Family Relief/Resources

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

July 25, 2014

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

The Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17^th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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

“Peanut Free Night” at Werner Park July 29

July 23, 2014

3rd annual night includes “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package

Next Tuesday, the Omaha Storm Chasers will kick off their eight-game homestand with “Peanut Free Night” in association with the Asthma and Allergy Center, allowing fans affected by various allergies to visit Werner Park worry free in the third annual event.

“Peanut Free Night with the Omaha Storm Chasers is fast becoming one of our most unique, community events,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager for the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Our ballpark operations staff, led by Brett Myers and Matt Owen, work tirelessly to make sure that Werner Park is safe for all those that would otherwise not be able to attend a professional baseball game.”

For this special night, Werner Park will not serve any peanut-related items including sunflower seeds, tree nuts and of course peanuts. The process of deep-cleaning Werner Park for any peanut residue started immediately after Omaha’s game this past Sunday and will continue up until Tuesday. Werner Park also features gluten-free and vegetarian options at the Heartland Healthy Cart and other areas throughout the park.

In addition to welcoming fans affected by these various allergies that would not usually be able to attend a game, the Storm Chasers are taking it one step further by offering the “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package. The $10 package (with an option to add on a $3 Centris Family Fun Zone Wristband) includes:

Meet and Greet, Autograph session with two Omaha Storm Chasers Players (to be determined)
Pre-Game Peanut Free Parade on the field
Opportunity to be on “Peanut Free Field of Dreams Team” and chance at throwing out a first pitch
Deadline to purchase “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package is July 25

“We are excited to see all the allergic families come out to the baseball game in a peanut-free environment. We’ve heard from parents telling us how much they appreciate this opportunity to have their children experience one of America’s past-times,” said Dr. Gregory Daniel Brooks of The Asthma and Allergy Center. “Peanut Free Night gives everyone a chance to raise awareness about food allergies and learn about new products, research and education. The Asthma & Allergy Center is proud to be a sponsor of Peanut Free Night and to help provide this night of baseball for all the allergic community. ”

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

G-Braves Announce 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp

July 22, 2014

Camp is open to anyone ages 8 and up with special needs

Last year's Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves) — Last year’s Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves)

The Gwinnett Braves will host their 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp at Coolray Field on Saturday, August 30 from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is open to anyone ages eight and up with special needs.

For $20, each Baseball Buddies camp participant will receive hands-on instruction from Gwinnett Braves players and coaches. Each participant also receives a Camp T-shirt and lunch, as well as an opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with the G-Braves.

Each sign-up also includes one (1) Baseline Box ticket for the August 30 game against the Charlotte Knights at 7:05 PM. Camp participants will get to take the field for a special pre-game parade that night.

Spots for the 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp are limited and expected to fill up quickly. To register, download the form from GwinnettBraves.com and turn it in to the Community Relations Department at P.O. Box 490310, Buford, GA 30043. The form can also be faxed to 678-277-0338.

For more information, contact Gwinnett Braves’ Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins by phone at 678-277-0313 or by email at alison.atkins@braves.com.

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

The Shade Tree Night – Friday, July 25

July 22, 2014

51s Team Up With Volunteers from The Venetian Hotel & Casino to Host Donation Drive for The Shade Tree!

The Las Vegas 51^s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets & 2013 Pacific Southern Division Champions, will open an eight-game homestand on Friday, July 25 against the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field.

The 51^s organization will team up with volunteers from the Venetian Hotel and Casino to present a donation drive for The Shade Tree. The Shade Tree’s Mission Statement: To provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

“The Shade Tree is blessed to have such caring and compassionate partners as the Las Vegas 51^s and the Sands Corporation,” Erica Thompson, The Shade Tree Director of Fundraising & Major Gifts, said. “Guiding women and children on a path to self-sufficiency can be difficult at times. We know though that by combining our resources with the generosity of community leaders like the 51^s and the Sands Corporation, together we can provide help, healing and hope to those in need.”

“The 51^s recognize the importance to be a Community Partner and to team together with Las Vegas Sands to provide donated items from our great fans for such an outstanding organization like The Shade Tree,” 51^s President/COO Don Logan added.

Fans are encouraged to bring donated items to “The Shade Tree Booth” located inside Cashman Field and fans will receive two free 51^s hats for their generous donation.

The donated items requested by The Shade Tree include: women’s underwear (sizes 6-10), feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners), bath towels, wash cloths, bed sheets, mattress covers, women’s shorts (sizes 5-22), hats, trash bags, bottled water, plus sized women’s clothing, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, diapers (all sizes), boy’s underwear (sizes 14-16), girl’s underwear (sizes 14-16), toilet tissue, paper towels, socks (for adults & children).

“Part of the mission of Sands Cares is to aid the causes that are most important to our team members in the Las Vegas community,” Stephanie MacDonald, Property Chair, Sands Cares Las Vegas, said. “The Venetian/The Palazzo and Sands Expo team recognized The Shade Tree as an organization that leads the way in providing support to the underserved women, children and pets in the city.

“We are proud to partner with them as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary and encourage Las Vegas 51^s fans to assist in our efforts by bringing a donation to the stadium on Friday night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s. Click here to view the original story.

Spinners to welcome Boston Renegades, 7/27

July 21, 2014

Visually impaired athletes to play prior to game

LowellSpinners1_2014-07-21 — Brett Rudy/Boston Baseball

Leading national braille publisher, National Braille Press (NBP) announced today that it will participate in Braille Literacy Night hosted by the Lowell Spinners on Sunday, July 27^th. The evening will include awareness around the issue of braille literacy and its decline among the visually impaired community and will also feature an appearance from the famed beep ball team the Boston Renegades, a baseball team comprised of visually impaired athletes. The pre-game activities will take place before the Spinners take on the Brooklyn Cyclones at 5 p.m. at their home field at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Lowell Spinners on this event which we hope will raise awareness around the growing trend in the decline of braille literacy for the blind and visually impaired,” said Brian MacDonald, President of National Braille Press. “The fact that we are able to share this night with the Renegades, a group of truly remarkable and talented young men and women makes this even more special.”

National Braille Press will distribute complimentary braille alphabet cards to fans and attendees and also host a table where attendees can learn more about National Braille Press, braille literacy and the Boston Renegades.

Prior to the game, the Boston Renegades will provide attendees with an exhibition of “Beep Ball”, a form of baseball that includes a beeping ball and a buzzing base. The exhibition game will be played at 4pm along with other pre-game events including clips from the film The Renegades: A Beep Ball Story, which will air over the Spinner’s jumbotron and the team’s participation in the ceremonial throwing out of the first pitch.

“On behalf of the Boston Renegades, we’d like to thank the Lowell Spinners for welcoming us onto their field,” said Joe Quintanilla, 12 year member of the Boston Renegades and Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at National Braille Press. “It’s not every day we get to play in front of hundreds of baseball fans and we are excited to have this opportunity to showcase Beep Ball to such a large audience.”

ABOUT BOSTON RENEGADES

The Boston Renegades are a team of visually impaired athletes and volunteer coaches from the greater Boston area that compete in an adaptive form of baseball. This is a competitive team which is part of the NBBA and plays against opponents all over the country. The Boston Renegades are operated by the Association of Blind Citizens.

ABOUT NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS

A non-profit braille publisher, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. National Braille Press is the premier braille publisher in the US that specializes in producing original braille works written by blind authors expressly for blind people. www.nbp.org

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

Tigers To Host DUB4U Drive

July 18, 2014

The CT Tigers and Discreet Undergarment Banking For You will host a adult disposable brief collection drive on July 22^nd as the CT Tigers host Tri-City starting at 7:05pm at Dodd Stadium. Collection of disposable undergarments, briefs, and pads and financial donations will be accepted and educational material will be available for the treatment and symptoms of adult incontinence.

25 million older Americans are experiencing some form of urinary incontinence. Adult absorbent products cost upwards of $100.00 a month, and Social Security benefits averaging $710.00, purchasing these products are not possible for millions of adults. Currently there aren’t any programs that offer assistance to seniors in need of adult briefs or other incontinence products, making independent living unattainable “These are not luxury items but a necessity” items. Without these basic human needs met many healthy older Americans are trapped in their homes, fearful of joining social functions such as family birthday parties, visits with neighbors, or trips to the library.

Urinary incontinence is experienced by both men and women whether from an injury, illness, disability, or age. At this time, insurance does not cover the cost of disposable undergarments.

For more information please visit www.dub4u.org or call 860-383-2290

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

Naturals Partner with Toys for Tots for July 24 Game

July 17, 2014

Fans that donate a new toy will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s game

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that they will be partnering with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots again this year. Fans will have the opportunity to donate toys on Thursday, July 24 to benefit the Toys for Tots program that provides disadvantaged children in Benton and Washington counties with toys for Christmas.

The Naturals invite fans to bring new toys to the ballpark for donation on Thursday, July 24 when we celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark. Fans that donate a new toy to the Toys for Tots program will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s 7:05 P. M. game against the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Naturals’ staff, along with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots volunteers, will be located near the ticket office and main gate to collect toys at the ballpark. All toys that are donated to the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots program will be distributed within the Northwest Arkansas community. In addition, any money that is collected will be used to purchase toys for local children.

On Thursday, July 24 the Naturals will celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark on Buck Night on Thirsty Thursday presented by Brach’s. The event will feature a special Santa Hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans in attendance and select items will be available for only a $1 at the Arvest Ballpark concession stands, including Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, peanuts, as well as small Coca-Cola fountain drinks as part of Buck Night while Thirsty Thursday will feature select 16oz. drafts for only $2.

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

Cutters Dominican Dinner to Benefit A.C.E.S.

July 16, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Advancing Communities by Educating and Serving (A.C.E.S.) North America in announcing the 2nd Annual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, August 5 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event will benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser is a fun match for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle. Last year’s event raised almost $3,000 for the charity

“This event was such a success last year and it was a fun night for our players as well. This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Genetti has again agreed to donate kitchen services and the Grand Ballroom for this charity event.

Advance tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the Cutters Sawmill Team Store at Susquehanna Bank Park or at the Genetti Hotel. Tickets are also available by phone at (570) 326-3389.

Business sponsorships are available for the event by calling (570) 326-3389. For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

Christmas in July: Monday to benefit Covenant House

July 16, 2014

WV battles Rome July 21 with holiday celebration and canned food drive

The West Virginia Power, a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will celebrate “Christmas in July” on Monday, July 21, at Appalachian Power Park. The Power will hold a canned food drive to benefit Covenant House as well as playing holiday seasonal games and music through the course of the night.

Fans are encouraged to bring two canned goods to the Morris St. gate in exchange for a $2.00 discount coupon off a box seat ticket for any remaining Power home game this season. All donations will benefit the Covenant House in Charleston. Covenant House was founded in 1981 to help people with the fewest resources meet their basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter. Discount coupons are limited to two per person.

The festivities also include an Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win four Budweiser Party Deck passes. Second place will walk away with four free box seats, and third prize goes home with four general admission tickets. Other games include a holiday karaoke challenge and a dizzy candy cane race.

Gate open at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 21, with a candy cane giveaway. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Power front office at 304-344-BATS.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the West Virginia Power. Click here to view the original story.

HOPE Week Headlines Seven-Game Homestand

July 14, 2014

July 19 Includes Military Appreciation Night, Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg, Modern Sequel of Disco Demolition Night

The Charleston RiverDogs are back at home for a seven-game homestand from Tuesday, July 15 through Monday, July 21. HOPE Week 2014, an annual New York Yankees outreach initiative, runs through the first five days of this homestand. Saturday, July 19 will be full of fun as the RiverDogs will host Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It along with Military Appreciation Night and a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg Giveaway.

Tuesday, July 15, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 begins as the RiverDogs partner with Warriors 4 Warriors. It is Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night, presented by Nash FM. Couples that show a VIC Card at the box office will receive two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and a nacho tray for just $20. It is also Choose Your Knight Night. Upon entering the ballpark, fans can choose one of three colored cards which correspond with three knights that will compete throughout the night in various contests. The knight with the most total points will be the winner, and fans who selected that color may turn in their card to receive a ticket voucher for an upcoming RiverDogs game.

Wednesday, July 16, 7:05 pm: Day Two of HOPE Week 2014 features South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. HealthSouth Senior Wednesday, sponsored by MeTV, offers a food voucher for all senior citizens (age 65 & older) who enter the park before 7 pm. The voucher is good for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a 16-ounce fountain drink. The RiverDogs are also hosting “Dogs with a Cause” to support The Spokes Group Charleston. It is also a Guaranteed Wins-Day, so if the RiverDogs are not victorious, all fans in attendance may use their tickets to get into the next Wednesday home game for free.

Thursday, July 17, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 continues with Lowcountry Food Bank’s Food Works Program. It is also Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, courtesy of 95SX, with $1 drafts and DJ Natty Heavy in the Ashley View Pub. Wild Wing Café will also sponsor a wing-eating contest in the Ashley View Pub. The RiverDogs are also continuing their Thursday concert series, which is presented by Palmetto Brewery and Awendaw Green. Cheap Hats and Bourbon, an acoustic band that plays covers and original songs, will be playing adjacent to the Beer Garden.

Friday, July 18, 7:05 pm: The RiverDogs will partner with Mighty Mack and Scout on Day Four of HOPE Week 2014. ISHPI Red Shirt Friday, presented by 103.5 WEZL, encourages fans to wear red to the game and save $1 off your ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to Canines for Veterans and Folds of Honor. United States Air Force Night will be celebrated as well. There will be a pregame awards ceremony for the annual Youth Baseball Camp, which is presented by The Kickin’ Chicken. The RiverDogs will wear red jerseys on Friday and will receive help from Titus the Wonder Dog, who will serve as a batdog for an inning. Miller and Coors present $3 Aluminum Pint Night in the Ashley View Pub. Stick around following the contest for another stellar fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River.

Saturday, July 19, 6:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 wraps up, featuring Fields to Families. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg from WCBD Channel 2. In honor of Military Appreciation Night, presented by ISHPI, all active and retired military members and their immediate families can get into the game for free. The RiverDogs are also hosting Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It. Fans that bring Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus merchandise and memorabilia will get a $1 ticket. All of the donated items will be destroyed in a postgame demolition on the field. Social Media Saturday invites fans to use Facebook and Twitter to send the RiverDogs requests for songs, promotions and other ballpark features. It is also West Ashley Night at The Joe. Barefoot Night includes a Barefoot wine sampling around the Beer Garden.

Sunday, July 20, 5:05 pm: CCPRC and Crews Subaru Kids Club Sunday, sponsored by Y102.5, offers free admission for all members of Charlie’s Kids Club. Parking is free, and all children will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a fountain drink and chips for Kids Eat Free from Pepsi. Pirates and Princesses Night is also set for Sunday. Children can make their own crown and treasure at the game while pirates from Blackbeard’s Cove roam the ballpark. An ice princess pregame meet and greet and Disney gift card giveaways are also scheduled. All fans can enjoy pregame catch on the field and postgame autographs with the RiverDogs. Patriots Point and its mascot, Scrappy, will be on hand for Sunday’s game as well. Charleston will wear its stylish seersucker uniforms on Seersucker Sunday. Fans that wear seersucker to the game can save $1 off their ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Celebrity “Smokin’ Chef” Aaron Siegel from Home Team BBQ will serve smoked pork belly pastrami with pickled local slaw and smoked Poblano mustard on a brioche bun at the RiverDogs’ new meat smoker.

Monday, July 21, 12:05 pm: The homestand closes with a special 12:05 pm start time, setting up the Business-Man’s Special and Service Industry Day. Play hooky from work or ask the RiverDogs to send an intern to your business and cover your shift so you can come to the contest. The Business-Man’s Special offers $7 upper reserve tickets. Members of the service industry will be rewarded for their hospitality with $5 general admission tickets for Monday’s matinee. Coors and Magic 107.3 present Dollar Dogs and Beers Night in the Ashley View Pub. There will also be an Old Mexico DVD Giveaway at the homestand finale.

This seven-game RiverDogs homestand is the longest home stretch in July at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, visit the Riley Park Box Office, call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or head on-line to www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

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

RiverDogs Again Join Yankees HOPE Week Initiative

July 12, 2014

Outings Planned for July 15-19 throughout the Lowcountry

The Charleston RiverDogs are once again proud to partner with their parent organization, the New York Yankees, for the HOPE Week Initiative. The initiative runs from July 15-19, and RiverDogs players, coaches and front office staff will make appearances throughout the Lowcountry during the five-day outreach.

This will be the sixth year in which the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees have held their HOPE Week Initiative. HOPE is the acronym for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” and this will be the third time that the RiverDogs will bring the concept to Charleston. Contributing sponsors this year include Harris Teeter and Tideline Tours.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner once again with the New York Yankees for such a fantastic cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Lauren Allio. “It is a great way for us to continue to be active in the community and to recognize some truly amazing people.”

“This initiative in which we’re partnering with the Yankees has been part of our makeup for several years as we have hosted ‘Dogs With A Cause’ at every Monday home game and the Hope Initiative takes it to another level,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our overall marketing initiative stems from our being very active in our community, and this actively involves the players in which our fans will certainly enjoy.”

The RiverDogs will participate in events every day from July 15-19 to garner awareness for highlighted causes, individuals and organizations. In addition, every day over the five-day period, a different non-profit organization and/or family in need will receive an once-in-a-lifetime experience of interaction with RiverDogs players and an evening of fun at a RiverDogs game.

The RiverDogs and all of the Yankees’ affiliates received a citation from the President’s Volunteer Service Award for last year’s HOPE Week.

The schedule includes:

· Tuesday, July 15: Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation

o Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation provides emotional support and connection to women who have been diagnoses with breast cancer, are going through treatment and are survivors. They focus on quality of life for these women, their families, children and caretakers through their various programs.

o Players will help put together care packages for women currently receiving treatment, deliver those care packages and help with a make-over through the Warriors Wear Lipstick program.

· Wednesday, July 16: Therapeutic Foster Parents, SC Youth Advocate Program

o Carolyn & Martin Meier serve as the therapeutic foster parents for several years, serving the long-term needs of numerous medically fragile children in foster care.

o Players will join the Meiers and a social worker on a Dolphin Adventure boat tour through the Lowcountry marshes.

· Thursday, July 17: Lowcountry Food Bank

o The Lowcountry Food Bank’s primary mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the area with a vision to end hunger in coastal South Carolina.

o Players will work side-by-side with this summer’s Food Works apprentices to prep meals for Meals on Wheels.

· Friday, July 18: Mighty Mack and Scout

o Mighty Mack is a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of leukemia. His four-year-old sister, Scout, is his bone marrow donor.

o Players will surprise Mack and Scout with a fun day at the ballpark, joining in on batting practice and other pregame activities.

· Saturday, July 19: Fields to Families

o Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. When local farmers have fruit and vegetables that they can spare, either because they can’t harvest them in time or because they simply can’t use them, they contact Fields to Families.

o Players will go to the participating farms and pick/harvest unwanted produce that will then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry.

Visit www.RiverDogs.com or contact Lauren Allio at 843/723-7241 for more information.

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

Free Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic Saturday from 11-1

July 11, 2014

Kids 12 and under can learn baseball skills from Spikes players & coaches!

Kids can learn baseball fundamentals from the pros at the Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, on Saturday, June 12. The clinic is free with a ticket to Saturday night’s 7:05 p.m. Spikes game, and will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Spikes players will help kids sharpen their basic skills, including pitching, fielding and hitting, at the clinic. Kids and parents will also receive tips on injury prevention from a Penn State Sports Medicine physician. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m., and participating kids will have the opportunity to get autographs from the players at the end of the clinic.

The Youth Baseball Clinic starts a jam-packed day at the ballpark, as the Spikes face the Staten Island Yankees at 7:05 p.m., with FIREWORKS after the game presented by Penn State Sports Medicine as well. It’s also a Scratch n’ Win Saturday, where every fan will be a winner as each fans receives a scratch-off card with a great prize or discount on it. In addition, one lucky fan will receive the chance to win a new Kia car with the Lion Country Kia Dice Roll.

After the game, kids can run the bases thanks to Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc.

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

Two Peanut-Controlled Nights Set for August

July 9, 2014

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.

On Wednesday, August 6, the Charlotte Knights will host their first of two “Peanut-Controlled Games” at BB&T Ballpark this season. Fans with peanut allergies will be able cheer on the Knights in the team’s “Peanut-Controlled Zone” where sales of peanuts will be halted in that section and fans will not be allowed to consume peanut products in that area.

“We wanted to make sure that those with peanut allergies have their chance to enjoy a game at BB&T Ballpark this season,” said Knights COO Dan Rajkowski. “Our hope is that these two games will provide those fans and families with peanut allergies a chance for a safe and enjoyable game in Uptown Charlotte.”

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 as the Knights host the Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) in a 7:05 p.m. game. The second of the two games will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 5:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark as the Knights host the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on August 24.

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball. Signage will be present to alert other fans that the area is a “Peanut-Controlled Zone” and no peanuts will be consumed in that area for the duration of the day. For the least peanut-exposed path to the Power Alley sections, fans should enter BB&T Ballpark through the center field gate.

Tickets in the Power Alley sections for each of the “Peanut-Controlled Games” are just $8 in advance and are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Fans ordering online should use promo code “peanutfree”.

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

Heroes & Legends Softball Game in Lakewood October 10th

July 9, 2014

Jay Johnston, Jim Dowd, Stephen Baker, Bruce Harper among participants; event benefits military-based non-profit organization

The BlueClaws will host a Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, October 10th.

Heroes and Legends is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs while assisting a wide network of military-based charities.

Among the participating former athletes:
Jay Johnstone – Former Phillie, Dodger & Yankee and two-time World Series Champion
John “The Count” Montefusco– Former SF Giant & NY Yankee who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1975 and threw a no-hitter in 1976
Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” – Former NY Giant Super Bowl XXV Champ
Jim Dowd – Former NJ Devil and 1995 Stanley Cup Champion
Bruce Harper – Former NY Jet running back
Keith Elias – Former Princeton and NY Giant running back
Jeff Frazier – Former Detroit Tiger and Toms River Little League Hero
Johnny Petraglia – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame
Parker Bohn – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame

Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds, and a member of the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series Championship team, and Frankie Edgar, Toms River native and former UFC Champion, will also make appearances at the event.

TICKETS: Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, $5 for children (kids under 5 are free), and $5 for enlisted or active military. Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

There will be a Home Run Derby beginning at 5:30 pm and the softball game itself will begin at 7:00 pm.

The program is dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs and charities honoring our Heroes past and present.

The Heroes Team is The Purple Heart Heroes All Star Team all of whom have been awarded the Purple Heart for their meritorious service.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and other disabled to enhance health, literacy, life experience, and self esteem.

The 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 all 13 years of existence.

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

Pulaski Mariners Host Danville on Military Appreciation Night

July 8, 2014

Wednesday night the Pulaski Mariners return to Historic Calfee Park following a four night road trip. The game against the Danville Braves will be Military Family Appreciation Night at the Ballpark sponsored by the Military Family Support Center, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and Virginia Eagle Distributing.

Admission to the park is free for all active, retired, or veteran members of the military and their family. In addition, one hot dog, one drink, and one bag of chips will be provided. Families are encouraged to register for tickets by calling either the Military Family Support Center at 540-4000-8301 or the Pulaski Mariners at 540-980-1070.

Wednesday is the first opportunity for Mariner fans to watch the East Division leading Danville Braves as they do battle with Pulaski Mariner stars like Wayne Taylor, Carlton Tanabe, and Jay Baum.

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