Sky Sox Announce UCCS Sports Management Scholarship

New Scholarship Will Support Future Sports Professionals

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce the creation of a new scholarship designated for students in the Sport Management Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ (UCCS) College of Business. The “Sky Sox Sports Management Scholarship” is the first of its kind within the Sport Management Program at UCCS and will be awarded to a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior at the University.

“For the past six years the Sky Sox have provided UCCS Sport Management students with outstanding internship opportunities,” Eric Olson, director, Sport Management Program, said. “With this scholarship they have taken that support to a new level. It is a distinct privilege to work with organizations like the Sky Sox whose executives and managers take the time and effort to help prepare our students to become the next generation of sports business leaders.”

Eligible undergraduate students at UCCS will be able to apply for the $2,500 yearly scholarship beginning with the Fall Semester of 2014. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and submit a resume (or similar list of accomplishments), statement of future goals and an essay.

Sport Management students interested in applying for this scholarship should visit the UCCS Financial Aid & Scholarships website at www.uccs.edu/finaid/types/scholarships.html to find the criteria and application details. Students can access the application by using the scholarship search tool and inputting “Sky Sox Sport Mgmt.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with UCCS in creating this new scholarship for future sports professionals,” said Sky Sox President & General Manager Tony Ensor. “The sports industry is full of passionate people and we’re proud to be involved with our local students who are looking to follow their passion for sports.”

The UCCS Sport Management Program is a selective degree program designed for serious students who share a passion for sports and a desire to build careers in this face-paced industry. For more information visit www.uccs.edu/spm/.

The UCCS College of Business was established in 1965 and has more than 1,000 undergraduates and 350 MBA and distance MBA students. The College of Business and Administration awards the Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Innovation degrees. The Graduate School of Business Administration awards the Master of Business Administration degree. More than 8,000 alumni of the College of Business live and work around the world. For more information, visit www.uccs.edu/business.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The University offers 36 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s and five doctoral degrees. UCCS enrolls about 9,800 students on campus annually and another 2,000 in online programs. For more information, visit www.uccs.edu.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels to Host ASK Fun Walk & 5K

Event Will Take Place at The Diamond on Saturday, April 26th

RichmondFlyingSquirrels_2014-01-23

 

Richmond, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels held a press conference on Thursday to announce a partnership with the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation that will include the Squirrels hosting the 2014 ASK Fun Walk & 5K presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at The Diamond. The Fun Walk & 5K will take place on the morning of Saturday, April 26th, and will precede the Squirrels’ game against the New Britain Rock Cats that evening.

The Fun Walk & 5K, which is the signature event on ASK’s fundraising calendar, will include a course that takes runners and walkers around the historic area and end at home plate at The Diamond. The 2013 ASK Walk & 5K attracted 2,500 participants from throughout the Greater Richmond area and raised over $150,000 to help local children with cancer and their families.

“We are continually looking for ways to do more within this community, and this was a huge opportunity to do just that,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “Any time you have the chance to work with passionate people to benefit a tremendous cause, you jump at it. That’s what we have done here, and we can’t wait for April 26th.”

The event will begin with check-in and same-day registration at 7 a.m. The 5K Run & Family Fun Walk will begin at 9 a.m. To register in advance of the event or for more information, visit ASKWalk.org.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Flying Squirrels on this year’s ASK Fun Walk & 5k presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” said ASK Executive Director Amy Godkin. “With their help, we hope to raise over $150,000 to help local children with cancer and their families.”

Since 2006, the Fun Walk & 5K has raised more than $890,000, with the goal of reaching the one-million-dollar mark at this year’s event.

The Flying Squirrels also used Thursday’s press conference as an opportunity to highlight additional upcoming community objectives. As the team prepares for its 5th Season Celebration in 2014 and the launch of the newly-minted Flying Squirrels Charities, they also pointed to numerous successes among their many community programs and events from the past.

“As we prepare for what we know will be a historic fifth season in Richmond, we spent some time reflecting back on all the wonderful opportunities we have had to impact this community,” added Parnell. “As we add another tremendous event and partner today, we thought it appropriate to recognize the countless people and organizations that have made our overwhelming success in the past possible.”

Additionally, the Squirrels announced plans to unveil the most comprehensive promotional schedule in their franchise history. The schedule will be announced in a series that will begin on Monday with the release of 2014 fireworks dates.

ASK is a local organization dedicated to making life better for children with cancer and their families. ASK provides direct support to young cancer patients and their families today, when they need it most. For more information on ASK, go to ASKWalk.org. For questions regarding the ASK Fun Walk & 5k, please contact Lexi Aman, ASK Development Director, at LAman@ASKCCF.org or (804) 402-2222.

Season ticket and mini-plan packages are currently available for the 5th Season of Flying Squirrels baseball. For more information or to purchase ticket packages, please visit either squirrelsbaseball.com or the Squirrels’ ticket office at The Diamond, or call (804) 359-FUNN (3866).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award December Grant to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center

“Season of Giving” themed grant will help fund therapeutic horseback riding program for disabled youth

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of December to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. of Snellville, GA. The “Season of Giving” themed grant is designed to assist organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming.

Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. is a multi-discipline therapy center that offers non-traditional therapies for children with a variety of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and intellectual disability. One of the key non-traditional therapies is therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons provided through the Parkwood Farms Equestrian Program. The Parkwood Farms grounds include nine acres of riding space, a handicap accessible arena, a large outdoor arena and a wooded sensory trail.

Parkwood Farms is also the training facility for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics Equestrian Team. The center hosts year-round equestrian and athletic training giving the riders opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of friendship with other Special Olympians.

The grant awarded to Parkwood Farms will be applied to the purchase of new equipment for the Equestrian Program, including new helmets, saddle blankets, saddles and other riding gear. This new equipment will help keep therapy riders safe and comfortable for years to come.

“The grant from the Gwinnett Braves has allowed us to purchase new equipment for the horses and to expand the riders’ lending closet,” said Dr. Marilyn Peterson, Director of Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. “The riding outfits offer our athletes a way to take pride in their appearance and make a respectable presentation of their athletic abilities. The farm maintains the lending closet so the riders can borrow what they need and no one is excluded because they can’t afford the uniform.”

About Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc.:  Based in Snellville, GA and opened in May 2002, the Parkwood Farms Therapy Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of physically, emotionally and mentally challenged children and adults by offering a spectrum of therapeutic services in one safe and loving environment. To find out how you can donate your time or money to Parkwood Farms, call 678-344-6821 or visit www.parkwoodfarms.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Manager Shay Marlowe at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

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

Just Drive Campaign Aims to Keep Teens Safe

Just Drive, an initiative by the Greenville Drive and several community partners to curb teen texting and driving, launched Jan. 22.

Top, from left to right: Greenville Drive Executive Vice President Nate Lipscomb, Greenville County Schools spokesperson Oby Lyles, Eastside High School Principal Mike Thorne. Bottom, from left to right: Bradshaw Automotive GM Wes Bradshaw, Michelin Community Relations Director Leesa Owens, and Verizon Wireless District Manager Thomas Brown. (Richard Shiro)
Top, from left to right: Greenville Drive Executive Vice President Nate Lipscomb, Greenville County Schools spokesperson Oby Lyles, Eastside High School Principal Mike Thorne. Bottom, from left to right: Bradshaw Automotive GM Wes Bradshaw, Michelin Community Relations Director Leesa Owens, and Verizon Wireless District Manager Thomas Brown. (Richard Shiro)

 

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive has renewed its commitment to making Greenville County’s roads safer by educating teens about the dangers of texting and driving. The Drive – along with community partners Michelin, N.A., Verizon Wireless and Bradshaw Automotive – have launched the Just Drive campaign for the second straight year to encourage students at all Greenville County high schools to sign the pledge to not text and drive.

“We are thrilled to bring back our Just Drive campaign for the 2014 season,” said Drive President and Co-Owner Craig Brown. “Automobile accidents are the number one killer of teenagers across the United States, and the Drive wants to continue to encourage teenagers to focus solely on driving when they are behind the wheel. We are excited to work once again with the Greenville School District and our Just Drive sponsors to bring awareness to the Just Drive campaign.”

The 2014 Just Drive campaign was announced at a press conference on Wednesday at Eastside High School, where the Drive unveiled several upcoming activities to engage students. The press conference featured representatives from the Greenville Drive, Michelin, N.A., Verizon Wireless, Bradshaw Automotive and the principal and student from Eastside. Special guests included representatives from Greenville County Schools, the City of Greenville, the City of Greenville Youth Commission and students from Eastside High School.

The press conference highlighted the Drive’s primary objectives for the Just Drive campaign, including the announcement that students will participate in a creative challenge to design a t-shirt logo for the campaign. In addition, the Drive announced plans for an invitational baseball game at Fluor Field and a Celebration Game during the Drive’s upcoming 2014 season, both of which will be open to students who have made the pledge.

“A person who texts behind the wheel is 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision than someone who chooses to maintain their full attention on the road,” said Leesa Owens of Michelin, citing a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. “Michelin is glad to support the Greenville Drive in spreading this important message.”

“No text or email is worth the distraction behind the wheel,” said Jerry Fountain, Verizon’s President of the Carolinas/Tennessee Region. “Verizon is committed to partnering with community organizations that share our goal of ending distracted driving. We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe.”

“We encourage students, and drivers of all ages, to please pull off the roadway in a safe location if you must send or respond to a text or place a voice call when you are behind the wheel,” said Wes Bradshaw, General Manager of Bradshaw Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac of Greer.

Greenville Drive employees are teaming with volunteers from Verizon Wireless to speak to students during school lunch hours about the dangers of distracted driving, and to encourage them to avoid texting, talking on the phone, eating and other distracted behaviors that pulls attention away from safe driving. Students will be asked to sign a pledge as a promise to the community to not text while driving.

“The Just Drive campaign spreads a powerful message to our students about the responsibilities they have while behind the wheel,” said Oby Lyles, spokesperson for Greenville County Schools. “The Greenville Drive has assembled a terrific team of community advocates to connect and engage new drivers in this very important initiative.”

To sign the pledge to Just Drive, please visit facebook.com/justdrivepledge.

About The Drive

The Greenville Drive, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, just completed its 8th season at award-winning Fluor Field, located in Downtown Greenville. Since 2006, more than 400,000 fans a year have been welcomed to Fluor Field for both Drive games and additional community events. The Drive has received numerous awards, including Ballpark of the year in its Inaugural 2006 Season, the National Sports Forums Overall Award for Excellence for Sports Marketing in 2010 and 2011 and the prestigious Freitas Award in 2012, presented by Baseball Americaand given to an organization which exemplifies excellence in operations, franchise stability and community engagement. 31 Drive alumni have gone onto play at the Major League level, including Clay Buchholz, Xander Bogaerts, Brandon Workman, and Will Middlebrooks.

About Michelin, N.A.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE and 3G networks. The company serves 101.2 million retail customers, including 95.2 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 72,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://news.verizonwireless.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

About Bradshaw Automotive Group

Bradshaw Automotive began in 1979, when William Bradshaw and his wife, Annette, purchased a small Oldsmobile/Cadillac Dealership in Greer, South Carolina. While the organization has grown considerably, it is still a family-run operation. William is active in the day-to-day operations of all of the dealerships and is now aided by his son, Wes Bradshaw, and his son-in-law, Bill Donovan. The growth and success of Bradshaw Automotive can best be explained by William’s philosophy of treating employees and customers like family, and always respecting their needs.

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

Cutters Banquet raises over $5,000 for Special Olympics

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $5,000 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies TV Field Reporter Gregg Murphy & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2014 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “”I think we have that talent. We do have some young players that have a chance to chip in. Ben Revere was going good last year when he got hurt. The young arms in the bullpen got a shot to get some work last year and did a good job for the final six weeks of the season. I think that’ll go a long way for us.” When asked what is goal was, he said, “I want to get to a World Series, and I want to get there more than once.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and glove signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, jerseys signed by Sandberg and Asche and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of R.D. Slingerland into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Slingerland has worked on the Bowman Field playing surface for more than 25 years including installing an entirely new playing surface and irrigation system in 1997.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Lycoming County Special Olympics whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. At the conclusion of the festivities, Special Olympics was presented with a check for $5,150.

The Crosscutters open the 2014 season on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Aces Hold Auction to Benefit Local Woman

For Immediate Release
Jan. 20, 2014

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces are holding an online auction to benefit Elisa Storke, a University of Nevada English professor who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in November, the club announced today.

The auction begins today and ends Monday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive a package that includes a ceremonial first pitch, four infield reserved tickets and a signed Brett Butler 2013 game-worn hat featuring the Triple-A All-Star logo. The ceremonial first pitch and game tickets are valid for any Aces regular season home game, with the exception of Opening Day and July 4.

Bids can be placed online here.

Storke, a new mother who welcomed her first child last May, has cancer of the bones, blood, spine, liver, adrenal glands, lungs and brain. The money raised through the auction will be donated directly to the fund set up to benefit the family, and will be used for medical costs and transportation costs.

Donations can also be made through the You Caring site set up in Elisa’s name, or through Wells Fargo account #1459741110.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please 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.

Tides organization to renovate local youth field

NorfolkTides_2014-01-15

 

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“After the overwhelming community support we’ve received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at hmckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

“Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one” said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. “Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone – individuals, families and communities.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

 

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Present 12th Annual Essay Contest

Students in 7th and 8th grade write about “Why I Want to Go to College”

OmahaStormChasers_2014-01-10

OMAHA, Neb. – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially kicked off the 12th-annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Storm Chasers announced this week.

Full Contest Rules Here

Students in 7th and 8th grade both in and outside the state of Nebraska may send their entries until the March 28 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each entry must be accompanied with the required cover sheet found at http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/2014writingContestCoverSheet.pdf.

Judging will be conducted by faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The essay contest awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, with winners earning prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 toward a NEST College Savings Plan.

All winners from Nebraska, which will be notified in early May, will receive four box seat tickets and earn recognition prior to the Storm Chasers game on May 11 against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Each winning student will get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during their visit to Werner Park.

For complete rules and information on the Essay Contest, check http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/. Entries must be postmarked by March 28 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Stava

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

2013 Winners

1st Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Sophie Anne Glaubius, Wisner-Pilger Junior-Senior High, Wisner, Neb.
  2. Treslyn Hubbard, Norfolk Junior High, Norfolk, Neb.
  3. Adam Zastrow, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Lincoln, Neb.

2nd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Samantha Moulton, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, Elkhorn, Neb.
  2. Mallory Bretsen, Alice Buffett Middle School, Omaha, Neb.
  3. Claire Scanlan, Platteview Central Junior High, Springfield, Neb.

3rd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Marisa Hutchinson, Valentine Middle School, Valentine, Neb.
  2. Britley Schlueter, Wood Lake School, Wood Lake, Neb.
  3. Mitchell Leininger, Moving Mountains Home School, Auburn, Neb.

Out-of-State

  1. Micki Miller, Family of Christ Christian School, Lutz, Fla.
  2. Zoe Jee, Harry C. Fulton Middle School, Fountain Valley, Calif.
  3. Mary Elizabeth Hartness, North Habersham Middle School, Clarkesville, Georgia

 

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

Express CEO Reese Ryan to Host HeartGift Patient

Belize Child to arrive in Austin January 6 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

AUSTIN, Texas (January 3, 2013) -The HeartGift Foundation, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children from developing countries, is preparing for the arrival of the nonprofit organization’s 200th patient.

Courtney, an almost two-year-old girl from Belize, will arrive January 6 in Austin, TX and will undergo life-saving surgery January 14 at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Her medical care team will be led by HeartGift physicians, Drs. Stuart Rowe and Kenneth Fox.

“Without surgery Courtney would develop difficulty exercising, then difficulty breathing, and then would ultimately die. But with the help and generosity of HeartGift, Courtney will receive a second chance of living a full life,” explained Fox.

Courtney will stay with Reese Ryan, CEO of the Round Rock Express baseball team and son of famed baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The Ryan family has been very involved with HeartGift patients in both Austin and the Dallas Fort Worth area, but this is their first time to host a patient in their home. “We appreciate the opportunity to introduce our daughters to families in need from around the world. It will be a blessing for us to be able to open our home and share in this life changing experience for this family” said Ryan.

“When the HeartGift Foundation was incorporated in 2000, it was hard to envision that we could save the lives of 200 children with heart problems,” said Dr. John “Chip” Oswalt, co-founder and chairman of HeartGift. “As we approach this milestone, it gives me pause to look back on the 200 precious lives saved. As the years pass we will reach more milestones, enlist many more volunteers, and save many more children-one heartgift at a time.”

About HeartGift

HeartGift brings children from around the world to the United States for surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects.

Founded in Austin, the HeartGift Foundation has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and New Orleans. All medical services are provided for free. Patients’ families do not pay a penny.

Since its inception, HeartGift has helped children from 28 countries: Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, the Republic of Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Syria and Uganda.

These children come to the states because their home countries lack adequate health care; they leave with repaired hearts and a new sense of hope for the future.

To learn more about HeartGift, visit www.heartgift.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award November Grant to Nothing but the Truth

“Thanksgiving” themed grant will help fund Weekend Food Bag Ministry program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of November to the Nothing but the Truth organization, announced on Monday, December 9. The “Thanksgiving” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness.

Based in Dacula, GA, Nothing but the Truth serves food insecure children across Gwinnett County and beyond through its Weekend FooNothing-but-the-truth-logod Bag Ministry. The program assists students in Title I schools that have been identified by their counselors as being in a crisis situation and in need of additional food over the weekend and during extended school breaks.

Each Friday, volunteers with Nothing but the Truth supply school counselors with bags filled with kid-friendly items that are sent home with the students in their book bags. Since starting the program in December 2010, Nothing but the Truth has served 18 Gwinnett County schools, one Barrow County school and three Clayton County schools, sending home approximately 360 food bags each week.

The grant awarded to Nothing but the Truth will go directly toward the purchase of food for the Weekend Food Bag Ministry program. In addition to the funds provided, the Gwinnett Braves have extended the partnership further by supplying volunteers to pack food bags once a month.

“It is an honor to work with local Title I schools to help students who are food insecure,” said Scarlett Rigsby, Executive Director of Nothing but the Truth. “No one wants to think of students going home on Friday from school and having little or nothing to eat over the weekend. Unfortunately this is a reality among way too many of our students. This grant from the Gwinnett Braves helps us serve 18 schools and provide food for 360 students per week through our Weekend Food Program.”

About Nothing but the Truth:  Nothing but the Truth is a faith-based organization in Gwinnett County that serves the community through three major areas of ministry: the Weekend Food Bag Ministry, the Multi-Housing Ministry and Community Outreach Events. For more information on how you can donate money or volunteer your time, contact Scarlett Rigsby at 770-845-3029 or scarlett@nothingbutthetruth146.org.

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

Sign your little slugger up for 2014 Youth Camps!

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The Mud Hens Youth Baseball Camps are back for the 2014 season! There will be two separate three-day camps, a one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp, and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found at www.mudhens.com/camps. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation early to guarantee a spot!

Call 419-725-4367 with any questions or to make your registration by phone.

Click the links below to order online:

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Toys for Tots Collection Drive Underway at McCoy

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Want to help make a child’s holiday? This year’s Toys for Tots drive is underway at McCoy Stadium. Fans who donate a new toy for our Toys for Tots Collection Drive will receive a 10% discount voucher good for purchases made in the PawSox Team Store. Collections will be made at the PawSox Team Store at McCoy Stadium Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm until December 14th.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs aid tornado relief efforts

Peoria hosts auction, donation drive to help community

Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)
Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)

When disaster strikes, a game of baseball becomes meaningless, but the players and coaches have the ability to come together and impact those in need.

In an effort to help tornado victims, the Peoria Chiefs are hosting an online auction and a donation drive. All of the proceeds will go to residents of the central Illinois towns who were affected by the recent storms.

“The response on the auction front has been outstanding,” said Chiefs director of media relations and baseball operations Nathan Baliva.

Items up for auction range from a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Stan Musial to an unopened American Girl Doll. Players from the Cardinals, Cubs and other Illinois professional teams, along with former Chiefs players, continue to donate more items to the auction, as it will stay open indefinitely. Local businesses and Minor League teams are also contributing to the auctions.

The Chiefs are the Class A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They previously served as the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate in the Midwest League.

“Every former player I’ve contacted has just said, ‘What do you need and where do I send it?’ It has been remarkable; they all want to help any way they can,” Baliva said. “The response from other teams both in the Midwest League and across Cardinals and Cubs affiliations has been overwhelming and we are very appreciative.”

The Chiefs had asked for donations of bottled water, toiletries and other necessities for those who have been affected by the storms. However, with limited space at shelters and storage facilities and overwhelming efforts by the community, the Chiefs are no longer asking for those items.

Anyone interested in making auction or monetary donations can call Baliva at (309) 680-4018 or nathanb@chiefsnet.com.

 

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