NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

 

PAPILLION, NE (January 21, 2020) – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 18th 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 March 27 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.

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 also receive four tickets to the Storm Chasers game on May 3 and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Complete rules and information on the essay contest can be attained by contacting Andrea Bedore at andreab@omahastormchasers.com.

Entries must be postmarked by March 29 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Storm Chasers begin the 2020 regular-season Pacific Coast League play at Memphis on April 9. Their first home game at Werner Park is set for April 14 against Round Rock at 6:35 p.m.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

JetHawks Hot Stove Banquet Sold Out

Lancaster, CA – The Lancaster JetHawks are excited to announce that the JetHawks Baseball Foundation’s Hot Stove Banquet has sold out for the fourth consecutive year. The Hot Stove Banquet, sponsored by Learn4Life, will be hosted on January 23rd at the University of Antelope Valley Grand Ballroom. There will be a Q&A, live music from Rat Pack Ricky, a silent auction with great items, delicious dinner, and more. Doors open at 5:30 for cocktail hour, with the program beginning at 6:35.

Ramón Vázquez, former JetHawks player, manager and coach, and current Boston Red Sox coach, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Joining Vázquez will be Colorado Rockies prospect, 2017 JetHawks player, and Santa Clarita native Brian Mundell. Both will dive in to more detail about their careers, their teams, and their time with the JetHawks.

Proceeds from the Hot Stove Banquet and the Silent Auction will benefit the JetHawks Baseball League, which in partnership with the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs will provides over 150 local youth with the opportunity to play baseball on a team right here at The Hangar each summer. The youth are outfitted with jerseys, gloves, hats and helmets, play their games on the same field as the JetHawks, all at no cost to themselves or their families.

The JetHawks 2020 season kicks off on April 9, 2020 against the San Jose Giants. Season tickets and Hawks Packs, as well as group options, are available now by calling the JetHawks offices at 661-726-5400 or visiting jethawks.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. Releases 2019 Annual Report

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. proudly presents the 5th Annual Report to the Community detailing the organization’s charitable outreach in 2019. Each year, the report lists the extensive accomplishments of the Foundation as well as the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

It was another record-setting year for the Cougars Foundation as giving exceeded the $1 million mark, making 2019 the second consecutive year charitable giving was above the $1 million milestone. In addition, the Cougars moved into the top five among all Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams in charitable giving following the release of the MiLB Charity Report for 2018. The Cougars are currently ranked fifth out of all 160 teams, marking the second consecutive year the team was ranked in the top ten for charitable giving.

The Foundation achieved additional milestones as the five-year record giving streak has soared over 1,500% since 2014. Individual programs supported by the Foundation have reached a total of 24, while cash contributions were provided to 32 community organizations, the largest number of programs and organizations that have benefited from the Foundation in its history. Program highlights include the Cougars Reading Club which now reaches over 450 schools and 138,000 students with the Summer Reading Program now including 89 libraries and over 5,400 student participants. The Foundation also operates two scholarship programs, issuing grade school level scholarships to six local students and five college-level scholarships. Military Outreach continued to see growth, reaching over 1,100 current and former military service members while the Senior Citizens Outreach touched over 2,500 local seniors age 65 and over.

In addition to the expansion of current programs, new programs were added such as Mental Health and Deaf Awareness Night. The Foundation teamed up with local charities that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during select nights, the Foundation made a donation with a portion of the total proceeds benefiting the selected charities.

The highlight of the year for the Foundation came at Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. Ballpark Digest selected the Cougars Foundation out of all 160 MiLB teams to receive the prestigious Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award for the 2019 season. Following the announcement that the Cougars had been selected, the Foundation received a congratulatory message from NASDAQ on the famous MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square. This marked the first time a MiLB Foundation was featured on the MarketSite Tower.

Across all 24 programs, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation’s charitable giving reached a total of $1,054,980.

“None of these accomplishments would be possible without the commitment of our Foundation’s sponsors, donors and partners,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Their willingness to step up for our community is seen each and every year that we’re able to expand our outreach. It’s amazing to watch the impact of the Foundation stretch far beyond the baseball field.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Nashville Sounds Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Scholarship Program

 

For the fifth consecutive year, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four scholarships worth $2,500 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall of 2020.

The program, which began in 2016, has awarded $40,000 in scholarships and is designed to help deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students help pay for college tuition during their freshman year.

“The Nashville Sounds Foundation is proud to continue our scholarship program into its fifth year,” said Nashville Sounds Foundation Executive Director Destiny Whitmore. “To be able to help Middle Tennessee students pursue their dream of a college education is extremely fulfilling. The continued support of our fans through fundraising efforts makes this possible. We’re thankful for the ongoing generosity.”

Interested seniors must complete the application process at www.nashvillesounds.com/community/scholarship. The process includes submitting a 250-or-less word essay explaining a project the student developed or participated in to change their community.

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 school work, extracurricular activities and involvement in the community.

Each winner will receive tickets to a select 2020 Nashville Sounds game of their choice and a special surprise from the Nashville Sounds Foundation. The deadline to be considered for the 2020 scholarships is Friday, February 14, 2020. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than March 27, 2020.

Winners from 2019 include Emmi Allen (University of Tennessee), Joshua Garretson (University of Tennessee), Ian Hall (Stanford University) and Faith McPhearson (East Tennessee State University).

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. 2020 season ticket memberships are on sale through the Nashville Sounds ticket office. For more information on membership packages, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail tickets@nashvillesounds.com.

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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Registration Open for OKC Dodgers Rookie League 2020 Season

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Area youth baseball players can register now to participate in the upcoming third season of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Rookie League, as well as sign up for hitting clinics to be held Jan. 18-19 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is a youth baseball league formed in 2018 in partnership with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to help increase youth baseball participation in the community, as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The league consists of four baseball divisions to accommodate boys and girls in multiple skill levels and age groups. Teams compete in divisions of 4U T-Ball, 6U T-Ball, 8U Coach Pitch and 10U Kid Pitch. Practices will be held once per week starting March 23. Game play begins April 4 and runs through June 13.

New for 2020, two OKC Dodgers Rookie League Hitting Clinics will take place Jan. 18-19 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Participants will learn the fundamentals of baseball and have the opportunity to hit in the batting cages used by OKC Dodgers players. A clinic for 4U and 6U participants will take place from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. A clinic for 8U and 10U participants will take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. OKC Parks and Rec staff will be on hand both days to assist with clinic and season registration.

The cost to attend is $20 and can be applied toward the participant’s OKC Dodgers Rookie League registration fees. If the participant is already registered for the 2020 Rookie League season, the clinic is free to attend. Registration is available now at okcdodgers.com/rookieleague. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

“Through the Rookie League, we are directly impacting the Oklahoma City community by providing opportunities for area youth to participate in baseball and to help grow the game we know and love,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We are proud to partner with OKC Parks and Rec to help our youth learn valuable lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship, while having fun and being active. The Rookie League continues to expand each year and we look forward to opening 2020 with our new hitting clinics later this month.”

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League originally formed in 2018 when the OKC Dodgers partnered with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to provide resources and help reduce costs in order to make baseball more accessible to area youth.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League has already experienced substantial growth. Starting with more than 200 players in 2018, participation quickly grew by 40 percent in 2019 during the league’s second season. Rookie League players hailed from throughout Oklahoma City last season, representing 52 of the 74 zip codes in the metro area.

The OKC Dodgers provide jerseys, hats, belts and equipment for each team. Registration fees for 4U and 6U participants are $35 and for 8U and 10U participants are $55 to help cover operation expenses such as umpires and field maintenance.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League season schedule consists of seven games played at Wheeler Park, located at 1120 S. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City.

An on-field parade for OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants will be held prior to an OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in May and closing ceremonies will take place at the ballpark in June.

The deadline to register is Feb. 24 and players can register online or find more information about the OKC Dodgers Rookie League at okcdodgers.com/rookieleague. A limited number of complimentary baseball bat/baseball combo packs are available to registrants, so early registration is encouraged.

Individuals interested in coaching or volunteering for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League can email ryan.hill@okc.gov or call (405) 297-2477.

Season ticket and group packages for the OKC Dodgers’ 2020 season are available now for purchase as the team’s home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 against Nashville. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hawks Announce Sixth Annual Winter Glove Drive

BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks have announced their sixth annual Winter Glove Drive, benefiting the Salvation Army – Boise Corps. For each new pair of winter gloves donated, fans will receive a complimentary reserved seat ticket for Opening Night 2020 (June 22 vs Salem-Keizer). With Treasure Valley temperatures falling below freezing, the Hawks want to help those who are in need of keeping warm.

“The Hawks are proud to continue this program for a sixth straight year,” said Boise Hawks General Manager, Mike Van Hise. “Through the combined efforts with our fan base, we hope to help those in need stay warm this winter.”

Donations of new winter gloves can be made at the Hawks Front Office, located at Memorial Stadium (5600 N. Glenwood Street). Hawks Front Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Donations can be made through Friday, February 7, 2020.

About the Boise Hawks

The Hawks are the Treasure Valley’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Deposits are currently being taken for full and half-season seat plans for the 2020 Boise Hawks season. To stay up to date on all things Boise Hawks, follow us on Facebook or visit www.BoiseHawks.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

 

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $15,000 grant to Favors Forward Foundation of Lycoming County.

The mission of Favors Forward Foundation is to provide a network of volunteers uniting their time, talent, and treasures to serve children and adults in Lycoming County facing life-changing hardships. The focus is individuals and families that are NOT receiving ongoing assistance from other agencies and organizations. The organization requires clients to complete a contract that they will “Pay it Forward” once they are back on their feet and able to do so.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to recognize and support Favors Forward, an organization that helps so many in need in our community.”

Representatives from the Favors Forward Foundation, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, were in attendance on Tuesday, December 3 at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park. At that event they, and other award recipients, were recognized and saluted by the Phillies for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is Friday, June 19 against the State College Spikes.

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

 

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $15,000 grant to Favors Forward Foundation of Lycoming County.

The mission of Favors Forward Foundation is to provide a network of volunteers uniting their time, talent, and treasures to serve children and adults in Lycoming County facing life-changing hardships. The focus is individuals and families that are NOT receiving ongoing assistance from other agencies and organizations. The organization requires clients to complete a contract that they will “Pay it Forward” once they are back on their feet and able to do so.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to recognize and support Favors Forward, an organization that helps so many in need in our community.”

Representatives from the Favors Forward Foundation, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, were in attendance on Tuesday, December 3 at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park. At that event they, and other award recipients, were recognized and saluted by the Phillies for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is Friday, June 19 against the State College Spikes.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Aces, 1868 FC, Reno Rodeo Foundation Partner on Denim Drive

 

The Reno Aces, Reno 1868 FC, and Reno Rodeo Foundation have teamed up this holiday season. The clubs will be donating over 500 toys to the foundation’s Denim Drive on Wednesday, December 4, at 10 a.m. in the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field.

The donation was made possible by JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a leading United States toy manufacturing company who generously donated thousands of toys for the Aces and Reno 1868 FC to distribute to children in Northern Nevada during the holiday season.

The toys will be distributed throughout 14 Northern Nevada counties in partnership with the State of Nevada Division of Child & Family Services. The Reno Rodeo Foundation will be bringing multiple trucks to Greater Nevada Field for transport of the toys.

“We are thrilled to be able to help bring a little extra joy to the kids we serve through the Denim Drive,” Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation Clara Andriola said. “They’ve endured the unimaginable, but we hope a new toy makes their holiday a little brighter and sends the message that their community cares about them.”

Since 2006, The Denim Drive has provided the comfort of things like new clothing, new teddy bears, and new rolling back-packs to abused, neglected and abandoned children who have experienced the worst. Overall, the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive has provided comfort to over 40,000 infants, children, and teens with these essentials. For more information, visit https://www.renorodeofoundation.org/denim-drive/

“The Reno Aces are extremely privileged to call the city of Reno home and the opportunity we have to give back to the community through the Denim Drive is exciting,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We understand the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive spreads so much joy every year to children in need and we are immensely thankful for the opportunity to be involved.”

“Reno 1868 FC really enjoys working with the Reno Rodeo Foundation,” said 1868 FC General Manager Doug Raftery. “We are thrilled to participate in such a great drive put on by a great organization. We are grateful that through the Reno Rodeo Foundation, we can help those in need not just in Reno, but across our home of Northern Nevada.”

Reno Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson, Reno 1868 FC General Manager Doug Raftery, and Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation Clara Andriola will be in attendance on Wednesday for further comment.

For more information on the Aces or 1868 FC all offseason long, fans can visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com or reno1868fc.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

JetHawks Announce 2019 Holiday Caravan

JetHawks Announce 2019 Holiday Caravan

Lancaster, CA – The Lancaster JetHawks, High-A California League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, are excited to announce plans for this year’s JetHawks Holiday Caravan. Each year the Holiday Caravan gets bigger as the JetHawks organization continues its efforts to support the needs of the Antelope Valley, and this year will be our biggest year yet!

The Caravan will kick off this evening at the Antelope Valley YMCA Gobble Wobble Fun Run, and continues tomorrow at the YMCA 5k/10k Turkey Trot. The JetHawks are proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Gobble Wobble Fun Run, and also share that AVTA’s Stuff-A-Bus will be at the location both days for you to donate toys for local children in need.

“Being involved in the community is something our organization focuses on year round,” stated JetHawks Executive Vice-President Tom Backemeyer. “The Holiday Caravan is just a small part of how our organization tries to give back to our community each year, and we constantly want to ensure that it is growing.”

The Caravan will continue throughout the Holiday Season with the JetHawks visiting several different organizations in the community. Along the way, the team will be handing out toys to kids, donated by the Flight Crew Booster Club, and delivering Holiday cheer throughout the Antelope Valley. All dates below are set, and additional locations will be added throughout December. Follow the JetHawks on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information!

Confirmed JetHawks Holiday Caravan Events:

Wednesday, November 27 – Antelope Valley YMCA Gobble Wobble – 3:00pm

Thursday, November 28 – Antelope Valley YMCA 5K/10K Turkey Trot- 7:30am

Friday, December 6 – City of Hope Holiday Party – 3:00pm

Saturday, December 7 – Lancaster Chamber Christmas Parade – 10:00am

Saturday, December 7 – Grace Resources Grocery Distribution – 11:30am

Wednesday, December 11 – William J Pete Knight Veterans Home – 12:00pm

Saturday, December 14 – Palmdale Christmas Parade – 10:00am

Saturday, December 14 – Lancaster Magical BLVD – 5:00pm

For more information on getting involved or on how to donate to this year’s Caravan, please contact Jules Clyne with the JetHawks, at 661-726-5400 or julianna@jethawks.com.

The JetHawks kick off the 2020 season in Lancaster with the Home Opener slated for April 9! Learn more at JetHawks.com

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Indians to Offer Employee Donation Match Program

 

INDIANAPOLIS – In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Indianapolis Indians have announced a new Employee Donation Match Program. As of December 3, 2019, all full-time Indians employees are eligible to donate up to $500 annually with a one-to-one match from Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, its new 501(C)(3) organization focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Rolling out in early 2020, fans will be able to donate directly to Indianapolis Indians Charities to support its efforts around Central Indiana youth and families.

This season was the third consecutive year the Tribe set a franchise record for total charitable giving, highlighted by a total contribution of $583,623 to Central Indiana organizations. The front office also set a record for staff volunteer hours, giving back through 1,486 hours of volunteer service projects.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or visit IndyIndians.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cougars Announce Winter Coat and Boot Drive Begins December 2

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the dates for the organization’s annual Winter Coat Drive. New for this season, the Cougars will also be collecting donations of winter boots.

Beginning Monday, December 2, fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Donations of new or gently-used winter coats and boots for infants, children and adults are encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2020 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Mutual Ground, all coats and boots will be donated to local individuals and their families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The deadline to donate for this year’s Winter Coat and Boot Drive is Friday, December 13 at 4 PM. For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Gift of Baseball Program Commences Monday To Benefit Local Non-Profits

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce the return of the Gift of Baseball Program for the holidays. The Gift of Baseball program provides tickets to underprivileged families for the chance to share the fun of Thunder Baseball .

For each ticket purchased before January 2, the Thunder will provide tickets to 2020 games through various non-profit partners and the Grand Slam We Care’s Tickets for Kids program.

“Attending the family-friendly and fun environment that we have cultivated at ARM & HAMMER Park over the years is a privilege that not every family in Mercer, Bucks and Burlington County has,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled to partner with so many great local organizations that allow some of those families to enjoy the experience of Thunder Baseball.”

In the 14 years of the Gift of Baseball Program, the Thunder have donated 10,684 tickets to area non-profits.

Ticket purchases made between Monday, November 25 and January 2 of any Thunder Makes Membership Plan will trigger a matching donation to Thunder non-profit partners. The brand new Thunder Makes Membership Program offers memberships for as many as 70 games and as few as six games. Information on the program can be found by clicking here.

The 2020 season at ARM & HAMMER Park will commence on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00pm when the Thunder host the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).

For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

 

DOWNLOAD THE 2020 SCHEDULE

West End Christian Community Center Named Banquet Charity

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that the West End Christian Community Center of Williamsport has been chosen as the charity beneficiary for the 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to be held on Wednesday, January 15 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

The West End Christian Community Center’s mission is to provide services and programs to help meet the communities social, emotional and spiritual needs. The charity serves over 3,000 people annually through programs such as its soup kitchen, which serves over 13,000 meals per year and Shoe Express, providing over 500 pairs of new shoes annually to needy children.

“We are so thankful to be chosen as the beneficiary for the 2020 Hot Stove Banquet,” said WECCC’s Executive Director Todd Penman. “As close neighbors in Williamsport, it will be wonderful working as partners with the Crosscutters, resulting in more ability to help the community through the programs and services at the West End Christian Community Center.”

 

Special guests for the banquet include Phillies legend Greg Luzinski and ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian.

Luzinski played eleven seasons in Philadelphia (1970-1980) before finishing his career with the Chicago White Sox. He was a 4-time NL All-Star with Philadelphia (1975-1978) and was a member of the Phillies first World Series championship team in 1980.

Kurkjian, has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last three years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. A limited autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 19 as Williamsport hosts the rival State College Spikes.

Purchase Hot Stove Banquet Tickets HERE

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Keys Care Grant Recipients Announced for 2020

 

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce their Frederick Keys Care grant recipients for 2019-20. Keys Care supports local non-profit organizations in Frederick County who provide direct aid to disadvantaged youth and young adults. The Keys Care Fund is part of the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program. Grants are awarded each fall for the next calendar year, while any Frederick County 501 (c) (3) organization which provides direct aid to county youth is eligible to apply for a grant.

Started in 1999 as the Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund, Keys Care was created to honor the memory of Stephens, a former Orioles farmhand. Passing away at only 22 years old due to colon cancer, Joel’s commitment to community service and helping young people set him apart as a player.

Since Keys Care was founded, over $90,000 in grants has been awarded to local youth-based organizations. For the 2019-20 grant period, over $11,000 will be given out to five different organizations.

Advocates for Homeless Families: Strives to achieve permanent solutions to homelessness by providing access to housing, education, employment and supportive services to Frederick County families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. This year’s grant supports enriching after-school and summer activities for approximately 20 children, ages 3-14 who participate with their families in transitional and rapid rehousing programs. Funding would support activities such as karate, tennis, dance, cooking, athletics, church and day camp as well as pool passes for all participating children ($1,500).

Blessings in a Backpack: Provides weekend backpacks of food to children from Pre-K through eighth grade who depend on school meals as their primary source of nutrition Monday-Friday. Starting in 2015-16, a special request was made to assist special needs young adults. These 18-21-year-olds Success Program students have recently received high school certificates and deal with the stresses of food insecurity over weekends and school breaks as they learn life skills in order to live independent and productive lives. This year’s grant will help provide food to 15 low-income Success Program students for a fifth straight year ($1,500).

Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP): Provides urgent resources and critical services to the hundreds of Frederick County youth experiencing homelessness each year. Funding benefits the New Horizons Academy which provides academic and life skills that will help homeless students get back on track or remain on track for a successful high school graduation. For five weeks each summer, Frederick County youth who experience homelessness can participate in morning instruction from one of four courses mandatory for graduation. After lunch, each student participates in one hour of life skills instruction ($2,000).

YMCA of Frederick County: The Kids Unlimited program provides summer camps for children with autism and other special needs. This program was founded to give these children a safe, nurturing and enriching summer program. Prior to Kids Unlimited, there was no summer program to serve children with special needs. Grant funds will be used to support this program, which will give participants a chance to have fun with arts and crafts, sensory activities, cooking, sports and group games. Field trips will be planned, while integration with other camp programs will help campers develop social skills and enjoy other fun opportunities ($2,200).

Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley: A program aimed at youth between 14-24 years old, who may have a disability and who has a parent that is a veteran, deceased or may have a serious illness. This program is designed to work with 2-3 youth in empowerment in all areas of their lives under a holistic framework. A GIMV Youth Coordinator would work directly with each individual to design a personal development plan specifically designed to empower and promote growth ($3,829.56).

All fund recipients will be recognized prior to a 2020 Keys game and are invited to the annual Frederick Keys Care Charity Golf Classic. Fans who want to learn ways to donate to Frederick Keys Care can visit fredererickkeys.com and click on the “Community” tab.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here while fireworks shows are scheduled for Fridays and Saturday night games and other select games during the season. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.