Live Jersey Auction Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers held a ‘Brewers Sunday’ promotion every Sunday home game as a tribute to their Major League affiliate Milwaukee Brewers. As part of the promotion, the players wore jerseys honoring the 1982 Brewers. Throughout the season, the Timber Rattlers promoted a live post-game jersey auction to be held on the last Sunday home game of the 2010 season.

Sunday, August 29th marked that last Sunday home game, and in spite of very warm temperatures and an extra-inning game, the live post-game auction resulted in proceeds well over $3000. A host of fans stuck around after the game to bid on their favorite players’ jersey for the good of charity while Representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin were on hand to present each jersey to its winning bidder while the players stayed around for photos and autographs. The auctioneer even donated his time for charity.

Timber Rattlers slugger Chris Dennis’ jersey went for the highest bid at $275. Four other jerseys also went for over $200 (Scooter Gennett: $250, Cutter Dykstra: $225, Kentrail Davis: $225, Andy Sauter: $225). The Timber Rattlers also placed a few of the jersey up for bid via Minor League Baseball’s online auction service.

The event marked the first time the Rattlers hosted a LIVE jersey auction, which resulted in a total donation of $3,377 to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin…a definite success.

Timber Rattlers gather on-field next to the auctioneer who works to get top dollar for their jerseys.
Outfielder Kris Davis poses for a photo with the highest bidders for his jersey.

Grasshoppers Make Major Gift for School Supplies

School bells ring and the Hoppers are not looking for baseball players; instead the focus is on contributing inventory of pens, scissors, paper, paper clips, etc., to the Teacher Supply Warehouse. The Greensboro Grasshoppers donated $10,000 to the Guilford Education Alliance to be used for supplies at the Teacher Supply Warehouse, Hoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore announced Wednesday.

The Guilford Education Alliance mission of quality education for all county residents becomes a reality through the Teacher Supply Warehouse. Over 170 teachers visit the warehouse, shopping for all the materials needed during their school year.

“We are happy to help our local teachers and students with this donation,” said Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “This adds to our long-term commitment to the children of Guilford County.”

The donated school supplies were purchased at the Walmart store on S. Elm/Eugene Street. Store manager, John Brewer, coordinated the $10,000 spend with representatives from the Guilford Education Alliance.

“At Walmart we are proud to support communities in which we live and work. We know of no greater mission than that of your organization to provide supplies for your great teachers and students of the community”, said store manager, John Brewer. “Thanks to the Greensboro Grasshoppers for selecting our store and letting our team help support their work with the Guilford Education Alliance.”

The Grasshoppers are proud to partner with Guilford County Education Alliance and Walmart. However, this is not the first time the Greensboro Grasshoppers have stepped outside the ballpark to provide aid to the community.

Stockton Ports raise close to $8,000 for St. Joseph’s Foundation Breast Health Services

The Stockton Ports held their fourth annual breast cancer awareness night on August 27 at Banner Island Ballpark. This was the most successful “Pink with the Ports” event that the Ports have hosted since beginning the fundraiser in 2007. With over 4,100 fans in attendance for the night’s game, support for St. Joseph’s was overwhelming.

This event hit close to home with the Ports this year. Becki Scarsone, wife of Ports manager Steve Scarsone, is a recent breast cancer survivor, and has early self-detection and the overwhelming love and support of family and friends to thank for her recovery. The goal of the “Pink with the Ports” event was to raise as much money possible for St. Joseph’s Foundation Breast Health Services. The Ports also wanted to stress the importance of catching cancer early, and that doing self-exams could make all of the difference.

Prior to the game against the San Jose Giants, the Ports hosted a “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” to help raise even more money for St. Joseph’s. This event was a first for the Ports. Both teams gathered on the field to participate in a friendly home run competition. Each team consisted of about 15 people, and everyone was thrown 10 pitches each. Pledges were made by fans and Ports Alumni prior to the event, so every home run hit earned money for St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Former Oakland Athletics hall-of-famer Rickey Henderson participated in the event, and dance team members from the University of the Pacific were on the field dressed in pink dance tops cheering on both teams.

One dollar from every ticket sold to that night’s game was donated to the foundation’s breast health services. Ports players and coaches also wore special pink jerseys, belts, and socks. The jerseys were auctioned off after the game and that money was also given to St. Joseph’s. Another unique fundraiser that the Ports hosted weeks leading up to Pink Night consisted of selling pink paper baseballs for $1. Messages were written on the baseballs and were made into a “Pink Wall” that was displayed at the front of the ballpark on “Pink Night”. Ports players and coaches also donated memorabilia that was used in a raffle to benefit St. Joseph’s.

Former Oakland A’s hall-of-famer Rickey Henderson participated in the Ports “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” benefitting St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
The women of St. Joseph’s raised breast cancer awareness during “Pink Night” on August 27.

Miracle Donate $6,500 to Help Fight Breast Cancer

On August 21, 2010 the Fort Myers Miracle played host to the Bradenton Marauders on Breast Cancer Awareness night at The Bill. The night consisted of a double header against the Marauders with a silent auction that took place during the second game. 21st Century Oncology sponsored this night with all proceeds from the auctions going to Partners for Breast Cancer Care. The Miracle players wore pink jerseys to signify and promote breast cancer awareness. Following the end of the game, fans that won jerseys in the silent auction were lead onto the field to receive their jersey right from the player’s back. This provided fans with the opportunity to take pictures and have their jersey signed by the Miracle team. Other auction items included golf packages, hotel getaway packages, autographed baseballs, bats and pink bases.

Partners for Breast Cancer Care is a Southwest Florida based non-profit organization that helps qualified men and women with the diagnosis and treatment cost of breast cancer. Helping over 7,000 men and women since their start in 2004, Partners for Breast Cancer Care has become a staple in the Southwest Florida Community and a friend to the Fort Myers Miracle.

The Miracle fans donated over $6,500.00 to Partners for Breast Cancer Care through various silent auction items, raffles and jewelry sales that went on during the game. This was the first year the Miracle teamed up with Partners for Breast Cancer Care and 21st Century Oncology. With the success of this year’s auction the Miracle are excited to see what next year will bring.

Breast Cancer survivors walk before the game
chari Miracle Manager Jake Mauer with the family that won his jersey in the silent auction

The Latin American Association Receives Gwinnett Braves August Grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Latin American Association (LAA) is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves August grant. The $1,000 grant was used to buy supplies for the LAA’s second annual Back to School Supplies Drive.

Fully staffed by volunteers led by LAA’s Director of the Youth and Volunteer Program, the Back to School Supplies Drive was held at LAA’s main building prior to school opening. The event was attended by nearly one thousand children who, accompanied by a parent, exchanged free tickets given to them at the entrance for free school supplies that included backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, pencils and pens.

“Words cannot express the immense gratitude the LAA family feels towards the Gwinnett Braves,” said Millie Irizarry, Chief Executive Officer of the Latin American Association, upon notification of this award. “While their sportsmanship continues to motivate our children, the Gwinnett Braves have also chosen to support one of our very dear events. Thanks to their contribution, the LAA’s supply drive provided nearly one thousand children with much needed essentials for school work. The Gwinnett Braves have helped us send these children and their families another message of hope which will be unforgettable to them and also to us.”

The G-Braves will honor the LAA in an in-game presentation on Sunday, August 29th when the team takes on the Norfolk Tides at 2:05 p.m. Volunteers, staff and families served by LAA will also be in attendance and are invited to a pregame Q&A with a G-Braves player.

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

About the Latin American Association
The Latin American Association’s (LAA) mission is to help Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. They accomplish this through direct programs and integrated community partnerships that focus on youth academic achievement, education and prevention, and services to families with urgent needs. Last year alone, over 60,000 individuals and their families sought assistance from the LAA. For more information on the LAA visit thelaa.org.

T-Yanks Team Up with Metropolitan Ministries

Saks Salon Gives At Risk Children a Back to School Treat

Have you ever lived with constant fear of not knowing where you were going to sleep at night, or where your next meal was going to come from? This fear is a reality for thousands of children within the Tampa Bay area every day.

Metropolitan Ministries, along with the Tampa Yankees, and Saks Fifth Avenue not only put a smile on 35 childrens’ faces today, but gave them all back to school makeovers with a day at the Saks Salon and Spa. The makeovers included haircuts for every child, along with manicures for all the girls. What a treat!

” This is a great experience for the kids to come out and get pampered for the day. They get to feel like a regular kid, prepping, and getting ready to go back to school.” States AnaMaria Mendez Community Relations Coordinator of Metropolitan Ministries.

Saks has hosted this event for the past 13 years. This is the third year that they have actually brought the children into the store instead of doing the event onsite at Metropolitan Ministries. This event put off the reality they are living with for a few hours so they can have a great time just being a kid!

The Tampa Yankees mascot, “Blue”, made an appearance for the big day, and passed out backpacks filled with TY hats, folders, and kidz packs. The kids absolutely loved all of their goodies, and the thrill of taking pictures with “Blue.”

Metropolitan Ministries has been serving the Tampa Bay community for 38 years. There are over 20,000 homeless in the area, many of them being children. Metropolitan Ministries is helping as many as 150 families a day, providing them opportunities to get back on their feet. Last year there were over 200 children that resided with their families at Metropolitan Ministries.

Metropolitan Ministries truly are making a difference within our community and changing many children’s lives one day at a time.

“To care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering , promote dignity, and instill self sufficiency… as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ.”– Mission Statement of Metropolitan Ministries

Link to original article by Kristin McComas
Tampa Yankees mascot, “Blue”, passed out backpacks filled with TY hats, folders, and kidz packs.

THUNDER FANS DO “GOOD DEEDS”

On Saturday, August 14, the Trenton Thunder hosted the first ever “Good Deed Game” with over 200 fans participating by making at least one donation to the four drives held outside the stadium.

The event featured a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey, a school supplies drive to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-perishable food drive to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and a toiletries drive to support HomeFront.

Of the over 200 fans who made donations, 25% supported one organization, 40% made two donations, 31% supported three drives and 4% donated to all four.

“We always say we have the best fans in baseball and their giving nature really backed up that statement,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations Patience Purdy. “It was a lot of fun to see families with little kids getting excited about making a donation to help others.”

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey Blood Mobile collected 20 pints of blood, enough blood to potentially save 60 lives.  The 20 pints collected is the highest of the three drives held at Waterfront Park this year.

The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank collected 814 pounds of nonperishable food.  Mercer Street Friends notes that the amount is enough to supply a family of four with food for two months.  In the last two years, Thunder fans have donated over 1,700 pounds of food for the food bank through Trenton Thunder drives.

While quantifying the amount of school supplies collected is difficult, Patty Hughes, the Development Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area said, “The Habitat volunteers were overwhelmed with the response from the game attendees.  They mentioned that the bags of school supplies filled their car.  Please know how much the HFH-TA staff and the community appreciates the generosity of the Trenton Thunder and the fans.  The work and the commitment of all of the non-profits in Mercer County is amazing in these tough economic times. ”

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, collected over 250 personal care items – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

“Trenton Thunder fans are fun people with great big hearts!  The personal items that were collected cannot be bought with food stamps and provide a lot of comfort to people in genuine need,” said Anita Hanft, Director of Mission Advancement for HomeFront.

The Thunder provided incentives to fans who supported these local non-profit organizations.  Fans who donated to any one of the causes received a ticket to the Thunder’s Fan Appreciation Night vs. Akron on Thursday, September 2 at 7:05 pm.  People who donated to any two of the drives received the game ticket and a Thunder hat.  Individuals who supported three causes got the ticket, hat and on September 2nd they will be recognized on the field and throw a ceremonial pitch before the game. Those who support all four drives got everything plus a food voucher.

Charleston RiverDogs Donate $20,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute

The Charleston RiverDogs have yet again left a large paw print on the fight against blindness and retinitis pigmentosa.

Prior to the Thursday, July 29 contest against the Greenville Drive at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $20,000 to Dr. Ed Wilson and Dr. Craig Crosson of the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

The donation comes primarily from the RiverDogs’ 11th annual Kindness Beats Blindness auction, which was held on June 26 of this year.

The auction came as a result of RiverDogs President Mike Veeck’s daughter, Rebecca, being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration.  Veeck and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves and most of their charitable efforts toward fighting blindness.

“To work hand-in-hand with the Charleston community for such a worthy cause is something we, as an organization, really look forward to every year,” said Echols. “Seeing first-hand the effect this disease can have on a family adds a level of personality and affection to our auction efforts.”

With proceeds amounting in the thousands each of the 11 years of the auction, the team and the Charleston community as a whole have raised more than $400,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative disease.

For more information on the MUSC Storm Eye institute and their effort to battle RP and other degenerative retinal diseases visit www.muschealth.com/eyes.

Charleston RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols (center) presents a ceremonial check in the amount of $20,000 to the MUSC Storm Eye Institute’s Dr. Ed Wilson (left) and Dr. Craig Crosson (right) prior to the club’s July 29 contest against the Greenville Drive at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. (RiverDogs photo by Andy Lange.)

Timber Rattlers Golf Outing Benefits Miracle League

The Timber Rattlers completed their latest nine-game homestand on a walk-off victory, but it was their work off the field which reigned supreme during the week. Tuesday, July 13 was the solitary off day for the club during the home stretch, but members from the entire organization showed their support for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers charity golf outing.

Manager Jeff Isom, hitting coach Matt Erickson, and seven players put down their bats and picked up their clubs at Eagle Creek Golf Course last Tuesday. “I had a blast playing with some great people,” said All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett. “This was an awesome way to spend a day off.” Even with the enthusiasm, Gennett’s team didn’t come out on top. It was relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar who helped propel his foursome to victory. Thielbar, paired with a foursome put together by Chadd Scott of the Settle Inn, took home the grand prize that featured four Brewers tickets and four autographed bats signed by the entire Timber Rattlers team.

Each of the 18 holes had a contest, such as longest drive, closest to the pin and even the use of an oversized putter. While competition was prominent throughout the day, the true focus of the outing centered on raising money to benefit the Miracle League of the Fox Valley. Organizations were able to sponsor a hole or tee box to help support the event, and donations were accepted at specified holes. Raffle tickets were also sold for selected prize giveaways, including autographed memorabilia from Ryan Braun and Donald Driver.

Thanks to the generosity of each participant and sponsor, the outing helped raise over $5,500 for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley. The charity organization is a baseball league for children aged 4-19 with physical and/or mental disabilities. Games are played at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer at John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field in Memorial Park of Appleton.

The entire Timber Rattler organization would like to thank each sponsor for their help in raising money and for making the outing such a success. The Miracle League greatly appreciates each donation they receive. Please be sure to continue to show your support for these courageous young children!

Gwinnett Braves Announce Grant Program

The Gwinnett Braves Division of the Atlanta Braves Foundation will begin awarding monthly grants to local non-profits in August. The winner of each month will receive a $1,000 grant, 50 tickets to a Gwinnett Braves game, a concourse table at a Gwinnett Braves game and a check presentation. Each non-profit that submits an application will receive 20 tickets to a Gwinnett Braves game.

“We are pleased to present the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program to the community as it is a multi-faceted program that gives all organizations an opportunity to apply and win one of our monthly grants,” said Gwinnett Braves GM North Johnson. “Gwinnett and our surrounding counties have been extremely good to our organization and we are excited to give back to this wonderful community. I look forward to reviewing the applications and awarding our first winner in August.”

Each month features a different theme and organizations may apply for more than one month and area of giving. Below is a list of the monthly themes:

January: I Have a Dream – Organizations that grant wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick.
February: Heart Month – 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.
March: Salute to the Arts – Organizations that support art programs or education.
April: Take Me Out to the Ballgame – Organizations that promote youth athletics or activities.
May: Cancer Awareness – Organizations that bring awareness to cancer prevention/detection or that raise funds for cancer research.
June: Summer Safety – Organizations that fund or run safety programs for children.
July: Red, White and Blue – Organizations that support the military or military families.
August: Back to School – Organizations that support education or after school/mentoring programs.
September: All About Kids – Organizations that benefit children.
October: Four Legged Friends – Organizations that benefit animals.
November: Thanksgiving – 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.
December: Season of Giving – Any organization that benefits youth, education or sports programming may apply.

Non-profits that wish to apply can download the Gwinnett Braves Grant Application at gwinnettbraves.com.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club. Gwinnett Daily Post Editor, Todd Cline, and Gwinnett Braves front office members North Johnson and Courtney Lawson, General Manager and Community and Public Affairs Manager, respectively, make up the grant selection board.

2010 Charity Challenge Huge Success

A night at the ballpark is always a lot fun especially when needed funds are raised for local charities.  On Friday night July 9th at State Mutual Stadium the Boys & Girls Club of NWGA, Cancer Navigators, Children’s Miracle Network, Hospitality House, Murphy Harpst Children’s Home, and Williams Davies Shelter all participated in the 2010 Charity Challenge.  Each organization sold tickets with a portion of sales going directly back to them.  The top four teams selling the most tickets took part in “on field” activities like the dizzy bat race and the limbo to raise additional funds.  Nearly $3,500 was raised.

The Murphy Harpst Children’s Home sold the most tickets, Boys & Girls Club placed first in the game challenges while the Children’s Miracle Network placed 2nd in the game challenges.

Squirrels Salute the Troops!

On Saturday, June 19, the Flying Squirrels partnered with Budweiser to honor the troops for Military Appreciation Night. Hundreds of soldiers and military personnel enjoyed a game at The Diamond.

Support US Armed forces collected donations by offering acorn cut outs to fans to show their support of the troops and raised over $1200 dollars that was used to make care packages for the troops overseas!

The Squirrels also held a “Camo Jersey off the Back” Auction raising over $1,390 with all proceeds benefiting the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) that supports soldiers at Fort Lee and throughout central VA.

Fans were entertained by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and were given a camouflage baseball cap as they entered the gates, courtesy of Budweiser.

SGT. Slaughter leading the crowd in Take me out to the Ballgame!

Pulaski Mariners Join Fine Arts Center Benefit Concert

On Friday, June 18, the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley presented a benefit concert by Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton. The Pulaski Mariners concession staff manned the concession area and donated their time and the profits from sales to the Fine Arts Center. An estimated crowd of 2,500 people watched the show in the downtown Jackson Park.

Pulaski is a town of only 10,000 population. The benefit to the Fine Arts Center from Pulaski Mariners was thirty-five man hours and $750 cash. A return visit has already been schedule for “Elvis” which deems this initial concert a success.

Star Wars Night Benefits Make-A-Wish of Wisconsin

Saturday, June 12 was Star Wars Night at Time Warner Cable Field.

Several Star WarsTM characters were present from the 501’st Legion of Stormtroopers and their friends in the Rebel Legion, a group hailing from midwest states including Wisconsin and Illinois. The group is dedicated to raising money and awareness of children’s charities around the world, and does so with the blessings of LucasFilm.
The characters spent time in front of the main entrance before the game greeting fans with autographs and photos. They made a grand entrance on-field between the two games of the double-header and then wrapped up on the third base picnic deck, for additional fan interaction, the remainder of the evening.

For the second major element of the event, Timber Rattler players wore specially designed Stormtrooper jerseys for both games of the double-header. A select number of these game-worn jerseys were up for bid via silent auction through the 4th inning of the 2nd game. Proceeds from the auction, which totaled over $1,200, were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.

Manager Jeff Isom and Darth Vader pre-game, including a close up of the jersey logo.
Stormtroopers escort Darth Vader to the plate conference prior to the game.

Missions donate $5,000 to Missions Rookie League

The San Antonio Missions presented a $5,000 check to the Missions Rookie League before Thursday’s game, a result of a successful charity golf tournament held on May 25.

The Missions Rookie League is an organization that provides baseball opportunities to underprivileged kids and student athletes in San Antonio. The Missions Rookie League also offers scholarships for youth athletes, and is partnered with the Police Athletic League.