Donations – Page 40

Fisher Cats Team with Youk’s Kids, E&R Cleaners for Manchester Public Schools D

April 10, 2013

Organizations provided thousands of tickets for Manchester school children

MANCHESTER, NH – In a time when school budgets are being slashed and squeezed, often at the cost of educational field trips, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats partnered with two local foundations to provide thousands of Manchester school children with a school day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Youk’s Kids, the foundation of former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, and E&R Cleaners purchased tickets so that nearly five thousand students could enjoy a field trip to the ballpark-turned-classroom for Manchester Public Schools Day on Wednesday morning.

“Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners have been tremendously generous in providing their support for this initiative this year,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “Without them, it’s likely that these children would’ve missed out on a unique educational experience in what is undoubtedly one of largest and most fun ‘classrooms’ they will enjoy this year.”

In addition to enjoying the action on the field, the school children were introduced to a variety of learning elements throughout the ballpark. The Fisher Cats invited several local attractions to provide learning stations that covered a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, wildlife, fire safety, financial education, and math and science.

“As a foundation, Youk’s Kids is constantly striving to provide opportunities that enhance the health and well-being of children in New England,” said Youk’s Kids Board Co-Vice President Tina Cantu. “Teaming with the Fisher Cats for this special day game provides these students with an activity that is not only fun, but can lead to a greater interest in learning.”

“Being a family-run business that started here in Manchester, we know the value and importance in creating educational opportunities for the children in our city,” said E&R Cleaners President Rick Botnick. “We hope that these students had a lot of fun and were able to experience something new at the ballpark for the very first time.”

In addition to the support provided by Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners, the following attractions and businesses provided booths and displays during Manchester Public Schools Day:

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Carriage Shack Farm petting zoo
CU4 Reality Financial Education Program
Seacoast Science Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
Smokey the Bear
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
The NHHEAF Network Organizations
New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute
Coca-Cola Recycling
The W.I.L.D Center & Zoological Park of New England
Manchester Fire Department
Manchester Police Department

The Fisher Cats open their next homestand on Thursday, April 18 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). The first game of the homestand features a fleece blanket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Heritage Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric. For tickets, visit www.nhfishercatas.com, stop by the Box Office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, or call 603-641-2005.

The mission of Youk’s Kids is to create a community of support, increase awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of children. Growing up surrounded by the precious gifts of family, friends, community and religion, Kevin Youkilis has long been passionate about giving back to the community. Over the years, he has sought opportunities to make a difference and has participated in a variety of philanthropic efforts. In 2007, he took his commitment to the next level and founded Youk’s Kids. Since its inception, Youk’s Kids has raised over $3 million to support more than 1,000 children.

E & R Laundry and Dry Cleaners was established in 1921 as a family owned and operated business and remains so today. A commitment to our customer is what originally defined E & R as being “not your typical laundry and dry cleaner” and it has continued to distinguish us from the competition for over 75 years. During that time, our family has established a foundation which continues to support the local communities we call home.

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

Sea Dogs Honor Over 1,200 Students for Reading

April 9, 2013

Frank Harrision Middle School, Dirigo Middle School, and Tremont Consolidated School Earn Financial Donations from the Sea Dogs Organization

Students that completed Slugger's Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th. — Students that completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will honor over 1,200 students throughout Maine who have successfully completed Slugger’s 2013 Reading Challenge.

Pirates Charities Presents Gift to Boys and Girls Clubs

April 8, 2013

$62,000 raised during Spring Training presented at Marauders opener

Pirates Charities, the official Philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, partnered with Bright House Networks to present a $62,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations, Trevor Gooby and Bright House Networks Florida Marketing Manager of Sponsorships, Events and Promotions, Amy Sumerlin presented the donation at the Bradenton Marauders home opener Friday night.

Money for the donation was raised during several Pirates Spring Training fundraising efforts. More than $15,000 was raised from ticket sales during Bright House Networks Night at McKechnie Field on March 8^th. That game was attended by 6,353 fans, the most ever for a night game at McKechnie Field.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County have been supporting youths ages 5 through 17 that need it most for more than 67 years. The Boys and Girls Clubs have seven locations helping more than 6,000 children develop good character and citizenship and make progress towards graduating high school.

Pirates Charities was founded in 2006. It has contributed more than $3.1 million to the greater Pittsburgh, Bradenton and Manatee County, and Estorga, Dominican Republic communities.

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

Cubs & PNC Bank Donate 5,300 Notebooks

March 16, 2013

The Daytona Cubs & PNC Bank have partnered to donate 5,300 notebooks to at-risk Volusia County second through fifth graders.

As part of the The Daytona Cubs education program, the Cubs have teamed up with PNC Bank to provide notebooks to 5,300 at-risk second through fifth graders in Volusia County.

PNC Bank has joined forces with the Daytona Cubs in this initiative because the bank recognizes the role school readiness plays in the well-being of local children, their families and ultimately, the economy. Research shows the measurable impact school readiness has on the future success of at-risk children in school and life. By preparing the Daytona area’s youngest citizens for educational success, The Cubs and PNC Bank can help build a solid foundation for the future of this region.

Cubby, the Daytona Cubs team mascot, the Cubs staff members and PNC Bank representatives have already delivered the notebooks to 10 elementary schools, with the final three schools scheduled for the week of March 18th.

This article orginally appeared on the Daytona Cubs’ website

G-Braves Award February Grant to Archer High School PTSA

March 6, 2013

“Heart Month” themed grant will benefit Archer PTSA’s Heart Screens for Teens program

The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of February to the Archer High School PTSA of Lawrenceville, GA. The “Heart Month” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that bring awareness or raise funds for heart related diseases, will help fund Archer PTSA’s “Heart Screens for Teens” program.

Archer High School PTSA launched the “Heart Screens for Teens” program in 2012 in order to detect potentially fatal heart defects that cannot be identified during routine physicals. The screening, an ultrasound of the heart that takes about 15 minutes, helps identify Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) or an enlarged heart, which is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in teens. HCM is thought to affect one in 500 persons of all ages, but usually manifests itself before the age of 20. It is 100% detectable, and teen deaths are preventable.

After screening 60 teens in March of last year, Archer PTSA plans to screen 70 teens in 2013. The process has been updated to include an electrocardiogram (EKG) and sports physical, which will raise the price per screening from $65 to $150. The grant money awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will be used to reduce the cost of the screening for each teen. It is Archer PTSA’s hope that a reduced cost will make parents more inclined to sign their teens up for the screening.

“The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children,” said Lee Merritt, Co-President of Archer High School PTSA. “Local PTA units, like Archer High School PTSA, support this mission at the local level with programs that promote the health, safety, and welfare of students and families in our community. Because of the generous grant from the Gwinnett Braves, Archer PTSA can make Heart Screens for Teens more affordable, and there is no doubt, children’s lives will be saved.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Swing For the Cure – Put Your Photo On a Jersey

February 4, 2013

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs and the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation are offering fans the opportunity to put their own image on a jersey number for the specialty jerseys the Chiefs will wear during the Swing for the Cure event on Saturday, May 18.

Fans can send in a photo that will be placed on a number on the back of a jersey in one inch by one inch segments. All submitted photos are guaranteed to be on at least one jersey. The cost to submit a photograph is $25 and every person who submits a photo will be entered into a drawing to win one of the jerseys. The maximum order per person is five photographs. The jerseys will be worn on Saturday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. as the Chiefs host the Clinton LumberKings. All jerseys will be auctioned off during the game and all proceeds will benefit the Illinois CancerCare foundation.

To submit a photo, download the Jersey Form or email ChiefsJerseyPhotos@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting a photo is Friday, April 26. The May 18 game also features a post-game Fireworks show and a Pitch-In For Charity Tennis Ball Toss which will also benefit the Illinois CancerCare Foundation.

Illinois CancerCare, P.C. is a comprehensive practice treating patients with cancer and blood diseases. The focus is to provide state-of-the-art treatments for its patients in the fight against these diseases while staying on the leading edge of breakthrough research and medicines. Illinois CancerCare is central Illinois’ largest network of cancer care specialists with 90-120 open clinical cancer research trials being conducted at any given time. Currently Illinois CancerCare has 17 physicians, more than 230 staff members and 13 clinic locations throughout central and western Illinois. For more information call 309-243-3000 or visit illinoiscancercare.com.

The Illinois CancerCare Foundation is committed to supporting research, education and awareness of a disease that affects 1 in 3 people. The Foundation funds clinical research trials, regardless of the level of federal funding available. A goal of the Illinois CancerCare Foundation is to expand the number of patients enrolling in clinical trials in order to discover better treatment and therapy options and ultimately cures for many types of cancer. Funds are also used to help support cancer education, awareness, and patient comfort care through special programs that reach patients in need. For more information visit illinoiscancercare.com.

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

2013 Grant Beneficiaries Announced

January 26, 2013

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, will award a total of $85,700 in cash grants to 20 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s sold-out Phillies Winter Banquet featuring 1,100 guests at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2007, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $550,000 in cash grants and $215,000 in in-kind donations to dozens of local non-profit entities.

“Without question, this is the most rewarding night of the year for our organization,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “Make no mistake; these contributions would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and business partners. We are truly humbled by the generous backing that IronPigs Charities receives and we look forward to continuing to make a tangible impact in our wonderful community.”

One of the annual highlights of the Winter Banquet event is the distribution of grants to local non-profit organizations. In fact, over $280,000 has been distributed at this event alone since debuting in 2008.

The 2013 beneficiaries along with a brief synopsis of their benefitting programs are listed below:

Allentown School District Foundation: An after-school intra-district middle school baseball program will be started in Allentown School District. At current, the Allentown School District does not have a baseball program at the middle school level. This program will allow for dozens of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to play baseball.
Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem: Mind, Body and Soul are the three components of the Triple Play program. The multi-faceted program is designed to help young people become healthy and active while forming new relationships.
Boys and Girls Club of Easton: The Triple Play program consisting of the Mind, Body & Soul components, addresses a need for low-income youth to get more structured exercise in sports, explore healthy nutrition and learn social skills.
Community Bike Works: Children participate in a three month “Earn a Bike” program in which they receive instruction on bike mechanics, bike safety, employment skills and business concepts. At the successful conclusion of the program they earn a bike and a helmet.
Easton Police Athletic League: New uniforms and equipment will be purchased for the Easton Police Athletic League’s wrestling program. This program serves 50 youth from the Easton area.
Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity: The Family YMCA Summer Youth Basketball League serves boys and girls ages 8 to 18. This program supports 80 youth and focuses on low income families.
Friends of the Allentown Parks: The Queen of the Court will give girls in the city of Allentown the opportunity to play basketball. Nearly 100 girls are expected to participate in the four week program.
Lehigh County Conference of Churches: The Aspires mentoring program addresses the health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Allentown School District. The IronPigs Charities grant will fund ten weeks of recreational and educational group activities.
Lehigh County Youth Association: LCYA serves over 100 youth who participate in a variety of sports, including baseball. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide new catchers equipment, a pitching machine, new bases as well as field maintenance equipment.
Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Wildlife & Wellness Program is a nature inspired health and fitness after-school program to benefit primarily disadvantaged, school-age youth in our community.
Lower Macungie Youth Association: After receiving a 2012 grant for field maintenance related items, Lower Macungie Youth Association will now receive funding for a storage shed for the items that were purchased last year.
Mikayla’s Voice: This June, Mikayla’s Voice will be hosting a one-of-a-kind triathlon for children with and without disabilities. Children with physical disabilities will participate in all three phases of a triathlon with a little help from their friends.
Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Their mission is to provide an all-inclusive baseball program for children with various special needs. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide uniforms and equipment for the nearly 300 players in the league.
Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: Golden Dippers Ice Cream Parties will take place at the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network for children battling cancer who are hospitalized. Additionally, PCFLV will celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments with a Last Round of Chemo party.
Sacred Heart Hospital: An afternoon program of health and wellness will provide over 400 low-income youth with fitness activities, healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and a backpack giveaway filled with school supplies.
Salvation Army: The Breaking Barriers Fitness Camp will teach youngsters how to get fit, how the body works and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Each child will receive a personalized workout routine after the instructional sessions.
Special Olympics Lehigh County: A full course of track and field events will be setup for over 500 Special Olympics Athletes at Whitehall High School.
Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House will be building “Pigtown” as the fifth element of the adventure course at Camp Fowler. Throughout the year nearly 850 youth will participate in the adventure course.
YWCA of Bethlehem: The YWCA will give over 50 girls the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Held at Southmoore Golf Course and Wedgewood Golf Course, the young women will learn the necessary skills needed to play in tournaments throughout the area.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Charlie Manuel along with Dave Brundage (IronPigs manager), C Erik Kratz and INF Kevin Frandsen headline the sold-out 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Coca-Cola and the Lehigh Valley Health Network to be held on Thursday at the brand-new Sands Events Center in Bethlehem. Other Phillies dignitaries include Benny Looper (Asst. GM), Joe Jordan (Dir., Player Development) and Steve Noworyta (Asst. Dir., Player Development).

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level.

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

Knights Raise Money for Salvation Army

December 23, 2012

The Charlotte Knights’ season of giving continued on Thursday, December 20 at the Six Pence Pub in Fort Mill. For over three hours, front office staff members volunteered their time to raise money for the Salvation Army.

The Knights arrived around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, eager to learn a new trade and give back to the community. With help from seasoned professionals – a.k.a Six Pence Pub bartenders, the crew quickly got the hang of things.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., staff members served drinks and food to the crowd.

Becka Leveille, Knights Merchandise Director, and Justin Fulbright, Knights Assistant Groundskeeper, both stepped right in and began making drinks.

“It was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Leveille. “I learned a few things about bartending and I got to talk to some passionate Knights fans. I may have found my second career!”

Erik Hassy, GM of Ovations, and Knights Media Relations Director Tommy Viola, were also on-hand to help with the volunteering efforts on Thursday. Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski came out to support the Salvation Army and his team’s efforts on Thursday.

Every 30 minutes, Viola rang a bell located behind the bar and announced a raffle prize. Lucky fans won shirts, tickets to a 2013 Knights game, a Knights jersey signed by the 2012 team, a Brian Anderson autographed bat, and more.

“It was great to get behind the bar, serve drinks, announce raffle prizes, and talk to our fans,” stated Viola. “There’s nothing like getting out in the community and meeting Knights fans. It was especially gratifying to know that all of the money we raised was for the Salvation Army.”

Knights Community Relations Director Lindsey Roycraft also played a key role on Thursday. Thanks to her strong ties with the community, events like the one on Thursday are made possible.

“It was a very positive event,” said Roycraft. “I look forward to working with Ray and the entire Six Pence Pub staff again during our upcoming 2013 season. Next time, we’ll bring a Knights player or two.”

Overall on Thursday, the Knights and Six Pence Pub raised $625.00 for the Salvation Army.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.Earlier in December, the Knights held a toy and coat drive at Knights Stadium during the team’s first-ever “Winter Wonderful” event. The team also worked with Angel Tree this year to make sure two boys received all of the presents they asked for this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff members will volunteer at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Classroom Central.

“Volunteering and giving back is a big part of what we enjoy doing,” added Roycraft. “We look forward to keeping that going in 2013 and beyond.”

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

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

November 16, 2012

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 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, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The 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 For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 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.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: 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.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

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 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc. makes $5,000 donation to Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

November 15, 2012

The Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, today presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund of Central New York.

The donation is the result of a year-long partnership between the two organizations that was highlighted by Breast Cancer Awareness Night on July 20 at Alliance Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Chiefs hosted a “Pink Cocktail Party” fundraiser in the Hank Sauer Room during that evening’s game against the Norfolk Tides. Among the highlights of the cocktail party was a visit from actor Billy Baldwin, who joined his mother Carol M. Baldwin, in thanking Chiefs fans in attendance for their support.

In addition, volunteers from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund also sold breast cancer awareness merchandise, including bracelets, t-shirts, flip-flops, lanyards, and rings, on the main concourse during every Chiefs home game this season.

“We applaud the outstanding efforts of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “It is an honor to work with one of the premiere non-profit organizations in this area to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.”

“I would like to thank the Syracuse Chiefs and the Syracuse Chiefs Charitable Foundation for their commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer,” said Elizabeth Baldwin, Executive Director of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. “This has been a very successful partnership for the last several years and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”

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

Bees Make Donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation

November 3, 2012

The Burlington Bees recently made a donation of $750 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy.

Each season, the Midwest League collects fines from players and coaches who violate the On-Field Behavior Policy. Then the league distributes the fine money evenly to each member team, and asks them to give it to a deserving group or organization in their community.

“The Midwest League does a great job in turning a negative thing into a positive one,” said Bees General Manager Chuck Brockett. “The Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a wonderful organization that helps children through difficult times, and we felt they were very deserving of this donation.”

Since its creation in 1987, the Iowa Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 2,500 wishes to children ages 2 ½ to 18. Children who receive the wish have a life-threatening medical condition, but not always terminal. The wishes granted generally fall into four categories:
• Trips – Disney World, Hawaii, cruises, etc.
• Gifts – computers, hot tubs, room makeovers, etc.
• Occupational – be a train engineer or police officer for a day
• Meet celebrities

Revenues to pay for the wishes come from fund raising events, corporate contributions, foundation grants, individual contributions, memorials, and bequests. The average cost to complete a wish in Iowa is approximately $9,000.

The Iowa Chapter serves all 99 counties of the state, and consists of nine staff members and twelve volunteer area committees. There are currently nine dedicated Wish-Granting volunteers in the Southeast Iowa area. A Walk for Wishes fundraising event is scheduled for December 2nd at Westland Mall in West Burlington.

For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to become a volunteer, please log onto www.iowa.wish.org or call 1-800-797-WISH.

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

Midwest League Fines Benefit Caritas, Inc.

October 29, 2012

The Beloit Snappers have donated $420.00 to Caritas, Inc. as part of the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy.

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 and the YMCA’s Partners of Youth Program.

“We are very excited to help Caritas,” stated Snappers General Manager Matt Bosen. “Though no one wants to condone negative behavior on the playing field, to be able to take the fine money and donate it to a program that will put food on so many families’ tables this Thanksgiving, it is a very rewarding program. Through the program, our players learn how to take a negative experience and learn from it. The lessons they learn benefit their personal development and the greater good of the community.”

This annual donation 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.

Syracuse Chiefs help raise $1,600 to assist with pet overpopulation problem

October 17, 2012

Strikeouts by team’s bullpen lead to donation for SANS

For the fifth consecutive year Spay And Neuter Syracuse (SANS) has received a hefty check from Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, with help from the Syracuse Chiefs relief pitchers.

Earlier today at Alliance Bank Stadium, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital presented a $1,600 check to Spay And Neuter Syracuse (SANS).

Prior to the 2008 season Dr. Fitzpatrick approached the Syracuse Chiefs with an idea to raise money to help stop the pet overpopulation problem in the area and to raise awareness that it does exist.

Dr. Fitzpatrick pledged to donate $10.00 for every strike out of the visiting team recorded by a Syracuse Chiefs relief pitcher at Alliance Bank Stadium that season and has continued the program every year since. The Chiefs bullpen tallied 160 home strikeouts during the 2012 campaign.

“It is my pleasure to have teamed with the Syracuse Chiefs relief pitchers again this season to help strike out the overpopulation of pets,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity that the Syracuse Chiefs have provided to raise awareness for SANS and this very important topic.”

“The Syracuse Chiefs commend both Dr. Fitzpatrick and SANS for their efforts to make a positive impact on our community,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “We are very pleased that this program has continued for five seasons and we look forward to being a part of it for many years to come.”

Monies raised will go directly to Spay and Neuter Syracuse (SANS), a low cost spay and neuter clinic located in Syracuse and the only one of its kind in Onondaga County. The clinic has spayed and neutered over 10,000 animals since its inception November 2005.

SANS is a volunteer based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the pet overpopulation problem by spaying and neutering unowned cats and dogs and animals belonging to persons of low income. To donate to Spay And Neuter Syracuse, please call (315)422-7970. Visit their website at www.spayandneutersyracuse.com.

Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, a full service animal hospital, is located in Baldwinsville, New York. They can be reached by phone at (315)635-6241 or on the web at www.beaverlakeanimalhospital.net.

Syracuse SANS Donation — Scooch and Chiefs Assistant GM Mike Voutsinas helped Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital present a check to Christine Berry, President of SANS.

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

Virginia Eagle supports military families

October 4, 2012

The Pulaski Distributing company donates $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center

PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners are pleased to announce that Virginia Eagle Distributing has donated $1,000 to the Military Family Support Center of Salem, Virginia. Both organizations have partnered with the Mariners during the 2012 season.

The donation was a result of the Mariners Homerun Promotion, in which Virginia Eagle and Budweiser made a donation of $50 for each homerun hit by the Mariners at Calfee Park. The 2012 Mariners hit a combined 17 homeruns during the season to reach an $850 total, and Virginia Eagle donated an extra $150 for a grand total of $1,000.

The Military Family Support Center is located in Salem, Virginia, and focuses on the welfare and needs of military families of service men and women. They provide goods, information, and socialization for military families of active and reserved service men and women in the area. For more information on how to help, see the Military Family Support Center’s website at milfamily.org.

For any questions, please contact the ballpark at 540-980-1070 or email the Mariners at info@pulaskimariners.net.

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

Barons and Dale’s Team Up For Kid One Promotion

September 29, 2012

The Birmingham Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have partnered together for the past seven years to help with the essential transportation needs of local area children with their “Pitch One for Kid One” fund-raising promotion. With their donation of $9,000 in 2012, the Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have donated a total of $52,500 over the past seven years.

Kid One Transport is an innovative program that has served the children of Alabama for over fifteen years, while being the only nonprofit transportation provider of its kind in Alabama. Since its inception in 1997, they have provided more than 220,000 transports, which ensure that children receive the medical care they need. Kid One serves expectant mothers and children with a wide variety of health care needs ranging from routine medical checkups, dental screenings and mental/emotional health services, to critical, specialized care such as radiation, chemotherapy and dialysis.

“The Barons are proud of our continued partnership with Dale’s Seasoning to benefit Kid One Transport,” said Jonathan Nelson, General Manager of the Birmingham Barons. “We feel it’s very important to give back to the community and the “Pitch One for Kid One” promotion raises essential funds for an extremely important cause. Reaching the $50,000 milestone this season was a tremendous achievement and we look forward to continued success in the future.”

Alan Seigel, Vice President of Dale’s Sauces, Inc. said, “Our Dale’s corporate family is proud to be able to help these children and families get transportation to medical appointments, therapies and treatments. Kid One Transport and their entire staff have inspired, motivated and helped us to organize this event over the years. Of course, we also want to give special thanks to the Barons’ fans for all of their very generous support. It’s a wonderful example of families helping families in need.”