Chihuahuas & Chick-fil-A to Partner for Paws for Presents Toy Drive

Paws for Presents presented by Chick-fil-A will benefit the Child Crisis Center of El Paso & Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces

EL PASO – November 27, 2018 -The El Paso Chihuahuas and area Chick-fil-A restaurants present “Paws for Presents”, a holiday toy drive assisting the Child Crisis Center of El Paso and Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces.

The drive begins today, Tuesday, November 27th and continues through Saturday, December 15th. The Chihuahuas and Chick-fil-A request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 12.

“The Chihuahuas are proud to partner with Chick-fil-A on this special toy drive to help give kids in our region a smile and some toys during the holidays,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the seven El Paso Chick-fil-A locations, the three Chick-fil-A locations in Las Cruces or the Chihuahuas Team Shop. The Team Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“We hope the El Paso and Las Cruces communities will come out and support the Paws for Presents Toy Drive so that we can bring some holiday cheer to those who are going through difficult times,” said Chick-Fil-A Operator Edgar Ortega. “In Chick-fil-A, our goal is to inspire people to take good care of each other. We look forward to seeing the joy on the faces of the people who are touched by our community’s generosity.”

Any monetary donations can be made at the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at Southwest University Park. Monetary donations will not be accepted at Chick-fil-A locations.

The Child Crisis Center was opened in 1980 and serves to “protect children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy and family support services,” according to the website.

Jardin de los Niños opened in 1995 and serves to provide education, intervention and services to homeless or near homeless children.

For more information call Kate Lewis at (915) 242-2029.

PAWS FOR PRESENTS

WHAT: Paws for Presents presented by Chick-fil-A, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center of El Paso and Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 12.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 through Saturday, December 15th, 2018.

WHERE: Chick-fil-A area locations (see list below) and the Chihuahuas Team Shop at Southwest University Park.

CHICK-FIL-A LOCATIONS

El Paso, Texas

Chick-fil-A Sunland Park Mall; 750 Sunland Park Dr. VC-6, El Paso, TX 79912

Chick-fil-A Mesa Street; 7597 N. Mesa St., El Paso, TX 79912

Chick-fil-A North Hills; 10721 Gateway South Blvd, El Paso, TX 79934

Chick-fil-A Airway; 1300 Airway Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925

Chick-fil-A Cielo Vista Mall; 8401 Gateway West, El Paso, TX 79925

Chick-fil-A Zaragoza; 1840 N. Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, TX 79936

Chick-fil-A Montana; 12240 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79938

Las Cruces, NM

Chick-fil-A Mesilla Valley Mall; 700 S. Telshor Blvd. #1254, Las Cruces, NM 88011

Chick-fil-A University; 1105 E. University Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001

Chick-fil-A Lohman; 2091 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001

Gift of Baseball Program Returns To Benefit Area Non-Profits

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, will give fans the chance to share the fun experience of Thunder Baseball with underprivileged families in the community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased before January 2, the Thunder will provide tickets to 2019 games via the team’s Tickets for Kids program that will be distributed to the Thunder’s non-profit partners.

“I am thrilled to announce the return of the Gift of Baseball program for the 2019 season,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “Attending the family-friendly atmosphere of a game at ARM & HAMMER Park is an experience that no family or child in our community should miss out on in 2019. I thank our fans for their continued support as their purchases this holiday season will give more families and kids a chance to enjoy Thunder Baseball.”

In the first 13 years of the Gift of Baseball Program, the Thunder have donated 9,724 tickets to area non-profits.

Fans can secure their tickets to 2019 games by purchasing a package plan. Pic-A-Plans, Mini Plans, Full and Half Season Tickets are on-sale now by phone at 609-394-3300 and online by clicking here. For every ticket purchased between November 26 and January 2, the Thunder will make a matching donation to their Tickets for Kids program to underprivileged families and kids attend 2019 games.

The 2019 season will begin in Erie on Friday, April 5 at UPMC Park. Opening Night at ARM & HAMMER Park will take place on Friday, April 12 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox).

Stay up to date with the latest news and information on Thunder baseball, presented by NJM Insurance, by signing up for Fun on Deck; the team’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Click here to sign up.

DOWNLOAD THE 2019 THUNDER SCHEDULE

13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 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.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

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 two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

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. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. 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. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An 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 virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

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

PawSox Foundation Announces 2018 PawSox Scholars

For the third consecutive year, two PawSox Scholars-once again middle schoolers from Pawtucket and Central Falls-will receive college scholarships of $10,000 each, funded by the PawSox Foundation. The scholarships will be paid directly to the colleges of their choice for tuition and books upon their graduation from high school, provided they continue to excel in scholarship and citizenship.

This year’s recipients, both 8th graders, are Emily Lopes, from Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Jr. High School, and Liliana Gonzalez, from Central Falls’ Calcutt Middle School. They were selected from applications administered by the two respective school systems and PawSox officials.

The PawSox introduced the program two years ago when they named Charlisa Kollie of Pawtucket and Ethan Hoke of Central Falls as their first recipients. Last year, Jeremy Ortega, from Pawtucket’s Joseph Jenks Middle School, and Jose Juarez Aguilar, from Central Falls’ Calcutt Middle School were the winners.

“Our PawSox Scholars program helps fund the dream of attending college,” said Club President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “By awarding the scholarships to middle schoolers, we seek to fortify the resolve of young children to believe in their dreams, to avoid the dangerous temptations of adolescent life, and to understand that education is the equalizer.”

Steinberg and PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino were instrumental in creating similar programs in San Diego and Boston. The Red Sox version won Major League Baseball’s first-ever “Commissioners Award for Philanthropic Excellence.”

“From our Padres Scholars program in San Diego to our Red Sox Scholars program in Boston, we have been blessed to see children blossom into inspiring adults for 23 years,” Steinberg said. “Now here in Rhode Island, we are enjoying the selection and development of even more wonderful students who are envisioning their dreams–and the path to make those dreams come true.”

The Pawtucket and Central Falls school systems invited eighth graders to submit applications, including essays. Emily Lopes’ essay praised Malala Yousafzai, while Liliana Gonzalez expressed her admiration for Michelle Obama.

“Our students are some of the best and brightest in the world,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Their talent, passion, creativity and strong sense of community never cease to amaze me. The PawSox scholars program will ensure that our students’ education continues. This effort by the PawSox has real meaning to our children, their families and their teachers, and I thank them.”

“It is an honor for our school to have Emily Lopes represent us,” said Mrs. Laura Lutz, Principal of Slater Jr. High School. “This award will give Emily the vision and confidence of pursuing a college career.”

“The city of Central Falls is so grateful to the PawSox for including our children in this landmark program,” said Central Falls Mayor James Diossa. “This scholarship program reminds all of our families that no matter what challenges they may face, they have friends who believe in their future.”

“I’m grateful for the chance to provide the Calcutt Middle Shool students the opportunity to express themselves to the public in essays,” said Timothy Milisauskas, Principal of Calcutt Middle School. “The joy the students all shared for one another when I announced Liliana as the winner let me see the true spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that drives Calcutt Middle School, Central Falls School District, and the PawSox.”

“We thank Mayor Grebien and Mayor Diossa, as well as their School Boards, Superintendents, Principals, and teachers for their guidance, wisdom, and collaboration,” Steinberg added. “We hope that we can expand our program to include even more students in our region.”

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

9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon Tickets Now On-Sale

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – Tickets to the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon set for Friday, January 25th, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver from 12pm to 2pm are now on-sale as we look to sell this event out for it’s 9th consecutive year!

At this year’s event, we will feature a handful of special guests from the Toronto Blue Jays family that will surely bring out the true baseball fans in each and everyone as this event has brought everyone from Marcus Stroman, Russell Martin and Aaron Sanchez to Hall of Famers Tim Raines and Roberto Alomar. This year, we will feature several baseball greats that will not disappoint!

Bring your family, friends and colleagues together for an afternoon of fun, food and familiar faces as we support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation on Friday, January 25th, 2019. This event has sold out in each of its first eight years so don’t delay.

Click HERE for the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon Order Form

About the 9th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Hot Stove Luncheon:

Each year, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation brings fans together to celebrate our efforts from within our Foundation. Are goal is not only to raise funding for our many programs, but also bring awareness to the many local children from our own neighbourhoods that need our commitment and support. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we have been able to welcome more than 1,500 children between the ages of 8 and 13 out to historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and provide them with the opportunity to play organized baseball, cost-free which includes their equipment, transportation and meals. We are also proud to say we have had more than 100 local volunteers donate their time to this project allowing children to feel safe, build confidence and learn the game of baseball on the same diamond that the Vancouver Canadians play on each summer.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation has helped a number of community programs, teams and organizations with funding and this year we will unveil our newest community initiative which will give baseball leagues from all across the Lower Mainland the chance to receive much needed support.

Since 2010, the VCBF has helped a number of teams, programs and community initiatives including:

Challenger Baseball – Not only have the Canadians provided funding to the league inself dating back to 2009, but in 2016 the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in cooperation with Variety – the Children’s Charity, the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation & Jays Care created Western Canada’s first fully synthetic baseball field specifically designed for Challenger Baseball which included dugouts and a playing surface that met needs ensuring that all children could discover and enjoy the game of baseball. The Variety Challenger Baseball ‘Field of Dreams is located just steps away from historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

UBC Thunderbirds Baseball – For nearly a decade the VCBF has donated nearly $200,000 to the UBC Thunderbirds Baseball Program to provide scholarships set aside exclusively for local student/athletes who want to continue pursuing their post-secondary education while playing for Canada’s most celebrated collegiate baseball program. Since our donations began, UBC has seen more than 35 players receive direct funding thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Women’s National Baseball Program – Still in it’s infancy, the VCBF has supported Baseball Canada’s efforts to elevate women’s baseball across the country. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation provided financial support to the Women’s Program to send their players to the Dominican Republic for a player identification camp that also gave the players and coaching staff the chance to immerse themselves into one of the world’s most passionate countries when it comes to the game of baseball.

Vancouver Canadians Baseball League – This cornerstone program of the VCBF brings out upward of 300 local children each summer to play organized baseball, many of them for the first time in their lives, cost-free thanks to your generosity. This League transports children from 11 different districts throughout the Lower Mainland, provides them with certified equipment, a warm supper mid-game and gives them a safe place to receive mentorship and guidance that helps them both on and off the field. This program which operates in cooperation with The Boys & Girls Clubs of B.C. have provided an opportunity for more than 1,500 local children between the ages of 8-and-13 since 2009.

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Youth Scholarship Program – Created in 2017, Vancouver Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney & his wife Suzanne Bolton created a Scholarship Program donated to The Boys & Girls Clubs of B.C. in hopes of providing an opportunity for up to seven local children who aspire to continue their education beyond high school. The requirements are that they apply for this $10,000+ scholarship showing a commitment to both the classroom and the community. In 2017, all seven scholarships were presented thanks to the overwhelming generosity of both Jeff Mooney & his wife Suzanne Bolton. This year, we look forward to awarding seven more scholarships to deserving young men and women who are making a difference at home, in their communities and in the classroom.

Our newest Community Commitment will be unveiled at this year’s event and we look forward to sharing this exciting “hands-on” project with you all on Friday, January 25th, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

We cannot help without your support, and tickets to this event go on-sale starting Thursday, November 15th at 12:00pm by calling 604.872.5232, online here at www.canadiansbaseball.com or by visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office at 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.

-30-

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

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Helps Provide Winter Coats to Area Elementary Students

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation presented a check to The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools Coat-A-Kid program during a visit to Southern Hills Elementary School this morning.

The non-profit OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation made a monetary donation to fund the purchase of coats for an entire grade of students at the elementary school thanks to funds raised at the organization’s third annual Golf Classic in October.

“Ninety percent of Oklahoma City Public School children fall below the poverty level and many of them walk to school or ride the bus and they don’t have winter coats, so we really wanted to get behind that initiative,” said Jill vanEgmond, Executive Director of the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation.

The mission of the nonprofit OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation is to impact the lives of families in the state of Oklahoma, provide educational opportunities for youth and support first responders in Oklahoma through charitable contributions and programming initiatives.

Coat-A-Kid is a program led by The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools that seeks to obtain donations from community partners to purchase hundreds of new winter coats for students in low-income families.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation has additional fundraising initiatives upcoming for the 2018 holiday season.

The organization is encouraging donations for #GivingBluesday on Giving Tuesday Nov. 27 via Facebook. Giving Tuesday began in 2012 and has become a global day of giving. Facebook is partnering with PayPal to match up to $7 million in donations made to nonprofit organizations via the social media network starting at 7 a.m. Central Time on Giving Tuesday Nov. 27, further fueling the support provided to nonprofits that day.

Amazon.com will donate 0.5 percent of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations. Those interested in benefitting the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation through this initiative can log on to Amazon.com and shop via this unique charity link: smile.amazon.com/ch/47-3520181.

“We are really encouraging people to consider us in their year-end giving,” vanEgmond said. “We will donate that money back to the community and it will go toward our youth in education initiative.”

For additional information about the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, please visit okcdodgers.com/foundation. To learn more about the Coat-A-Kid program, visit okckids.com/coatakid.

The OKC Dodgers’ 2019 season schedule is available now at okcdodgers.com, and 2019 season ticket and group packages are available for purchase. 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.

BlueClaws Charities Announces 2018 Grant Recipients

BlueClaws Charities announced the 39 different organizations to receive a grant as part of their 2018 grant distribution.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities completed their 10th annual grant distribution by handing out grants to 39 area organizations, it was announced on Monday.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“We are very proud to be support such a wide variety of local organizations that do tremendous work as part of the non-profit community around the Jersey Shore,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work.

“Further, it is important that all of the grant money donated by BlueClaws Charities stays here in Ocean and Monmouth Counties,” said DeAngelis. ” It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist these great groups doing their work in our local community.”

The following organizations received grants:

– ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – to subsidize the cost of services for people living with ALS who reside in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Alzheimer’s Association – to provide services to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
– The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – to provide funding to the Arc programs that support 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential, vocational, and recreation services throughout the community.
– The Ashley Lauren Foundation – to assist children with cancer and their families through direct family financial assistance.
– Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ocean County – to continue community mentorship programs in Ocean County.
– Boy Scouts of America, Jersey Shore Council – to provide direct support to the Scoutreach Cub Scout pack at the Clark Elementary School in Lakewood.
– The Brodie Fund – to continue their mission of offering financial assistance to families that have pets fighting cancer.
– Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – to help defray the cost of criminal background checks completed on all volunteers prior to assignments.
– Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – to enhance the equipment for their special needs team.
– David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation – to offer financial assistance and wellness services to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
– Dottie’s House – to provide essential counseling to families to become self-sufficient in their futures.
– Easterseals New Jersey – to teach individuals living with disabilities and special needs and their families about health, nutrition, and exercise education.
– Exit 82 Theatre Company – to assist in their 2019 production season.
– Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – to fund the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s outreach program in Ocean County.
– Go 4 The Goal – to support the Kart 4 Kids, a kart stocked with snacks, gift cards, toys, activities, and electronics to entice kids of all ages.
– Guidinglight House – to provide funding for program services for homeless female veterans.
– HABcore, Inc – to help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing Program in Ocean County.
– JAR of Hope – to fund research in the hope of eliminating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
– Kids Need More – to enhance the lives of children and their families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or life threatening illness.
– LADACIN Network – to support their Child Care and Preschool Program which integrate children with and without disabilities.
– Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – to provide funds to assist in aiding and assistant wounded warriors and their families.
– The Mya Lin Terry Foundation – to support their Holiday Gifting Campaign to benefit pediatric cancer warriors.
– Northern Ocean County Habitat for Humanity – to provide necessary repairs and modifications to a senior’s home through their Aging in Place program.
– Ocean County Family Support Organization – to offset the costs of trips for their Youth Partnerships Program.
– Ocean County Shrine Club – to expand and upgrade the hospital’s Walk-in and Urgent Pediatric Fracture Clinic.
– Ocean County YMCA – to support kids, families, and seniors through the Y-Cares Financial Assistance Program such that they will be able to benefit from membership regardless of their financial resources.
– Ocean’s Harbor House – to replace aging computers in their Emergency Youth Shelter.
– Ocean Partnership for Children – to provide needed equipment for the agency’s consulting psychiatrist to use with the youth being seen, as well as to provide books, sensory materials, and toys for the waiting room and psychiatrist’s meeting space.
– Piece of the Puzzle – to produce a Corner Cafe vocational curriculum for students with autism.
– Parents of Autistic Children – to provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity between disabled students along with typically developing peers from across Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
– Probation Association of New Jersey Education Fund – to enhance education training opportunities through the operation of their annual training conference.
– Raising Hope for Others – to offset the cost of their August fundraiser.
– RJM Sportsgroup – to help raise money for scholarships for students who belong to the Jackson School District.
– The Salvation Army of Ocean County – to help fund their weekly soup kitchen meal, which serves 50-100 meals each week.
– Seabrook Village – to provide scholarships to eligible student employees who graduate high school and are participating in a form of higher education.
– Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide – support Ocean County Youth Council programming for the 2018-19 academic year by engaging youth ambassadors in the prevention process and working on suicide prevention projects.
– The TEARS Foundation – to provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or infant loss in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – to provide scholarships to graduating seniors residing in Brick Township.
– United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – to purchase warm clothing for low-income children.

Money is raised for BlueClaws Charities throughout the year including through a nightly 50/50 raffle at all BlueClaws home games, special jersey auctions, and events like the Nine and Dine golf outing.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to this grant program, supports hundreds local organizations and fundraising events with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Other events hosted by BlueClaws Charities include a Challenger Clinic for the developmentally disabled, a food & toy drive during the holiday season, a school supply drive leading into the fall, and baseball camps for the underserved in conjunction with the MLB Players Association.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Space in the program, which includes both fundraising and promotional opportunities, is limited and those interested are encouraged to contact the BlueClaws as soon as possible.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2018, the team debuted a brand-new nine-hole Family Mini Golf Course, Biergarten, and Home Run Pavilion (boardwalk game area) as part of a major renovation to FirstEnergy Park.

2019 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Braves Present Gift to Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves continued their community-focused efforts to local non-profits, most recently with a donation to the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association (DPC).

The Braves charitable contributions come from their Cancer Awareness night on August 11, presented by Centra Health, where fans could purchase game-worn jerseys from Danville Braves players and coaches. On that date, D-Braves players touted special Danville 97s jerseys, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the year Danville had two minor league affiliated teams. The proceeds of the sale totaled over $1,000. In total, the Danville Braves have raised over $16,000 as a result of the jersey auction sales over the past eight seasons.

DPC provides financial, educational and emotional support to cancer patients in the Danville and Pittsylvania County area. Donations to the organization aim to defray the cost of cancer-related prescriptions, equipment, supplies, transportation reimbursement, nutritional supplements, as well as other special needs. For more information about the organization, visit www.danvillevacancer.org.

Keep close tabs on dbraves.com and the D-Braves social media accounts for upcoming information on the Danville Braves 2019 season.

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

South Bend Cubs Host Third Annual Polar Plunge

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the third straight year, the South Bend Cubs will host the Michiana Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Four Winds Field. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the plunge beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed immediately by the After-Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

The Polar Plunge, an event held across the state of Indiana, continues to be a hit among the South Bend community. Because of this fundraiser, Special Olympics Indiana can continue to work towards their objective of improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by offering year-round programs and events such as the plunge. All funds raised at the Polar Plunge goes towards supporting the 16,000 Special Olympics athletes in all of Indiana.

“In 2019, Special Olympics Indiana celebrates 50 years of serving people with intellectual disabilities,” said Special Olympics President and CEO Jeff Mohler. “During this important milestone, we have set a goal to reach $1 million through our Polar Plunges across the state. The South Bend Cubs and our polar plungers will make this possible. Help our athletes reach their goals too.”

After raising over $17,000 dollars last year, the South Bend Cubs are issuing a challenge to the community in the hope of breaking last year’s record.

“Last year, we nearly doubled our fundraising goal,” said South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “With our new goal of $20,000 for 2019, we’re adding an incentive for our plungers. The individual or group who raises the most money will receive a free outdoor suite to a South Bend Cubs game in April and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.”

Fans who do not wish to plunge can also donate to the South Bend Cubs front office team, headlined by Owner & Chairman Andrew Berlin. Fans who donate at least $15 will be entered to win a set of four tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Three lucky winners will be chosen after February 23. Donate by by clicking here.

To participate in the 2019 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team. Register by visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 16,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Jumbo Shrimp to host Family Holiday Event at the Baseball Grounds Dec. 8

RSVP HERE I Facebook Event

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Fun 4 First Coast Kids invite fans to kick off the Holiday season with our very Shrimpy Christmas event on Saturday, December 8 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Christmas movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland being shown on the high-definition video board. Fans can also enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas crafts. There will be s’more for sale, as well as other Christmas treats, and a kid zone on the field with a bouncy house and inflatable slide.

Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate or free with one new unwrapped toy, per family, to donate to children in need this holiday season. All toys will be donated to the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and One More Child. You can learn more about them at http://www.fbchomes.org/our-mission/contact-us/.

Attendees may sit on the field, and the stadium seating bowl will be open for seating. There is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible seating available both on the field and in the stadium seating bowl. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets for seating on the field. However, no chairs will be allowed on the field. No outside food or beverages will be permitted in the stadium.

UP NEXT: Opening Day for the Jumbo Shrimp in 2019 is Thursday, April 4, against the Jackson Generals at the Baseball Grounds Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans, and corporate outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or phone 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

Contribute to the Annual Toys for Tots Drive!

FREDERICK, MD-The Frederick Keys are excited to announce their continued partnership with the Toys for Tots Program. Entering the seventh straight year where the Keys and Toys for Tots have worked together, fans are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys in November and December. These gifts are then handed out to less fortunate children on Christmas Day.

“It is important that the holiday season is a special time for local children,” said Keys Director of Marketing, Erin Lawson. “We’ve been impressed at the community’s support each year and we can’t wait for another great turnout in 2018.”

The collection period for Toys for Tots is underway and runs through Friday, December 14. To make a donation, fans can visit the Nymeo Field main office (adjacent to the stadium main gates) during normal business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Monday-Friday. Anyone who contributes a new, unwrapped toy receives a Keys hat and two tickets to a game in 2019. Fans can also bring toys to the annual Keys Holiday Event on Saturday, December 1 which runs from 10 a.m-1 p.m. Prize packs will be limited to one per person.

Nymeo Field has frequently been one of the top collection sites in Frederick County. A program that began in 1947, there are more than 150 Marine reserve sites as wells as more than 800 local Toys for Tots programs across the country. In 2016 nearly 50,000 toys were collected in Frederick County and almost $30,000 was raised.

Planning for the 2019 Frederick Keys season is underway, which includes the Carolina League All-Star Classic on Tuesday, June 18 presented by Visit Frederick. The Keys schedule for next season is available by clicking here, while fans can buy/renew ticket plans for the 2019 season by calling 301-815-9900. To follow Keys offseason news, events and more, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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

D-Braves Offer Donation to God’s Storehouse

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves presented a donation to local non-profit God’s Storehouse on Tuesday morning.

The Braves donation comes from a mystery ball sale held in mid-July, where fans could purchase autographed baseballs collected from minor and major league teams across the country. The proceeds of the sale totaled to $1,000.

God’s Storehouse is a non-profit food pantry that seeks to collect and distribute food resources to those in need throughout the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities.

For more information on God’s Storehouse and their upcoming initiatives, visit www.godsstorehouse.org.

Keep close tabs on dbraves.com and the D-Braves social media accounts for upcoming information on Danville Braves 2019 Season Memberships.

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

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

October 25 at Whataburger Field: Halloween with the Hooks

CORPUS CHRISTI – Join us for the fifth annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley Homestore, on Thursday, October 25 at Whataburger Field. The evening’s entertainment will run from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Trick-or-treaters will enjoy candy-stops throughout the ballpark. The festivities also include activity tables, costume contest, pumpkin patch photo opportunity, a “photo BOOth,” hayrides, inflatables, and carnival games.

Halloween-themed movies will be played on the video board well into the evening. Selections come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Last year’s event netted the Coastal Bend Food Bank 437 pounds of food.

To volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Merritt via email (cmerritt@cchooks.com) or by phone at 361-561-HOOK.

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

RiverDogs Host Fifth Annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night Down at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The RiverDogs are getting in the Halloween spirit with the fifth annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night featuring Disney’s “Monsters University” from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, October 26 at Joe Riley Park.

The night begins with trick-or-treating around the Riley Park concourse starting at 6 p.m., followed by the showing of Disney’s animated hit starting at 7 p.m. on the video board. Admission for the event is $5 per person or free with a donation of five (5) or more canned food items for the Lowcountry Food Bank. Members of the MUSC Health Kid’s Club get in free, as do all children ages three (3) and under.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to dress in costume. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with various characters, enjoy a bubble station with ‘Good Clean Fun,’ and play in the RiverDogs’ Kids Zone as part of the evening’s festivities.

For more information about getting involved in the event, please contact the RiverDogs front office at (843) 723-7241.

Coming off the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11, 2019 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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