Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Lesa Bettencourt, Glendale High School

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Lesa Bettencourt of Glendale High School in Springfield as our January Teacher of the Month.

Lesa has been the Director of Drama at Glendale High School (GHS) since 2003, where she has taught and inspired countless students in the Springfield Public School system who are interested in the arts. Each year, Lesa develops plays not only attended by current students, but by former GHS drama alumni.

“You will always see so many alumni come back not only to see the show, but to see Mrs. Bettencourt,” one former student wrote in their nomination. “She always refers to us as her babies, and we will always be that in her heart and in ours.”

Before taking over as Director of Drama, Lesa was a Special Education Teacher at Glendale from 1995-03.

“She has encouraged kids in special needs to be in shows,” another nominator wrote. “She has helped countless kids–even at-risk kids–become successful. Teaching them skills such as self-confidence and public speaking. She has worked countless hours putting on plays for 28 years.”

Lesa, a Missouri State University graduate, is retiring after this year. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the freedom to put on the plays her students have become accustomed to working towards, her current and former students expressed just how much the 26 years of Lesa’s teaching has meant to them through their nominations.

“She’s a mother for me and for every student,” a third nominator wrote. “She guides every single one of us to improve ourselves in any way and grow to discover our true potential in life. She gives a word to every senior at the end of their time at Glendale–that word represents them. It is unique, personal and students feel so loved and understood because no word could’ve described them better. That alone shows the dedication she always puts in her work and explains why she really is the best teacher.”

Lesa and the Glendale High School drama Class of 2019.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Lesa and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a February Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Storm Chasers Awarding 14th Annual Jackie Robinson Scholarships

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Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, is proud to announce the 14th annual Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship contest presented by The Weitz Company. The program honors two local African-American students in an effort to commemorate the baseball legend that broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

One male and one female student in the Greater Omaha area will be awarded a $1,000 dollar scholarship from Chasers Charities to recognize the athletes for their hard work, character, and motivation to make a positive impact on our local community and society as a whole. There are several attributes the recipient must demonstrate to be considered for this award including athletic achievement, scholarship in the classroom, community involvement, integrity, and motivation.

“We are very pleased to continue the legacy of Jackie Robinson by offering these scholarships for the 14th year, and we are thankful to The Weitz Company for partnering with us on this special program,” said Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro. “We look forward to seeing many deserving applications this year.”

Interested applicants must submit their application by March 31. The winners will be notified by April 9 and honored at a Storm Chasers’ home game. To be eligible for the Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • United States citizen or permanent resident
  • Resident of Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Lancaster or Pottawattamie County
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • African-American (male or female), and a high school student participating in athletics
  • High school senior or graduate planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited postsecondary institution

More information on the application process for the Jackie Robinson Scholarship can be found online at www.chaserscharities.org under the “Programs” tab. Completed applications should be sent by March 31, 2021 to:

Chasers Charities

c/o Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

[email protected]

(402) 738-5115

About Chasers Charities. Created in 2010, the mission of Chasers Charities is to support the community through charitable contributions that benefit sports and recreational activities with a focus on youth. The foundation accomplishes this mission through financial donations, as well as in-kind support, including memorabilia, tickets and publicity

A Thank You from the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC

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Through the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, C’s Co-Owner Jeff Mooney and wife Suzanne Bolton have committed to providing scholarships to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs or South Coast BC who were in either Grade 11 or 12 could step forward and apply for post-secondary grants that could reach up-to-$15,000.

Several of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC recipients from the the scholarship program wanted to share their appreciation for the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

We are excited to see how these young adults can make an impact in our community!

To learn more about the Foundation: https://www.milb.com/vancouver/commun…​

To support during #BeyondTheNat​ Week: https://trellis.org/beyondthenatweek

NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

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Seventh and eighth grade students to create essays about “Why I Want to Go to College”

The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 19th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay sweepstakes, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante announced Tuesday.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the April 1 sweepstakes deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the value of a college education and the student’s educational goals for the future. Entries are to be typed, double-spaced, on 8½-by-11-inch paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must be accompanied with the required cover sheet (2021 Writing Sweepstakes Cover Sheet).

Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three others will be selected from outside Nebraska. Winners will receive contributions to the NEST college savings accounts equaling $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

All winners from Nebraska will be notified in April. Winners will also receive four tickets to a Storm Chasers game and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Entries must be postmarked by March 31 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Omaha Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and “like” us at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarship Program

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The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) is committed to helping local children find opportunities in their community to play the game of baseball among friends and dedicated coaching staff. There are many youths between the ages of five and ten who simply cannot play because of family struggles to make ends meet in today’s tough economic climate.

Through the VCBF, we look to help bridge the divide by providing these children with the means to get on the field and enjoy a summer without the worry of financial burdens that can come with organized sports. To further the commitment to these children’s development, Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney, and his wife Suzanne Bolton created a scholarship program, in 2017 designed to help high school students within the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC to continue with post-secondary education. Since the start of this program, over 32 students have benefitted from the Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton Scholarship which has allowed these young-adults to explore an education after high school.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members, including the donor of the scholarship, Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness to attend a post-secondary institution, as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a programs benefiting local youth.

For 2021, Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton have generously increased their donation to $150,000 to provide more opportunities for kids in our community to continue their post-secondary educations.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation: HERE

To support during #BeyondTheNat Week: HERE

Raines, Ribault to play under the lights at second annual High School Heritage Classic

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PURCHASE HIGH SCHOOL HERITAGE CLASSIC TICKETS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month, the club is hosting historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School to play in the second annual High School Heritage Classic exhibition game presented by Rubenstein Law at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, February 12 under the lights of 121 Financial Ballpark.

Raines and Ribault student-athletes will wear customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest will feature historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game. The winning team will earn the A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

A limited number of socially-distanced seating is available in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl at the price of $5 for reserved seats and $10 for 121 Financial Crustacean Corner seats. They can be purchased online at www.jaxshrimp.com by clicking here. For group tickets, please contact the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

“I am proud and excited to bring back this special game that celebrates the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honors the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank Duval County Public Schools and the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s annual commitment to commemorate the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”

In the inaugural High School Heritage Classic, played in February 2020, the Raines Vikings beat the Ribault Trojans 8-4 to take home the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

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Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19 to [email protected], and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 26.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at [email protected].

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Nashville Sounds Foundation Now Accepting Applications for the 2021 Scholarship Program

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Again in 2021, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four scholarships worth $2,500 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in the Fall of 2021.

The program, which began in 2016, has awarded $50,000 in scholarships and is designed to assist deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students in paying for college tuition during their freshman year.

“Amidst a year of financial hardship and uncertainty in education, we’re extremely proud to continue this scholarship program for a sixth straight year,” said Nashville Sounds General Manager Adam Nuse. “The Nashville Sounds Foundation is thankful for the consistent support of our fans through various fundraising efforts to make this possible.”

Interested seniors must complete the entire application process here. The process includes submitting a 250-or-less word essay explaining how they overcame a life challenge or obstacle in the year 2020.

In addition to the essay, each submission must include at least two letters of recommendation from a teacher and/or coach, and an official high school transcript. The scholarship will be awarded based on the culmination of the student’s schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the community.

Each winner will receive tickets to a select 2021 Nashville Sounds game and a special surprise from the Nashville Sounds Foundation. The deadline to be considered for the 2021 scholarships is Friday, February 26, 2021. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than April 9, 2021.

Winners from 2020 include Sydney Armstrong (Howard University), Tucker Lovell (Harding University), Osiris Pizen-Magana (Middle Tennessee State University) and Katherine Wright (Duke University).

The Nashville Sounds play at First Horizon Park. The 2021 Minor League Baseball Schedule will be announced at a later date. For more information on 2021 Season Ticket Memberships, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

About the Nashville Sounds Foundation:

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to utilize baseball to positively impact the communities throughout Middle Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility, education and the power of sport to transform lives.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation is funded through monetary donations, private entities, memorabilia auctions and in-game custom public address announcements.

Greenville Drive, Inspired By Community Support, Continued Winning Ways In 2020 Despite Cancelled Season

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season, the Greenville Drive continued to rack up wins, finishing 2020 and entering 2021 strong with multiple honors and accolades, both locally and nationally. These awards come as an acknowledgement of the franchise’s excellence in management, unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy for timely issues. Most importantly, the awards recognize the team’s and the Greenville area’s perseverance in the face of the unprecedented challenges of the past year.

Local Awards & Recognitions

The Drive’s 2020 local awards come across a range of categories, from education and social justice to economic empowerment and positive growth.

  • Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award: The Drive was honored as the Urban League of the Upstate’s Corporate Citizen Award for its shared vision for and support of economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in our area, issues that took on additional significance this year.
  • Southernside Neighborhood Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year: Greenville’s Southernside neighborhood, which represents a large portion of Greenville’s urban core, recognized Drive owners Craig and Vicki Brown as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Year for their efforts to increase access to commercial centers and recreational space, enhance employment and economic empowerment, and strengthen community character.
  • Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year: Greenville County Schools, a longtime partner of the Drive, named the team its 2020 Partner of the Year in recognition of its ongoing educational programming, student and teacher advocacy and charitable support.
  • Greenville Literacy Association Partner of the Year: Greenville Literacy Association awarded the Drive this prestigious accolade based on the team’s literacy and employment programs and initiatives aimed at individual and community improvement and success.
  • Greenville News Best Local Sports Team: Based entirely on community voting, the Drive was named the Upstate’s favorite sports team, beating out all local professional and even collegiate teams and demonstrating the high regard the community has for its efforts.

Major National Recognition & A Significant Promotion

The Drive’s wins continued with a major national accolade.

  • Freitas Award (Nation’s Top Single A Franchise): Based on the achievements outlined above, Baseball America honored the Drive with the Bob Freitas Award, honoring the nation’s top Single-A franchise. The Drive earned accolades for its relevant & powerful community programming as well as its ongoing operational excellence.
  • Boston Red Sox Advanced-A Status: Despite the most challenging season in MiLB’s 100+ year history, and during a period of significant contraction of MiLB clubs across the country, the Drive maintained & extended its 17+ year affiliation history with the Boston Red Sox and beginning in 2021 will play as the Red Sox Advanced-A level affiliate.

Business Success and Continued Strong Partnerships

The Drive also enjoyed great success in delivering value to its long-term partners and expanding its sponsor base throughout the past year despite the Drive’s cancelled 2020 season. While the season cancellation made it difficult for many sports organizations to continue to offer visibility and brand recognition for its sponsors, the Drive’s strong partner relationships and innovation in modifying signature events and creating new programming to accommodate COVID restrictions allowed them to not only maintain their current partnership base but also to add several new, high-profile community partners to its portfolio.

“2020 has been an extraordinary year for our entire community, and the Drive is no different,” noted Greenville Drive Owner & Team President Craig Brown. “Like the Greenville community, the Drive worked to take these changes in stride, adapting and adjusting to challenges and taking them head-on, and, as these awards demonstrate, ultimately overcoming. These honors not only demonstrate our relentless commitment to giving back to our community but more importantly, our community’s continued support of and belief in our organization. In many ways, 2020 actually became our best and most impactful year ever – a true testament to the unique & special nature of the Upstate community, and how lucky we are to call this place home. We are deeply thankful for our fans, grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to give back and humbled by the meaning of these honors, especially in such difficult times. We are entering 2021 strong with the knowledge that we truly are better together.”

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Stacy Yerby, Ozark East Elementary

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Stacy Yerby of Ozark East Elementary as our Teacher of the Month.

Stacy is in her 18th year as a teacher, and her innovative teaching strategies have impressed parents and students alike for a long time in the Ozark community.

For the past six years, Stacy has built an economics unit around a pop-up restaurant that is completely designed and managed by her second graders. Her unit has been so successful that it has received years of media attention in Springfield.

“Students do all the prep work from making menus, hostessing, serving, cooking and cleaning,” a Missouri Lottery Teacher of the Month nominator explained. “Hundreds of people come to their one-day restaurant. Throughout the years, money raised from these events has been donated to many good causes from an ill student’s medical bills to the Ronald McDonald house, the PTA and more.’

“Stacy is so much more than a 2nd-grade teacher. She’s a humanitarian.”

Stacy’s dedication to creating a unique, interactive and memorable learning environment for her students year after year is why she’s our latest Teacher of the Month, presented by Missouri Lottery.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Stacy and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To learn more about the Teacher of the Month award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, or to nominate Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Nick Adenhart Scholarship 2021

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The application deadline for the ninth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 9th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

ATTN: Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2001

OR

Via email to [email protected]

For questions, please contact:
Doug Nelson, Chief Executive Officer Cedar Rapids Kernels
319-896-7614 [email protected]

Scholarship applications may be downloaded online, just click here.

2020 Giants in the Community Report

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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

The Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program

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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.

October 2020 Community Report

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In the month of October, The Stockton Ports delivered $200 worth of gift cards to six different schools in our local community. After raising $1,200 through a Virtual Back to School Drive, The Ports were able to purchase gift cards to support Hong Kingston, Pittman, Pulliam, Cleveland, Kennedy, and Adams Elementary schools in their efforts to adapt to virtual learning. With COVID-19 Guidelines followed, the gift cards were hand delivered to each school along with a personal message wishing them the best of luck during the school year. This was the first time The Ports held this event, and after the success that it brought about, it is safe to say that this will become an annual drive to benefit the Stockton Unified School District at the start of each school year.

Later in the month of October, Splash made some Halloween visits around town and participated in events taking place in our local community. The first stop was Chase Chevrolet’s “Trunk or Treat” where Splash handed out candy to children and families at this drive through event. Splash was greeted with smiles and cheers, although he did get frightened at times due to some scary costumes! After “Trunk or Treat”, Splash’s next stop was at a new venue in town called Stocklandia, a permanent location filled with a variety of local food trucks and boutiques that recently opened. Splash was given a plethora of different foods and desserts to try, all of which he loved. He was also greeted by many Stockton Ports fans asked to take pictures with all of them. The Stockton Ports were happy to be out in the community are excited to continue their community efforts in the upcoming months!