Meet Reedy and Santa on Saturday!

Dynamic duo will be at the Drive Team Store from 11 AM-1:30 PM

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Greenville-DriveKids all over the world adore Santa Claus, and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It is one of the most beloved mascots around. On Saturday, December 13th, you can get the chance to meet them both!

Santa Claus and Reedy Rip’It will be stopping by the Greenville Drive Team Store on Main Street from 11 AM-1:30 PM on the 13th to talk Christmas wishes and take photos.

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet these two jolly, lovable friends!

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

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

San-Jose-GiantsThe San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

“Anchor the Anchors” Child Car Seat Event Saturday

Event in Conjunction with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Safe Kids Oklahoma

Oklahoma-City-RedHawks-LogoThe Oklahoma City RedHawks, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Technicians will be on hand to install car seats and to check previously installed seats for the general public. Local media, especially television anchors, are encouraged to attend and participate to ensure their car seats are properly installed and correctly “anchored” in their vehicles.

Safe-Kids-Oklahoma“Studies show that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly,” said Katie Mueller, Executive Director at Safe Kids Oklahoma. “Events like this give parents and caregivers a chance to make sure their car seats are properly installed and to ensure that they are using the correct type for each child’s age, size, and weight.”

A very limited number of cars seats will be available for $10 to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be eligible to receive a car seat, the child and the legal guardian must be present and show proof of state assistance, food stamps, WIC, etc.

“We encourage families and caregivers to stop by and make sure they have all car seats properly installed,” Mueller said. “Our goal is to be sure that occupants in each car leave the event safer than when they arrived.”

“The RedHawks are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office,” said RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our community.”

For more information about Oklahoma’s occupant protection laws, car seat guidelines, and other seat check events across the state, visit www.ohso.ok.gov.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

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

Michigan Baseball Foundation Reflects During Season of Giving

Area MBF grant recipients will be highlighted in coming weeks

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Great-Lakes-LoonsAs we enter this season of giving, we’d like to take time to reflect on the impact the Michigan Baseball Foundation has had on other non-profit organizations in our region.

The MBF has always strived to hit a home run when it comes to promoting regional economic development and supporting local non-profit organizations. These organizations encompass a vast range of community engagement and improvement – from homeless shelters to local Little Leagues.

Michigan-Baseball-FoundationAnd now we’d like to show not only how MBF grants have helped non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but also the good works that those groups do.

In the coming weeks, we will spotlight some regional non-profit organizations that have received MBF grants. We’ll share information about the organization, including their mission and the work they do in the community, as well as show how their MBF grant was used by the organization to enhance their efforts.

In 2014, a total of $98,555 was distributed by the MBF between 25 different organizations. To date, the MBF grant program has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

But there’s always more work to be done.

The MBF accepts grant applications throughout the year and awards grants of various amounts to deserving non-profit organizations. In order to qualify for a grant, applicants must contribute to regional economic development, serve young people in the Great Lakes Bay Region, or fund projects promoting amateur sports.

The grant money is used to fund projects within the non-profit organization, but isn’t intended to fund day-to-day operations.

Primary consideration is given to organizations in Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Ogemaw, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac and Iosco counties. The MBF is currently accepting grant applications from now until February 13, 2015.

MBF owns and operates Dow Diamond – home of the Great Lakes Loons – as an engine of economic growth, charitable giving and high quality of life through its Dow Diamond All-Stars program, a charitable giving program that enables its members to contribute to future enhancements of Dow Diamond. Through a tax-deductible donation to the Dow Diamond All-Stars Fund, supporters are able to select a distinct level of giving, with levels beginning at $10.

Dow Diamond has been rated as one of the premier minor league baseball stadiums since it opened on April 13, 2007. Over 2-million fans have attended Loons games through eight seasons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Bees Participate in “We Care We Share” Thanksgiving Dinner

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Salt-Lake-BeesThe Salt Lake Bees staff participated in the 16th annual “We Care – We Share” Thanksgiving Dinner for local homeless and low-income residents at EnergySolutions Arena on Tuesday. Along with representatives from Salt Lake City Mission, Utah Food Services, All-Star Catering, Hill Air Force Base and Miller Sports Properties the Bees staff helped dish out over 3,800 meals for local residents in need.

Salt-Lake-City-MissionThe gathering also featured a winter clothing distribution, musical entertainment from the Salt Lake City Mission and activity packets for children.

“The holidays are a time for fellowship and cheer, and our family has been blessed to be able to provide a festive gathering and hot meals for the last 16 years to Salt Lake residents who are experiencing hardships,” said Gail Miller, owner, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.

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

Rock Cats Extend Thanks to Local Community with Annual Thanksgiving Food Donations

Baseball Club Will Again Warm Holiday for Local Families

New-Britain-Rock-CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will once again donate non-perishable food items – along with Thanksgiving turkeys and Holiday food baskets – to local families who might otherwise go without during this great American holiday.  The Presentation will take place today, November 25 at 4:30 PM at The Friendship Center (85 Arch Street) in New Britain.  All media is welcome to the event.

This is the 15th consecutive year that the Rock Cats will make such donations to assist their neighbors in need.

Friendship-Service-CenterThe Rock Cats Foundation recently hosted its annual World Series Party at New Britain Stadium and collected from season ticket holders and sponsors, non-perishable food items which will be donated to The Friendship Center, the locally-based non-profit that provides both a home and related community supports for homeless and otherwise disadvantaged persons living in greater New Britain. The Center also works with many families who have moved out of their shelter and are seeking to live independently in the community.

The Rock Cats are pleased to be partnering with Stew Leonard’s of Newington and Trader Joe’s to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families served by the Friendship Center. This year’s Thanksgiving baskets – which will contain a turkey, stuffing, and other assorted food items necessary to prepare the traditional dinner – will be distributed to families who The Friendship Center is transitioning out of their shelter and into independent community living arrangements.

“We are so thankful to help bring the spirit of the holiday to local families in need,” Rock Cats General Manager Tim Restall said.  “Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner deliveries are made possible only by our tremendous fans and local businesses that support the Rock Cats Foundation each year.”

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

Holiday Purchases Will Benefit The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

Trenton-ThunderThe tenth annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of cheering on the hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased between November 24 and December 19, the Thunder will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by Children’s Home Society to attend a 2015 Thunder game.

“Our fans and corporate partners deserve a big “thank you” for supporting this initiative every year,” said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. “We’re hoping even more families can visit ARM & HAMMER Park next season thanks to our fans’ holiday shopping.”

Childrens-Home-Society-NJIn its first nine years, the Gift of Baseball program has allowed the Thunder to donate a total of 6,344 tickets to the Children’s Home Society.

“We are so grateful to the Trenton Thunder for once again sharing this wonderful ‘Gift of Baseball’ with the children we serve,” said Donna C. Pressma, CHSofNJ President and CEO. She continued, “This gift allows hundreds of our children to experience a live baseball game. It is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime, and we cannot thank the Trenton Thunder enough for always thinking of our CHSofNJ children and families.”

2015 Trenton Thunder Mini Plans go on sale December 1st. Mini plans include five or six of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each game, a Trenton Thunder hat, a complimentary ticket to Opening Night and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any 10 or more games and like Mini Plans include free food, a limited edition hat and a free Opening Night ticket. More information about Pic-A-Plans can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS

Season Tickets are available as either a full (71 games) or half (36 games) and include a lot of perks such as early entry, special events and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey provides at-risk children and their families with a range of services that empower them to achieve their potential. They are child-oriented, family focused, community based, and outcome-oriented.

The Thunder will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit TrentonThunder.com.

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

Thunder & NJM Score For T.A.S.K.

(Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM's Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM's donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK.
(Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM’s Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM’s donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK.

Trenton-ThunderThe Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, scored 298 runs on their way to 31 victories at ARM & HAMMER Park this season, but the real winner this season was the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) thanks to NJM Insurance Group and their Safe at Home program.

As part of the Safe at Home program, NJM made a $14,900 donation, based on $50 per run scored at ARM & HAMMER Park, to TASK. With this season’s donation, NJM’s Safe at Home program has donated more than $45,000 to local non-profits over the last three years.

Trenton-Area-Soup-Kitchen“Thanks to the hard work of the Thunder offense this season and NJM Insurance, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen can continue their mission of feeding those that are hungry and offer programs that encourage self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of their patrons,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations T.J. Jahn. “This program is precisely the type of program that the Trenton Thunder strive to promote; one that includes a great corporate partner, NJM, and enriches our community and its residents.”

“In their 21 seasons in Trenton, the Thunder have truly become an institution,” said NJM Corporate Communications Administrator Eric Stenson. “We share the Thunder’s commitment for our capital city. The Safe at Home program provides NJM a wonderful opportunity to benefit an institution like TASK, which makes such a big difference in the lives of so many people in our community.”

The 2015 season, the 22nd in franchise history, will begin on April 9 at Erie with the home opener scheduled for April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs. Season tickets and group outings are on sale now by calling 609-394-3300. For the full schedule and more team information, please visit trentonthunder.com.

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

Paws for Presents

El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas Team Up for Toy Drive

El-Paso-Chihuahuas-2014The El Paso Fire Department and the El Paso Chihuahuas have teamed together to make the holiday season brighter for children as they proudly present “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center.

The drive continues through Saturday, Dec. 13. The Chihuahuas and EPFD request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. The team will categorize and deliver to the Child Crisis Center.

Child-Crisis-Center“Being the recipient of these donated gifts allows us to provide Christmas for children that are most needy,” said Al Velarde, Executive Director of the Child Crisis Center. “Last year, our center was able to provide 740 gifts to children in the El Paso Community. Not only did we provide for the children and families we served, we were able to work with other non-profit organizations who had identified families that needed assistance during the holidays.”

The Child Crisis Center of El Paso protects children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy, and family support services.

Donations can be dropped off at the 35 El Paso neighborhood fire stations or the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St. The Team Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

“We hope our great community will join the El Paso Fire Department and the Chihuahuas in bringing gifts and joy to the local children this holiday season. Please participate,” said Chihuahuas general manager, Brad Taylor.

“The El Paso Fire Department and its membership are excited to partner up with the Chihuahuas for this worthwhile cause,” said Lieutenant James Schaerfl. “We hope the toy drive helps the Child Crisis Center bring joy to the lives of the children it serves during this Holiday Season. I’m positive that the community will give from their hearts and this event will be a great success.

For more information, call (915) 242-2025.

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13.

WHEN: Now through Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.

WHERE: El Paso Fire Department’s 35 stations and the El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

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Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities has completed its 6th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations 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 underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

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

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

Midwest League Fines Benefit Stateline Community Foundation

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Beloit-SnappersThe Beloit Snappers have selected the Stateline Community Foundation to receive the donation resulting from the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy. The League splits up the amount of player fines it collects evenly between all 16 teams in the league. This year the Snappers will donate its share, $529.00, to this great charitable organization.

Each season, the Midwest League asks its member teams to select a deserving group or organization in their respective community to receive a portion of the money collected from fines handed out as part of the league On-Field Behavior Policy. Past organizations selected have included Beloit Turner High School Baseball Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Beloit Memorial High School Baseball Program, Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Stateline Youth Sports Complex, Rock County Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA’s Partners of Youth Program, Caritas Inc., and Hands of Faith.

Stateline-Community-Foundation“We appreciate this opportunity to support the Stateline Community Foundation,” stated Snappers President, Dennis Conerton. “We are more than happy to partner with this foundation that helps the Stateline community have a better quality of life. Through the program, our players learn how to take a negative experience and learn from it. The lessons they learn benefit their on-field behavior, personal development and the greater good of the community.”

This annual contribution is just one of the many ways the Snappers and Midwest League Teams make efforts to give back to their communities. The Snappers are very involved in the Stateline Community, donating to hundreds of different causes each and every year.

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

Isotopes Donate $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House

“Dodger Blue” Jerseys Benefit Domestic Violence Shelter

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Albuquerque-IsotopesThe Albuquerque Isotopes presented a check in the amount of $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter on Tuesday, November 18th with funds raised from the “Dodger Blue” weekend jersey auction.

This money is invaluable to us,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. “We will use it help residents register for day care, buy gas so a survivor can continue to get to work, or pay for a child’s birthday cake. Many, many thanks to the Isotopes organization and to all of their fans for making this possible.”

SAFE-HouseIn recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Isotopes held an online auction from October 17-24 for their “Dodger Blue” jerseys, many of which were game-worn. Bids were received nationwide with Alex Guerrero garnering the highest overall bid at nearly $220. Although most of the bids were from New Mexico, winning bids were also received from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Wisconsin.

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey featured “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve.

“S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we hope that this donation will help fulfill their mission,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes. “Michele and her staff do a tremendous job to help heal wounds of families and raise awareness for domestic violence in Albuquerque.”

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

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

Bandits fulfill $50,000 pledge to Genesis Foundation

A portion from each of 68,000 amusement rides last season will benefit health initiatives for children

Holding the donation check are (from left to right) Genesis Health Services Foundation Executive Director Missy Gowey, River Bandits owner Dave Heller, and Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy Ken Croken.
Holding the donation check are (from left to right) Genesis Health Services Foundation Executive Director Missy Gowey, River Bandits owner Dave Heller, and Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy Ken Croken.

Quad-Cities-River-BanditsFulfilling a pledge made for the inaugural season of the Ferris wheel and other amusements at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements on Wednesday presented a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, presented the check to Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, during a press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.

Genesis-Health-Services-FoundationWith a portion from each of 68,000 rides of the new amusements this season at Modern Woodmen Park – including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and the Mediacom Drop’N Twist – the donation will benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children, including the Flu-Free Quad Cities campaign, Camp Genesis for kids who have someone close to them with cancer and Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care services to help struggling newborn babies.

“The River Bandits belong to the people of the Quad Cities, and a big part of our mission is to make a positive and lasting impact across this great community,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “When both of my sons were born, they had to spend time in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Fortunately, we were able to afford such care. My hope is that, with this donation, needy families throughout our region will be able to come to Genesis and get the care they need when they need it. We are so grateful for all of the support we receive every day from Quad Cities families and we are delighted to be able to give back in a big way to help others in our community.”

“By their conduct here, the Quad Cities River Bandits and their owner, Mr. Dave Heller, have helped define corporate social responsibility for our community,” said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.

On May 24, with an Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event and fundraiser, the Quad Cities River Bandits became the first team in Minor League Baseball to open a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. Towering 105 feet above the playing field, the Ferris wheel was part of the debut for a full lineup of amusements that opened every weekend, including non-game days, for the Quad Cities community to enjoy through November 1. The Ferris wheel was named Monday as the Best Ballpark Improvement in all of baseball for the 2014 season by Ballpark Digest. It followed a year in which Modern Woodmen Park drew its largest average attendance – 3,885 per game – in the history of the 83-year-old ballpark.

“The success and recognition the amusements have brought to this community has been exciting, but it is most gratifying when our success makes such a positive difference in the lives of Quad Cities families in need,” said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. “This season’s donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation is another example of the strong partnerships we are blessed to have in the Quad Cities community.”

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