Education/Teacher Support

Timber Rattlers win Midwest League Community Service Award

September 19, 2014

Brewers affiliate is up for National John H. Moss Award

Members of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers joined The Miracle League of the Fox Valley on July 14, 2014. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have been named as the recipients of the Midwest League’s 2014 community service award. The league award means that the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate has been nominated for the national John H. Moss Award.

The Timber Rattlers are in a pool of nominees that includes teams from other participating leagues in the National Association of Professional Baseball League. The John H. Moss Award will be presented at the 2014 Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego on Sunday, December 7. The Moss Award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.

“We measure our success in ways that go beyond wins and attendance,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “I am extremely proud of our front office for all of their hard work and dedication to giving back to our community. We also appreciate the Brewers support and encouragement of the players to be involved in this area. To win this award was truly a team effort.”

Charitable initiatives undertaken by the Timber Rattlers include: Fang’s Reading Program, a school-based program that provides children from kindergarten through fifth grade with incentives to reach reading goals; The annual Golf Outing that supports Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organization for children with cognitive or physical disabilities; Ballpark Community Garden, a vegetable garden on the stadium grounds which sends the produce to St. Joseph’s Food Program; and STEM in Sports, a partnership with Time Warner Cable to use baseball to help introduce science, technology, engineering, and math to area schoolchildren.

The Timber Rattlers have also worked with Coats for Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Strike Out Cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and many other local and national charities.

The John H. Moss Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Bring school supplies Friday for free ticket

August 25, 2014

Intimidators teaming up with Walmart for Back to School Night

The Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with Walmart to host Back to School Night on Friday, Aug. 29, featuring a school tools donation. Fans that donate three (3) school supplies at the Box Office will receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

School supplies will be donated to Communities in Schools North Carolina. The Intimidators are proud to team up with Walmart for this promotion. Area Walmart stores are encouraging customers to “Build A Backpack” for elementary, middle and high school students as the new school year gets underway. Items collected through this drive will then be distributed to public school students in need.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

Celebrate Summer Reading All-Stars on Monday

August 8, 2014

Participants from Greenville, Pickens and Anderson County Library Systems

The Drive team up with Michelin to host the final Summer Reading All-Stars Celebration of the season on Monday night. The Drive’s Reading All-Stars program is an exciting initiative to get Upstate students interested in reading at a young age, and the participants not only get the benefit of a celebration day with the Drive, but also the satisfaction of learning and sparking their imagination through reading!

Monday’s game begins at 7:05, but the action starts at 6:30 as members of the Summer Reading All-Stars program from all across the Upstate will get to walk in a pregame parade. In addition, members of the program will get the chance to participate in the Drive’s in-game entertainment.

Come celebrate these members of the Drive and Michelin’s Summer Reading All-Stars program and recognized them for their hard work all school year and all summer long!

To purchase tickets for Monday’s game, head to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

FSL Scholarship Winner – Austin Kaufman

August 7, 2014

Austin Kaufman received his scholarship from AGM Matt Gess. (Yankees)

The Tampa Yankees, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are pleased to announce Austin Kaufman as their 2014 scholarship award winner. The Florida State League Scholarship committee award 12 individuals with educational scholarships. The committee approved the awards after a review of the applications submitted by all the Florida State League teams.

Austin Kaufman is a graduate of Robinson High School. He is currently attending the University of South Florida – St. Pete Campus before he plans to transfer to the University of South Florida – Tampa Campus. Austin plans to get his degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Austin is the son of Stadium Manager, Ron Kaufman who has been with the organization for 16 years.

Austin will be honored at the Tampa Yankees home game on August 7th, versus the Brevard County Manatees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In addition, he was introduced during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, August 3rd along with the other Florida State League teams’ award winners.

The Miami Marlins/Florida State League scholarship program is awarded to students that are an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2014 fall term. The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fifteen years and have contributed over $137,000 to the Florida State Program.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information on the Tampa Yankees visit www.tybaseball.com or call (813) 673-3055.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Announce June Grant Recipient

August 5, 2014

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. receives $1,000 monthly grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of June. Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. has been awarded June’s “Summer Safety” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that fund or run safety programs for children.

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring began serving students in Jackson County schools in 2005 under the direction of Jackson County Family Connection. In March of 2013, LLM branched out and became a youth-serving non-profit organization dedicated to friendship-based mentoring throughout Jackson County.

The goal of LLM is to guide children and youth toward personal and academic success through mentoring and friendship. The grant money awarded by the G-Braves will be used for mentor training, informational brochures and activity supplies in hopes to continue the ongoing growth of the program.

“We accomplish our mission by pairing volunteers who are positive adult role models with carefully selected students in need of a mentoring relationship,” said Lisa Stephens, Executive Director of Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring. “Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring uses an effective friendship-based mentoring model and partners closely with three school systems in Jackson County, GA. Through training, screening and follow up, mentors are able to identify the needs of students they serve. Since the humble beginning in 2005 by a handful of caring citizens, Lindsay’s Legacy mentors have impacted the lives of thousands of students in Jackson County. The program provides a safety net that would otherwise not be available to some very deserving students.”

About Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring: The organization has been around for over nine years and is based in Jackson County, GA. LLM has served over 130 students in the Jackson County, 38 students in Jefferson City and 32 students in the Commerce City school systems with caring adult mentorship. The program continues to grow under the principles of former mentor coordinator Jack Lindsay. For more information about the program, please contact LLM Executive Director Lisa Stephens at lisa@lindsaylegacymentoring.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins at 678-277-0313 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Winners Announced

July 31, 2014

Winners to be recognized at Saturday’s game against Reading

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have named their 2014 Scholar-Athlete Scholarship winners. Ten graduates from New Hampshire high schools and two from northern Massachusetts have all earned a $2,500 scholarship based on their athletic and academic achievements in high school, and will be celebrated in an on-field ceremony prior to the Fisher Cats’ game on Saturday, August 2, against the Reading Fightin Phils at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

“These students have had remarkable high school careers, and we are proud to recognize them as our Class of 2014 scholarship winners,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “Not only have they excelled in school and on the fields and courts, but each has displayed a commitment to making their communities better places to live. We look forward to recognizing these students as they prepare for college at the ballpark this weekend.”

The scholarship recipients were selected based upon criteria of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and active citizenship in the community. Money for the scholarships was raised through several Foundation endeavors, most notably the Granite State Baseball Dinner, which surpassed $1 million in fundraising at its annual event last November. With these scholarships, a total of $230,000 have been awarded through this program since 2007.

The Fisher Cats Foundation will award three special scholarships among the twelve – the Swymer Family Scholarship, offered annually to a student who has overcome a barrier and gone on to college; the Chris Carpenter Scholarship, named in honor of New Hampshire native and National League Cy Young Award Winner Chris Carpenter; and the Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship, presented to a New Hampshire graduate whose parent or guardian is an active, reserve, or veteran member of the United States Military.

A full list of this year’s winners is below.

*Quinn Connelly (Spaulding High School/Rochester, N.H.) – Quinn was a member of the varsity basketball team and served as team captain his senior year. He played in the state semi-finals twice and graduated in the top 10 of his class. Quinn will attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study business administration.

*Shannon Corcoran (Londonderry High School/Londonderry, N.H.) – Shannon was the co-captain of the varsity dance team. She was also a member of Latin, French, and Math Honor Societies, as well as the National Honor Society. Shannon will attend Clemson University and plans to be a member of the Clemson dance team. She has earned this year’s Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship.

*Carmen Giampetruzzi (Trinity High School/Manchester, N.H.) – A three-sport standout, Carmen was a member of the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams at Trinity. He was a member of the Principal’s List. He will pursue baseball and study biology this fall at Boston College.

*Samarth Gupta (Acton-Boxborough High School/Acton, Mass.) – Samarth was the president of his class as well as a three-season captain of the cross country and track teams. He was also a four-year letter winner in both sports. Samarth will attend Harvard University in the fall studying government.

*Sarah King (Nashua High School North/Nashua, N.H.) – Sarah was a member of the varsity volleyball team as well as a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Butler University next year to study pharmacy.

*Patrick Martin (Wilton-Lyndeborough High School/Wilton, N.H.) – This year’s Swymer Family Award recipient, Patrick was named Wilton-Lyndeborough Male Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2014. He was a member of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. Patrick will attend St. Joseph’s College of Maine where he plans to study history/secondary education.

*Molly McCabe (Bishop Guertin High School/Brookline, N.H.) – Molly was a four-year letter winner in cross country and indoor and outdoor track at Bishop Guertin. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year Gold Honor Roll Student. Molly will attend Boston College in the fall.

*Abigail McDonough (Portsmouth High School/Greenland, N.H.) – Abby was a member of the varsity softball and basketball teams at Portsmouth High. There, she held high or highest honors for all four years. Next year she will attend the University of New Hampshire.

*Walters Ndi (Concord High School/Concord, N.H.) – Wally was Concord High School’s Male Athlete of the Year and an All-Conference running back. He was a member of the varsity football, wrestling and track teams. He plans to study exercise science next year.

*Dillon Sylvester (Franklin High School/Franklin, N.H.) – Dillon is this year’s winner of the Chris Carpenter Award. He served as the Valedictorian for his class as well as a member of the varsity soccer, basketball, and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. He will attend Bentley University this fall to study business.

*Morgan Wallingford (Dover High School/Dover, N.H.) – Morgan was named the MVP of Dover High School’s varsity gymnastics team for the last three years. A 2014 NH Scholar, she will attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall.

*Nicole Woods (Beverly High School/Beverly, Mass.) – Nicole played on the varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams at Beverly High School. She was selected as one of the top 70 high school players in the country for USA Field Hockey Futures Elite Championships. She will attend the University of Louisville where she will play field hockey.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations to over 4,000 non-profit organizations.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Summer Reading All-Stars Celebrated Sunday

July 30, 2014

Participants from Greenville, Pickens and Anderson County Library Systems

On Sunday, August 3rd at 4:05, the Drive, in partnership with Michelin, will honor the Upstate’s Summer Reading All-Stars! The Drive’s Reading All-Stars program was designed to encourage students as they “learn to read and read to learn”.

The library systems of Greenville, Pickens, and for the first time, Anderson County, have put together summer reading programs for kids of all ages. The Drive have sent Reedy Rip’ It and some of the Drive players to make appearances at schools, summer camps and libraries to emphasize the importance of reading.

The Drive are proud to have those who have completed the libraries’ top reading challenges at Sunday’s game! These kids will get to participate in a pregame Parade of Champions, receive a commemorative Reading All-Stars t-shirt, the chance to meet Reedy, participate in BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases and much more!

Even though school is out, education doesn’t stop, so be sure to come out and acknowledge all these children have accomplished in their summer reading programs!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

James Dietrich Award Scholarship by FSL and Marlins

July 25, 2014

Dietrich receives $1,500 for his studies at St. Petersburg College

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee has awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that James Dietrich has been selected as a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 3 at 1:10 PM.

The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2014 Fall Term.

The scholarship will aid Dietrich during his senior year at St. Petersburg College, where he is majoring in Mass Communications. After completing his associate degree this fall, Dietrich plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. His goal is to work in international journalism. Dietrich has been employed with the Marauders since 2012, working as a seller in the ticket office and as a front desk receptionist at Pirate City.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for 15 years and have contributed a total of $148,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “This program is one of the great things we do in the League and I again congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.” The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

Chasers in the Community July 29-August 5

July 25, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Third Annual Peanut Free Night at Werner Park

Hosted by the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Asthma and Allergy Center

On Tuesday, July 29^th, Werner Park will open its gates to fans with peanut allergies who cannot generally attend baseball games and other sporting events. For the entire week leading up to July 29^th, Werner Park will be sanitized and cleaned to rid of all peanut dust and allergens. There will be no peanuts, tree nuts, or sunflower seeds sold or present in the stadium. Children involved will have an opportunity to form a “Peanut Free Field of Dreams Team” and run on the field with the players prior to the game. Ticket packages also include first pitch opportunities, a meet and greet with an Omaha Storm Chaser player, and a pre-game parade.

Community Involvement Outside of the Game

VA Hospital Player Appearance – Omaha Storm Chasers staff and players will visit the VA Hospital on July 30th at 4101 Woolworth Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska.
Taste of Plattsmouth – OSC staff members and mascots will be at the Taste of Plattsmouth Business Expo on August 1^st from 5pm – 9pm located at the Entertainment Plaza on the corner of 4^th and Main Street in downtown Plattsmouth. For more information visit http://www.business.plattsmouthchamber.com/Events/details/cruizin-main-14
Science of Ice Cream – OSC staff members and Kernel Kobb will be attending the Science of Ice Cream event on August 1st from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 6015 Binney Street in Benson.
Flash Ticket Giveaway – Sizzle will be at the AT&T store at 7640 Towne Center Pkwy, Suite 119 in Papillion giving away Omaha Storm Chasers tickets! For more information contact Kasen Dudley at 402-738-5138.
Reading to Kids – Stormy and OSC staff will be attending the End of Summer Reading Party on August 2^nd, at the Florence Recreation Center at 2920 Bondesson Street in Florence, Nebraska from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Healthy Kids Carnival – OSC staff members and mascots will be at the Healthy Kids Carnival at the Boys Town Medical campus on 139^th and Pacific streets in Omaha from 11 am – 2 pm. Activities include bounce houses, obstacle courses, healthy snacks, a basketball station, and fitness demonstrations. For more information visit http://www.boystownpediatrics.org/aboutus/Calendar/Pages/Healthy-Kids-Carnival.aspx
Walk to Cure Diabetes – OSC staff members and mascots will be attending the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes on August 2^nd from 8:30 am – 11:00 am at Lewis and Clark Landing. For more information, visit http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=3941&pg=entry
Zane’s Wish – Omaha Storm Chasers staff will help grant a wish by decorating a playhouse with Omaha Storm Chasers merchandise.

Community Involvement Inside of the Game

Tuesday, July 29 – Memphis Redbirds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – AIRE Nebraska joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about AIRE Nebraska visit www.airenebraska.org
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Wednesday, July 30 – Memphis Redbirds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Ralston Community Night – Members of the Ralston community are invited to join the Omaha Storm Chasers for their community night featuring 1 cent wiener Wednesday. Tickets are available at group discounted rates. For information on tickets, contact Alex Beck at 402-738-5112.
Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Community 360 joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about Community 360 visit http://www.community-360.org/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Thursday, July 31 – Memphis Redbirds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Weeping Water Community Night – Members of the Weeping Water community are invited to join the Omaha Storm Chasers for their community night featuring Thirsty Thursday. Tickets are available at group discounted rates. For information on tickets, contact Danielle Jelensperger at 402-738-2181.
Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Muscular Dystrophy Association joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about MDA visit http://mda.org/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Friday, August 1 – Memphis Redbirds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands visit http://www.dsamidlands.org/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Saturday, August 2 – Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Autism Action Partnership Jersey Auction – The Omaha Storm Chasers will be hosting a jersey auction benefitting Autism Action Partnership on Autism Awareness night. Fans will be able to bid on jerseys from all Omaha Storm Chasers players and receive the jersey post-game.
Fremont Community Night – Members of the Fremont community are invited to join the Omaha Storm Chasers for their community night. Tickets are available at group discounted rates. For information on tickets, contact Danny Dunbar at 402-738-5132.
Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Autism Action Partnership joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about Autism Action Partnership visit http://www.autismaction.org/contact/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Sunday, August 3 – Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 5:05pm

Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Omaha Public Library joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about Omaha Public Library visit http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Monday, August 4 – Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 7:05pm

Omaha North HS Presentation – Coach Eric Janecek and 7 members of his Omaha North High School varsity baseball team that partnered with the Omaha Storm Chasers and CVS for the Chasers FUNdamentals program will come to enjoy the game and take place in a pregame recognition.
Gretna Community Night – Members of the Gretna community are invited to join the Omaha Storm Chasers for their community night featuring a Player Puzzle and Picture Giveaway to the first 1500 fans. Tickets are available at group discounted rates. For information on tickets, contact Andrew Madden at 402-738-5135.
Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – Sophisticated Hearts of Omaha joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about Sophisticated Hearts of Omaha visit http://www.sophisticatedheartsofomaha.com
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

Tuesday, August 5 – Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 12:05pm

Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night – EducationQuest Foundation joins the Omaha Storm Chasers and fans as the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night. To learn more about EducationQuest Foundation visit http://www.educationquest.org/
Huber Chevrolet and McDonald’s Hurl the Pearl – For $2 fans have the chance to win prizes from McDonald’s and the Omaha Storm Chasers. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House visit https://www.rmhcomaha.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Allstate’s Reality Rides visits LeLacheur Thursday

July 21, 2014

Distracted Driving Simulator brings entertainment, information

Distracted driving continues to be the number one cause for car collisions in the U.S. and summer is the deadliest time on the road for Americans. On July 24, Allstate’s “Reality Rides^SM” will stop off at the Lowell Spinners game on its tour of more than 40 American cities to bring a driving simulator that demonstrates the dangers of distracted driving. Allstate Insurance Company aims to bring awareness around distraction-free driving with this second annual campaign tour. The display will be set up on the entry plaza leading into the stadium.

Reality Rides consists of a driving simulator that utilizes a real – but stationary – vehicle equipped with virtual reality technology, including a curved LED television that displays an animated environment and reacts to the driver’s motions. Using the vehicle’s steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, the driver is tasked with driving while also attempting to text and talk on the phone.

“The Spinners are thrilled to partner with Allstate and the Reality Rides tour to bring this incredible demonstration on distracted driving to Lowell,” said Spinners spokesperson Jon Boswell. “This interactive demonstration will be both fun and informative for fans and we can’t wait for them to try it!”

These simulations demonstrate the potential consequences distracted drivers could face while on the road.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

HOPE Week Headlines Seven-Game Homestand

July 14, 2014

July 19 Includes Military Appreciation Night, Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg, Modern Sequel of Disco Demolition Night

The Charleston RiverDogs are back at home for a seven-game homestand from Tuesday, July 15 through Monday, July 21. HOPE Week 2014, an annual New York Yankees outreach initiative, runs through the first five days of this homestand. Saturday, July 19 will be full of fun as the RiverDogs will host Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It along with Military Appreciation Night and a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg Giveaway.

Tuesday, July 15, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 begins as the RiverDogs partner with Warriors 4 Warriors. It is Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night, presented by Nash FM. Couples that show a VIC Card at the box office will receive two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and a nacho tray for just $20. It is also Choose Your Knight Night. Upon entering the ballpark, fans can choose one of three colored cards which correspond with three knights that will compete throughout the night in various contests. The knight with the most total points will be the winner, and fans who selected that color may turn in their card to receive a ticket voucher for an upcoming RiverDogs game.

Wednesday, July 16, 7:05 pm: Day Two of HOPE Week 2014 features South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. HealthSouth Senior Wednesday, sponsored by MeTV, offers a food voucher for all senior citizens (age 65 & older) who enter the park before 7 pm. The voucher is good for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a 16-ounce fountain drink. The RiverDogs are also hosting “Dogs with a Cause” to support The Spokes Group Charleston. It is also a Guaranteed Wins-Day, so if the RiverDogs are not victorious, all fans in attendance may use their tickets to get into the next Wednesday home game for free.

Thursday, July 17, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 continues with Lowcountry Food Bank’s Food Works Program. It is also Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, courtesy of 95SX, with $1 drafts and DJ Natty Heavy in the Ashley View Pub. Wild Wing Café will also sponsor a wing-eating contest in the Ashley View Pub. The RiverDogs are also continuing their Thursday concert series, which is presented by Palmetto Brewery and Awendaw Green. Cheap Hats and Bourbon, an acoustic band that plays covers and original songs, will be playing adjacent to the Beer Garden.

Friday, July 18, 7:05 pm: The RiverDogs will partner with Mighty Mack and Scout on Day Four of HOPE Week 2014. ISHPI Red Shirt Friday, presented by 103.5 WEZL, encourages fans to wear red to the game and save $1 off your ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to Canines for Veterans and Folds of Honor. United States Air Force Night will be celebrated as well. There will be a pregame awards ceremony for the annual Youth Baseball Camp, which is presented by The Kickin’ Chicken. The RiverDogs will wear red jerseys on Friday and will receive help from Titus the Wonder Dog, who will serve as a batdog for an inning. Miller and Coors present $3 Aluminum Pint Night in the Ashley View Pub. Stick around following the contest for another stellar fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River.

Saturday, July 19, 6:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 wraps up, featuring Fields to Families. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg from WCBD Channel 2. In honor of Military Appreciation Night, presented by ISHPI, all active and retired military members and their immediate families can get into the game for free. The RiverDogs are also hosting Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It. Fans that bring Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus merchandise and memorabilia will get a $1 ticket. All of the donated items will be destroyed in a postgame demolition on the field. Social Media Saturday invites fans to use Facebook and Twitter to send the RiverDogs requests for songs, promotions and other ballpark features. It is also West Ashley Night at The Joe. Barefoot Night includes a Barefoot wine sampling around the Beer Garden.

Sunday, July 20, 5:05 pm: CCPRC and Crews Subaru Kids Club Sunday, sponsored by Y102.5, offers free admission for all members of Charlie’s Kids Club. Parking is free, and all children will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a fountain drink and chips for Kids Eat Free from Pepsi. Pirates and Princesses Night is also set for Sunday. Children can make their own crown and treasure at the game while pirates from Blackbeard’s Cove roam the ballpark. An ice princess pregame meet and greet and Disney gift card giveaways are also scheduled. All fans can enjoy pregame catch on the field and postgame autographs with the RiverDogs. Patriots Point and its mascot, Scrappy, will be on hand for Sunday’s game as well. Charleston will wear its stylish seersucker uniforms on Seersucker Sunday. Fans that wear seersucker to the game can save $1 off their ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Celebrity “Smokin’ Chef” Aaron Siegel from Home Team BBQ will serve smoked pork belly pastrami with pickled local slaw and smoked Poblano mustard on a brioche bun at the RiverDogs’ new meat smoker.

Monday, July 21, 12:05 pm: The homestand closes with a special 12:05 pm start time, setting up the Business-Man’s Special and Service Industry Day. Play hooky from work or ask the RiverDogs to send an intern to your business and cover your shift so you can come to the contest. The Business-Man’s Special offers $7 upper reserve tickets. Members of the service industry will be rewarded for their hospitality with $5 general admission tickets for Monday’s matinee. Coors and Magic 107.3 present Dollar Dogs and Beers Night in the Ashley View Pub. There will also be an Old Mexico DVD Giveaway at the homestand finale.

This seven-game RiverDogs homestand is the longest home stretch in July at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, visit the Riley Park Box Office, call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or head on-line to www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws, United Way Book Drive on Friday

July 5, 2014

Donors will receive a ticket to a BlueClaws Saturday game in August

United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up for a book drive to benefit area children. Fans attending the game on July 11^th at 7:05pm are asked to bring a NEW book(s) appropriate for kids in grades K-3 to the United Way table inside the stadium. For each book donated, they will receive a voucher for a Saturday BlueClaws home game in August. Families can receive up to 4 ticket vouchers.

About The Game: The BlueClaws game on Friday night, July 11th begins at 7:05 pm with the gates opening at 6:00 pm. After the game, there will be a fireworks spectacular thanks to Philadelphia Water Ice. For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

In Monmouth County, the books will be distributed through the Early Grade Reading Initiative. This effort provides high quality holistic learning opportunities in the summer. When children are not exposed to sufficient reading or enrichment experiences throughout the summer, it’s easy to fall behind academically creating a “Summer Slide” – and it’s very difficult to catch up. But with the right opportunities, including the ability to learn during the summer, all children can flourish.

These summer programs are designed to focus not only on learning, literacy and reading, but also additional enrichment activities, such as arts, music, physical activity and nature/outside play. Children participating in the program will receive books courtesy of community drives, like the one being held at the BlueClaws.

When children are out of school for the summer they often lose access to books. United Way of Ocean County is collecting books to provide mini home libraries to children of several of our partner agencies. Our goal is to inspire young people to remain engaged in learning while developing their communication skills and imaginations.

For more information about summer early grade reading grants, please contact United Way of Monmouth County at 732-938-5988 or info@uwmonmouth.org. To learn more about the United Way or its Community Impact agenda, please visit uwmonmouth.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Donate new or used children’s books: Sunday, 7/20

June 26, 2014

Want to help inspire a child to read? On Sunday, July 20, the Mud Hens and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host a book drive at Fifth Third Field. Fans coming to the game that day are encouraged to bring new or lightly used children’s books, with donations to benefit the Books 4 Buddies program.

Founded in 2012 by Toledo native L. Toure McCord, the mission of the Books 4 Buddies program is to enhance literacy for boys and young men and building leaders one book at a time. Donated books will be given to disadvantaged youth, but particularly to encourage and inspire young boys to read.

Before and during the game the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will be promoting and encouraging participation in their summer reading program and other children’s reading initiatives.

The Mud Hens take on Louisville at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Call 419-725-4367 for tickets or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby rescheduled for Sept. 21

June 26, 2014

First-Ever Event will Welcome Participants from Tee Ball Through Adult to Modern Woodmen Park

The first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21. The event will give fans and people across the Quad Cities region the chance to swing for the fences at Modern Woodmen Park.

Presented by Modern Woodmen of America and Triumph Community Bank, the Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby will include a Minors Division, with participants from Tee Ball through age 17, and a Majors Division, including all ages at a competitive level. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Minors Division event will take place at 11 a.m., and the Majors Division event will be at 2 p.m. that day. Participants receive a free River Bandits T-shirt and a ticket to a 2015 River Bandits game. Non-participants are welcome to catch balls in the outfield of Modern Woodmen Park during the derby.

“The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby offers a great opportunity for people in the Quad Cities to show off their skills and enjoy a unique and memorable experience on the field of Modern Woodmen Park,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The best part is all of the money raised at this unique event will help pay the college tuition for Quad Cities area students – perhaps in the future including one of the young participants in this first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby!”

The Minors Division will have three competitions – Single A (players in Tee Ball through levels under age 10), Double A (ages 10 to 12), and Triple A (ages 13 to 17). The top three winners in each division will receive prizes. Registration is $20 per participant, and each hitter can choose to hit baseballs or softballs. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

Majors Division will include all ages at a competitive level, hitting softball pitches. The winner will receive $200 cash and a 2015 suite rental as prizes. Registration is $30 per participant and limited to the first 50 who register. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

All fans are welcome to catch balls in the outfield during the derby. Non-participants for the home run derby are asked to make a $5 donation to the Bandit Scholars Program.

The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby registration form is available at Modern Woodmen Park and at www.riverbandits.com. More information is available by contacting Brittany Carter at 563-333-2736 or emailing Brittany@riverbandits.com.

The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits’ team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt; the program pays the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities area students through the Bandit Scholarships. The scholarships are administered by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and recipients are selected by a committee made up of River Bandits’ staff, CFGRB volunteers and area community leaders. Awarded annually to Quad Cities area high school seniors, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner’s first year of college. Tax-free donations to the scholarship fund can be made through the CFGRB web site.

The scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team’s ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Home Run Derby, set for July 26-27 this season. Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also visit the Bandit Scholars Program page on the team’s website, www.riverbandits.com, and follow a link to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation’s website. Beginning with the next scholarship application cycle in 2015, students from eight Quad Cities-area counties – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties of Illinois, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties of Iowa – will be eligible for the scholarships.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Tri-City ValleyCats Host First Ever Education Day

June 16, 2014

ValleyCats integrate education, anti-bullying as it relates to baseball

The Tri City ValleyCats will host its first ever Education Day at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Tuesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. to support the organization’s mission to create “Fans for Life” in a safe and clean environment.

The ValleyCats created a curriculum that includes character development and anti-bullying facets, as well as traditional educational subject matter as it relates to the game of baseball. This curriculum was available online to schools throughout the Capital Region this spring and will culminate in an all-encompassing educational field trip when the ValleyCats host the Lowell Spinners.

The ValleyCats existing “Strike Out Bullying” program, with BlueShield of Northeastern New York, focuses on educating students about the importance of treating others equally and standing up for their peers. This has included in-school assemblies and students attending Education Day will be encouraged to recite the ValleyCats “Peace Pledge” as a part of the day’s curriculum.

“We are very excited to host this first-time event at the stadium,” Assistant General Manager Matt Callahan said. “Our team has tried to create an event where students have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, spend time with peers and enjoy an educational day at the ballpark.”

Additional activities will provide students with real world applications in the areas of mathematics, history and geography. Several local organizations have supported this initiative and helped make these field trips possible for Capital Region schools. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is a lead partner for the Education Day event and supports educational opportunities throughout the area.

“At Regeneron, we are committed to a better future,” a Regeneron representative said. “This promise is at the core of our mission to discover and develop new medicines, which allows us to deliver greater value to our patients, employees and communities. We believe that education, particularly science, technology, engineering and math is a key component to this development. As such, we are proud to support the ValleyCats first annual Education Day.”

Additional support was provided by Transfinder in support of Schenectady schools and St. Peter’s Health Partners’ Sexual Assault & Crime Victims Assistance Program in a partnership with several Rensselaer County Schools.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.