$157, 861.68 Raised at Granite State Baseball Dinner

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, today announced that $157, 861.68 was raised for charity at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on November 20, 2010.  Monies raised through dinner ticket sales, raffle tickets and silent and live memorabilia auctions benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have held another successful evening of fundraising and entertainment with so many friends, fans, business partners and volunteers at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental,” said Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board Art Solomon.  “Thanks to the courtesy of our special guests and the generosity of our community, many wonderful memories were made to go along with meaningful financial contributions toward the worthy charities.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Fisher Cats organization, the Ted Williams Museum and the hard working volunteer committee members who helped make the Granite State Baseball Dinner a resounding success,” said Paul Merguerian, MD, Director of CHaD.  “As New Hampshire’s only comprehensive, full service children’s hospital, we are extremely grateful for the Fisher Cats’ generous commitment to the children and families of NH.  It is because of acts of generosity and kindness like this that we are able to provide the very best care for all our state’s children regardless of their family’s ability to pay.  Thank you Fisher Cats-you are number one in our book.”

CHaD, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, is New Hampshire’s only NACRI approved, comprehensive, full-service, family-centered children’s hospital.  CHaD offers compassionate care for the most critically ill and injured children throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and beyond, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner help CHaD further its mission to provide each child the best care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.  CHaD’s facilities include a comprehensive, full-service hospital in Lebanon, which is also home to northern New England’s only Level-I Pediatric Trauma Center, and outpatient facilities offering a full array of specialty care in Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua and Dover.  In southern New Hampshire alone, there are 53 specialists in over 16 pediatric specialties delivering care close to home for kids with chronic and acute illnesses. As a part of the renowned Dartmouth Medical School, with its stellar reputation for innovative research, CHaD’s physicians are among the first to know about advancements in technology and clinical practice, which translates to the best care for patients.

The goal of the Ted Williams Museum is to preserve and build on the rich tradition and heritage of our national pastime in a mission of outreach and education.  The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner are instrumental in ensuring the museum’s continued existence and in providing for numerous youth baseball programs and scholarships for deserving student athletes.  The Museum also provides assistance to charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Children’s Dream Fund, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and many more.

“We are so thrilled to be a part of a truly special event that brings fans and their sports heroes together, all for a selfless and commendable cause,” said Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “We’d like to thank our partners the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and CHaD, and everyone who generously opened up their hearts to help us in furthering our mission of celebrating baseball through outreach and education.”

The Fisher Cats Foundation is a statewide charitable organization dedicated to bettering the lives of young people by supporting CHaD and providing scholarships to college-bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students.  In 2010, the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 12 high school seniors and has awarded a total of $110,000 in scholarships since 2007.  With proceeds from the Granite State Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats Foundation also makes contributions to local and regional non-profit organizations such as City Year, the American Red Cross, the Monarchs Care Foundation, the Bella Tucker Fund and many more.

JCSF ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS

JohnsonCityCardinals_2011-01-14

The Johnson City Sports Foundation has completed another successful season managing the 2010 Appalachian League Champion Johnson City Cardinals. The foundation will once again fulfill its goals by reinvesting excess revenues into the community by providing funding to local youth educational and athletic endeavors. The JCSF was able to distribute over $20,000 in grants to fourteen area non-profit organizations despite facing another year of economic challenges. “Once again we are privileged to have the opportunity to financially contribute to these organizations that serve the youth in our community” said Mark Fox, President of the Johnson City Sports Foundation. “After several years of consecutive giving the economy has proven that these funds will not always be guaranteed, but we are still happy to give back.”

The Johnson City Sports Foundation has now contributed over $280,000 to the community since taking over operations of the Cardinals in 2004. “This success would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and Johnson City Cardinals fans,” said Fox. Herman Rice, president of the Johnson City American Little League and 2010 grant recipient, is greatly appreciative of the support his league has received over the past several years. “The Johnson City Sport Foundation grants have meant a tremendous amount to our league over the years and have allowed us to make upgrades to our facilities and equipment that our budget would typically not allow” stated Rice. “These upgrades are very important to continue to provide a safe environment for the kids in our league. We are very thankful for our partnership with the foundation and for what they do for the entire community.”

A ceremony recognizing each 2010 grant recipient will be held prior to the Cardinals home opener on June 21, 2011. You can help support the Johnson City Sports Foundation and the Johnson City Cardinals by advertising at Cardinal Park, purchasing Cardinals season tickets or by volunteering during the season. If interested please contact the Cardinals office at (423) 461-4866 or by e-mail: info@jccardinals.com.

2010 JCSF Grant Recipients

-David Crockett High School Cross Country -Girls Inc. -Girls on the Run -Good Samaritan Ministries -Johnson City American Little League -Johnson City National Little League -JCSF Internship Program -Johnson City Youth Baseball/Babe Ruth -Jonesborough Little League -Milligan College Baseball -Mountain View Elementary School -Science Hill High School Baseball -Science Hill High School Wrestling -Unicoi County High School Baseball.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Johnson City Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.

Grace Church Forms Double Play Combo with the Fort Myers Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle Professional Baseball Club teamed up with Grace Church to provide toys this Holiday season for the less fortunate. The Miracle donated hats, baseballs, shirts, blankets and jackets, while Grace Church distributed the items to those in need.
We are thrilled with the donation that the Miracle Baseball Club made to our Christmas Gift Giveaway. We were able to assist over 100 children with Christmas gifts, and the Club’s huge donation served as a way for us not to have to turn anyone away, there were gifts for everyone, even those who hadn’t signed up in advance,” said Pastor Arlene Jackson.

“The Miracle are happy to support charitable organizations that positively impact our community,” said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner.
Grace Church is located in downtown Fort Myers. The campus during the past month, collected toys that were given away to needy families on Christmas Eve.

Grace Church at 2415 Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, is dedicated to serving and forming relationships with the local neighborhood and offers a free meal and worship service every Wednesday night as well as free Sunday morning breakfast before and during their two worship services at 10 & 11:30am. They are also open to partnerships with other organizations to provide meals, clothing and other services.

Braves and Floyd Co. Police Present Check to Boys & Girls Club

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department presented a check Tuesday December 21st to the Boys & Girls Club of Rome for $10,648.00 on the front plaza at State Mutual Stadium. The funds for this donation were raised through the 2nd Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament hosted by the Rome Braves and the Floyd County Police Department.

This year’s celebrities were former Rome Braves managers Rocket Wheeler and Randy Ingle as well as Atlanta Braves 3rd base coach Brian Snitker and former Rome Braves coach Bobby Moore.

Photo courtesy of the Rome Braves

Autism group gets $1K grant from G-Braves

A local autism support group is the latest recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves.

On Monday, the G-Braves announced that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. would be awarded its December grant. The money will be used to support the organization’s social skills program for children ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

“When the economy suffers, small nonprofits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give,” Spectrum president Claire Dees said. “But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else.”

The Suwanee-based organization was founded in 1998 and provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

At its monthly meetings, the social skills program allows 50 to 80 children to enjoy interactive and fun activities that focus on social lessons.

For more information on Spectrum, visit www.atl-spectrum.com

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 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 Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

Legends Present Check to Pike Recovery Committee

Country music fans enjoyed a great night of entertainment September 24 at Applebee’s Park, home of the Lexington Legends, and victims of flooding in Pike County benefited as a result.

With funds generated by a special concert ticket promotion, the Legends presented a check in the amount of $16,560 to the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. The Committee is a volunteer organization based in Pike County that provides relief for victims of the July 17 flooding.

Tickets to the concert, which featured Randy Travis, LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan, could be purchased with a special promotional code which placed $20 of the $37 ticket price into a fund for the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc.

The Legends also provided concert tickets free of charge to flood victims.

Legends representatives joined local and state government officials, as well as representatives of the Kentucky Coal Association and other businesses and organizations, for the check presentation ceremony Friday morning at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

” We’re very proud to be part of this effort,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “The flood victims face a difficult challenge, and we hope this will help as they move forward.”

Left to right: Lexington Legends account executive Scott Hamilton, “Big L,” and Randy Johnson of the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. hold a replica of a check for $16,560 that was presented Friday by the Legends to the committee to benefit flood victims.

RiverDogs, ServiceMaster Combine to Donate $10,000 to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction

The Charleston RiverDogs initiative of “Be Your Own Fan” took another leap as the club, which recently partnered with ServiceMaster, combined to make a $10,000 donation to NASCAR great Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction.

The $10,000 will go to a scholarship for Lowcountry children to attend Victory Junction, which has a direct tie with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospital.

Victory Junction located in Petty’s hometown of Randleman, NC, is a camp that is designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe and medically-sound environment.  The program offers a week of exhilarating, challenging and nurturing fun under comprehensive, but unobtrusive, 24-hour medical supervision.

The RiverDogs and ServiceMaster teamed for a season-long promotion. For each RiverDogs victory, ServiceMaster of Charleston and the RiverDogs donated funds to Victory Junction.

“We were honored to have the opportunity to team up with Lawton Hayes and the good people at ServiceMaster of Charleston in support of Victory Junction,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “We, as an organization, are happy to make the contribution to this worthy organization, and congratulate Victory Junction on their successful mission.”

“Whenever I get to spend time with people that help make a positive impact on Victory Junction, it’s a great night,” said Petty.  “It’s corporations like ServiceMaster that have stepped up to help send kids to camp that make a difference and help us to continue our mission in serving these kids and their families.”

Victory Junction Night on Aug. 31 featured Petty, a part-time Isle of Palms resident who was on hand to sign autographs and help raise money.  The NASCAR tire changing simulator was on location at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and fans made a donation for the opportunity to win a Richard Petty Ride-along experience. The fans with the fastest tire change were declared the winner.

Representatives from Victory Junction were on hand to visit with fans and provide information about Victory Junction.

BLUE ROCKS DONATE NEARLY $750,000 TO LOCAL CAUSES

Team’s Efforts with Marketing Partners & Fans Touch Thousands

The Wilmington Blue Rocks continued their commitment of giving back to the community throughout the 2010 season. The year saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, raise $744,721.99 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum includes many different types of contributions including cash, tickets and services.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2010 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Below is a breakdown of the team’s efforts in the community during the campaign:

Cash Donations – $19,115

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were able to donate $19,115 to local organizations in 2010. These donations included Little League sponsorships, specialty game-worn memorabilia auctions, ticket kickbacks, and a sponsorship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware.

During select games, the Blue Rocks wore special jerseys or hats. That apparel was then auctioned and raffled off during those games. Some items were auctioned off online as well. Below are a few examples:

Boots on the Ground – Blue Rocks wore Camo hats
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition – Blue Rocks wore Pink jerseys
B+ Foundation – Blue Rocks wore Throwback jerseys

Other organizations that benefited from this included: The Ronnie Williams Foundation, the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, and the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation.

Ticket Donations – 66,798 tickets, Value – $601,182

Each year, the Blue Rocks are able to accommodate almost every donation request. Through those donation requests, school programs, and by offering bulk tickets to select local organizations (Kind to Kids, USO Delaware, Delaware Police Departments, and more), the Blue Rocks were able to donate almost 67,000 tickets for the 2010 season.

Centerplate Concession Stand Money – $63,149.99

During the 2010 season, local organizations had the opportunity to work the concession stands during Blue Rocks games. In exchange, Centerplate, the concessionaire for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, gave them a portion of the revenue from that game. Throughout the season, over $63,000 was donated to these organizations for their efforts.

Non-Ticket Donations – $21,575

These donations are for extraordinary cases that call for something extra special. Non-ticket donations consist of:

Luxury Suites
Experience Items (first pitches, on-field inclusion)
Autographed Items (bats, baseballs)
Merchandise/Promo Items
Blue Rocks Baseball Camp Scholarships
Used Baseballs/Gloves/Equipment

Advertising Donations – $8,500

During home games, the Blue Rocks allowed select non-profits to promote themselves or upcoming events. This promotion was executed through the use of the RocksVision video board, the public address system, and by providing concourse tables.

Speaking Appearances

The Blue Rocks Front Office donated over 50 hours of their time to speak at community events. These events included speaking to children at local elementary schools, high schools, and colleges about careers in sports, and speaking to local organizations about the Blue Rocks.

Player Appearances

Wilmington Blue Rocks Players made many appearances over the 2010 season. Some of these appearances included visiting the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (at least once a month), a youth detention center, local schools, United Cerebral Palsy’s summer camp, as well as other local summer camps.

Mascot Appearances – $7,500

Rocky Bluewinkle visited 196 community events this year. (Spanned over 240 hours; Value of free or discounted appearances – $7,500).

In-Stadium Fundraising at Frawley Stadium – $23,700

The Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to select charitable organizations during home games, and enabled them to raise money for their respective causes. Money was raised by selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, and by collecting donations. There have also been a number of check presentations before Blue Rocks games during the 2010 season.

K’s for Kids: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware donated money every time a Blue Rocks pitcher recorded a strikeout at home. At the end of the season, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Base Learning Initiative: SBLI Life Insurance donated money for each Blue Rocks stolen base during a home game. At the end of the season, BooksFirst! was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Bases for Happy Faces: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Bear Babe Ruth Baseball League Miracle League Field project.
B+ Score for the Cure: AstraZeneca donated money for each Blue Rocks run scored at home. At the end of the season, the B+ Foundation was presented with a $5,000 check.

Miscellaneous

Make-A-Wish Night: On Aug. 31, the Blue Rocks hosted Make-A-Wish Night. Wish Kids were treated like stars. They were able to participate in some unique activities before and during the game, and they received lots of autographs and free stuff.
Challenger Little League: The Blue Rocks continued the tradition of working with the Challenger Little League to host its season’s Opening Ceremonies. Each player was introduced individually, and all teams get to play on Judy Johnson Field.
Stadium Tours: The Blue Rocks offer stadium tours for free. Tours are usually 30 minutes long. In 2010, the Blue Rocks hosted 60 tours, many to community organizations with little to no funding.
Toy Drive: The Blue Rocks were once again, able to contribute toys to the Mary Campbell Center. Rocky Claus surprised guests at the Mary Campbell Center’s youth and children holiday party with a sack full of donated toys.

Tackling Childhood Obesity

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are committed to tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity. To do so, the Blue Rocks have partnered with local programs like Nemours Health and Prevention Services, Titus Sports Academy (CHAMPIONS program), and Girls on the Run. Through these partnerships the Blue Rocks have been able to reward kids who participate in health/fitness-related extracurricular activities.

One of the many visits by Blue Rocks players and team mascot Rocky Bluewinkle to A.I. duPont Hospital included (left-to-right): Rocky, Ivor Hodgson, Buddy Baumann, Barry Bowden, Adrian Ortiz. (Photo by Dave Arthur)

The Cody Fund Receives Gwinnett Braves October Grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Cody Fund, at the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves October grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to purchase a new Police K-9 for the Snellville Police Department.

“We are extremely grateful to the Gwinnett Braves and the Cody Fund for providing funds toward the purchase of a new Police K-9 and training of a K-9 and handler,” said Roy Whitehead, Chief of the Snellville Police Department. “Our K-9 units have been extremely beneficial in preventing and solving crimes which make Snellville a safer place to live. The purchase of this dog would not have been possible without this generous grant.”

The Gwinnett County K-9 Unit has six police canine teams that provide support to the Uniform and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Their primary duties include tracking lost or missing persons, tracking wanted persons, finding evidence or lost property, conducting building searches, serving high risk warrants and locating illegal narcotics. In addition the unit also has a K-9 Team trained to detect explosive materials and provides support to the department’s EOD Unit.

The Cody Fund was created to support police K-9 units in Gwinnett County. Kathy Gestar, an avid dog lover, attended the Snellville Police Academy in 1999 and was impressed by the service that officers and their K-9’s provide to protect Gwinnett residents.

Moved by the need for additional dogs and equipment, Gestar founded the Cody Fund, named after her beloved Sheltie that passed away in 2008.

Since its inception in 1999, the Cody Found has awarded grants for the purchase and training of K-9 dogs, as well as for their specialized medical care and K-9 unit equipment.

Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

OceanFirst Donates $30k Through HRs for Heroes

OceanFirst Foundation donated $30,000 to local military-based charities in 2010 as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program with the BlueClaws.

Home Runs for Heroes, presented by OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM, pairs nine military-based charities with positions on the field (including designated hitter, not including pitcher).

Every time a BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, one of the nine charities received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

“When our young men and women leave to serve their country, they leave families behind here in the States. We support those organizations that help those families and we support those organizations that help our soldiers when they come home,” said OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardelli.

Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix led the way with $8,000, $7,000 of which came courtesy of home runs by BlueClaws first baseman Jonathan Singleton.

VETGROUP, which benefitted from five home runs by BlueClaws catcher Sebastian Valle, earned $6,000.

Below are the 2010 standings in full:

Organization Position Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix 1B 8 $8,000
VETGROUP C 6 $6,000
American Red Cross RF 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities CF 3 $3,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Lakehurst LF 3 $3,000
NJ National Guard Family Readiness SS 2 $2,000
A.R.M.S DH 2 $2,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Earle 2B 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Monmouth 3B 0 $1,000

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.

OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardell (center, with trophy) presents checks to recipients.

Grasshoppers Announce $100,000 Playoff Guarantee For 2011 Season

The Greensboro Grasshoppers announced a new charity initiative, Guarantee To Give – Hoppers Playoff Pledge, today during a brief press conference at NewBridge Bank Park.

The core of the pledge will be based on the Greensboro Grasshoppers going to the South Atlantic League playoffs for the first time in over ten years.  All Grasshopper season ticket holders and sponsors will have the opportunity to select their local charity of choice, and a Hoppers 2011 playoff berth will result in 20 of the charities receiving a $5,000 donation.  The winners will be announced at a date and time to be determined upon completion of the 2011 season.

If the Hoppers do not make a playoff appearance, the Grasshoppers will donate $5,000 to ten local charities, for a total donation of $50,000.

“Today was an exciting day for us as we announced a program that promotes the Grasshoppers making the playoffs for the first time in over ten years and also strengthens our commitment of guaranteed giving to the Greensboro community,” said Hoppers President and General Manager, Donald Moore.

Dream House receives G-Braves grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced recently that the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves September grant.

The $1,000 grant will be used to cover unreimbursed direct care costs associated with the Family For Keeps Transition Care Program. The proven Family for Keeps program provides education and services enabling families to care for these children at home. This gives children with complex health care needs a chance to be part of a loving home where they are valued and cared for effectively.

“We are very grateful for local friends, such as the Gwinnett Braves Foundation,” said Kim Marks, Chief Program Officer, Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. “The community’s support is vital so that Dream House may continue to provide transition care services to the medically fragile children we serve in the Gwinnett area and across the state.”

Gwinnett Braves General Manager North Johnson will present a ceremonial check to the Dream House during the non-profit’s 8th Annual Music-on-Main fundraiser at Lilburn City Park on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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Kernels Continue to Help Flood Victims with Phase II

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9, 2010 prior to the Kernels playoff game against the Clinton Lumber Kings. The money was raised in part from a season-long 50/50 raffle at home Kernels games. The amount of $17,162 will be divided between six local schools affected by the 2008 flood, which include Jefferson, Harrison, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Metro, and Wilson. The monies will help provide equal opportunities to outdoor physical fitness activities and fitness programs to school children. The Foundation is committed to providing programs and introducing better life skills and leveling the playing field for the children in these neighborhoods as compared to the rest of the city. This year’s project was phase II in the Foundation’s efforts to continue to help the flood victims in Cedar Rapids.

The Kernels Foundation phase I project included building two new baseball fields and renovating a third that was damaged by flood waters. The Kernels Foundation, Minor League Baseball Charities, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the City of Cedar Rapids, and others raised $170,000 in 2009 for the project. Because of the new playing fields, we were able to offer a free program to at-risk kids this summer. Seventy-five children were able to play baseball two nights a week at the Jones Park Complex for free, including the use of equipment and uniforms.

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9.

CarePro, the Kernels, and AEGON raise nearly $10,000 for community betterment

For the 3rd consecutive season, the Kernels teamed up with CarePro Health Services in providing a huge lift to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” by donating $5.00 to purchase a plate of hot, nutritious food for “Meals on Wheels” recipients for every run the Kernels plate in the 2010 season. The Kernels high powered offense, led the Midwest League in runs “plated” with 745 runs this season. At $5.00 per run “plated” by CarePro Health Services in their 3rd Annual “Plating for Plates” Campaign, CarePro Health Services Chief Financial Officer Gary Kaufman presented Horizons “Meals on Wheels” $3,725 on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium before the Kernels game on Saturday Night, August 21st. The $3,725 contribution from CarePro Health Services to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” provided the area community home bound citizens who rely on “Meals on Wheels” for their sustenance with 745 additional plates of hot nutritious food!

AEGON’s “K’s for Kids First” initial campaign was a success as it ran through the 2010 baseball season. AEGON is one of the world’s largest providers of life insurance, pensions and long-term savings and investment products. For every strikeout (K) that Cedar Rapids Kernels pitchers recorded, AEGON donated $5 to Kids First, a law center that gives children a voice in divorce and custody conflicts by providing legal representation and services for them. AEGON presented a check for $5,580 to Kids First on Wednesday, September 1 for the 1,116 strikeouts the Kernels pitchers recorded for the remainder of the season.

Kernels mascot Mr. Shucks and AEGON officials present a check to Kids First on September 1, 2010.