Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on August 17

 

*Dayton, Ohio *— The Dayton Dragons will recognize The Hope Center for Families as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, August 17 against the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. In addition, half of the 50/50 proceeds will be donated to The Hope Center for Families.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than half of children in the City of Dayton live below the poverty level. The statistics show that when those children grow up, they are likely to continue the poverty cycle to their children as well. The “poverty cycle” often persists across multiple generations unless that cycle is interrupted through outside intervention.

The Hope Center for Families was developed to interfere with the poverty cycle in Northwest Dayton, giving families the support and hope needed to grow and advance into sustainable living wages.

The Hope Center for Families is an initiative by the Omega Community Development Corporation that focuses on the two-generation model – a model that targets low-income children and their parents simultaneously. The center will focus on the three main factors that aid in the reduction of poverty through workforce, health, and educational development.

Mini University, Sinclair Community College, and Dayton Children’s Hospital will have a significant presence within the Hope Center. Mini University will operate an early learning program within the center. Sinclair Community College will offer certificate programs for adults to further their education, allowing them to gain higher wages. Dayton Children’s Hospital will aid in childcare.

The Center plans to start transforming the lives of the people of Northwest Dayton as soon as the door open in Fall 2021.

Vanessa Ward, Omega Community Development Corporation president, said her dream once the center is open would be that when people walk in, they will be greeted by people that care.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Miami Valley, The Hope Center for Families is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Help support the development of The Hope Center for Families at the following links:

You can nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

This event is the fourth of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. An additional tribute is schedule for September 1, focused on a different individual or organization who has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 18 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Gwinnett Stripers Award $2,500 July Grant to Gwinnett Coalition

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, have awarded their $2,500 July grant to the Gwinnett Coalition and its Gwinnett Veterans Resource Center.

The Gwinnett Veterans Resource Center (GVRC) seeks to meet the needs of veterans and their military families by providing information, referrals, and resources in a welcoming environment that honors their service and sacrifice to our country.

The Stripers selected the Gwinnett Coalition to receive the July “Military” themed grant. The $2,500 grant will be utilized by the Gwinnett Coalition in the GVRC’s Gift Card Program. To address food insecurity and prevent loss of transportation (which can cause job loss), the GVRC assists veterans and their families with gift cards to purchase food and gas. Veterans who receive gift cards for specific purchases are required to submit receipts showing that the card was used for the purpose for which it was given.

“We are grateful to the Gwinnett Stripers for this generous contribution to our efforts to help Gwinnett veterans in need,” said Renee Byrd-Lewis, Executive Director of Gwinnett Coalition. “Everyone needs the basics, like food and gas, a roof over their head, to be safe, to belong, and to live to their full potential. Those who’ve served our country have sacrificed so much and when our veterans fall on hard times, we owe it to them to step in and give them the support they need. Thanks to this grant we will be able to connect more veterans and their families to a wealth of resources that will enable them to thrive.”

Representatives from the Gwinnett Coalition received the grant from the Stripers during the “Red, White, & BOOM Patriotic Celebration” on July 9.

For more information on the Gwinnett Coalition, including how you can make a donation, visit www.gwinnettcoalition.org.

About the Gwinnett Stripers Grant Program: The Stripers will award four $2,500 grants to different nonprofits in 2021, with each month focusing on a different category of nonprofit organizations aligning with the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are Service-oriented programs (June), Military programs (July), Youth programs (August), and Health and Wellness programs (September). Grant applications were collected through May 14. Each grant recipient will be recognized during a Stripers home game at Coolray Field in 2021.

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

Drillers Help to Renovate Historic Lacy Park 

 

The Tulsa Rumblers, a sandlot baseball club, and the Tulsa Drillers teamed up to give the Lacy Park ballpark a much-needed makeover.

The field is more than just your average neighborhood sandlot. In the 1950s, it was home to Tulsa’s Negro League semi-pro team, the T-Town Clowns. The Tulsa Rumblers started playing pickup ball on Sunday afternoons at Lacy in 2019, but the field was in desperate need of repairs

When public funding to fix the ballpark wasn’t available, a grassroots community project took shape with help from the Tulsa Drillers staff, the Rumblers, and other local sandlot clubs.

“It’s inspiring to see a group of hard-working, passionate volunteers come together to improve this piece of Tulsa’s history,” said Anna America, Chief of Culture and Parks and Recreation said. “This project alone will save Tulsa Parks tens of thousands of dollars in renovation costs.”

Lowe’s donated $8000 in building supplies for the project. Drillers staff members, the Rumblers and other local sandlot players are providing the labor.

The Drillers also auctioned off their “T-town Clowns” replica jerseys worn during the Juneteenth game, raising more than $3500 for the project.

“All of us on the Drillers staff are excited to be able to help with the renovation work at Lacy Park,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “Lacy Park has played an important role in the history of baseball in Tulsa. With the work now being done to the facility, it should continue to be a great place for the community to come together and enjoy the great game of baseball while also helping younger folks understand its wonderful history.”

Volunteers will spend several days renovating the broken stadium lights, refurbishing the dilapidated bathrooms and fieldhouse, and fixing the bleachers.

Volunteers and community members will celebrate the ballpark’s new look Sunday, July 11 at 5 p.m., with a sandlot game against Drillers staff members. The public is welcome to attend and even play in the game.

Tortugas to help raise funds for Officer Raynor’s family

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As a part of the Daytona Tortugas continued effort to be a driving force for good in and around Volusia County, the team has announced on Wednesday that it will spend the last five games of their Independence Day homestand against the Lakeland Flying Tigers raising funds for the family of Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor after he was seriously wounded in the line of duty last week.

On Wednesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 1, all proceeds from the Tortugas’ nightly 50/50 raffle will go to support the injured officer’s family. Additionally, more funds will be raised over the weekend, Friday, July 2, through Sunday, July 4, the franchise will host a silent auction along the concourse behind home plate.

Fans will also be able to donate to the cause through the Daytona Tortugas’ website. When purchasing tickets online at www.daytonatortugas.com, patrons will be given an option to donate at their discretion to help support the cause.

The six-game homestand continues on Wednesday. As a part of the effort for Officer Raynor’s family, fans are encouraged the visit the 50/50 raffle booth located in the concourse area directly behind home plate. It will also be a Wishful Wednesday at The Jack, presented by VyStar Credit Union. Additionally, starting at just $14, patrons will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn thanks to a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Courtesy of Landshark, souvenir cup holders will also be able to enjoy refills at concession stands for just $3.

Coming off the best start of his young career, RHP Case Williams (0-4, 7.39) — Cincinnati’s No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline — is expected to take the hill for Daytona. RHP Nick Davila (2-1, 0.95) anticipates making the first start of his pro career for Lakeland. Gates open at 6 p.m., while coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.

Gwinnett Stripers Award $2,500 June Grant to Impact46

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, have awarded their $2,500 June grant to Impact46 of Lawrenceville. The faith-based nonprofit focuses on education, employment, and community development to impact communities and improve cities.

In 2020, Impact46 teamed up with community partners and the City of Lawrenceville to create the Lawrenceville Response Center to help stabilize families who had lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Impact46 has assisted over 1,200 people while providing over $1 million in rental assistance to help families facing eviction and/or homelessness in Gwinnett County. The organization is committed to serving the citizens of Gwinnett County as they recover from the pandemic by focusing on stabilization services and access to livable wages.

The Stripers selected Impact46 to receive the June “Service” themed grant. The $2,500 grant will be utilized by Impact46 in its effort to launch another Response Center in a neighboring city, with the goal of assisting 150 households for up to three months each.

“We are grateful to the Gwinnett Stripers for awarding us with this grant that we will use to continue to care for families who have been impacted by Covid-19,” said Jen Young, Executive Director of Impact46. “The need is still very great and we will use this grant to further our mission as we provide stabilization services to Gwinnett residents in the form of rental, employment, and nutrition assistance.”

Representatives from Impact46 will receive the grant from the Stripers during the game on Saturday, July 24.

For more information on Impact46, including how you can make a donation, visit www.impact46.org.

About the Gwinnett Stripers Grant Program: The Stripers will award four $2,500 grants to different nonprofits in 2021, with each month focusing on a different category of nonprofit organizations aligning with the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are Service-oriented programs (June), Military programs (July), Youth programs (August), and Health and Wellness programs (September). Grant applications were collected through May 14. Each grant recipient will be recognized during a Stripers home game at Coolray Field in 2021.

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

Cross Timbers Roofing partners with Flying Squirrels to present Field of Dreams

 

RICHMOND, Va. – Cross Timbers Roofing has partnered with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Flying Squirrels Charities to present the Field of Dreams program, the team announced on Friday.

The Field of Dreams program presented by Cross Timbers Roofing enables area youth leagues to join Flying Squirrels players on the field for the national anthem in 2021. In conjunction with Flying Squirrels Charities, Cross Timbers Roofing will be making a donation to each league that has a team participating in the program throughout the 2021 season.

VIDEO STATEMENT

“We are thrilled to partner with Cross Timers Roofing and celebrate with Chuck and Wendy for their 30th year of serving the roofing needs of the Richmond region,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Youth leagues will reap the benefits of that celebration and Cross Timbers Roofing will continue to support and serve the youth baseball and softball leagues across the Richmond region.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Field of Dreams program can click here for more information.

“Cross Timbers Roofing is excited to partner with the Flying Squirrels for the 2021 baseball season,” Cross Timbers Roofing president Chuck Glady said. “It has been an honor to be a part of the Richmond community for 30 years, and we are excited to celebrate with this partnership. When we thought about how to celebrate our 30-year anniversary, we immediately thought of baseball. The Flying Squirrels are iconic in Richmond, and we knew they would have a great program that we could partner with to contribute to our community. We talked through a few options and landed on youth baseball.

“One of our missions at Cross Timbers Roofing is giving back to the community, and we feel like giving back to the kids is a wonderful way to build the future of this community.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels return home from June 29-July 4. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 or in person at the Flying Squirrels offices.

Portland Sea Dogs and KeyBank team up for KeyBank Assists Program 

 

PORTLAND, Maine – Portland Sea Dogs and KeyBank, a long-time sponsor, are collaborating on a #KeyBank Assists in-game promotion to support Portland-based nonprofit Cooking for Community. For every assist recorded by the Sea Dogs during ALL home games throughout the entire season, KeyBank pledges a donation of $10 per assist, up to $10,000 total for the season.

“The Sea Dogs are proud to partner with KeyBank to assist Cooking for Community and their mission to feed those in need and support local restaurants,” Said Geoff Iacuessa, the president and general manager of the Portland Sea Dogs. “KeyBank shares our commitment to the community, together we can hit out of the park to help to make a lasting impact.”

Cooking for Community is an all-volunteer organization addressing hunger in Maine by hiring local restaurants and food producers economically impacted by the pandemic to prepare healthy meals for people who are food insecure. The nonprofit’s social service affiliates then distribute these comforting, easy-to-reheat meals to underserved populations. Ninety-eight percent of all funding raised by Cooking for Community goes directly to restaurant and food-producing partners. Since its inception in early April 2020, over 100,000 meals have been purchased to feed the hungry and support local restaurants and growers who are central to our community and the economic viability of Maine’s vibrant food culture.

“We are honored and grateful to be selected by the Portland Sea Dogs and Keybank as the recipient of their #Keybank Assists fundraising efforts. The support raised by this collaboration will fuel our work supporting local restaurants and feeding our most needy neighbors, dishing out nourishment and dignity to many.” Ellie Linen Low, Organizer, Cooking for Community.

KeyBank’s involvement in the Sea Dog’s in-game promotion is part of the bank’s #KeyBank Assists program, launched a year ago to support local businesses and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, #KeyBank Assists has donated more than $550,000 to communities across the bank’s 15-state footprint and supported 38 charities and 105 small businesses. KeyBank’s donation through the Sea Dog promotion will go directly to Cooking for Community to support small businesses in Maine’s food producing industries, as well as help to fight hunger across the state.

“COVID-19 and its impact has touched so many in our community, particularly those already in vulnerable situations, including restaurants and other small businesses that are so important to our local economy,” said KeyBank Maine Market President. Chip Kelley. “We are proud to partner with the Portland Sea Dogs and Cooking for Community to help fight hunger and support a number of local small businesses in this innovative way.”

KeyBank currently has 42 branches in Maine. The bank has been a sponsor of the Portland Sea Dogs since the inaugural season in 1994.

Learn more about the KeyBank Assists at www.key.com/keybankassists.

About Portland Sea Dogs:

The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A Northeast League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. In 28 seasons the Sea Dogs have welcomed over 10 million fans to Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. The Sea Dogs have been awarded two of Minor League Baseball’s most coveted awards, the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, Minor League Baseball’s most prestigious award, and the Bob Freitas Award, which is presented by Baseball America for long-term success. The Sea Dogs’ “Strike Out Cancer in Kids” program has raised over 5 million dollars for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Over 300 Sea Dogs players have played in the Major Leagues including some of today’s Red Sox stars including Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, and Christian Vazquez. For more information on the Sea Dogs visit seadogs.com. Follow the Sea Dogs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

*About KeyCorp/KeyBank: *

KeyCorp’s roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $176.2 billion at March 31, 2021. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,100 branches and more than 1,400 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About Cooking for Community:

Cooking for Community, a Portland, Maine-based non-profit organization, formed in April 2020 in response to the local economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Restaurants and food suppliers were in trouble, people were hungry and social service agencies were stretched thin. We asked a daring question: What if we created a model that could address these issues – _simultaneously_? Thus, Cooking for Community came together to raise money to support restaurants to prepare nourishing meals; to encourage them to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible; to coordinate with our agency partners to get the food where it was most needed. Our success is humbling. Over the past year, Cooking for Community has provided over 100,000 meals. We are an all-volunteer organization, with countless hours logged by a dedicated team of professionals who put this work into motion. As a result, we keep our overhead to near-nothing with 98 percent of monies raised going directly to programming. Combining these leadership efforts with support from hundreds of donors, advisors, organizers, kitchen workers, chefs, harvesters, and creative and nonprofit professionals enables us to achieve goals no single entity can deliver alone. Visit: https://www.cookingforcommunity.org/

Nashville Sounds and Folds of Honor Announce Rock-N-Jock Celebrity Softball Game on June 3

 

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club and Folds of Honor announced today the Rock-N-Jock Celebrity Softball Game presented by Budweiser and Bradshaw Bourbon at First Horizon Park on Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The inaugural event is headlined by several Tennessee Titans players, including A.J. Brown and Taylor Lewan, along with Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Joining Bradshaw on the field will be a slew of high-profile athletes, country music stars and celebrities.

“We’re excited to welcome Folds of Honor to First Horizon Park along with many of Nashville’s biggest stars,” said Sounds co-owner Frank Ward. “The Rock-N-Jock Celebrity Softball Game is a fun and unique way to showcase our great ballpark.”

Riley Green and Luke Pell lead a group of country music stars that includes Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, Chris Lane and Lacy Cavalier.

Additional participants include former Titans linebacker Will Compton, Cy Young Award Winner and former Sound Barry Zito and comedian Jeff Dye. Other celebrities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Select Section (104-107, 119-121) tickets are $25 and Premium Section (108-118) tickets are $35. 100% of the net profits will benefit Folds of Honor.

For more information, visit www.FirstHorizonPark.com and/or www.tennessee.foldsofhonor.org/events.

ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR

Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission. To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members.

Our educational scholarships support private educational tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all remaining 2021 home games. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

New Camo Caps in stock, portion of sales benefit Veterans Post Restoration of Erie Co.

 

The Bisons annual Camo Caps have always been one of the team’s most anticipated new cap designs and not only does this year’s style not disappoint once again, it comes with a tremendous cause for you to support.

>>>Shop our Armed Forces Collection Now!

The new Camo 5950s and 3930s have arrived from New Era and now you can get your own to celebrate this month’s Armed Forces Day. And, a portion of the proceeds of all camo sales will be donated to the Veterans Post Restoration of Erie County, NY Inc.

Along with the new Camo Caps, the collection also has some great camo tees and cap designs from the past. Purchase any of those items through Monday, May 31st and you can also receive a FREE Bisons Logo Camo Decal.

There is no coupon code needed. Just add your choice of decal to your cart when purchasing your Armed Forces Day collection item.

Great Caps, a Great Cause and a little extra bonus for you. Sounds like a great time to report to the Bisons.com Online Shop… on the double!

Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. While supplies last. Offer ends 5/31/21 at 11:59PM ET.

In Memory of Mom: Indianapolis Indians Charities Donates to Riley Children’s Cancer Center

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Today on Mother’s Day, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) donated $2,000 to the Riley Children’s Cancer Center in support of Indians pitchers Geoff Hartlieb and Cody Ponce. Both men lost their mothers to cancer – Hartlieb’s mom, Wendy, passed away from lung cancer in April 2015, and Ponce’s mom, Jennifer, died in Dec. 2017 from Stage 4 brain cancer. One-thousand dollars went to programs related to mothers of children undergoing cancer treatment in honor of Wendy Hartlieb and another $1,000 went toward brain cancer research in honor of Jennifer Ponce.

Fans wishing to join the donation efforts can make their monetary contributions here.

“As we celebrate moms across the country, our organization understands that Mother’s Day can be uplifting for some and a day of remembrance for others,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “Both Cody and Geoff are great competitors for us on the field, and we know their moms are with them every step of the way. We are honored to support them as they collectively wanted to bring awareness to cancer research.”

Additionally, Cody and Geoff will be donating their own autographed Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms and cleats to two families who have children undergoing treatment at the Riley Children’s Cancer Center.

PaddleHeads Commit $25,000 Match to YWCA Swing Big for Kids Campaign

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign “Swing Big for Kids” to support the YWCA Youth Activities Program and to “let kids be kids” despite experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. The fundraising campaign, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $25,000. The “Swing Big for Kids” campaign will run from May 6th to May 21st.

“At The Meadowlark, YWCA Missoula’s new family housing and domestic violence shelter, we will have anywhere from 40-60 children living in the building at any given time.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “We know that growing up in a home filled with the sights and sounds of domestic violence, or experiencing the stress of homelessness or food insecurity, can have a profound impact on children. But we also know that because of the brain’s ability to adapt and change, we can begin to help these children heal while they are still young and developing. We can’t erase painful memories but we can help them to build new positive memories and experiences. One critical way that we do this is by offering enriching, trauma-informed summer and after school programs— so that kids can just be kids.”

Supporters will have two ways/timeframes to donate to the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program.

The first, through May 6th and May 7th donate to YWCA Missoula’s “Missoula Gives” campaign here: (https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/ywca-missoula)

Second, May 6th through May 21st donate directly to YWCA Missoula here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=41)

During the Swing Big for Kids campaign, every dollar donated will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $25,000!

YWCA Missoula’s comprehensive Youth Services Program serves infants through teenagers. Contributions will cover general operations for the program.

Your contribution will help provide:

  • Weekly activities, including swim lessons and outdoor recreation, for young kids ages 0-5 to participate in with their parents.
  • Biking lessons and rafting/ water sports for older kids and teens.
  • Enriching afternoon programs during the week.
  • Drop-in child care; so that parents can attend meetings with case managers, support groups and counseling.
  • GUTS! leadership programs for girls and gender-diverse youth in the community.

Together, we can give kids in crisis the chance to learn new skills, build resilience, and regain hope for the future.

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is every child’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and to enjoy being a kid! We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.

Check on your neighbors and friends. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The “Swing Big for Kids” fundraiser for the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program will only run from May 6th to May 21st. Donate directly, double your impact, and support those in need.

Opening Day of the PaddleHeads’ 48-game home slate is tabbed for May 22, with the first month of games set at 50% capacity, and a limited number of season tickets available, fans are encouraged to act fast and purchase tickets online in advance, to secure their desired seating locations. Tickets are available now online at http://bit.ly/GETTIX21 or by visiting the PaddleHeads Post (140 N Higgins – 406.543.3300).

Stripers Accepting Grant Applications for 2021

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, are now accepting applications for the 2021 Stripers Grant Program. The program will award a $2,500 grant to a different nonprofit organization each month from June through September.

Each month will focus on a different category of nonprofit organizations, all fitting within the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are:

  • June: Service-oriented programs
  • July: Military programs
  • August: Youth programs
  • September: Health and wellness programs

—

Interested nonprofit organizations may apply online at GoStripers.com/grants through May 14. Organizations deemed qualified will be contacted by the Stripers to provide supporting documents by May 17. One organization will be selected by the Stripers as the recipient of a $2,500 grant each month and will be recognized during a Stripers game at Coolray Field.

The Stripers have partnered with the Atlanta Braves Foundation to award grants to nonprofits since 2009, totaling $185,000 in donations. After awarding $1,000 grants from 2009 to 2018, the Stripers increased the total to $2,500 in 2019.

“We are proud to continue the Stripers Grant Program in 2021, an initiative that allows us to make a positive impact on Gwinnett County and surrounding communities,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “The Stripers are committed to supporting local nonprofit organizations and their essential missions.”

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

Home Runs for Heroes Returns in 2021

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation, the BlueClaws and Townsquare Media are set to once again partner on Home Runs for Heroes, a unique program through which OceanFirst Foundation donates to military-based non-profits for each home run hit by the BlueClaws at home this summer.

Since debuting in 2009, the program has raised $376,000 for military-based non-profit organizations.

“We thank the Jersey Shore BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for their continued partnership that brings much needed relief to local military families and Veterans,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

Added BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti: “Members of our armed forces deserve our ultimate praise and we are honored to be a part of this program. Thank you to OceanFirst Foundation for their generous support of these great organizations.”

“92.7 WOBM and Beach Radio 104.1 are proud to partner once again with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws

and OceanFirst Foundation to promote the positive contributions these amazing organizations are making to active and retired members of the military,” said Kevin Williams of Townsquare Media. “It is an honor to play a part in Home Runs for Heroes.”

Every home run hit at FirstEnergy Park means a donation to the corresponding organization(s) tied to each inning of the game. The list of innings and organizations appears below:

1st Inning – American National Red Cross, Homes for All

2nd Inning – Army Emergency Relief, Catholic Charities of Trenton – Ocean Community

3rd Inning – Ma Deuce Deuce, Vetgroup Inc.

4th Inning – Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fun, Recalibrate

5th Inning – GI Go Fund, Volunteers of America

6th Inning – Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

7th Inning – Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation

8th Inning – Chariot Riders Inc., Deborah Hospital Foundation

9th Inning + Extras – Operation First Response

Each BlueClaws home run at the Jersey Shore this summer doesn’t just help win that day’s game, but it helps support military-based non-profits in the area.

The BlueClaws are the Shore’s top spot for affordable, family entertainment. They have drawn 7.7 million fans through their first 19 seasons and open the 2021 season on May 4th against Hudson Valley.

OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 8,200 grants totaling more than $42 million to over 1,900+ local charities and schools. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

Townsquare Media is is a community-focused digital media, digital marketing solutions, and radio company focused outside the top 50 media markets in the United States.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank Partner for Home Runs for Charity

 

$100 Donation for each Wind Surge home run hit at Riverfront Stadium in 2021

The Wichita Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank will partner for the Home Runs for Charity program in 2021, benefitting local non-profit organization League 42. For each home run hit at Riverfront Stadium by the Wind Surge this season, Fidelity Bank and the team will donate $50 each to League 42.

“We are so excited to be a part of this partnership, and work with both Fidelity Bank and League 42,” said Wind Surge general manager Jared Forma. “Baseball gives us the opportunity to give back to the community in many different ways, and when we can support an organization like League 42 who fosters the love of baseball in the youth of our community, it is such a wonderful fit.”

The Wind Surge kick off their home season on Tuesday, May 11th vs. the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Every home run hit by the Wind Surge during their 60 home games this season will count towards the Home Runs for Charity program, and the donation from both the Wind Surge and Fidelity Bank will be totaled up and made at the end of the 2021 season.

“Baseball is more than America’s Pastime,” said Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Playing the game helps develop the mind and the body, imparting life lessons along the way. League 42 not only understands this, but they also believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to get out and play. We’re proud that League 42 will benefit from Home Runs for Charity. Together with the Wind Surge, we are honored to help share the love of the game.”

League 42 was founded in July 2013, to fill a void so that Wichita’s urban children could have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized or even recreational leagues. From 16 teams with 200 players the first season, League 42 has blossomed to more than 500 kids and 44 teams in 2020.

“League 42 is honored to be chosen as the recipient for Fidelity Bank’s Home Runs for Charity promotion this season at Riverfront Stadium,” said Bob Lutz, Executive Director of League 42, “Thanks to the Wichita Wind Surge for also acknowledging the work we’re doing with more than 550 kids in the Wichita area as we continue with our 2021 season. We’re hoping the ball flies this season — and that it does most of its flying for the Wind Surge in their inaugural season. Those of us involved with League 42, like so many others, are thrilled to have this great organization and this spectacular stadium in our city.”

To keep track of the Home Runs for Charity program all season long, visit milb.com/wichita/community/homerunsforcharity.

Charitable Tuesdays Return in 2021

 

Again this season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at Historic Bowman Field, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at each of the Cutters six Tuesday home games and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • A $500 donation to the non-profit courtesy of Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing and the Crosscutters, presented during an on-field ceremony

Interested non-profit organizations must apply online at BY CLICKING HERE to be considered for one of the six available opportunities. The deadline for applications is May 31. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or via email at [email protected].

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.