fields for Kids program and the Miracle League of Manasota.

Pirates Charities is the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since its creation in 2006, Pirates Charities has made focused financial contributions to causes benefitting youth health, fitness, and education. For more information about Pirates Charities visit www.Pirates.com/community.

For more information about the Pirates Spring Training, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

Gwinnett Braves Announce January and February Grant Recipients

“I Have a Dream” themed grant goes to Lekotek, “Hearth Month” themed grant awarded to Camp Twin Lakes

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of January and February. Lekotek of Georgia has been awarded January’s “I Have a Dream” themed grant, aimed at assisting an organization that grants wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick. Camp Twin Lakes will receive February’s “Heart Month” themed grant, intended to benefit an organization that promotes awareness for heart-related diseases and illnesses.

Lekotek of Georgia, founded in 1983, has made a difference for more than 5,500 families from metro Atlanta, rural Georgia and beyond. Lekotek’s goal is to facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities into their families, schools and communities by providing accessible play, adapted toys, technology, information and resources.

Last year, 626 children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hearing and/or vision loss, spina bifida, mitochondrial disorders and genetic conditions benefited from the Lekotek’s vision of providing a world where children with disabilities were included and empowered through play.

The grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund the purchase of adapted toys, iPads and other electronic items to help children with disabilities reach their potential.

“This grant will make it possible for Lekotek to expand services at both our satellites in Duluth and Gainesville,” said Lekotek Director Helene Prokesch. “We appreciate the generous support of the Gwinnett Braves. We thank the Gwinnett Braves for promoting our mission of inclusion, where everyone is a player.”

While the Gwinnett Braves and Lekotek have formed a new partnership through the January grant, the team’s support of Camp Twin Lakes is continued with the February grant. The G-Braves and their parent club, the Atlanta Braves, have had a strong relationship with the camp for years.

For over 20 years, Camp Twin Lakes has provided life-changing camp experiences to thousands of Georgia’s children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges. CTL collaborates with nearly 60 nonprofit organizations, each serving a different population, to create customized programs for campers. Annually, more than 9,000 campers are served through year-round, medically-supported camp programming. CTL currently partners with three organizations that serve kids and teens who have heart defects, heart disorders or have received a heart transplant.

Every camp program incorporates activities that promote healthy habits such as biking, swimming, zip-line courses, rock climbing, and nutrition-based programming such as trying fresh vegetables picked from CTL’s Sustainable Teaching Farm. Biking along the paved trails throughout camp remains a Camp Twin Lakes favorite.

With the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves, Camp Twin Lakes will purchase new BMX bikes for campers to use on the trails.

“Our hope is to keep our campers excited about biking because it’s a fantastic exercise activity that is readily available to most on a year-round basis and not just during their time at camp,” said Eric Robbins, Executive Director of Camp Twin Lakes. “At our campsites, we have trails where campers can learn how to ride for the first time or can advance their biking skills. The addition of new BMX bikes will allow more campers to enjoy riding around camp. We are so grateful to the Gwinnett Braves for awarding us this grant to help us expand our biking program.”

About Lekotek: Lekotek of Georgia is a unique nonprofit, helping all children learn through play. Imagine you’re a child who wants to turn on a battery-operated toy or email a friend and you can’t because your hands are fisted. Or imagine you are a child who can’t speak but has lots to say. With adapted toys, computers and iPads, Lekotek makes it possible for every child to experience success, communicate and learn along the way. The word “Lekotek” comes from the Swedish work “lek,” meaning play, and the Greek suffix “tek” meaning library. Loosely translated, Lekotek means play library, but to the hundreds of families they help, it is much more. Lekotek is a safe haven from medical appointments and therapies. It’s a place where parents find resources and support while children have fun and learn. For more information about the program and how you can contribute, please contact Helene Prokesch at helene@lekotekga.org.

About Camp Twin Lakes:  Camp Twin Lakes is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round recreational, therapeutic and education camp programs for children and young adults facing serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. With its network of Camp Partners, Camp Twin Lakes provides life-changing experiences at its medically-supportive, state-of-the-art accessible camps located in Rutledge, GA; Winder, GA; Warm Springs, GA; children’s hospitals; and other locations throughout the state. For more information about Camp Twin Lakes and how you can contribute, please email contact@camptwinlakes.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Manager Shay Marlowe at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

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 COUNTDOWN TO THE 2014 HOME OPENER (Friday, April 11, 7:05 PM vs. Durham): 29 Days

The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Follow the G-Braves at gwinnettbraves.com, facebook.com/GwinnettBraves1 and twitter.com/GwinnettBraves. Tickets for all 2014 home games are on sale now by calling the Coolray Field Ticket Office at 678-277-0340 or visiting gwinnettbraves.com.

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

Quilting to honor local Veterans

Saturday, March 8th

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Cedar Rapids, IA – Quilts are being made on Saturday, March 8th to honor Eastern Iowa Veterans and will be presented to local Veterans during a Cedar Rapids Kernels game this summer.

The quilting event will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, March 8th from 9 am until 4:30 pm. All interested quilters are welcome to come to the stadium to create a quilt that will be given away to veterans on July 5th. Kits and fabric are available for purchase at Connie’s Quilt Shop, or use up some of your red/white/and blue “stash”.

To register for the quilting event on March 8th, call Connie’s Quilt Shop at (319) 373-9455 by Wednesday, March 5th. Those sewing during the quilting event will receive a free ticket to attend the Kernels game on July 5th and those donating a completed quilt for a Veteran by June 2, 2014, will receive a 20% off coupon from Connie’s Quilt Shop (one coupon per person).

In addition to making the quilts, Connie’s Quilt Shop and machine quilter Jennifer McRae, are providing a quilt to be raffled off with the drawing to be held during the game on July 5th. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Linn County Veterans Affairs.

For more information or to register for the quilting event on March 8th, call Connie’s Quilt Shop at (319) 373-9455.

The 2014 Kernels arrive in Cedar Rapids on Monday, March 31st and the first chance to meet the new team is on Tuesday, April 1st as part of “Meet the Kernels Night’ from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. The Kernels open the 2014 MWL season on Thursday, April 3rd when they host the Clinton LumberKings at 6:35 pm.

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