RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

Frisco-RoughRidersFor the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Frisco-Foundation-LogoOver 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

Frisco 2011-Kids and posters
Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.
Frisco 2011-Kids and Ts
A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

 

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Charleston-RiverDogsThanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logo“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

CSC Winwood Farm Presentation 2011

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Charleston-RiverDogsEveryone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy logo“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

 The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

CSC Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Donation 2011

Win a scholarship at College Preview Night!

ToledoMudHens_2011-09-08

Come visit with top colleges and universities at the Fifth Third Bank ‘College Preview Night’ event, taking place at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Enter to win one of four scholarships, too! Details and RSVP info at www.mudhens.com/collegenight.

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

‘Dogs and Piggly Wiggly Donate over 3,000 meals to Lowcountry Food Bank

Supermarket chain matches season-long contributions of RiverDogs fans

Charleston-RiverDogsThe final Friday Night Fireworks display of 2011 was not the only home run the RiverDogs hit with Piggly Wiggly last night. During a special in-game ceremony, the two announced that they teamed to donate more than 3,600 pounds of food to the Lowcountry Food Bank this season.

Representing more than 3,000 meals, the contribution is the culmination of a year-long effort to aid the poor and hungry of the Lowcountry.

All season long, RiverDogs fans have received a $1 off the price of admission by bringing three canned food items to the box office. The 1,500+ meals given by fans were then matched by Piggly Wiggly, doubling the total and lending support to the LCFB’s nearly 30-year long mission to feed the hungry.

Lowcountry Food Bank“Community outreach is not possible without fan support, and our fans have once again displayed their eagerness to better the community while enjoying RiverDogs baseball,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We are also grateful to Piggly Wiggly for matching the donation, and are satisfied to know that we share the same values.”

Fans Encouraged to Help Feed Hungry People

Local food bank will hold food drive during TinCaps’ Games

Parkview Field will play host to a food drive during games this weekend. (Tony DesPlaines)
Parkview Field will play host to a food drive during games this weekend. (Tony DesPlaines)

Fort Wayne, IN – This Saturday, Sunday, and Monday fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to Parkview Field with them to help feed their hungry neighbors. On Saturday, August 27th at 7:05pm Comfort Keepers is sponsoring “Slugging for Seniors” a senior hunger food drive to collect non-perishable food items specifically for Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana to use for their SeniorPak program. SeniorPak is a program that delivers groceries every two weeks for over 1,200 needy, homebound Seniors. Post-Game Fireworks and an appearance by Birdzerk! will also be featured that evening at the park along with a silent auction for two autographed TinCaps jerseys! All proceeds benefit Community Harvest Food Bank.

Then, on Sunday, August 28th at 3:05pm and Monday, August 29th at 7:05pm, a food drive will be held by the Society of Saint Andrew, a non-profit ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to fighting hunger in our nation and the world. The Society works primarily to salvage fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people in need. On August 5th the Society of St. Andrew delivered a semi-load of sweet potatoes to Community Harvest and they will start the Saturday and Sunday TinCaps food drive off with 120 cans of vegetables.

Fans are asked to bring cans of food and place them in barrels located around the ballpark. Suggested items are: canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta or noodles, canned soups and stews, toilet and facial tissue, and personal hygiene products.

About Community Harvest Food Bank
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the alleviation of hunger through the full use of donated food and other resources. As the largest food bank in northeast Indiana, it collects and distributes over 10 million pounds of donated, surplus food annually through a network of human service member agencies. Community Harvest Food Bank serves Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley counties. Visit www.chfb.org, find them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

Undernourishment and malnutrition are serious problems for America’s growing 65+ population. In fact, as many as one out of every three seniors are at risk for under- or mal-nutrition. To raise awareness for this growing problem, Comfort Keepers in Fort Wayne is participating in a nationwide STOP Senior Hunger Food Drive from August 15th through November 1st; all proceeds from the local food drive will benefit the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana.

About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers in Fort Wayne opened for business in September 2001 and will be celebrating their 10th year in business this year. They have established an excellent reputation for the quality of care their caregivers provide. Our caregivers provide non-medical in home care for seniors and others requiring assistance in their homes. Comfort Keepers expanded their reach in 2007 with the purchase of their second franchise in the Fort Wayne area and currently cover the counties of Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley. For more information visit their website at www.comfortkeepers.com/fortwayne-in.

About Society of Saint Andrew
The Society of St. Andrew, formed in 1979 with Headquarters in Big Island, VA., is a non-profit ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to fighting hunger in our nation and the world. The Society works primarily to salvage fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people in need.

Visit www.endhunger.org for more information or e-mail hranin@endhunger.org for Indiana info.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation awarded 5 grants to The Special Olympics, West Dallas Community School, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, Buckner International and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco during the 2011 season.

“The RoughRiders Foundation is thrilled to award our five grants to these deserving organizations,” said Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “Each organization helps execute the RoughRiders Foundation’s mission of motivating and rewarding children and families in the areas of education, good health and community service activities.”

Each organization received a $1,000 grant from the RoughRiders Foundation to help continue its mission serving the North Dallas Community. 2011 marks the fourth year of the RoughRiders Foundation’s Grant Program and each of the five grant recipient organizations plan to use their grant in different ways.

“Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is truly grateful to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation for the generous $1,000 grant,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO. “This funding will provide much-needed support to afford the opportunity for more than 400 local SOTX athletes to compete in an eight-week softball training program, followed by the chance to compete and go for the gold!”

Each organization that received a grant also received 4 tickets to a RoughRiders game and participated in an on-field check presentation.

Non-Profit Organizations interested in applying for a grant in 2012 can visit www.ridersbseball.com/foundation or contact Michael Davidow at mdavidow@ridersbaseball.com.

(Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

RoughRiders Foundation Awards Five Scholarships

The RoughRiders Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to five graduating high school seniors in North Texas during the 2011 season.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Rooks Patterson and Blake Harrell from Frisco, Mauro Santos and Arturo Gonzalez from Dallas, and Kenbea Walker from McKinney.

Each scholarship winner received $2,000 for their college education, tickets to a RoughRiders game, all-you-can-eat food and Dr Pepper products and a VIP tour before the game.

“The RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship Program is one of our biggest financial contributions of the season,” said Mike Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The RoughRiders appreciate the importance of getting a college education and are proud to help these outstanding students pursue their goals.”

Since the RoughRiders Foundation started their scholarship program seven seasons ago, they have awarded over $55,000 in scholarship monies to local students.

Over 270 applications were submitted by high school seniors around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. All applicants must have met the criteria of a minimum 3.0 GPA and participated in at least one athletic activity during their senior year. Winners were selected by the RoughRiders Foundation Board of Directors based on academic merit, financial need and athletic accomplishments.

Scholarship Winner, Kenbea Walker (left), and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Scholarship Winner, Blake Harrell, and his family.

Local Girl wins NYPL Scholarship

NYPL Charitable Foundation awarded over $10,000 in scholarships

StatenIslandYankees_2011-08-17

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League, its member clubs and the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, once again awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

The 2011 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball has had on their lives.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation initiated the scholarship program in 2009 as a way to assist high school seniors from within our league’s footprint who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but have also demonstrated the positive benefits their local NYPL club has had on their life,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “The Foundation is pleased to have this scholarship program in place and to support our 14 member clubs in their year-round community outreach efforts.”

The Scholarship Program consisted of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students applied directly with their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional round. The 14 finalists were separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) received the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists received a $250 book award.

Andrea Moore, of Staten Island, took home the $2,500 scholarship from the McNamara Division. Andrea’s academic accomplishments, leadership experience, exceptional community service efforts and extra-curricular activities made her stand out above the rest. The Staten Island Yankees wish to congratulate Andrea and applaud her charitable contributions.

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

RoughRiders Host Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger

The Frisco RoughRiders teamed up with Whataburger to host Food Bank Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

Fans that donated two or more items received a free Whataburger voucher. The RoughRiders started collecting food on June 30th at Dr Pepper Ballpark all the way through the Food Bank night during the July 23rd game against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Over 750 pounds of food items were collected and then delivered to the Frisco Family Services food pantry, Little Elm Food Bank and the North Texas Food Bank.

“The RoughRiders are thrilled to partner with Whataburger on this year’s Food Bank Night,” Scott Sonju, President and General Manager of the Frisco RoughRiders said, “By combining our resources with Whataburger, there is tremendous potential to collect large quantities of food for families in need.”

2011 is the first year the RoughRiders have teamed up with Whataburger to organize a food drive.

“Assisting the hungry is important to Whataburger; which is why we are proud to partner with the Frisco RoughRiders to help donate food to those who need it most,” said Joel Griffiths, Whataburger Regional Director of Operations “We are also excited to provide a free Whataburger voucher to reward those members of the community who join us in giving back.”

A ‘Riders fan deposits a bag of food items in the collection bins at the gates of Dr Pepper Ballpark on July 23rd.
RoughRiders fans are all smiles as they donate food to support Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger.

Lake Monsters Partner With NY Life

Insurance Company Promoting Child Safety At Home Games

BURLINGTON, VT — In an effort to promote child safety within the Burlington community and the state of Vermont, the Vermont Lake Monsters and New York Life have teamed up to provide Child Identification services at Lake Monsters home games this season, both the New York-Penn League team and New York Life announced today.
Agents from New York Life’s local office will be at historic Centennial Field during approximately 20 home games over the summer to create and distribute personalized child identification cards for no cost. The Child ID card includes the child’s fingerprints, photo and other pertinent information to be helpful in case of an emergency.”New York Life and its Vermont General Office are excited to team up with the Lake Monsters this summer to bring their Child ID services to the people of Vermont,” the Insurance Company said in a statement. “Both New York Life and the Lake Monsters care about children and families and this is a natural partnership-as stewards of the community we want families to be healthy, safe and successful.””We are a team and venue that focuses children, families and the community and when New York Life approached us about this partnership, it was an easy decision,” Lake Monsters General Manager Nate Cloutier. “This free service will help keep children safe, and that is what its all about.”So come out to the ballpark, take in a game, and while there, stop by the New York Life tent and learn about how you can keep your children and family safe, both now and in the future.This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Akron Aeros Help Paint A Picture for Hope

The Akron Aeros front office staff made their way to ACCESS earlier this month to help the local shelter prepare recreational rooms at their facility.

Upon arrival, the staff got straight to work with paint and brushes in hand. They started with painting a Teen Room, and then moved to painting an office at ACCESS.

“It was inspiring to volunteer at a place like ACCESS. To think of all of the individuals they help after these people have been turned down elsewhere, really puts things into perspective. Our staff has really enjoyed this experience, paint clothes and all,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.

ACCESS, or The Akron Citizens’ Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services, was created to meet the need for the 625 monthly requests for shelter in the Akron area. With only 150 beds available and just 18 reserved for women and children, ACCESS helps fill the void by providing emergency shelter for those women and children. ACCESS also provides meals, group support, children’s programming, parental programming, and a Care Clinic.

“When I picked up a brochure after leaving ACCESS, I read the first line, ‘Providing Help When It’s Needed The Most.’ That quote seems to resonate throughout this organization. They certainly help those in need to the best of their ability. But there’s always more that can be done. That’s where volunteers come in,” Aeros Executive Vice President/COO JIM PFANDER said.

As a part of their ‘Helping Hands’ program, the Aeros volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as ACCESS. Next month, the Aeros will assist The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County.

For information on ACCESS, visit access-shelter.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Director of Sales, Greg Berry and Manager of Promotions, Calvin Funkhouser prepare the Teen Room before painting at ACCESS shelter in Akron.
Aeros staff is all hands on deck, painting the Teen Room at ACCESS.

Akron Aeros Volunteer at Salvation Army in More Ways Than One

The Akron Aeros front office staff traveled to The Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel last month, extending their Helping Hands program in the facility’s soup kitchen, pre-school and storage rooms.

The Aeros had the opportunity to see the dynamics of an organization that helps the local community in such diverse ways. The staff assisted with food preparation and dispersion in the soup kitchen, while mingling with those dining and the full-time volunteer staff.

Others assisted at the preschool, helping to prepare and deliver lunches to the kids, while spending quality time before naptime for the children.

The staff also worked behind the scenes, sorting and organizing the Salvation Army’s arts and crafts supplies, donations and records.

“I was able to volunteer on all different ends of the spectrum. You really get a chance to see how dedicated The Salvation Army is to the community. We especially loved spending time with the kids, and they were really enthusiastic. That’s what makes this Helping Hands program so rewarding,” said NICOLE BLUM, Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator.

Based on the Christian faith, The Salvation Army aims to fulfill their motto, “Doing the most good,” which was evident to the Aeros staff, who left with a clearer vision of the organization and its purpose. From church services, to after school programs, and providing financial assistance, shelter and free meals, the Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel epitomizes their 135-year-old motto.

Each month, the Akron Aeros front office staff volunteers at locally based organizations as a part of their Helping Hands program. In addition to the Salvation Army, the Aeros plan to assist Akron’s Habitat for Humanity as their next venture.

For information on the Salvation Army and its locations, visit salvationarmyusa.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, contact Nicole Blum at 330.253.5151 x310 or visit akronaeros.com

The staff gathers for a group photo after serving hot meals during the Salvation Army lunch hour.

‘Riders Classic Raises Over $23,000 for RoughRiders Foundation

The RoughRiders Foundation hosted the third annual ‘Riders Classic presented by Tye Williams Financial Services, Smashburger and DC Rightside, LLC on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes in Frisco, TX. The golf tournament raised over $23,000 for the RoughRiders Foundation through sponsorships, registrations, a silent auction and raffle and mulligan sales.

Boxed lunches were donated by Chick-fil-A at Preston Road and Highway 121, and dinner was donated and catered by Chuy’s on the Tollway.

27 foursomes competed in the ‘Riders Classic; 12 of which included RoughRiders pitchers Justin Miller, Richard Bleier, Jake Brigham, Ben Snyder, Corey Young, and Tyler Tufts. Other RoughRiders who participated were infielders Davis Stoneburner and Tom Mendonca, as well as pitching coach, Jeff Andrews.

“The RoughRiders are extremely thankful to have such fantastic charitable support from our players, sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders,” commented Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament and registering to golf, we raised a significant amount of money for our foundation partners and community programs.”

In 2011, the RoughRiders Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Miracle League of Frisco. The money raised from the 2011 ‘Riders Classic will help fund these partners as well as the RoughRiders Foundation’s scholarship and grant donation programs.

United Healthcare’s foursome pauses for a quick picture. Photos by Falcon Photography

RiverDogs Team Up with Area Youngsters for HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League

Heathcott and Murphy instruct PlayToday! Foundation kids

Charleston-RiverDogsWhether they make it to high school ball or the Major Leagues, everyone has memories of playing wiffle ball in the street or backyard. Members of the HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League had the privilege of learning some wiffle ball skills and tricks from future New York Yankees on Saturday, June 11.

Charleston RiverDogs center fielder Slade Heathcott, and catcher J.R. Murphy, tutored the youngsters in a two-hour session at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park Saturday morning.

The HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League (HWBL) is presented by the PlayToday! Foundation, in partnership with the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Commission and the Charleston Miracle League. The goal of the HWBL is to provide 8-12 year old children from underprivileged backgrounds a chance to participate in an organized sports league over the summer.

PlayToday-logo“We are happy to team with the HWBL and the PlayToday! Foundation,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our ‘Be Your Own Fan’ philosophy is affording each and every child a chance to grow up with the game of baseball. This is a great step in that direction, and we’re pleased our players feel the same way.”

Following the instruction, all participants capped off a memorable morning with a game, supervised by the RiverDogs’ two newly minted SAL All-Stars.

In addition to the lessons learned from being part of a team, the HWBL is designed to boost children’s self-esteem, and encourage exercise and overall physical fitness through nutritional guidance. Throughout the season, prominent members of the Charleston community will take time to address the children and answer questions about what it takes to succeed in today’s world.

CSC-Wiffle Ball DSCN1172