Family Relief/Resources

August 20 dubbed “Artie T. Party” for MB Family

August 13, 2014

Team to show support for Market Basket associates with pre-game rally, special ticket price

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, announced their home game on Wednesday, August 20 against the Connecticut Tigers will be dubbed the “Artie T. Party,” to support the Market Basket family within our community.

The evening will include a number of activities and events geared towards Market Basket employees and past Market Basket associates who have found themselves without a job during the current events within the company.

“We view ourselves as a community organization,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “Clearly this issue has been a dominant topic in our community over the past several weeks. We hope this night will be an opportunity for some of our valued community members to come enjoy a night at the park.”

As part of the event, Market Basket employees will be able to receive tickets for just $4, a homage to the four percent everyday discount Market Basket offers customers, by showing their employee ID badge. All associates will be invited onto the field for a pre-game parade around the LeLacheur Park field and special guests will be a part of the Lowell Spinners pre-game show.

“It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong,” said Bawmann. “This is about recognizing the role Market Basket plays in our community and the invaluable role the associates play within our community. This is about giving them a night to relax, enjoy a ballgame and be entertained.”

Gates for the 7:05pm game will open at 6pm and associates and staff can show their ID badge at the Ticket Office Window to receive the discounted ticket price. For questions, fans can contact the Spinners Box Office at (978) 459-1702.

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

Dragons to Host 2014 Anthem Health and Fitness Carnival

August 12, 2014

On Sunday, August 17, the plaza outside Fifth Third Field will host a multitude of fun, free activities as a part of the annual Anthem Health & Fitness Carnival. This annual event is a great opportunity for parents and their children to learn about healthy lifestyles, grab some cool giveaways and enjoy a day of family fun at Fifth Third Field.

The Dragons take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, but as early as 12:30 p.m., fans can come to the plaza to enjoy FREE health screenings, chair massages, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, raffle prizes including a fitbit flex, free bike helmets for the first 100 kids (ages 5-12), inflatable games, and much more, courtesy of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kettering Health Network. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will be in attendance, as well. The carnival will run until 2:30 p.m.

Stop by and enjoy the fun before the Dragons game out on the plaza, and then enjoy the game inside the ballpark. A limited number of lawn tickets for the game are still available.

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

FSL Scholarship Winner – Austin Kaufman

August 7, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bats donate over $6,800 to Kosair Children’s Hospital

August 6, 2014

The Louisville Bats Baseball Club will donate more than $6,800 to Kosair Children’s Hospital, the beneficiary of the first ever Star Wars Night held on Sunday, July 27 at Louisville Slugger Field.

A crowd of 10,015 showed up at the ballpark to watch the Bats play host to the visiting Charlotte Knights in special edition Star Wars jerseys. On Monday, July 28 the authentic jerseys were put up for auction on batsbaseball.com and available for bidding until Monday, August 4.

With the bidding period now over, the 50 jerseys were sold for $6,854.80 with all proceeds going to Kosair Children’s Hospital.

“Star Wars Night was a great success and we are pleased to be able to make this gift to Kosair Children’s Hospital,” said Bats President and CEO Gary Ulmer.

For more than a century, Kosair Children’s Hospital has cared for the children of Kentucky and Southern Indiana without regard to their families’ ability to pay. Kosair Children’s Hospital is Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric care facility dedicated exclusively to caring for children and is an advocate for the health and well-being of all children.

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

Harris Teeter Food Drive Scheduled at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for August 12 and August 26

August 6, 2014

Drive to benefit Lowcountry Food Bank on final Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night Tuesdays from Nash FM

Tuesday nights at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park this season have consistently featured Harris Teeter and its 2-for-$20 Date Night Special for couples to enjoy a fun night of Charleston RiverDogs baseball. For the final two Tuesday games at The Joe, the RiverDogs are partnering with Harris Teeter to host a special food drive to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

The Harris Teeter Food Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 26 at Riley Park, coinciding with RiverDogs games that are scheduled for 7:05 pm. Fans who bring at least two non-perishable Harris Teeter brand food items to the Riley Park Box Office for either of those games will get $2 off any individual ticket. The Lowcountry Food Bank will receive all of the donations from this food drive.

“The RiverDogs are always proud to partner with Harris Teeter, and we are thrilled to host this food drive during our final Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night Tuesdays from Nash FM,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The Lowcountry Food Bank has also been a big partner through our HOPE Week initiative and our ‘Smokin’ Chef’ series on Sundays. We fully encourage our fans to join the fight against hunger when they come to these Tuesday games.”

In addition to fan donations on August 12 and August 26, Harris Teeter will also donate 50 cases of canned food to the Lowcountry Food Bank. The $2 ticket discount for fan donations may not be combined with the Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night Special. Couples that show a VIC Card at the box office may receive the Date Night Special, which covers two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and a nacho tray for only $20.

About Lowcountry Food Bank
The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributes more than 19 million pounds of food a year. The Lowcountry Food Bank is a clearinghouse for donated food products that are distributed to a network of more than 320 member agencies including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank is a member of Feeding America and is committed to educating the public about the problems of and solutions to domestic hunger as well as advocating on the behalf of the hungry in our community.

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

Bees Visit Shriners Hospitals for Children

August 6, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees visited Shriners Hospitals for Children earlier today to take part in the hospital’s Summer Fest. Brennan Boesch, Tony Campana, Vance Albitz, Shawn O’Malley, Caleb Clay and Bumble all took part in the event and helped run games, played whiffle ball, danced with the children, took pictures and signed autographs.

Patients currently staying in the hospital as well as out-patients and their families were invited to attend and were able to enjoy carnival games, face painting, food, a rock climbing wall and a live DJ. The Bees group also took part in the activities themselves as everyone gave the games a try and Albitz and O’Malley sported super hero face paint.

“I almost forgot the event was for the kids. I was having so much fun!” said Albitz.

Campana has special ties to the event as he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was seven years old. After recieving treatment for ten years Campana was declared cancer free. He tries to visit hospitals whenever get the chance.

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

Bandits to donate at least $50,000 to Genesis Foundation

August 6, 2014

A portion of every amusement ride at Modern Woodmen Park this season will be donated

The Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements are pledging at least a $50,000 donation this year to the Genesis Health Services Foundation, benefiting Camp Genesis, Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, and Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, made the announcement at press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.

For each ride of the new amusements at Modern Woodmen Park – including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp and the Mediacom Drop’N Twist, 50 cents will be donated to Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children. Since the Ferris wheel opened May 24, approximately 30,000 people have taken rides, but the River Bandits ownership will personally make up the difference for a total donation of at least $50,000.

“The amusements at Modern Woodmen Park have brought great joy to thousands of families in the Quad Cities region this summer, and we are blessed to be able to use these rides to help some of the less fortunate families in our community,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Genesis Health Services Foundation to ensure that affordable, family-friendly fun at Modern Woodmen Park makes a lasting impact for families across the region.”

The donations will go toward 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 Ferris wheel is one of the best new additions to the Quad Cities skyline in years. The best ballpark in baseball is now even better, attracting visitors from all over the country. And now, every time they take a ride on the Ferris wheel or the Drop and Twist ride, they are supporting children’s health programs in the region,” said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System. “Dave Heller and the Quad Cities River Bandits are a great partner of Genesis Health System and I want to applaud the generosity and Quad City values behind their support.”

The 105-foot Ferris wheel, Mediacom Drop’N Twist, Space Camp, and 300-foot zip line are open during all River Bandits home games, normally beginning 90 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. The rides are also open every Saturday morning – weather permitting – from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as weekend non-game days: Fridays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fans may purchase special tickets that can be redeemed at amusement areas, including the Ferris wheel and Bounce QC Kids Zone. Tickets are sold at $1 each, 5 for $5, 12 for $10, and 20 for $15. No tickets are required for children three years and under. An all-you-can-ride-and-bounce daily pass is $20, and a season pass for unlimited rides and play in the Bounce QC Kids Zone for $49. Purchases can be made at the amusement areas of Modern Woodmen Park.

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

Gwinnett Braves Announce June Grant Recipient

August 5, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GreenStone Farm Credit Services and Timber Rattlers start a ballpark vegetable garden

August 4, 2014

Produce to benefit St. Joe’s Food Program

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and GreenStone Farm Credit Services have partnered on a vegetable garden at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

In its inaugural year, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and green peppers are among the fruits and vegetables that will be harvested from the GreenStone Garden. The produce that is grown will be donated to the St. Joseph’s Food Program.

“We are thrilled to have the GreenStone Farm Credit Service team up with the Timber Rattlers to Grow a Row for St. Joe’s,” said Karen Ziemke, development director of the St. Joseph Food Program. “This donated produce will help broaden the nutritional options for our client families.”

“Fresh, local produce is greatly appreciated by our clients,” Ziemke said. “St. Joseph Food Program couldn’t provide the current level of nutrition without the help of our community and this partnership is a great example of how we can all work together to accomplish great results!”

The garden is located beyond the left field grass seating area at Neuroscience Group Field. It is 20′ wide by 30′ long.

“The GreenStone Garden provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase agriculture while benefiting our community. From the traditional farmer to the country home owner, GreenStone Farm Credit Services provides financial solutions to the rural needs of our local members,” said Amanda Kroll, financial services officer for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “By involving other community organizations including the Freedom FFA Chapter to maintain the garden and the food pantry, we are able to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders and provide wholesome food to those in need. It is truly a homerun for everyone involved.”

“We are excited to partner with GreenStone Farm Credit Services on such a unique idea and utilize an area of the ballpark that had previously gone unused,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “The St. Joseph’s Food Program is such a vital part of our community and we are happy to contribute in any way we possibly can.”

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

Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Winners Announced

July 31, 2014

Winners to be recognized at Saturday’s game against Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timber Rattlers Throwback Jersey Auction to benefit family of former player

July 31, 2014

Jorge Lopez pitched for the Timber Rattlers in 2013. His son is fighting a serious is fighting serious medical problems and the proceeds from the Timber Rattlers Throwback Jersey Auction will go to help.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are holding a silent auction for their 20^th Anniversary Throwback Jerseys on Friday, August 29. The team will be donating the proceeds from that auction to assist former Rattlers pitcher Jorge Lopez and his family, who are dealing with the serious illness of Mikael, his one-year old son.

Lopez, a Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect, spent the 2013 season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. During last season, Lopez and his wife became parents to Mikael, who was born prematurely.

Mikael’s story is told in this FloridaToday.com article by John A. Torres:

“They told us these were just complications from him being born premature,” the 21-year-old Lopez said this week from Space Coast Stadium, where he is helping anchor one of the best pitching staffs in the Florida State League.

More doctors and two more hospitals followed, including the leading children’s hospital in Puerto Rico where Lopez is from. They stayed at the children’s hospital for five months as doctors ran batteries of tests to find out what was wrong with the boy.

“He was getting sick a lot, and he wasn’t gaining any weight. He had bronchitis and pneumonia and was very bad,” Lopez said. “Finally we brought him to a hospital in Miami.”

That’s where they discovered that the little boy’s intestines had never worked a day in his young life. An unknown autoimmune disease has necessitated an intestinal transplant.

“Now we are waiting to see if the transplant is the answer,” Lopez said, realizing all too well that he is a key player in a story about faith, baseball, a rare disease and the need for a miracle.

The financial hardships are not just medical for the Lopez family. The costs of transporting Mikael from Puerto Rico to Miami were $8,000 alone.

The silent auction for their pinstriped throwback uniforms will be held from 5:30pm until the end of the seventh inning when the Timber Rattlers host the Burlington Bees on Friday, August 29 in Wisconsin’s final regular season home game of the season.

The Brevard County Manatees, Milwaukee’s Florida State league affiliate and Lopez’s current team, have started a GoFundMe site to assist the Lopez family with their expenses. All proceeds from the Timber Rattlers silent auction of their Throwback Jerseys will go to that fund.

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

Support the Vs. Cancer Foundation on August 23

July 29, 2014

Join Senators’ players in shaving your head for cancer

The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce that they are teaming up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation for a major fundraising event on Saturday, August 23 at Metro Bank Park. The event will take place before, during and after the Senators game that evening against the Trenton Thunder.

Several Harrisburg Senators’ players are shaving their heads to show solidarity including Colin Bates, Robert Benincasa, Mitch Canham, Brian Dupra, Tyler Herron, Scott McGregor, Derek Self and John Simms. As a way to encourage fans to donate, the players will have their heads shaved at the conclusion of the game on August 23, on the field, in full view of everyone to watch it happen.

Fans will also have the opportunity to have their heads shaved thanks to Polished Salon & Spa. They are donating their time that night and fans can have their heads shaved for charity during the game for a donation of just $10.

All of the proceeds benefit charity with half benefitting childhood cancer research and half given to the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Harrisburg Senators’ players and front office members are creating fundraising pages, as well as a one Senators team page, where fans can donate. For more information about the Senators’ event, or to donate, please visit senators.vs-cancer.org.

Teams participating from all over the country consist of youth, high school, college and minor league baseball organizations.

In 2013, the Vs. Cancer Foundation helped 40,663 kids battling cancer. That number is expected to grow this year.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation was founded by Chase Jones, who played baseball at the University of North Carolina. Before his career could be a success, he left practice one day in 2006 with a terrible headache. After getting checked, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer.

In a move of solidarity, his teammates shaved their heads to support Jones at the time. Now a cancer survivor, Jones started the non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of children by funding international cancer research projects and supporting local children’s hospitals. Jones played for the Tar Heels from 2007-11 and started the foundation in 2012. So far since 2012, the organization has raised more than $1 million.

Tickets are available on game days 9:00 a.m. until the end of the game, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the game. Box office hours on non-game days are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com.

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

James Dietrich Award Scholarship by FSL and Marlins

July 25, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chasers in the Community July 29-August 5

July 25, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Third Annual Peanut Free Night at Werner Park

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

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

Community Involvement Outside of the Game

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

Community Involvement Inside of the Game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragons and Vectren Present 2014 Community All-Stars

July 25, 2014

Trisha Baxter to be Honored at Fifth Third Field on July 25

Vectren Corporation and the Dayton Dragons will host Trisha Baxter during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor 35 “All-Stars”-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families with a VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.

Trisha’s Story

A good night’s sleep is essential to re-energize for the day to come, especially for children. Teacher Trisha Baxter learned just how necessary sleep is in her classroom of six and seven-year olds several years ago.

“I was giving a math test and one little girl in my class turned her test in blank,” Trisha explained. “I asked her why she didn’t do it and the girl told me it was because she was too tired and wasn’t sleeping well. When I asked why, she told me because it is cold on the floor.”

Trisha went around her whole class that day, asking each child the same question. She discovered over half of her classroom was sleeping on the floor each night. She knew she had to help.

Trisha founded Snuggled Up, an organization that donates kits of bedding to children in the area without a place to sleep. Included in a snuggle kit is an air mattress, sheets, pillow, and a blanket. Snuggled Up has now given close to 450 kits to children in need.

“My mission is to keep giving children like that first little girl snuggle kits so they are no longer dreaming on a floor,” Trisha said.

For helping provide bedding to hundreds of children in need, Trisha has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com.

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