Education/Teacher Support

More than 11,000 Students to Attend Prevention Dimensions Day on Tuesday

May 20, 2013

SALT LAKE CITY (May 20, 2013) – The Salt Lake Bees, in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education, will host Prevention Dimensions Day at the Bees vs. Memphis Redbirds game on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:35 a.m. The Bees will welcome more than 11,000 students to this 10th annual event at Spring Mobile Ballpark which promotes drug and alcohol prevention.

The fifth and sixth grade students in attendance will enjoy an opening ceremony featuring more than 400 Utah elementary students from the Davis, Granite and Salt Lake school districts. Also participating in the program will be Utah’s First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, and Verne Larsen, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator for the Utah State Office of Education. Larsen will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch, while the Lehi Children’s Choir will perform the national anthem.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities lesson set, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah State PTA, and has been revised several times since. The mission of PD is to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills.

The Bees are in action tonight as the team takes on the Memphis Redbirds at 6:35 p.m. at Spring Mobile Ballpark. Monday is Smith’s Family Night at Spring Mobile Ballpark where four tickets and four hot dogs can be purchased for just $20 at all Smith’sTix locations. For more information, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Naturals Community Highlights: May 15-20

May 15, 2013

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Naturals return for a brief three-game homestand on Saturday, but Strike will be a busy Sasquatch over the next six days, making 11 appearances in five Northwest Arkansas communities as well as welcoming the Naturals back to town.

Wednesday, May 15: Strike will visit patients at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, lifting their spirits and generating smiles. After his visit to Circle of Life, Strike will have lunch with a special group of youngsters who were selected as part of the Terrific Kids program sponsored by the Bentonville Kiwanis club.

Thursday, May 16: Strike will have lunch with Terrific Kids selected by the Bentonville Kiwanis Club.

Friday, May 17: Strike begins his Friday by visiting students at Bright Field Middle School in Bentonville, followed by a trip to Mathias Elementary in Rogers. At both schools, Strike will congratulate students on a successful school year and promote their upcoming fundraising nights at Arvest Ballpark.

Later in the day, Strike will make an appearance with participants in a study conducted by the University of Arkansas Psychology department. Strike will close out the day by supporting runners and walkers in Bella Vista at the Strides for Stroke 5K and 1-mile fun run.

Saturday, May 18: Strike will start his Saturday morning with a visit to the Wildcat Rumble 5k in Bentonville. After passing out awards and celebrating with the winners, Strike will visit the Compassion House in Springdale. Following a brief lunch break, Strike will head over to Pinnacle Hills Mall in Rogers to take part in the rescheduled Touch-A-Truck event, benefitting the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas. Later in the day, Strike will appear the Bentonville Great Strides event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In addition to Strike’s visits around Northwest Arkansas, the Naturals will welcome eight groups to Arvest Ballpark this homestand as part of the team’s fundraising program. These groups include Elkins Elementary School, Sugar Creek Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, Huntsville Intermediate School, Mathias Elementary School music department, Lowell Elementary School, Aid for Developing Countries and Western Arkansas Child Development. As of May 14, the Naturals ticket fundraising program has raised $52,543 this season.

If you would like to have Strike appear at your event, email streetteam@nwanaturals.com or fill out the form on the Naturals’ website, located by clicking on the Community tab at the top of the webpage, then clicking the appearances link. Those interested in participated in the Naturals ticket fundraising program should call 479-927-4900 or email groups@nwanaturals.com.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and proud host of the 77^th Annual Texas League All Star Game. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

CCSNH, Fisher Cats Foundation Award $5,000 to Local Schools

May 10, 2013

Eight schools recognized for perfect Reading Challenge participation

The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $5,000 to local schools on Monday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. A total of eight schools were honored on the field for having one-hundred-percent of their students complete the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire during the 2012-2013 academic year.

The eight schools from across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts were recognized as finalists during Monday’s ceremony for having every student complete the challenge by reading five books outside their normal school curriculum. Each school was entered into a drawing to win one of three cash prizes, totaling $5,000, from the Fisher Cats Foundation. Salisbury Elementary School earned the top prize of $3,000; Smyth Road Elementary and St. John Regional Junior High School were each awarded a $1,000 prize for their all-encompassing efforts during the challenge.

“This is a tremendous success for the faculty and students at each and every one of these schools,” said Fisher Cats president Rick Brenner. “We congratulate them for putting in the time and effort to meet our challenge this year. Their dedication shows a true commitment to the improvement of their education both in the classroom and at home.”

“New Hampshire’s Community Colleges are proud to be part of this effort to highlight the importance of literacy to New Hampshire students,” said Shannon Reid, Director of Communications for CCSNH. “The Reading Challenge involves students, parents, and teachers in an effort that is both purposeful and fun. The support of the Fisher Cats organization adds a special dimension and reward for the students who earn tickets in recognition of their reading achievement and for the schools that took home prizes.”

On Monday night, faculty members of Ashby Elementary School, Errol Consolidated School, Maple Avenue Elementary School, Milan Village School, Russell Elementary School, Smyth Road Elementary School, Salisbury Elementary School, and St. Joseph Regional Junior High School were all celebrated for their success.

During the school year, the Fisher Cats and CCSNH reached out to more than 55,000 students in approximately 150 schools to present the CCSNH Reading Challenge. Students needed to read at least five books outside of their normal school curriculum in order to earn individual recognition at a Fisher Cats game. Upon completing the challenge, each student received a pair of tickets, courtesy of CCSNH, to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge game and the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade around the field.

This article originally appeared on the Fisher Cats’ website, and can be viewed here.

New York’s 529 College Savings Plan and the Muckdogs Partnering for Essay Contest

April 29, 2013

The Batavia Muckdogs and New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan have announced that they are once again partnering together with an essay contest for local students and children. The goal of the essay contest is to have kids submit an original essay on the topic of “what would you like to be when you grow up”. The Batavia Muckdogs front office staff will read over all entries, selecting the three (3) most compelling submissions. The three winners and their parents/guardians will then receive complementary tickets to the Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Muckdogs’ home game at 7:05pm. In addition to receiving a free ticket, the winners will receive a back-to-school backpack with supplies, courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan. The three selected winners will also have the opportunity to throw out the honorary first pitches for the game.

Eligibility: The contest is open to all children who attend a school in the local communities surrounding Batavia. This includes schools in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Erie, and Niagara counties.

Contest Period: Students may enter submissions anytime from this point forward until August 16, 2013. At that point the Batavia Muckdogs front office staff will begin reading submissions and selecting the three (3) winners.

How to Enter: To enter, participants must submit their essay (approximately 100 words) either by mailing it to Dwyer Stadium or dropping it off at the stadium in person. The mailing address is: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank Street, Batavia, NY. Along with the essay submission, we ask that participants include their: full name; school; date of birth; and telephone number.

If there are any questions in regards to this contest feel free to contact the Muckdogs front office staff at (585)-343-5454. Also feel free to check out New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan at www.ny529plan.com
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Batavia Muckdogs. Click here to view the original story.

The Tampa Yankees Support SERVE

April 22, 2013

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees held their annual Teacher Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 13. This event has raised over $4,300 in the last two years to benefit SERVE.

SERVE is the official volunteer arm of the School District of Hillsborough County. Their mission is to increase student achievement and enhance the educational experience by providing community volunteers to support Hillsborough County educators.

Over 2,200 fans entered the stadium to watch the Tampa Yankees defeat the Daytona Cubs 9-4. Players wore white pinstripe education themed jerseys which were auctioned off during the game. Auction winners had the opportunity to go onto the field after the game to meet the player who wore the jersey and get it autographed.

The Tampa Yankees will wear custom theme jerseys at three or more events this season to raise money for other non-profit organizations.

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.

Spikes announce 2013 school programs

April 15, 2013

Programs expected to reach over 15,000 Central PA school children

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-04-15 — Spikes mascots, players and staff can visit your school as part of each program

The State College Spikes have announced the team’s roster of 2013 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, but the common goal is to use the fun Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Most programs are supplemented by school assemblies involving mascots, players and front office staff, and all programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets and experiences at Spikes home games upon completion of fun program tasks. Last year, the Spikes reached over 15,000 Central PA school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2013 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly (which can be held outside or inside). During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Saturday, August 3, 2013.

Project I.K.E presented by Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority
Project I.K.E. is a collaboration between the Spikes and Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority teaching children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. The acronym in the program title stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly” and targets children in grades K-8. The Spikes, Ike the Spike and a representative from the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will host educational school assembly visits for each participating school. Project I.K.E. also offers complimentary tours of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which demonstrates how the Spikes recycle and go green in the world’s first LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ballpark. As part of the program, students will be given an educational packet to complete, which can be redeemed for one complimentary Bullpen Box Ticket to a 2013 Spikes home game.

Spikes Student All-Star Program presented by Chick-fil-A and PSEA
In partnership with Chick-fil-A and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Spikes Student All-Stars program provides K-8 teachers around the region with a tool to reward students with free tickets to a Spikes game based on whatever criteria the teacher would like to establish in his/her own classroom. Each teacher within the Spikes geographic region receives six (6) forms to distribute to students. The program encourages teachers to incentivize students based on excellence in a subject, dramatic improvement in a subject, or by showing classroom leadership. Any student chosen will be provided with a free ticket to one of three pre-determined 2013 Spikes home games (July 7, August 4 and August 25), and will be honored as part of a special pre-game, on-field recognition ceremony.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball reading program for the 2013 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2013 season (July 6, July 27 and August 24). At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 or less word essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2013 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

There is no cost for school to participate in any 2013 Spikes school program. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes school programs can contact Spikes Community Relations Manager David Wells at 814-272-1711 ext. 331 or dwells@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, the Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, will open the club’s eighth season on Monday, June 17 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). The Spikes will be home for 38 regular season home dates between June 17 and August 30. Single-game tickets for the upcoming 2013 season will go on sale to the public starting Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. Season Tickets, Value Plans, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and corporate hospitality options are currently available and can be reserved by calling (814) 272-1711. All Spikes ticket options can be viewed at State College Spikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Reading All-Stars Celebrated Monday Night

April 14, 2013

Michelin, Drive set to recognize students from Greenville County elementary schools & Pickens County schools

The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2013 Reading All-Stars program with plans to recognize students who accomplished the program’s reading goals during special celebration games at Fluor Field. Qualifying students from Greenville County elementary schools and Pickens County elementary and middle schools qualifiers will be recognized on Monday, April 15th, with Greenville County middle and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5, 6 and 7 elementary and middle schools qualifiers to be recognized on Sunday, May 19th.

3 R’s Program With Charleston County Schools Returns

April 14, 2013

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District began their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program in select Charleston County Schools in 2009 to emphasize the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

This year, third graders from Pinehurst, Blaney, Lambs, Burns and North Charleston elementary schools will be involved. Twice a month, a RiverDog staff member will come to the assigned school for a “read aloud” in each third grade class. The staff member will spend 15-20 minutes with each third grade class and then rotate between classes for about an hour. There will be approximately eight visits per school from February to May.

Students may earn points by reading and exercising beyond the school day. Students earn a point for every 20 minutes they read and/or exercise. If students conduct “works of kindness” (such as reading to a youngster, helping mom with housework, carrying groceries for an elderly person or helping in the yard) while exercising or reading, they may earn two points for each 20 minutes. Students will record the minutes they read and exercise on a log and their parents/guardians will verify activities by initialing the log. The logs are reviewed by the teacher on a weekly basis, and point totals are tallied monthly. Students are awarded monthly the following:

• 101+ points: Free meal ticket at the game-hotdog, chips, drink;
• 100 points: RiverDogs t-shirt and two tickets to the Charleston RiverDogs game on May 10 (additional tickets for family members may be secured at a reduced rate);
• 75 points: Book donated to school library in the student’s name;
• 50 points: RiverDogs souvenir drink cup;
• 25 points: “Top Dog” ribbon

Additionally, there will be competition among the schools as they will also compete against each other for the highest monthly total points and the top school will receive a trophy that will rotate among the participating schools.

“Our ongoing partnership with the RiverDogs supports our continued efforts with literacy and helps to sustain our district Vision 2016 for academic achievement of all students”, said Mary Ann Dieter, Curriculum Specialist for the CCSD Literacy Based Learning Division.

“This program is a win-win opportunity for all involved,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We remain pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District and it is our goal to make an impact with child development.”

For more information on this innovative “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, please contact Lauren Allio at the RiverDogs at (843)577-DOGS (3647).

Shorebirds Unveil “Hardwire Everyday Heroes”

April 12, 2013

Local teachers will be honored for being everyday heroes

Send an email to hero@theshorebirds.com to nominate your local teacher!

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds, the class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are excited to announce a brand new program entitled “Hardwire Everyday Heroes” in partnership with Hardwire, a local Pocomoke, Maryland company. Hardwire specializes in armor systems for the Department of Defense and has recently applied their armor solutions to school safety applications. During the 2013 season, the Shorebirds and Hardwire will honor teachers throughout the Delmarva Peninsula that are true “everyday heroes.”

The Shorebirds are asking community members and fans to nominate teachers that deserve recognition for excellence in the classroom and helping to enrich the lives of local students. The person nominating the teacher must submit a short write up that explains why the teacher should be considered for the “Hardwire Everyday Hero” award.

The Shorebirds will honor one teacher at each homestand during the 2013 season. The winning teacher will receive the following for being recognized as the “Hardwire Everyday Hero”: four reserved box tickets to a Shorebirds game, four meal vouchers for a hot dog, chips and Pepsi, a team autographed ball, pre-game on-field ceremony recognizing the teacher for his/her accomplishments, the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, an article in the Shorebirds gameday program, an article on the Shorebirds website, and a complimentary bulletproof whiteboard from Hardwire. The Hardwire Bulletproof Whiteboard is a hand-held whiteboard teaching tool; however, it also provides dual use as a last line of defense in the event of a school intruder.

“The Shorebirds are honored to team up with Hardwire to recognize great teachers and promote their new bulletproof whiteboards,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We look forward to recognizing the great teachers on the Delmarva Peninsula and creating awareness for the great work that Hardwire is doing.”

George Tunis, Hardwire CEO, says “This program is a great way to recognize the hard work and dedication of the teachers in our community and to say ‘thanks’ for all they do for our children.”

To nominate a favorite teacher, send an email to hero@theshorebirds.com detailing why the teacher is an “everyday hero.” In addition to your nomination, the email should include your name, the teacher’s name and school, and your best contact information.

For more information about the “Hardwire Everyday Heroes Program,” contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or Hardwire at 410-957-3669.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Delmarva Shorebirds. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award March Grant to Aurora Theatre

April 10, 2013

Local Theatre is recognized for their commitment to the Fine Arts

The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of March to the Aurora Theatre of Lawrenceville, GA. This month’s grant, intended to support organizations that promote art programs and education, will help Aurora Theatre in its purchase of a new portable sound system.

In 2011, the Aurora Theatre’s Academy and Conservatory launched an educational outreach program. With county schools cutting down music and art programs, the Aurora Theatre travels to local Gwinnett County Public Schools and educates through workshops and small traveling shows. This season, the program will debut “Unnecessary Monsters,” an interactive play that will discuss the issue of bullying. With the help of the G-Braves, the play will reach a greater audience and avoid technical difficulties.

The program has grown exponentially since last fall. Through their hard work and dedication, the Aurora Theatre program has provided the youth of Gwinnett County with more exposure to the arts.

“Our education program has many facets,” said the Director of Education Jaclyn Hofmann. “We have our Aurora Academy training program, learning library shows, in school workshops and other features. With this grant we can purchase a portable sound system, so that we can travel to any school or organization.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Fisher Cats Team with Youk’s Kids, E&R Cleaners for Manchester Public Schools D

April 10, 2013

Organizations provided thousands of tickets for Manchester school children

MANCHESTER, NH – In a time when school budgets are being slashed and squeezed, often at the cost of educational field trips, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats partnered with two local foundations to provide thousands of Manchester school children with a school day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Youk’s Kids, the foundation of former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, and E&R Cleaners purchased tickets so that nearly five thousand students could enjoy a field trip to the ballpark-turned-classroom for Manchester Public Schools Day on Wednesday morning.

“Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners have been tremendously generous in providing their support for this initiative this year,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “Without them, it’s likely that these children would’ve missed out on a unique educational experience in what is undoubtedly one of largest and most fun ‘classrooms’ they will enjoy this year.”

In addition to enjoying the action on the field, the school children were introduced to a variety of learning elements throughout the ballpark. The Fisher Cats invited several local attractions to provide learning stations that covered a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, wildlife, fire safety, financial education, and math and science.

“As a foundation, Youk’s Kids is constantly striving to provide opportunities that enhance the health and well-being of children in New England,” said Youk’s Kids Board Co-Vice President Tina Cantu. “Teaming with the Fisher Cats for this special day game provides these students with an activity that is not only fun, but can lead to a greater interest in learning.”

“Being a family-run business that started here in Manchester, we know the value and importance in creating educational opportunities for the children in our city,” said E&R Cleaners President Rick Botnick. “We hope that these students had a lot of fun and were able to experience something new at the ballpark for the very first time.”

In addition to the support provided by Youk’s Kids and E&R Cleaners, the following attractions and businesses provided booths and displays during Manchester Public Schools Day:

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Carriage Shack Farm petting zoo
CU4 Reality Financial Education Program
Seacoast Science Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
Smokey the Bear
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
The NHHEAF Network Organizations
New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute
Coca-Cola Recycling
The W.I.L.D Center & Zoological Park of New England
Manchester Fire Department
Manchester Police Department

The Fisher Cats open their next homestand on Thursday, April 18 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). The first game of the homestand features a fleece blanket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Heritage Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric. For tickets, visit www.nhfishercatas.com, stop by the Box Office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, or call 603-641-2005.

The mission of Youk’s Kids is to create a community of support, increase awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of children. Growing up surrounded by the precious gifts of family, friends, community and religion, Kevin Youkilis has long been passionate about giving back to the community. Over the years, he has sought opportunities to make a difference and has participated in a variety of philanthropic efforts. In 2007, he took his commitment to the next level and founded Youk’s Kids. Since its inception, Youk’s Kids has raised over $3 million to support more than 1,000 children.

E & R Laundry and Dry Cleaners was established in 1921 as a family owned and operated business and remains so today. A commitment to our customer is what originally defined E & R as being “not your typical laundry and dry cleaner” and it has continued to distinguish us from the competition for over 75 years. During that time, our family has established a foundation which continues to support the local communities we call home.

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

Sea Dogs Honor Over 1,200 Students for Reading

April 9, 2013

Frank Harrision Middle School, Dirigo Middle School, and Tremont Consolidated School Earn Financial Donations from the Sea Dogs Organization

Students that completed Slugger's Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th. — Students that completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will honor over 1,200 students throughout Maine who have successfully completed Slugger’s 2013 Reading Challenge.

Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

April 2, 2013

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Wild About Reading wrapped up its 10^th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Wild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

This year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

March 28, 2013

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced a new reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2013 will mark the first year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3^rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game! If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

Bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

Richmond Library (Batavia)
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
Byron-Bergen Public Library
Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
Perry Public Library
Holley Community Free Library
Hoag Library (Albion)
Pavilion Public Library
Warsaw Public Library
Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

Pelicans partner with ‘Backpack Buddies’

March 25, 2013

‘Make a Splash Monday’ presented by HTC

Every Monday Pelicans home game will be a “Make a Splash Monday” at TicketReturn.Com Field. “Make a Splash Monday” enables fans to “connect with your community” and it is presented all season long by HTC.

The Pelicans have adopted the “Backpack Buddies” program as the primary charitable partner of “Make a Splash Mondays.” “Backpack Buddies” provides food, books, clothing and school supplies to impoverished children so they have the tools to succeed outside of school hours.

Each “Make a Splash Monday,” fans who donate an item listed on the “Backpack Buddies” donation list will receive half-price admission along with a complimentary autographed baseball card from a Pelicans player that features him doing work in the community.

“Backpack Buddies” is part of the Help 4 Kids 501c3 and has been in existence since 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County.

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The following items will be accepted as donations:

Ramen Noodles

Pop Tarts

Individual servings of pudding

Individual servings of apple sauce

Fruit Cups

Beenie Weenies

Vienna Sausage

Cereal

Raviolis (Pop Top Cans)

Chicken Noodle Soup (Pop Top Cans)

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For more information on the program, check out the “Tickets and Promotions” section of the Pelicans Web site.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.