Annual Cutters 5K Race Set for June 12

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with Hope Enterprises, will be holding the Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 12 at Historic Bowman Field sponsored in part by; Hamilton Patriot, Horizon FCU, iHeart Media, Lamar, Muncy Bank & Trust, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, & Woodlands Bank.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final leg taking place inside the stadium. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds benefit the Hope Foundation and Hope’s TeenLink facility. The TeenLink site, located next to the McCall Middle School in Montoursville, is a community-based learning opportunity for local school districts, BLaST IU 17, autism support coordination and Hope individuals.

“Hope Enterprises is honored to once again be the beneficiary of the 2021 Cutters 5k race,” stated Hope’s CEO/President Rob Labatch. “We are blessed to have the support of the Williamsport Crosscutters, as their devotion to the philanthropic needs of our community is truly remarkable.”

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place runners in seven male and female age categories with the first-place runners having the opportunity to throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on June 19. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. In keeping with
health and safety guidelines, there will not be a Kids Fun Run held in conjunction with the event this year.

Last year’s race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s event will follow CDC guidelines including masking during check-in, and post-race awards along with a timed staggered start to assure safety and social distancing.

Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi said, “The Cutters 5K continues to be one of our signature charity events and are thrilled that we can bring it back this year after a year layoff. We are long-time supporters of Hope Enterprises and their mission and are happy to assist in supporting all they do in our community.”

Registration is $20 per person. All participants registering by June 1 are guaranteed a free a race t-shirt. Online registration is available at FalconRaceTiming.com (click on Registration). Entry forms and more information can be found by clicking the link below, or at the Crosscutters offices at Historic Bowman Field. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

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.

CLICK HERE A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM & FOR MORE CUTTERS 5K INFO!

IronPigs unveil “Step Up To The Plate” T-Shirt for local restaurants

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Ventola

Office: 610-841-1317

[email protected]

IronPigs unveil “Step Up To The Plate” T-Shirt for local restaurants

100% of the proceeds will help local restaurants that have been affected by COVID-19

Allentown, Pennsylvania (2 March 2021) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are asking fans all throughout the Lehigh Valley to “Step Up To The Plate” in raising money for local restaurants that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The message “Step Up To The Plate” draped across the middle of the t-shirt with FeRROUS swinging with a fork is now available for purchase to all fans.

“It’s been a difficult year for local restaurants and we simply want to help by ‘Stepping up to the Plate’,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Restaurants in the Lehigh Valley and around the country have been heavily affected by Covid-19. 100% of the proceeds of from the sales of this t-shirt will help local restaurants.”

The t-shirts are $22 and are available for purchase at shopironpigs.com.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Sounds Donate Copies of “Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee” to Metro Nashville Public Schools 

 

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced today the donation of the book “Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee” to every public middle and high school of Metro Nashville Public Schools as part of Black History Month.

The 41-page short story was written by Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton and her son, Patrick Hamilton. The book highlights the experiences and stories of Negro League players in Nashville and documents the history of the Negro Leagues specific to Nashville. Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton’s father, Henry Kimbro, played for the Nashville Elite Giants prior to the team’s move.

“I’m very pleased for the families that can now read about their loved one’s contributions to Nashville and its rich baseball history,” said Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton. “I’m also pleased for the many students who can now read about these heroes and learn about their careers in the Negro Leagues. Finally, I’m pleased with the Nashville Sounds organization for donating this book to Metro Nashville Public Schools. This is an important part of Black history of which is not currently in books for students. Knowledge is power and the Sounds have helped supply students the power of knowing the complete baseball history in our great city.”

First Horizon Park is home to several markers and signage that pay homage to the role the Negro Leagues and Sulphur Dell played in the history of baseball in Nashville. Many of the Negro League players featured in the book are also featured at First Horizon Park. As part of Black History Month, the Sounds have highlighted those areas on the team’s social media channels and can be viewed on the Sound Bytes Blog here.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. For more information on 2021 Season Ticket Memberships, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

 

IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

Grants were provided in support of educational and recreational programs

Allentown, Pennsylvania (9 February 2021) – IronPigs Charities presented by Air Products, the philanthropic branch of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, announced the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants. Grants, which totaled $37,400, were provided to the following organizations in support of educational and recreational programs for youth in the Greater Lehigh Valley, especially those in underserved populations or those who are differently abled. IronPigs Charities has donated $1,118,729 since 2007.

“2020 was a hard year for the nonprofit community,” said IronPigs Charities Director Emily Bettys. “Despite not having a baseball season where our typical in-game fundraising efforts take place, the IronPigs had to create unique fundraising opportunities to directly benefit the community grant program for IronPigs Charities. We were able to continue our mission without interruption by funding 14 worthy projects across the Lehigh Valley, thanks to the loyal support of the IronPigs fanbase. We feel honored to have the ability to back these programs as they adapt with the times and strive to go above and beyond in making a difference for a community that had their resources cut tremendously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Here is a full list of the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants:

Boys and Girls Club of Allentown: Istation and virtual yoga at Sixth Street Clubhouse

Boys and Girls Club of Easton: Triple Play Sports, Fitness, & Recreation Program

Camelot for Children: Engagement for Children with Disabilities

Center for Vision Loss: Camp I CAN! Summer Program

Children’s Home of Easton: Health & Wellness Program

Community Bike Works: Online Earn a Bike

EHS Angel Network: EHS Angel Network Resource Closet – Athletic Apparel

Foundation for Easton School – Paxinosa Elementary School: Paxinosa National Pastime Grant

Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Off-Season Activities

Special Olympics PA’s Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region: Get Team Bethlehem to the Special Olympics North America 2021 Softball Tournament

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties: Infusion of Inclusion 2.0 Program

The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth: The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth

The Salvation Army Foster Care and Adoption: Team is Family Sports Scholarship Program

Young Life Lehigh Valley: Young Life Summer Camping Financial Assistance

The IronPigs hosted a number of special events in 2020 that directly benefited IronPigs Charities. The first of its kind – a Character Cruise-thru was held as fans were guided through Coca-Cola Park’s lots in parade-style passing by more than 60 costumed cars. Due to much success, a second cruise event was added so more fans could participate. Between the two cruises, 2,000 cars participated in total and nearly $14,000 was raised with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit IronPigs Charities.

Ballpark Bingo was held on Wednesday evenings from July through November. The event gave guests an opportunity to play 12 rounds of bingo, eat ballpark food, and soak up the ambiance of Coca-Cola Park. Bingo nights raised over $26,000 for IronPigs Charities.

Suites N Treats, which provides an all-inclusive trick or treat experience for youth who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do so. Safety was the top priority as nearly 400 children were invited to walk the concourse along the ballpark for a socially distanced and safe trick or treat experience.

The IronPigs were not able to host games or any traditional events in 2020, but the front-office staff worked diligently to support their community partners by focusing all their efforts on funding IronPigs Charities.

IronPigs Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ commitment to the Lehigh Valley community and is presented by the Air Products Foundation.

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A Wild Idea: Proceeds of Shop Sales to benefit Micah Hyde’s IMagINe for Youth Foundation

 

We didn’t get to have Micah and the boys at the ballpark this summer, but we can’t wait to watch them on the field on Saturday against Indianapolis! In honor of Wild Card Weekend, we had a wild idea to support Micah’s great efforts off the field. Now through Sunday,

We didn’t get to have Micah and the boys at the ballpark this summer, but we can’t wait to watch them on the field on Saturday against Indianapolis!

In honor of Wild Card Weekend, we had a wild idea to support Micah’s great efforts off the field. Now through Sunday, we are donating a portion of all Bisons.com Online Shop Sales to Micah’s charity, the IMagINe for Youth Foundation!

>>>SHOP BISONS.COM NOW!

We didn’t get to have a softball game last year, so here’s a great way to support our favorite Bills safety and the greatest onside kick recoverer in NFL history! Just order some great Bisons caps, apparel or merchandise and 23% OF ALL SALES (in honor of Micah’s number) will go to his great foundation!

Let’s show our BuffaLove to another great cause and Let’s Go Buffalo this weekend against Indy!!!

About IMagINe for Youth

IMagINe if you were capable of helping a child discover their skills and build their confidence. IMagINe if you were able to join a cause that empowered children to live a healthier life style while achieving more. IMagINe if you were the support behind a child flourishing into a promising athlete. IMagINe if you helped instill the basic fundamentals needed for a youngster to lead a more successful, promising future. IMagINe if you could simply make a child happy. It’s possible. Together, we will do this. Learn more at IMagINeforYouth.org.

PawSox conclude 2020 with $10,000 donation to The Tomorrow Fund

 

PAWTUCKET, RI – The PawSox Foundation wrapped up the holiday season by making a $10,000 donation to one of the club’s longtime community partners in the Tomorrow Fund, a Providence based organization that provides financial assistance to families with children battling cancer.

The donation was presented on a zoom call with PawSox Front Office members and a 13-year-old Tomorrow Fund patient named Cole Robinson from Warwick, RI. Also taking part in the call was Manager Billy McMillon, Red Sox Hall of Famer and Hitting Coach Rich Gedman, and Red Sox Pitcher Tanner Houck.

“I’m glad that we were able to conclude this challenging year by making such a positive impact,” said PawSox Vice President of Baseball Operations & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We look forward to continuing our support for The Tomorrow Fund and children like Cole in 2021 and beyond.”

The donation came on the heels of the foundation’s inaugural golf tournament on October 15 at the Pawtucket Country Club, presented by Navigant Credit Union, where dollars were raised to support many of the foundation’s key programs, and longtime community partners like The Tomorrow Fund.

The contribution was also the PawSox’ fiftieth and final act of kindness in 2020, where the club conducted a wide range of good deeds in the community and supported those most affected by the pandemic. The PawSox Foundation will continue to remain active in Rhode Island and Southeastern Mass in 2021 as the club prepares for its inaugural season in Worcester.

Dayton Community, Day Air Credit Union, Dayton Dragons Help Raise Over $16K for Dayton Foodbank

 

DECEMBER 22, 2020; DAYTON, OH — The Dayton Dragons Foundation, along with Dayton Air Credit Union, launched a special holiday online 50/50 raffle benefitting The Dayton Foodbank. The 50/50 went live on November 30th and ended on December 10th. Over $32,700 was the final tally, with $16,395 each going to The Dayton Foodbank and the lucky 50/50 winner, a man from Springboro.

There are thousands of other non-profits doing really great work, so we would like to thank the Dragons and Day Air Credit Union for selecting The Dayton Foodbank,” noted Foodbank CEO Michelle Riley. “The money raised will help provide over 98,000 meals for those in need this holiday season.”

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and are able to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy. “For the second time this year, we’re excited to host an online sales effort to benefit a great local charity … The Dayton Foodbank. We are also very pleased to partner with Day Air Credit Union in making this happen. We feel it’s a wonderful way to help those in need during the holiday season.”

Day Air Credit Union Director of Marketing Joe Eckley added, “It was amazing watching the dollars raised add up over the course of this campaign, as the Dayton community rallied together for a great cause.”

Earlier in August, the Dragons Foundation held its first online 50/50, raising over $26,000, with $13,000 going to the winner, a woman from Kettering, and $6,500 each to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton and the African American Community Fund through the Dayton Foundation.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75.

Hillsboro Hops & Baseballism Raise $10K for Charity

100% of Profits From Co-Branded Mask Sales Benefit Non-Profit Organization Community Action

Hillsboro, OR. (December 16, 2020) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and Baseballism (@Baseballism) have donated $10,000.00 to local non-profit Community Action from the sales of Hops and Baseballism co-branded face masks to help minimize the spread of COVID19.

100% of the profits from the sale of the masks were donated to the non-profit, Community Action (https://caowash.org/). The funds will help struggling families in Washington County stay secure in their homes, keep their lights and heat on and put food on their table.

“This pandemic has been so hard on families who were already struggling to make ends meet,” said Community Action Executive Director Kemp Shuey. “To have this amazing support at this time will be a big help.”

“It was an honor for the Hops to partner with Baseballism in supporting Community Action in these challenging times,” said Hillsboro Hops Managing Owner Mike McMurray. “All three of the involved organizations are firmly committed to making our community stronger by assisting those residents whose needs are the greatest. Thank you Baseballism and Community Action for giving us this opportunity. Of course this effort would not have been successful without the generosity of Hops’ fans and supporters. They stepped up once again.”

“We were thrilled to be part of this fundraising event with the Hops,” said Baseballism CEO Travis Chock. “Despite the hardship that COVID-19 brought to both organizations we knew that rallying around a good cause to help our community was the right thing to do.”

Winston-Salem Dash Announce Dash City Gives

Nearly 100 families to receive gifts through Dash City Gives Drive-Thru event at Truist Stadium.

The Winston-Salem Dash will be providing children from nearly 100 families in need with gifts this holiday season at a Dash City Gives Drive Thru event. The families will also receive complimentary hot cocoa as they proceed through the parking lot at Truist Stadium on Monday, December 21 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CDC and Wake Forest Baptist Health recommended safety protocol will be followed.

Select triad families were informed of the opportunity through non-profits, including The Hispanic League. All participants have RSVP’d. Day of arrivals will not be eligible for gifts.

The Dash staff and mascot Bolt will be assisted with present distribution by Santa! Companies interest in donating presents for this event or signing up for a time slots to wrap gifts can contact the Dash at 336-714-6866. Any donations above what are needed for this event will be donated to Toys for Tots.

“The pandemic has hit families hard. Our staff hopes this event will be a way to bring a little extra joy to some Winston-Salem families this holiday season” said Dash President, C.J. Johnson.

The Winston-Salem Dash are the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.For more information, please call 336-714-2287 or__visit www.wsdash.com.

PaddleHeads to Host Donation Drive to Benefit Missoula Youth Homes

PaddleHeads challenge community, local businesses to join the team and donate this holiday season

Wednesday, the PaddleHeads announced their Donation Drive to benefit Missoula Youth Homes, taking place on December 16th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

“The holiday season is truly about gratitude, giving, and community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing, Taylor Rush. “Supporting the youth and underserved in our community is a key aspect of our core values, and we are challenging the rest of Missoula to step up to the plate, and help us make the largest impact we can.”

Missoula Youth Homes is currently serving 254 kids, the majority which are between 12-17 years old. This includes group homes, emergency shelters, support programs for teens transitioning out of foster care and our family care program. During the holidays and throughout the year Missoula Youth Homes is in continual need of household, personal and toiletry items.

We invite the entire Missoula community to join us as we celebrate this Season of Giving and ask that you help with what they need, we’ll help with what they want. Missoula Youth Homes’ basic needs are: personal hygiene items for boys and girls, twin sheets and comforter sets, socks, household items and movie, bowling, skiing or swimming passes. The PaddleHeads also recognize the joy in receiving a gift. Because of this, in honor of their Season Ticket Holders, the PaddleHeads are kicking off the Donation Drive with $1,000 in gift cards and Christmas Presents to Missoula Youth Homes.

EVENT DETAILS:

DONATION DRIVE at Ogren Park Allegiance Field – December 16**th** – 4:00pm to 7:00pm

· The celebration will be a drive-thru-drop-off-photo-op party at Ogren Park Allegiance Field parking lot. There will be signs and special elves to direct you through each stop.

· STOP #1 – Donation Station for Missoula Youth Homes

· STOP #2 – Holiday Photo Booth Opportunity

o We have the perfect set up for you to take a couple Christmas Card worthy photos!

· DONATION NEEDS: personal hygiene items for boys and girls, twin sheets and comforter sets, socks, household items and movie, bowling, skiing or swimming passes. Missoula Youth Homes will gladly accept any donation, but these are their largest areas of need.

We hope you will join us in supporting the Missoula Youth Homes! Thank you in advance for helping us do our part this holiday season to help support our Missoula community.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Partners with Toys for Tots

Rowdie plush doll donations highlight “Rowdie’s Toy Drive”

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities is partnering with Toys for Tots of Central Indiana this holiday season thanks to the Tribe’s lovable mascot, Rowdie. The toy drive campaign begins today on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1 and continues thru Thursday, Dec. 17, with various initiatives driven by IIC, fan and community involvement benefiting Toys for Tots.

“Rowdie brings smiles to the faces of thousands of young Hoosiers each year at the ballpark and in our community,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “This holiday season, we hope Rowdie’s plush dolls bring the same delight into the homes of children in Central Indiana through our partnership with Toys for Tots.”

Over 100 Rowdie plush dolls have already been donated by IIC to Toys for Tots thru a merchandise initiative. From Nov. 23-29, online merchandise orders over $60 received free shipping and as a bonus, IIC donated one Rowdie plush doll per order to the toy drive.

Starting today and continuing until Sunday, Dec. 6 at 11:59 PM ET, IIC will donate a Rowdie plush doll to Toys for Tots for every doll purchased online by fans.

Sun King Brewing is generously contributing to IIC’s Toys for Tots collection efforts by housing toy collection boxes at its four locations in downtown Indy, Broad Ripple, Fishers and Carmel thru Dec. 17. Sun King’s contributions expand to three consecutive Tuesdays – Dec. 1, 8 and 15 – with the local brewery donating $1 to Toys for Tots for every 4-pack sold at each location on those dates.

Any direct donation to Toys for Tots this holiday season can be made here.

2020 Giants in the Community Report

Annual report highlights organization’s impact in the San Jose community

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2020 Community Report. In unprecedented circumstances, this year’s report highlights the organization’s creative success and community involvement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in 166 events despite the absence of baseball.

“As we look towards brighter days and the return of baseball sounds echoing through Excite Ballpark, I hope this report brings a communal sense of pride in what we can accomplish together when the odds are against us,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing you out in the community and cannot wait to welcome you all back to the ballpark when baseball returns.”

The 2020 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include the organization’s involvement with Bay Area SHiP Kits, information on successful fundraising efforts to support both Frontline Workers battling the pandemic and the Northern California Fires, as well as never-before-seen events and opportunities at the ballpark without Giants games being played. For the complete 2020 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2020 Community Report

Cardinals encouraging fans to #FeedSWMO, donate to food pantries during holidays

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In a year where the importance of helping our neighbors has proved more important than ever, the Springfield Cardinals are placing the spotlight on food banks throughout the Springfield region this fall in an effort to Feed SWMO (#FeedSWMO) this holiday season.

The goal? With the Cardinals unable to hold our annual in-person Thanksgiving food drive due to COVID-19 protocols, our front office is still committed to making a food donation, and we’re encouraging all Cardinals fans to consider making one of their own directly to a local food pantry!

Together, we can still #FeedSWMO and assist those in our community who are at risk of going hungry during the holidays and into the winter months. Some local-area food drop-off sites and food pantries are listed below.

According to Ozarks Food Harvest, one in five children and one in seven adults suffer from food insecurity. You can join us in helping by donating food or funds directly to a food pantry, as every $1 donated helps food pantries provide $10 worth of groceries.

Some Local Food Pantries:

Ash Grove Food Pantry — 121 W Main St, Ash Grove, MO 65604 — https://www.facebook.com/Ash-Grove-Food-Pantry-874112155941361/
Crosslines of Springfield — 1710 E Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802 — http://ccozarks.org/crosslines/
Least of These — 1720 W James River Rd, Ozark, MO 65721 — http://www.leastofthesefoodpantry.org/
Ozarks Food Harvest — 2810 N Cedarbrook Ave, Springfield, MO 65803 — https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/
People Helping People — 210 N Pine Ave, Republic, MO 65738 — https://republicphp.com/
Salvation Army Food Pantry — 1707 W Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802 — https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/cure-hunger/
Victory Mission — 1715 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65803 — https://www.victorymission.com/

The Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program

 

Last month the Eugene Emeralds launched their online initiative to donate reusable, washable masks to local school districts. Through the Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program fans can purchase an adjustable face mask, or a gator, and the Emeralds will donate an identical mask to a local school district.

The Emeralds will distribute the masks through the Eugene Education Foundation, Bethel Education Foundation and the Springfield Education Foundation to go to the students, teachers and supporting staff. Although the re-opening of in person instruction is fluid, schools will be able to disturb the masks as needed and have them on hand when they are able to start in person instructions.

“It is so important for our students, teachers and support staff to have access to face masks,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “Masks are going to be an ongoing need for schools for the foreseeable future, and we want to make sure schools are able to provide PPEs to those who need them.”

The Emeralds have two options for fans to purchase from. The first one, a mask that has adjustable elastic ear loops. This mask is made of polyester super dry mesh fabric interior and has an interior pocket for a filter pad. Also available is a light weight and breathable gator. This standard fit (one size fits most) gator can be worn in any number of ways such as a headscarf, face mask or bandanna. These are not medical grade masks, but it has been proven to help reduce a person’s chance of spreading COVID-19 by up to 70 percent.

Fans interested in participating in the Buy a Mask/Give a Mask program can visit the Emeralds Team Store here, https://emeralds.milbstore.com/collections/buy-a-mask-give-a-mask. Fans who visit the site will also see the option to purchase a mask to given to schools. The program will run until January 2021.

Twins Reach Out To Blue Wahoos, Help Out Community In Time Of Need

 

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sally on Sept. 16, the Minnesota Twins reached out to their Double-A affiliate in Pensacola.

A $10,000 donation was on the way to help the community.

Dave St. Peter, the Twins president, contacted Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer last week, following the hurricane’s destructive wrath in the Pensacola area.

“He said, ‘We want to do something, can you find out how we can help.’ And so, I started thinking of the right way,” Studer said. “Instead of saying, ‘Oh we have stadium damage, send the money here,’ I wanted to find out what’s the best way to contribute .

“I did some digging and what I kept hearing is the United Way of West Florida seems to be the right place, because they will make sure it is utilized in the best way.”

Studer connected the Twins with Laura Gilliam, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of West Florida. Alex Hassan, the Twins’ director of player development finalized the contribution.

In a thank you note to St. Peter, Gilliam wrote, “We are grateful for this generous donation from the Minnesota Twins. It will be put to good use to help individuals in our community recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sally.”

The effects of Hurricane Sally on the Pensacola community have been extensive. The eyewall of the slow-moving category two hurricane sat over the community overnight, dumping over two feet of rain and subjecting buildings, trees, and structures to sustained winds that reached 100 miles per hour.

Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of citizens and damage totals to homes and businesses are still being calculated. Early estimates place the damage totals well over $30 million and parts of the community remain without power a week after the storm.

Studer said two of the first people to contact him last week, once the storm has passed, were Major League Baseball’s executive office and the Twins executive office, which is directed by team owner Jim Pohlad.

“Both of them asked if there was anything we need,” Studer said. “Mr. Pohlad and the whole Twins organization, they are just so community oriented. It’s the same way in Minneapolis when you look at all the great things they do in their city.