Joplin relief efforts total over $6,500

Club has held jersey, memorabilia auctions during homestand

Naturals' catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)
Naturals’ catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals visited the tornado stricken city of Joplin, Missouri on Monday on the heels of a six-game homestand that saw the Naturals collect $6,659.66 in donations and nearly $7,000 total in cash and items to contribute to the relief effort.

The donations will be made to the Red Cross of Northwest Arkansas and highlighted during the game during a short check presentation on the field.

Catcher Ryan Eigsti along with left-handed pitcher Buddy Baumann, General Manager Eric Edelstein, and the Naturals’ mascot Strike visited Joplin earlier Monday to assist in serving a lunch to tornado victims and volunteers helping with the relief efforts.

During the first five games of the Naturals’ current six-game homestand, the club has held a jersey auction, sports memorabilia auction, nightly post-game launch-a-ball, and optional donations at Red Dirt Outfitters. The club also extended an offer for free tickets for Joplin residents during this homestand.

In addition, the Naturals’ parent club, the Kansas City Royals, via its Royals Charities non-profit arm made a $25,000 donation to Heart to Heart International for its relief efforts in the city of Joplin. In addition, Royals fans generously contributed more than $18,000 during an in-stadium collection held earlier this homestand that will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Mississippi Braves and Bass Pro Shops Flood Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves along with Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, and Uncle Bucks Grills have joined forces to aid the victims of the Mississippi River Floods.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, The Braves and Bass Pro Shops presented a $5,000 check to The Salvation Army to help jump start the relief effort. Furthermore, prominent members of the community such as Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner, Vice President of Business Development for MiLB Tina Gust, and Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers came to show their support and encouragement during this tragic time. The Salvation Army’s Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, MS State Representative Ray Rogers, and MS State Senator Dean Kirby also attended the pre-game ceremony.

The Braves further aided the cause by donating 100% of the revenue generated by a special silent auction during the game. The silent auction featured various items for fans to bid on, such as autographed baseballs, bats, photos, and jerseys of various Braves players.

As a further way of providing assistance, the M-Braves encouraged fans to donate items such as clothing, shoes, water, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items to The Salvation Army. The Braves did so by providing fans who donated items to the cause a 50 percent discount on field seat tickets. Plus, the first 500 fans that donated items to the relief effort received their choice of a free Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann or Jeff Francoeur 8 x 10 color photo.

The Braves are still encouraging fans to continue to donate items for the relief effort, and drop them off at Trustmark Park throughout the year.

Check presentation to The Salvation Army. (From left to Right: General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Patrick Renegar, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, and General Manager of the Mississippi Braves Steve DeSalvo
General Manager Steve DeSalvo helping load the donated items onto the Salvation Army Truck.

Mississippi Braves Partner with the Salvation Army for Southeastern Tornado Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, Gwinnett and Rome Braves, 680 the Fan and Rock 100.5, corporate partners, and The Salvation Army have joined forces to raise money, awareness, and support for the Southeastern tornado relief efforts. The Mississippi Braves parent club began the effort Monday, May 2, by donating $100,000 to The Salvation Army.

As Atlanta’s AA team in the heart of Mississippi, the M-Braves will be a central location in the Jackson Metro Area for a drive to collect the most needed items for the victims of the devastating tornados.

“The tragic impact these tornados have had on the entire Southeast Region have greatly impacted all of our lives and the community in which we live,” said M-Braves General Manager, Steve DeSalvo. “As a member of this great community, it is important that we work together to rebuild what was lost which is why the M-Braves wish to help in any way we can.”

In response to this announcement, Ken Chapman, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/ Corps Officer, remarked, “The Salvation Army has always regarded the Braves as wonderful corporate citizens and we are grateful for their caring hearts to serve those in need during this time of devastation.”

Currently, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams have been deployed and are in the process of helping the thousands of people in need. In addition, The Salvation Army is asking for various donations which will be distributed across the six states devastated by these brutal storms including Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Below is a list of the various items most needed:

· Household items (Laundry detergent, bleach, towels, bed sheets, blankets)
· Toiletries (Toothpaste, mouthwash, body soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, razors, toilet paper)
· Paper kitchen products (Disposable dishes, utensils, cups, paper towels
· Baby Products (Diapers, formula, baby powder)
· Cleaning supplies (Mops, brooms, Lysol, trash bags)
· Flashlights
· First-aid kits
· Non-perishable food items (Canned/packaged food, bottled water, sports drinks)
· School supplies (paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, book bags, folders, etc.)

The Staten Island Yankees Host the First Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

The Staten Island Yankees helped support the Staten Island Children’s Campaign by hosting a fundraising event on May 22, 2011. The fundraiser was held both inside and outside of Richmond County Bank Ballpark, gathering the community together in an effort to support the local non-profit organizations of Staten Island.

Touch-A-Truck events take place throughout the country and allow children to participate in a fun-filled day of exploring and learning about their favorite trucks and other vehicles. Guests were allowed to climb inside, honk the horns, sit in the passenger seat, and take pictures with the twenty plus trucks that were located in the parking lot. While the trucks and majority of the event took place in the parking lot, other events such as face painting, tattoos, coloring, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, and the excitement of inflatable’s were held on the field and were enjoyed by kids of all ages.

The Staten Island Children’s Campaign is a charitable trust sponsored by the Staten Island Advance to raise funds for 17 non-profit organizations that provide educational, health, recreational, and counseling services to 60,000 underprivileged children on Staten Island.

Every dollar raised by the campaign is equally distributed among the following groups: American Cancer Society of Staten Island, Catholic Youth Organization, Camelot Counseling Center, Children’s Aid Society-Goodhue Center, Community Resources, Geller House-Jewish Board of Family & Children Services, Grace Foundation, Have a Heart Foundation, Jewish Community Center, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mt. Loretto, Project Hospitality; Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island Mental Health Society, the YMCA, United Activities Unlimited, and the Universal Temple of the Arts.

Over 2,300 tickets were sold for the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event, raising over $17,000 for the Staten Island Children’s Campaign. The Staten Island Yankees would like to thank the following companies for their support: The Staten Island Advance, AFL-CIO, Spectra Energy, Manfredi Auto Group, Verizon, Atlantic Express, Scaran Heating, Staten Island Towing and all of the non-profit organizations that are part of the Staten Island Children’s campaign. We are looking forward to next year’s event!

Kids of all ages enjoyed the trucks and activities at the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event.

Mariners announce “100 Bike Giveaway” in honor of Bike Virginia

The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski announce bike giveaway to benefit NRV Christmas Stores

(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman
(L to R) Wayne Carpenter, Angie Covey, Mona Whitteker, Mark Nichols, and Abby Lyman

PULASKI, VA – The Pulaski Mariners, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and LewisGale Hospital – Pulaski wish to honor the Bike Virginia participants by starting a “100 Bike Giveaway” donation to benefit local Christmas stores in the New River Valley.

The goal is to donate 100 bicycles to children or adults in need. Residents are encouraged to donate new and used bikes that will be divided between each of the Christmas Stores of the New River Valley.

Walmart stores in the region have taken the initiative of donating the first 10 bicycles to the “100 Bike Giveaway”. The Walmart stores of Wytheville, Galax, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, Stuart, and Martinsville have each generously donated a bike. And the Walmart stores of Dublin and Fairlawn have each donated two bikes.

Cash donations are also welcomed and can be made out and sent to the Pulaski Christmas Store, P.O. Box 2464 Pulaski, VA 24301. The Pulaski Christmas Store will be the coordinating charitable recipient and donations may be tax deductable. Cash donations can also be sent to any of the three title sponsors of the “100 Bike Giveaway”. In general, a $50.00 donation is sufficient to buy a new child’s bicycle.

The deadline to donate bikes for the “100 Bike Giveaway” will be on Friday, June 24th, 2011. Bike totals will be announced at Calfee Park on June 25th before the Pulaski Mariners take on the Princeton Rays at 6:00 pm.

Bikes may be dropped off at the Southwest Times, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, or Calfee Park during regular business hours.

For any questions about the “100 Bike Giveaway”, please contact Peggy White at 540-674-1991 or Abby Lyman at 540-980-1070.

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

Ports Hit Home Run with Challenger Little League Game

The Stockton Ports and District 8 Little League hit a home run yesterday, May 12, after hosting the first Challenger Little League game at Banner Island Ballpark. Participants from the Special Children’s Sports League took to the diamond Thursday with the Stockton Ports players for what some might say the highlight of their little league careers.

“You could just tell how much fun the kids were having,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “This was the first time that we have held an event like this, and it was a huge success. I think our Ports players had just as much fun as the kids did! We are already looking forward to having another game next season!”

It was the orange Tigers versus the maroon Bulldogs, but it was all friendly competition. With on-field MC ‘Hot Rod’ on the mic introducing each batter, every child had a chance at bat with help from their buddies as well as the Ports players. Pitchers Scott Deal, AJ Huttenlocker, Dan Straily, Murphy Smith, as well as position players Rashun Dixon, Michael Choice, Max Stassi, Mitch LeVier, and Myrio Richard, took part in the event and couldn’t have been happier to be involved. When AJ Huttenlocker was told that a hug from him had made a little girl’s day, he in turn said, “No, she made mine.”

At the end of the game, everyone gathered together for a big group photo and autographs from the Ports players. This gave all the parents and families the opportunity to snap a few photos of their children with the Ports and mascot Splash.

A special ‘thank you’ to Dee Dee Martinez, District 8 Little League Administrator, for helping put the event together.

Ports pitcher AJ Huttenlocker hangs out with one of his biggest fans.
Group shot with Ports mascot Splash.

Akron Aeros, Fans Turn Triple Play: Donations Made to Alabama Tornado Relief Fund, Relay for Life & Local Challenger Baseball League This Past Weekend

The Akron Aeros were pleased to contribute to three worthwhile causes this past weekend.

Friday night, the Aeros teamed up with TTR Shipping of Stow, OH, to collect donations for the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund. Aeros fans stepped up donating more than 1,300 items, including clothing, toys, toiletries and non-perishable food items to the cause. These donations helped fill a 53’ tractor trailer that left Akron this weekend en route to Alabama.

As part of the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the Aeros wore special pink jerseys on Mother’s Day. Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to bid on game-worn jerseys of the entire roster with proceeds benefitting Relay for Life. Aeros fans raised more than $2,800 for the continued search for a cure for cancer.

Following Sunday’s Aeros game, the local Challenger baseball leagues of Barberton, Canton, Tallmadge, and Tuscarawas County played a game at Canal Park.  Challenger Baseball provides children and young adults from ages five to 22 with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. Aeros front office members, players and coaches participated in Sunday’s event with the challenger participants, by helping them run the bases and field ground balls, as well as signing autographs and posing for a team photo following their game.

The Akron Aeros also donated autographed merchandise to the Barberton Challenger League to raise funds for the State Tournament they are hosting in July. The silent auction raised nearly $500 for the tournament.

“We had an amazing weekend at Canal Park and Aeros fans showed heart-warming generosity in support of those in need. The Aeros would like to thank those fans who brought items to donate to the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund and those who contributed to Relay for Life. Our entire front office staff and players enjoyed hosting the Challenger Baseball group and hopefully created some fantastic memories for all participants,” Aeros Chief Operating Officer JIM PFANDER said.

For information on additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com

Nicole Blum, Community Relations Coordinator, sorts boxes of items donated by Aeros’ fans last Friday. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)
Aeros players high-five their Challenger Baseball teammates. (Photo courtesy of Akroon Aeros)
The Akron Aeros pose with the Challenger Baseball team for a group photo after Sunday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)

Frisco RoughRiders Players Support the Frisco Miracle League

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, Frisco RoughRiders players Davis Stoneburner, Elio Sarmiento, Justin Miller and Guilder Rodriguez visited the Frisco Miracle League fields to play baseball with children who had mental or physical disabilities.

The RoughRiders Entertainment Crew, mascots and various staff members joined the fun to entertain the crowd, and players, with various skits during inning breaks.

Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, also made a special appearance at the event to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.

“This is the 4th consecutive year we’ve had RoughRiders Day with the Frisco Miracle League,” Michael Davidow, director of the RoughRiders Foundation said, “It’s grown every year and it’s one of those special events our players can’t wait to attend.”

RoughRiders players pitched to kids, helped refine their fielding skills and signed autographs for everyone after the games.

“Frisco is very fortunate to have the RoughRiders in our city, and being a part of our community,” said Steve Johnson, Board Liason with the Frisco Miracle League, “The players, mascots and staff mean so much to our players.”

For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, please visit, www.ridersbaseball.com/foundation.

RoughRiders seconbaseman, Davis Stoneburner.
RoughRiders shortstop, Guilder Rodriguez.
RoughRiders mascot, Deuce, Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, and RoughRiders pitcher, Justin Miller.

Sounds Connect With Hearing Impaired Children

(Nashville Sounds)
(Nashville Sounds)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three Nashville Sounds players spent part of their Monday morning at Greer Stadium as instructors for the team’s Annual Fantasy Baseball Camp for the Sylvan Park Elementary, West End Middle IB World Deaf and Hard of Hearing School, and Eakin Elementary, sponsored by Sertoma Club of Nashville.

Catcher Patrick Arlis and pitchers Justin James and Chase Wright provided hands-on instruction to a group of 35 children from the three schools.

Each of the players hosted stations for the camp attendees that featured pitching, hitting off a batting tee, and fielding. At the conclusion of camp, the three Sounds players joined the children for a picnic lunch and signed autographs.

The opportunity to take the field and receive instruction from professional baseball players was something valued by both the participants and the players.

“I like pitching, I want to practice throwing the ball real far, too, and fast. I’ve met a lot of the players, they’re good teachers. They show us how to do everything and they tell us the rules so we understand. They’re always joking around with us and giving us a hard time,” said Marquis, while communicating through an interpreter using sign language.

“Any time the kids can come out and get involved, it is good for both the kids and community,” said Arlis. “It shows the involvement that the organization has here in Nashville. It’s a great experience for these area students to learn about baseball.”

“It’s an amazing feeling when you have a chance to give back to the community that supports you,” said Heather Colvin, the team’s Director of Community Relations. “Watching the kids interact with the players and seeing just how much fun they are having is what it’s all about.”

“As soon as we start mentioning baseball camp, they get excited. They can’t wait to come to the game and see the players that they worked with at camp,” said Lori Reed, an Eakin Elementary Teacher.

The camp is also the continuation of a longstanding partnership between the team and the Sertoma Club.

“We’re delighted to be here,” said Pat Clarke with the Sertoma Club. “The kids are not used to this kind of stuff because they’re not as in the mainstream. It’s a big deal to the kids to come to Greer and play baseball with the Sounds players.”

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

RiverDogs Community Outreach Branches Out

Community outreach is nothing new to the Charleston RiverDogs as the leader of the Lowcountry’s professional sports team clearly sets the bar.  But in return for the overwhelming support the region has provided the RiverDogs over the years, the team is happy to extend itself in return.

At beautiful Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, that philanthropic spirit can be witnessed through our weekly “Dogs with a Cause Night,” where local nonprofit organizations promote their worthy causes to patrons at home games that fall on Mondays.  Away from the friendly confines, the “Be Your Own Fan” mission shines through in the “Reading and Running with the RiverDogs” program for schoolchildren, as well as monthly community service projects staffed by RiverDogs employees during the offseason.

This year, the RiverDogs are pleased to announce partnerships with Lowcountry Food Bank, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, Water Missions International and Teacher Supply Closet, which all position themselves to better help the Holy City and surrounding areas.

“Being a part of the mainstream community is vital to us and we’d like to think that we’re making a difference,” said General Manager Dave Echols.  “Of course, we offer wholesome, family entertainment at a most reasonable price and pretty good baseball at the same time.”

In conjunction with local grocer Piggly Wiggly, RiverDogs fans have the opportunity to aid the needy and catch every ballgame with a special two-for-one rate by donating two canned food items to the Lowcountry Food Bank.  With a grassroots network of more than 320 member agencies providing hunger-relief services throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina, the Lowcountry Food Bank has been a pillar in the Charleston community since 1983.

Our “Raising Cane Launch-A-Ball” promotion has long been a popular part of the gameday experience as fans purchase $1 tennis balls and takes aim at on-field targets after each game for the chance to win tickets and cash.

This season, however, one has the ability to “have a ball” while supplying funds for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy in their quest to lend a helping hand to emergency agencies and personnel in the Charleston area during emergency situations.  Half of the proceeds from the “Launch-A-Ball” postgame throw will be donated to the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, which has proven a comforting presence in trying times, including the 2007 Sofa Super Store tragic fire that claimed the lives of nine of Charleston’s firefighters.

On the concourse this season, the Riley Park faithful may notice the Living Water Treatment System that Water Missions International has provided.  A nonprofit Christian engineering organization, Water Missions International constructs these systems to allow for simple, durable water purification in developing countries and disaster areas.

Located near the left field line adjacent to the customer relations desk, Water Missions International is able to support a community of 3,000-5,000 people with the treated water.  The RiverDogs are pleased to provide the space and hope that loyal supporters will strive to find out how they can help provide clean water as “the source of life” and add to the more than two million people that have received relief and hope through Water Missions International’s work.

Last but certainly not least is the club’s alliance with the Teacher Supply Closet, which serves the educational needs of children in the Tri-county area by providing a unique means to offer free merchandise for teachers to use in their classrooms.  During all RiverDogs home games, fans are able to drop off items at the customer relations desk which go toward the Teacher Supply Closet’s goal to give every Lowcountry child the supplies they need to succeed in school.

With nearly the entire home slate still on tap, there are many chances to catch exciting RiverDogs action and “Be Your Own Fan” while jumping on board to strengthen the fiber of the Charleston community … like the RiverDogs have.

Akron Aeros Staff Volunteers at Mobile Meals for April Community Service Project

The Akron Aeros office staff took a break from the ballpark on Tuesday, April 19 to volunteer at Akron’s own local non-profit, Mobile Meals, as their monthly community service venture.

The group met at the Kenmore Senior Community Center and split into five driving routes to distribute frozen, hot and special-diet meals to residence in the Kenmore area. Elaine Seyerle, Mobile Meals’ Director of Case Management, showed the staff how to decipher routes and read food orders, helping the group to deliver a portion of the 3,500 meals the organization provides daily to the elderly, disabled individuals and children.

“I really enjoyed delivering the food. Everyone greeted us at the door with a smile. I could just see how grateful they were,” said TYLER McNUTT, Akron Aeros Sales Associate.

After the routes were completed, the Aeros staff arrived at the Mobile Meals headquarters for an education session and a tour of the facility.

“It’s amazing to see all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. They are truly a great asset to this community, and I really hope other people take notice and volunteer,” said MIKE LINK, Akron Aeros Group Sales Representative.

Mobile Meals offers not only meal and supplement delivery, but also grocery shopping services, dining centers and nutrition education and counseling to North Eastern Ohio.

For more information on volunteering and getting involved with Mobile Meals, visit their website at www.mobilemealsinc.org.

Aeros’ staff Brett Joyce, Nate Michel and Sierra Sawtelle organize driving routes for their meal deliveries.
Aeros’ staff Nicole Blum and Steve Baer help one another with loading meals into the vehicles.

Perdue Collects 9,395 lbs. to Strike Out Hunger

All-Star Game initiative off to great start

An employee-led food drive to support the “Strike Out Hunger” Campaign on Delmarva generated more than 9,350 pounds of non-perishable food items to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Eastern Shore Branch of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

Building on a company commitment to fighting hunger in our communities, Perdue is sponsoring the 2011 “Strike Out Hunger” South Atlantic League All-Star Game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on behalf of the three Feeding America-affiliated food banks serving Delmarva.

The associated “Strike Out Hunger” Campaign, which will run until the June 21 game, is focused on raising food donations and funds, and encouraging volunteer efforts all across Delmarva to benefit the three food banks.

As Andrea Williams, vice president and controller of Perdue Foods and Maryland Food Bank Advisory Board member, explains, “The ‘Strike Out Hunger’ campaign is a community effort. It’s not a Perdue effort alone, but our associates stepped up to encourage the rest of Delmarva to join Perdue, the Shorebirds and our food banks to strike out hunger on Delmarva. This shows what can happen when people combine their efforts to help the hungry in our communities.”

The two-week food drive engaged associates from Perdue facilities on Delmarva. Associates were able to donate enough food to the three food banks combined to provide more than 7,200 meals for families and individuals on Delmarva.

On April 12, associate volunteers helped unload and sort 3,638 pounds of donated items to the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank in Salisbury.

“For 25 years, Perdue has been dedicated to the support of the Maryland Food Bank’s mission,” said Eastern Shore branch manager Jennifer Small. “This is another example of that relationship.”

The Eastern Shore branch of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia received 1,218 pounds of food, all from the Perdue Accomac processing plant associates.

“I am truly proud and excited for the Accomac Processing Plant and all of their associates. In a relatively short amount of time they collected over 1,200 pounds of food,” said branch manager Charmin Horton. “We are very grateful to Perdue for all of the support they give to the food bank, not only during this ‘Strike Out Hunger’ campaign, but throughout the year.”

In Delaware, associates, including those at the Georgetown and Milford plants, donated 4,539 pounds of food, which benefitted the Food Bank of Delaware.

“I was amazed how the Perdue team jumped up and started collecting,” said Food Bank of Delaware Milford Branch Manager Crystal Timmons. “They showed us how working as a team makes things so much stronger. The Food Bank of Delaware is blessed to have so many partners stepping up to the plate for ‘Strike Out Hunger.'”

This article first appeared on the official website of the Delmarva Shorebirds.  Click here to read the original story.

 

SHOREBIRDS EXCEED CANNED FOOD GOAL AND LIFT BAN ON SHERMAN

Club Collects 973 Pounds of Canned Food Items to Help “Strike Out Hunger”

The Delmarva Shorebirds, the class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are thrilled to announce that the club has collected 973 pounds of canned food items to benefit the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign associated with 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game presented by Perdue.  Therefore, Sherman the Shorebird, who was banned last week from Perdue Stadium until the club accumulated at least 500 pounds, has been saved.  Sherman will be able to attend Tuesday night’s exhibition game against Salisbury University and the rest of the games because of the generosity of the community.

The “Strike Out Hunger” campaign was developed in conjunction with Perdue and the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game, which will be contested on June 21 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.  The campaign is focused on raising food donations and funds, and encouraging volunteer efforts to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Eastern Shore Branch of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

The Shorebirds kicked off the canned food drive by collecting over 200 pounds of food at the 9th Annual Hot Stove Banquet at The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center.

More recently, on March 26 at the annual Fan Fest event, fans contributed nearly 275 pounds of canned food items.  The Shorebirds also raised $124 dollars for the initiative at Fan Fest.

“I was a little worried for Sherman when we banned him from the ballpark, but the overwhelming generosity of our community was amazing,” said general manager Chris Bitters.  “The Strike Out Hunger campaign is off to a great start.”

The Shorebirds also received a significant contribution from Ovations Food Services employees and members of the Delmarva Shorebirds Fan Club.

Sherman the Shorebird will be in attendance on Tuesday, April 5 when the Shorebirds play an exhibition game against Salisbury University at 7:05 p.m.  Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to the game.  Drop boxes will be located right inside the main entrance to the stadium.

Grace Church Forms Double Play Combo with the Fort Myers Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle Professional Baseball Club teamed up with Grace Church to provide toys this Holiday season for the less fortunate. The Miracle donated hats, baseballs, shirts, blankets and jackets, while Grace Church distributed the items to those in need.
We are thrilled with the donation that the Miracle Baseball Club made to our Christmas Gift Giveaway. We were able to assist over 100 children with Christmas gifts, and the Club’s huge donation served as a way for us not to have to turn anyone away, there were gifts for everyone, even those who hadn’t signed up in advance,” said Pastor Arlene Jackson.

“The Miracle are happy to support charitable organizations that positively impact our community,” said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner.
Grace Church is located in downtown Fort Myers. The campus during the past month, collected toys that were given away to needy families on Christmas Eve.

Grace Church at 2415 Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, is dedicated to serving and forming relationships with the local neighborhood and offers a free meal and worship service every Wednesday night as well as free Sunday morning breakfast before and during their two worship services at 10 & 11:30am. They are also open to partnerships with other organizations to provide meals, clothing and other services.

Fisher Cats Partake in Annual Day of Caring

Members of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats front office spent Wednesday morning volunteering their services at the New Hampshire Food Bank in Manchester and the Londonderry Toys for Tots as a part of the club’s annual Day of Caring.  The Fisher Cats front office also participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program and contributed gifts to local family in need during the holidays.

“It’s the very least that we can do as an organization and as individuals,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner.  “These special organizations and their volunteers work tirelessly to make a positive difference in so many lives, especially during the holidays. We’re just honored to lend a hand.”

Half of the Fisher Cats staff headed to the New Hampshire Food Bank warehouse in Manchester where they assisted the Food Bank staff in sorting donated food items in preparation for delivery.  The other half of the Fisher Cats staff visited the Londonderry Toys for Tots headquarters and helped with organizing donated toys and readying them for distribution.

Earlier in the week, a local family participating in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program visited Merchantsauto.com Stadium and received gifts including toys, clothes and Fisher Cats merchandise donated by each member of the Fisher Cats front office staff.

“There is no better feeling than knowing you can help to make someone’s holiday season a little bit brighter,” said Danielle Matteau, Fisher Cats Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs.  “As a staff, we just feel fortunate that we are able to make a difference.”