Senators to Donate $5,000 to COVID-19 Relief

The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce that we have raised $5,000 to donate to local nonprofits to aid in COVID-19 relief. Over the last two months the Senators have sold t-shirts, raffled off autographed memorabilia, & sold undated ticket vouchers to raise money to aid in relief.

“We recognize the enormous strain that the COVID-19 pandemic poses to our community and know that every little bit helps,” said Kevin Kulp, Senators President. “Thank you to our fans for bidding on the memorabilia that allowed us to make this donation to help a few of our very important local organizations that are especially challenged during this time.”

The Senators 2020 season is still in an indefinite hold. As more information becomes available we look forward to sharing it with our community.

 

Spokane Indians and Second Harvest Work Together to Help Feed Community Members

 

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Indians are pleased to announce they have made a donation to Second Harvest that will provide free food for 17,000 meals to people in need in the community. Since March, Second Harvest has distributed, on average, 924,000 pounds of free food per week to help people facing hunger in 26 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. That’s 55% more than before the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our food bank network is on the front lines of an extraordinary battle against hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re grateful for the Spokane Indians and the generous people in our community who supported their efforts to help fill nutritional gaps for our neighbors in need,” said Jason Clark, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “This donation will do more than get food to where it’s needed most. It also will bring hope to local people who are facing so many uncertainties right now.”

Specifically, the Indians raised funds to support Second Harvest’s new Wolff Family Child Hunger Solution Center with a Spring Jersey Auction and two Ballpark Dinner To-Go meals at Avista Stadium. For every meal purchased, the Spokane Indians made a monetary donation to Second Harvest. While placing orders for the family meals online, fans also have the opportunity to make additional donations to Second Harvest.

“Simply put, Indians fans have responded once again” said Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Indians. “The generosity of the community is alive and well and we’re proud to do everything we can during this difficult time.”

Both organizations will continue to work together this summer as the Indians plan more Ballpark Dinner To-Go events. June 17th from 4:00 – 6:00PM marks the next family dinner available for curbside pickup at Avista Stadium. Each meal feeds a family of four and includes eight chicken strips, four Indians dogs, over one pound of fries, family size popcorn, four ice cream sandwiches, and a package of Sour Patch Kids for $40 plus tax. For more information or to order a Ballpark Dinner To-Go CLICK HERE.

Dunedin Blue Jays Raise Over $1,800 for Dunedin Cares Inc.

 

DUNEDIN, FL – The Dunedin Blue Jays Band Together Against Hunger campaign concluded on May 31st benefiting Dunedin Cares Inc. The campaign was a massive success raising $1,865 for Dunedin Cares Inc. over the entire month of May with all donations received going directly to the food pantry. The Dunedin Blue Jays will in turn be donating over 180 tickets to a future Dunedin Blue Jays game for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Dunedin community.

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak commented on the success of the campaign stating, “The Dunedin Blue Jays organization appreciates the outpouring of support from our fan base in helping the local Dunedin community. We are certain these donations raised will give a much-needed boost to Dunedin Cares Inc. during these difficult times of the pandemic. Our organization also looks forward to hosting essential workers at a future Dunedin Blue Jays game to thank them for their dedication to our community in this time of need.”

Dunedin Cares Inc. President, Joe Mackin echoed these sentiments saying, “Dunedin Cares Food Pantry is grateful for the partnership with our hometown baseball team, the Dunedin Blue Jays. The Jays chose us to as the local non-profit to benefit from the community donations and in turn, the Blue Jays are donating over 180 baseball tickets to those workers in the front lines of helping and serving others. This togetherness is all about neighbors helping neighbors.”

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Dell Diamond to Host Donation Drive Benefiting The Salvation Army

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are teaming up to host a donation drive at Dell Diamond to benefit The Salvation Army. The drive is set for Wednesday, June 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Suite Parking Lot on the South side of Dell Diamond.

The Salvation Army’s biggest needs are household items, including pots, pans and kitchen appliances, as well as good standing furniture and lightly worn clothes. For more information on items that The Salvation Army can and cannot accept, please click here.

“Like most places in our community, we have taken a financial hit when it comes to serving vulnerable people in our community,” Austin Area Commander of The Salvation Army Major Lewis Reckline said. “Our family stores help people provide rehabilitation services to those who are struggling with addiction in our community. We accept clothes, furniture, cars, boats, household items and much more. Shop local and donate local to help our struggling neighbors.”

The Express and Brown Distributing recently joined forces to host a blood donation drive at Dell Diamond. With both organizations sharing resources to host the event, over 70 units of blood were donated to benefit We Are Blood. The Express and Brown Distributing are aiming to make a similarly impactful donation to The Salvation Army on June 3.

“We are honored to partner with the Round Rock Express on community events that give back to organizations like We Are Blood and The Salvation Army,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Brown Distributing has been serving the Austin area since 1962 and supporting our community, especially in times of need, has been a company priority since our inception.”

Both The Salvation Army and Brown Distributing will have trucks on hand at Dell Diamond to accept donations. Those wishing to bring donations are asked to please wear a mask or protective face covering while at the stadium.

“We take pride in the fact that Dell Diamond continues to be a community pillar in Central Texas, and it is our honor to use our facility to host a donation drive to benefit the great work that The Salvation Army is doing,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “By sharing resources with our great partners at Brown Distributing, we have proven just what an impact we all can make if we work together to assist the most vulnerable members of our community.”

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 

The Idaho Falls Chukars have donated 1,100 pounds of food and nearly $2,000 to the Community Food Basket.

 

IDAHO FALLS — The future of Chukars baseball is still up in the air, but one thing is certain — giving back to the community is one of their top priorities.

The Idaho Falls Chukars have donated 1,100 pounds of food and nearly $2,000 to the Community Food Basket over the past few weeks through a raffle and food drive.

“We have put a lot of effort into supporting the community that chooses to support us every summer,” Kevin Greene, team president and general manager, said in a news release. “We will continue to find ways to support those around us during these difficult and unprecedented times.”

On Tuesday, Elmore Sports Group, owners of the Chukars, donated $3,297 to benefit local communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including almost $500 to the Community Food Basket in Idaho Falls.

The seven minor league baseball teams within the Elmore Sports Group, the Chukars, Amarillo Sod Poodles, San Antonio Missions, Rocky Mountain Vibes, Inland Empire 66ers, Eugene Emeralds and Lynchburg Hillcats, each donated a bobblehead, team cap and a player-signed item, which were raffled to fans across the country. Fans purchased raffle tickets for $2 and the money was split between each city’s local food bank.

Other donations were brought in during the Chukars food drive they held three weeks ago in their parking lot at Melaleuca Field. During the food drive — where safety precautions were taken — they held their own raffle and gave away a Chukars jersey.

Chukars spokesman Chris Hall said The United Steelworkers played a huge role in the food drive by donating $1,000.

United Steelworkers presenting a check to the Community Food Basket. | Courtesy Idaho Falls Chukars

“We realized that everything we do here requires the community to support us, and it seemed selfish to not, in turn, do something for the community when people are going through hard times,” Hall told EastIdahoNews.com.

If organizations from around the community want to approach the Chukars with ideas of how they can continue to use their platform to help the community, call Hall at (208) 522-8363.

Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation donates $20,000 to City of Buffalo’s COVID-19 initiatives

 

Donation provides meals to City’s Public Works employees, supports Evergreen Food Pantry and sponsors reading program.

Mayor Byron W. Brown today thanked the City of Buffalo’s hometown baseball team, the Buffalo Bisons, for donating $20,000 to assist the community during the COVID-19 emergency.

The donation will provide funding to Evergreen Health for its food pantry and support a new COVID-19 testing site in one of the most impacted areas of Erie County, 14215. Part of the funding will also support Mayor Brown’s 19th annual innovative childhood literacy initiative, Reading Rules! Summer Reading Challenge, which incentivizes children to continue to read during the summer months to keep them engaged in learning. The funding will also provide lunch to more than 700 essential Department of Public Works employees this week and next as a token of appreciation for their constant efforts to maintain the safe delivery of quality services to City residents and businesses during the pandemic.

Mayor Brown stated, “This is the most generous donation the City has received during the COVID-19 outbreak. I thank the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation for investing in the health of their fans and community, for supporting the children who come to cheer them on, and for its demonstration of gratitude to the City workers on the frontlines who continue to put the needs of Buffalo residents and businesses before their own. We have been rooting for the Buffalo Bisons for years and I am so proud that they are also cheering for our success as we rise together again as one City.”

“The Bisons organization has always enjoyed a tremendous private-public partnership with the City of Buffalo and we are thrilled to be able to assist Mayor Brown with these important and rewarding initiatives. By assisting our neighbors who have kept the City going during this unprecedented times, who need essential food the most, and who will one day be our future leaders, we hope this donation allows us to give back to the City and the community that we love so much,” said Mike Buczkowski, President of Rich Baseball Operations.

The hot, prepackaged meals were prepared by Kevin’s Catering, and safely distributed to 210 Streets and Sanitation employees during a pickup event today at MLK, Jr. Park. The remainder of the meals will be distributed throughout the week to other employees of Streets and Sanitation, Parks, Engineering Departments; as well as employees of Buffalo Sewer, Buffalo Water and Mayor Brown’s Impact Team.

The Buffalo Bisons’ donation will help support Evergreen Health’s food pantry efforts while connecting residents of the 14215 zip code to COVID-19 testing at Evergreen’s 3297 Bailey Avenue location, a testing site which is scheduled to open on May 20th. While this is primarily a drive-thru testing site, Evergreen Health will accept some walk-ups. Testing is open to anyone age 16 and older, and while prescriptions are not required residents must provide proof of health insurance to schedule an appointment. To schedule testing call 716-847-2441 option 7.

“Evergreen Health’s purpose is to foster healthy communities by providing medical, behavioral and supportive services to the individuals and families who need them the most, many of which are underserved by the healthcare system. One of these services is the Evergreen food pantry, which has been absolutely critical throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, since the challenges of food and finances are both top of mind for our patients and our neighbors right now,” said Raymond Ganoe, President and CEO of Evergreen Health. “We thank the Buffalo Bisons and the City of Buffalo for standing behind us and helping us provide necessary resources and COVID-19 testing in the Buffalo community.”

PaddleHeads + YWCA Campaign Raises $46,570

As the PaddleHeads & YWCA ‘Strike Out Domestic Violence’ came to a close on Sunday, the support in this wonderful community has never been more prevalent. Surpassing the goal of $20,000 fundraised, YWCA Missoula received $21,570 in direct donations!

The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, received a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match on donations to YWCA, up to $20,000 – with an additional match from the PaddleHeads to YWCA on all merchandise sold online during this time period, bringing the two week fundraising total to $46,570!

“We are blown away by the success of this campaign.” Said, YWCA Communications Coordinator Becky Margolis. “It’s truly a reflection of how generous this community is, and how we continue to show up and support one another through challenging times. Thank you to the Missoula PaddleHeads and to every single one of people who donated.”

“Our franchise has committed to being the best steward we can be for our community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Merchandise & People Engagement Kim Klages Johns. “We are truly humbled by the response and support this campaign has brought about. This pandemic has turned everyone’s world upside down and we recognize some are more gravely affected than others. Because of COVID shutdown Missoula YWCA was seeing a growing gap between need and funding specifically for their Domestic Violence Program. We are incredibly proud to partner with the YWCA and can’t thank our fans and community enough for their unprecedented support of this campaign.”

Though the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign has come to a close, now more than ever it is important for us all to continue and create a positive impact in our community. If you are in a position to give, we urge you to visit https://ywcaofmissoula.org/donate/ and donate directly to any of the YWCA’s community programs. Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. 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.

Fireflies T-Shirts Result in Donation for “Peace of Mind”

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies raised over $2,300 to support “Peace of Mind,” a program that provides free hotel rooms to Columbia’s first responders, medical professionals and front-line city staff who work in challenging environments that might allow for overexposure to the Coronavirus. The Fireflies were able to raise the money by selling a limited edition “Wash Your Wings” t-shirt and donated the profits to the Midlands organization.

“We are extremely excited that we were able to raise over $2,300 for Peace of Mind,” said Mallory Turnbull, Merchandise Manager for the Fireflies. “Orders for the Wash Your Wings T-Shirt came in from all over the country and we would like to thank everyone who purchased a shirt for supporting our local community and the front line workers who continue to work hard to keep our community safe.”

The Fireflies initiative started April 16 and ran through April 30.

Peace of Mind is administered by the Columbia Police Foundation, who have set a goal to raise at least $20,000. If you would like to donate separately, you can send donations to:

Columbia Police Foundation

Attn: Chief Skip Holbrook

1 Justice Square

Columbia, SC 29201

Even though shirt sales have ended, the Fireflies are continuing their efforts to help the Midlands during this time. The Fireflies have partnered with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America to help the national CommUNITY First campaign. Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Round Rock Express to Donate Weekly Meal Kits to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are teaming up with RS3 Strategic Hospitality, Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation to donate weekly meal kits to doctors, nurses and hospital administrators at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center who are fighting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic on the front lines.

The Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality previously teamed up to provide family meal kits for purchase by the community through the Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka at Dell Diamond. With the help of Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the program has expanded to include the donation of a minimum of five to ten meal kits per week to healthcare professionals through a partnership with St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“We are proud to be able to assist some of our local heroes fighting the Coronavirus pandemic right here in Round Rock,” Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Our goal is to grow this program through additional community support so that we can help alleviate some of the stress of grocery shopping and meal preparation for our doctors, nurses and hospital administration staff.”

Donations are currently being accepted to help expand the meal kit program to even more frontline heroes. Through the help of the Nolan Ryan Foundation, businesses and individuals can purchase meal kits to be designated for donation to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center personnel when ordering online. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. The Express will work with St. David’s to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Dell Diamond, each meal kit comes complete with five unique meals with four servings each as well as several grocery staples, which may include paper towels, toilet paper, milk, bread, butter and more. Cooking and reheating instructions are also included in each kit.

Following the success of the family meal kit initiative in Round Rock, RS3 Strategic Hospitality teamed up with their partners at the Comerica Center in Frisco to offer meal kits to the North Texas community. RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Beef are proud to extend the program to include the donation of meal kits to doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City Healthcare in Frisco.

Public donations are also being accepted to assist healthcare heroes in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. More information on the meal kit program at Comerica Center and can be found by clicking here.

“Like so many of us throughout Texas, Nolan Ryan Beef wanted to give back to our local frontline heroes during this pandemic. We are honored to be able to assist in these donations,” Nolan Ryan Beef President and CEO Perry Coughlin said. “We hope that these donations can help ease some of the burdens faced by our healthcare professionals during this difficult time, and we encourage those in Central and North Texas with the means to donate to help us reach even more of these heroes.”

Just like in Round Rock, the meal kits in Frisco are prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Comerica Center and include four servings of five unique meals as well as general groceries. The Comerica Center is home to the practice facility and executive offices for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars business and hockey operations, as well as a 6,000 seat arena that hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), concerts, family shows, corporate conferences and other sporting events. Dallas Stars staff will work in conjunction with Medical City Healthcare to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Led by Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan and Don, Bret and Brad Sanders, Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment is the parent company of the Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Foundation as well as RS3 Events & Entertainment and RS3 Turf. For more information about the Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment family of companies, visit RS3Sports.com.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Louisville Bats Lend a Helping Hand

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats are proud to help serve the Kentuckyiana area and continue to unveil programs this offseason to provide support to those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The team has launched six initiatives during April alone and looks forward to continuing to offer help during this time of need.

Below are the programs launched this offseason with information/links if fans wish to become involved or view additional details:

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up: Through a partnership with ImagineAR, the Bats are encouraging fans to order takeout from local restaurant partners. Fans who activate the ImagineAR app when picking up their to-go orders can spot a digital Buddy Bat on their cellphone. After taking a picture of the AR Buddy Bat, fans will be entered to win a variety of team prizes by simply sharing the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. The initiative also features a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up

Team Kentucky T-shirts: The Bats partnered with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League Baseball teams the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals) on a limited-edition T-shirt available for online purchase. The shirts honor each of the three baseball teams and a portion of the proceeds from each shirt sale benefit a respective local charity. Shirts are available for just $15 through the Bats team store, with proceeds benefiting One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
**Click here for additional information on Team Kentucky T-shirts

Live at Home(Plate): To provide an entertainment outlet for fans wrestling with cabin fever, the Bats streamed a free live concert from within their ballpark on their Facebook page. The concert was hosted by staff member and longtime local singer-songwriter, Jeremy Sharfe, who performed rousing covers of all-time classics and treated fans to several of his own original songs. The Facebook Live stream reached more than 50,000 fans over the 90-minute show.
**Click here for additional information on Live at Home(Plate)

Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse: The Bats and Texas Roadhouse treated customers to an in-person special delivery from Buddy Bat and Andy Armadillo for curbside orders during the restaurant’s Kids Night. Fans who stopped by during a select time period had the chance to win a free membership to the Bats’ Kids Club for the upcoming baseball season and the opportunity to be a Play Ball Kid at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse

MiLB CommUNITYFirst: The Louisville Bats partnered with Minor League Baseball in a league-wide initiative to raise money for local chapters of the Feeding America Food Bank and provide a free ticket for an upcoming home game for a local hero. Each $10 donation under the Louisville Bats’ name on the website goes directly to Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank and provides one game ticket to a local hero such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others.
**Click here for additional information on MiLB CommUNITYFirst

Hometown Heroes: The Bats launched the Hometown Heroes program to recognize individuals in the Kentuckiana area who provide a vital service for our hometown community. From healthcare employees and police officers on the front lines, to those helping behind the scenes like truck drivers and utility workers, the Bats are honoring a different hometown hero each week with special, dedicated posts on social media. Fans are invited to nominate a hometown hero by simply filling out the form on the following link:
**Click here for additional information on Hometown Heroes

Pigs raise more than $20K to battle COVID-19 

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are proud to announce that $21,704 has been raised from their “In This Together” t-shirt and #HopeningDay celebration to help the local battle against COVID-19. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network will receive 100% of the proceeds.

“We are grateful to the entire Lehigh Valley for their outstanding support and coming together to help raise funds to fight this dreadful disease”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network have both been tremendous partners and do incredible work within our community. We’re both proud and thankful to help fund their efforts and support their employees on the front lines of this battle.”

The ”In This Together” t-shirt campaign was the initial response to the battle against COVID-19 and to bring awareness throughout the community. Over the two-week campaign, the IronPigs sold over 1500 t-shirts and raised $19,254.04. T-shirts were purchased throughout the Lehigh Valley and the state of Pennsylvania but were also sold in 18 other states such as: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, California, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Virginia.

#Hopening Day was a weeklong celebration of support of the community and the IronPigs, culminating a televised two-day, two-game series on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 and Service Electric TV2 Sports. The goal was to bring additional awareness and support to fight against COVID-19. A GoFundMe fundraiser courtesy of IronPigs Charities raised $820 throughout the two-day, two-game series.

Valley Prep Meal Prep’s “Eat like a PIG” promotion – a $15 home-delivered ballpark meal package that featured a hot dog, popcorn, Coca-Cola beverage and Philly Pretzel rivets – raised $1,630. The ballpark meal package was sold throughout the Lehigh Valley and areas around the region.

Here is a list of the money raised for the Covid-19 efforts:

• “In this Together” t-shirt: $19,254.04

• Valley Prep Meal Prep “Eat like a PIG” promotion: $1,630

• IronPigs Charities GoFundMe courtesy of #HopeningDay broadcasts: $820

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

PaddleHeads, YWCA Launch Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign

 

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to May 10th.

“Abuse happens behind closed doors. We often don’t notice that it’s happening, even when the victim is a friend or neighbor.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “Social isolation measures necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic make this an especially dangerous time for people trapped at home with an abuser. Now, more than ever, survivors and their children need access to safety and support.”

Supporters will have two ways to donate to the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign.

The first, donate directly to YWCA Missoula’s crowdfunding campaign here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=33)
Second, purchase any merchandise item from the Missoula PaddleHeads’ shop at: https://paddleheads.milbstore.com during this campaign. Every dollar spent, or donated during this campaign will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $20,000!

Your contribution helps meet critical needs at a critical time:

  • Operation of the YWCA’s secure domestic violence shelter
  • Crisis counseling and support to help survivors heal from abuse
  • Food, phone cards, diapers and other necessities for survivors and their children
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and other protective measures
  • Operation of our 24/7 crisis line: a lifeline that’s available anytime a survivor reaches out

“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 everyone’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and we commend the work being done to support survivors of domestic violence who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.”

Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. 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 Strike Out Domestic Violence campaign will only run from April 27th to May 10th. If you can, donate directly or purchase any item from the PaddleHeads’ store, double your impact, and support those in need.

Read More:

“Opening Day” Fundraisers, Flying Squirrels Charities to donate $40,000 to local COVID-19 relief

April 16 fundraising efforts to benefit organizations assisting families and individuals across the Richmond region

RICHMOND, Va. – Last week’s “500 Bases of Love” and “Bring it Home” fundraisers by the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan raised more than $30,000 for COVID-19 relief. With an additional $10,000 contribution from Flying Squirrels Charities, more than $40,000 will be distributed to local organizations combating needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Holli Fund, The Community Foundation, Robins Foundation’s Family Crisis Fund through RVA Strong, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Nourish Henrico and Chesterfield Food Bank.

On Thursday, April 16, the date originally scheduled as the team’s home opener, Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walked 125 laps around the basepaths at The Diamond, touching 500 bases, as part of the “500 Bases of Love” fundraiser. Each lap and each base touched were representative of donations made to the fundraiser. Parney’s walk totaled more than 8.5 miles.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Parney joined Wes McElroy on Sports Radio 910 The Fan for “Bring it Home,” a four-hour live fundraiser with celebrity guests and prize opportunities for donors.

The double-header of events resulted in more than $30,000 raised.

On Wednesday, the team announced that Flying Squirrels Charities will be contributing an additional $10,000.

“We miss our fans terribly, so the ‘500 Bases of Love’ was a great way for us all to connect positively, raise some money to fight COVID-19 and tell our fans we appreciate them, love them and can’t wait to make memories again soon,” Parney said. “Each of these organizations will work diligently to make sure this money helps people in need because of this pandemic. We pray we can be together soon in safe and happy surroundings.

The money from the fundraisers will be distributed to organizations assisting families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as groups helping those who are combating the outbreak.

Holli Fund offers grants to individuals in the food service industry experiencing an economic crisis. Grants help pay for rent, transportation, mortgage payments, and/or utilities. Holli Fund supports individuals in the Richmond-area food service industry who are experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of income due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.

The Community Foundation is a leading partner and advocate for philanthropy and service in the Richmond region. Founded in 1968, they’ve built a strong legacy of helping people and institutions give back with passion and purpose.

“You can always count on Parney and the Flying Squirrels organization not only to entertain us, but also to give back in meaningful ways,” Community Foundation CEO Sherrie Armstrong said. “At a time when many of our community members are particularly hard hit by this crisis, a donation to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund will directly support local organizations that are working hard to fulfill basic needs such as food, healthcare and shelter. Their generosity also sends a powerful statement that we can do more good when we come together.”

The Robins Foundation in partnership with the City of Richmond launched The Family Crisis Fund earlier this month to assist families with children in direct and immediate need of support due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has partnered with Family Independence Initiative to work with families across Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico.

Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with the school district to improve student learning and achievement in preparation for success in college, career, and community. Their role is to seek private sector philanthropy to support new and existing evidence-based programs and enrichment activities.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation from the Flying Squirrels,” Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation Executive Director Ty Toepke said. “At a time when so many of our local businesses are facing their own challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, their generosity towards the students of Richmond Public Schools is inspiring.”

Nourish Henrico supports locally owned restaurants in Henrico by buying meals for police officers, firefighters and other county employees who are working the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the county’s program, 700 to 900 employees are eligible to receive meals valued at $15 or less from about 100 approved restaurants. In addition to its own support, Henrico welcomes contributions from the community. Donations for Nourish Henrico may be made through the Henrico Police Foundation and the Henrico Firefighter Foundation.

“The Nourish Henrico Program is about giving back – giving back to one of the most impacted industries and to our frontline employees,” Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas said. “This effort has also shown me how strong and supportive our community is during times of difficultly, and the Flying Squirrels are an integral part of our community.”

Chesterfield Food Bank strives to stop families in the community from going to bed hungry every night. They proudly serve a variety of neighbors, a majority of whom do not qualify for government assistance. In cooperation with local Social Services, they locate and help those families and individuals that would not have been helped otherwise and serve 1,800 people a week.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Partner on Delaware Together Campaign

Wilmington, DE – As the world unites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two professional sports organizations in Delaware are coming together to support and raise money for two of the state’s largest health providers. The Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Delaware Blue Coats today unveiled the “Delaware Together” campaign, a joint fundraiser to benefit ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR “DELAWARE TOGETHER” T-SHIRT

The campaign kicks off with a “Delaware Together” t-shirt available for purchase HERE. The t-shirts are $20 with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to support these two health systems currently serving on the front lines of this pandemic. The shirts will be available for an initial pre-sale period of two weeks from April 22 until May 10.

“We can’t wait for the next pitch at Frawley Stadium or the next basket at 76ers Fieldhouse,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “Each will be far more special than usual due to these unprecedented circumstances. In the meantime, we are thrilled to unite with the Blue Rocks and use our platforms to offer a way for our fans, should they have the flexibility to do so, to contribute to the front lines of Delaware’s health care systems.”

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “There’s an unsinkable spirit and determination amongst us to help each other get through even the toughest times. That’s why our two organizations have joined forces to support our community heroes with these awesome t-shirts and why we’re asking all First Staters to give whatever they can as we raise money for our dedicated and selfless health care workers and first responders to help them effectively conquer the COVID-19 crisis.”

Please note, stadium pick-up is an option for those that wish to save on shipping. However, due to mandated closures pick-up will be delayed until further notice. The order window for the Delaware Together campaign t-shirt will run from April 22 – May 10. T-shirts will start shipping in mid- to late-May.

 

Cardinals #FlyTogether t-shirt supports frontline workers, local restaurants

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With all of the challenges being faced by so many right now, there’s never been a more important time to #FlyTogether. As we continue to try to support our community in a variety of ways, the Springfield Cardinals are excited to unveil the Fly Together T-Shirt Theme Ticket Fundraiser, running through Tuesday, May 12.

For only $26 the Fly Together T-Shirt Package includes the Fly Together T-Shirt and a 2020 Springfield Cardinals Ticket Voucher (plus free shipping!), and net proceeds will be utilized to purchase food from locally owned and franchised restaurants for frontline workers in our community.

Additionally, the Cardinals will be ordering the Fly Together T-Shirts from a printing company in Nixa, keeping all funds local. To further promote everyone staying at home, we will be mailing your Fly Together T-Shirt and Tickets to you for no additional charge.

We are asking all of Cardinals Nation to #FlyTogether with us and help us support our local frontline heroes and our local businesses, all through the Fly Together T-Shirt Theme Ticket Fundraiser. There is an additional $2 cost for sizes above XL. Click here to order yours and support local today.