Autism group gets $1K grant from G-Braves

A local autism support group is the latest recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves.

On Monday, the G-Braves announced that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. would be awarded its December grant. The money will be used to support the organization’s social skills program for children ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

“When the economy suffers, small nonprofits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give,” Spectrum president Claire Dees said. “But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else.”

The Suwanee-based organization was founded in 1998 and provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

At its monthly meetings, the social skills program allows 50 to 80 children to enjoy interactive and fun activities that focus on social lessons.

For more information on Spectrum, visit www.atl-spectrum.com

12Stone Church doles out Holiday Meals at Coolray Field

Hundreds of cars lined Ga. Highway 20 in Lawrenceville on Saturday afternoon, waiting for their turn in the parking lot of Coolray Field.

Heartfelt cries of “God bless you” and “Merry Christmas” poured from vehicles as unemployed families by the thousands patiently and happily filed through, volunteers from 12Stone Church and a number of partners doling out turkeys, hams and groceries to those in need this holiday season.

“It just means such a great deal,” said Ladonna Smith, leaving with a turkey for her family’s Christmas dinner. “It’s such a blessing, especially being unemployed and having kids.”

After police officers directed folks into the lot, a stone’s throw from the Gwinnett Braves’ stadium, volunteers-turned-traffic-managers orchestrated what turned out to be a smoothly run operation.

Cars were organized into four separate lanes, with pallets full of goodies stacked intermittently in between.

An estimated 250 volunteers cheerfully took requests from waiting recipients. All told, 12Stone distributed 2,500 meals Saturday.

“I love helping people,” church volunteer Cathy Minter said. “They’ve been so thankful. They’re wishing us a merry Christmas, but what I’m getting back from them … I just can’t explain it. I just love it.”

12Stone partnered with HoneyBaked Ham Corp., Kroger, Signature Foods and the G-Braves to provide “a meal and more.” Each family went home with a HoneyBaked ham or turkey, a week’s worth of groceries and a voucher for four tickets to a 2011 Gwinnett Braves game.

The church had already given 3,000 packages to unemployed members, friends and neighbors of the congregation. In all, the 5,500 packages distributed totaled more than $1 million in goods and services.

“It’s been amazing,” Minter said. “We love to serve people. And that’s what God wants us to do.”

As testament to the tough economic times, cars lined up at nearby gas station hours before the giveaway scheduled for 1 p.m., jockeying to make sure their family got a real Christmas dinner.

“This just helps you to be thankful for every day of life,” recipient Terena Harris said. “Especially in times like this you need to be very thankful that people can maintain groups like this, and you can have a meal on the table.”

Added husband John: “We just really appreciate it.”

This article by Tyler Estep originally appeared in the Gwinnett Daily Post on December 18, 2010.

Squirrels Double Efforts for Toys for Tots

Team Collects Nearly 17 Bins of Toys at 2nd Annual Holiday Party

Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys during the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inaugural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to participate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffle.

Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

Legends Present Check to Pike Recovery Committee

Country music fans enjoyed a great night of entertainment September 24 at Applebee’s Park, home of the Lexington Legends, and victims of flooding in Pike County benefited as a result.

With funds generated by a special concert ticket promotion, the Legends presented a check in the amount of $16,560 to the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. The Committee is a volunteer organization based in Pike County that provides relief for victims of the July 17 flooding.

Tickets to the concert, which featured Randy Travis, LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan, could be purchased with a special promotional code which placed $20 of the $37 ticket price into a fund for the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc.

The Legends also provided concert tickets free of charge to flood victims.

Legends representatives joined local and state government officials, as well as representatives of the Kentucky Coal Association and other businesses and organizations, for the check presentation ceremony Friday morning at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

” We’re very proud to be part of this effort,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “The flood victims face a difficult challenge, and we hope this will help as they move forward.”

Left to right: Lexington Legends account executive Scott Hamilton, “Big L,” and Randy Johnson of the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. hold a replica of a check for $16,560 that was presented Friday by the Legends to the committee to benefit flood victims.

RiverDogs, ServiceMaster Combine to Donate $10,000 to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction

The Charleston RiverDogs initiative of “Be Your Own Fan” took another leap as the club, which recently partnered with ServiceMaster, combined to make a $10,000 donation to NASCAR great Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction.

The $10,000 will go to a scholarship for Lowcountry children to attend Victory Junction, which has a direct tie with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospital.

Victory Junction located in Petty’s hometown of Randleman, NC, is a camp that is designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe and medically-sound environment.  The program offers a week of exhilarating, challenging and nurturing fun under comprehensive, but unobtrusive, 24-hour medical supervision.

The RiverDogs and ServiceMaster teamed for a season-long promotion. For each RiverDogs victory, ServiceMaster of Charleston and the RiverDogs donated funds to Victory Junction.

“We were honored to have the opportunity to team up with Lawton Hayes and the good people at ServiceMaster of Charleston in support of Victory Junction,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “We, as an organization, are happy to make the contribution to this worthy organization, and congratulate Victory Junction on their successful mission.”

“Whenever I get to spend time with people that help make a positive impact on Victory Junction, it’s a great night,” said Petty.  “It’s corporations like ServiceMaster that have stepped up to help send kids to camp that make a difference and help us to continue our mission in serving these kids and their families.”

Victory Junction Night on Aug. 31 featured Petty, a part-time Isle of Palms resident who was on hand to sign autographs and help raise money.  The NASCAR tire changing simulator was on location at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and fans made a donation for the opportunity to win a Richard Petty Ride-along experience. The fans with the fastest tire change were declared the winner.

Representatives from Victory Junction were on hand to visit with fans and provide information about Victory Junction.

RiverDogs Staff Help Out at Habitat for Humanity

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. On October 22, ten members of the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

The team met Friday morning to assist with the ongoing restoration and renovation of the home of Beatrice Dennis.  Since acquiring the the property, Dennis’ home has developed serious structural problems,including crumbling supports and rotting wood, which have led to a serious Eastward lean.  If it were not for a new partnership between the Historic Charleston Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Charleston, Dennis may have been forced to continue living in a deteriorating home or move elsewhere, but fortunately that is not the case.  The three organizations have combined forces to renovate the house for Dennis and her family along with the help of community volunteers, including the Charleston RiverDogs staff.

The Historic Charleston Foundation is helping to preserve the home’s exterior, but the inside of the home, however, will resemble a new Habitat home. The Foundation supported the interior renovation to ensure that Dennis and her family would be able to afford to stay there.

“Knowing that this is not just a house, but rather the home of a real family in our community makes this project so special.  I am thankful for the opportunity to lend a hand to Beatrice and her family, and I hope that they have many years of happy memories to come, in this home” stated Sarah Ward, RiverDogs Director of Community Relations.  Habitat and the Foundation are seeking other homes that owner-occupied and somewhat historic to help this way.

Charleston Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit housing organization.  The organization provides affordable home ownership opportunities, whether it be new home construction or home repair, for working families of moderate income in Charleston and North Charleston.   For more information, to donate, or to volunteer please visit www.charlestonhabitat.org.

RiverDogs staff member Mike Petrini works on the house of Beatrice Dennis

BLUE ROCKS DONATE NEARLY $750,000 TO LOCAL CAUSES

Team’s Efforts with Marketing Partners & Fans Touch Thousands

The Wilmington Blue Rocks continued their commitment of giving back to the community throughout the 2010 season. The year saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, raise $744,721.99 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum includes many different types of contributions including cash, tickets and services.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2010 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Below is a breakdown of the team’s efforts in the community during the campaign:

Cash Donations – $19,115

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were able to donate $19,115 to local organizations in 2010. These donations included Little League sponsorships, specialty game-worn memorabilia auctions, ticket kickbacks, and a sponsorship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware.

During select games, the Blue Rocks wore special jerseys or hats. That apparel was then auctioned and raffled off during those games. Some items were auctioned off online as well. Below are a few examples:

Boots on the Ground – Blue Rocks wore Camo hats
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition – Blue Rocks wore Pink jerseys
B+ Foundation – Blue Rocks wore Throwback jerseys

Other organizations that benefited from this included: The Ronnie Williams Foundation, the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, and the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation.

Ticket Donations – 66,798 tickets, Value – $601,182

Each year, the Blue Rocks are able to accommodate almost every donation request. Through those donation requests, school programs, and by offering bulk tickets to select local organizations (Kind to Kids, USO Delaware, Delaware Police Departments, and more), the Blue Rocks were able to donate almost 67,000 tickets for the 2010 season.

Centerplate Concession Stand Money – $63,149.99

During the 2010 season, local organizations had the opportunity to work the concession stands during Blue Rocks games. In exchange, Centerplate, the concessionaire for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, gave them a portion of the revenue from that game. Throughout the season, over $63,000 was donated to these organizations for their efforts.

Non-Ticket Donations – $21,575

These donations are for extraordinary cases that call for something extra special. Non-ticket donations consist of:

Luxury Suites
Experience Items (first pitches, on-field inclusion)
Autographed Items (bats, baseballs)
Merchandise/Promo Items
Blue Rocks Baseball Camp Scholarships
Used Baseballs/Gloves/Equipment

Advertising Donations – $8,500

During home games, the Blue Rocks allowed select non-profits to promote themselves or upcoming events. This promotion was executed through the use of the RocksVision video board, the public address system, and by providing concourse tables.

Speaking Appearances

The Blue Rocks Front Office donated over 50 hours of their time to speak at community events. These events included speaking to children at local elementary schools, high schools, and colleges about careers in sports, and speaking to local organizations about the Blue Rocks.

Player Appearances

Wilmington Blue Rocks Players made many appearances over the 2010 season. Some of these appearances included visiting the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (at least once a month), a youth detention center, local schools, United Cerebral Palsy’s summer camp, as well as other local summer camps.

Mascot Appearances – $7,500

Rocky Bluewinkle visited 196 community events this year. (Spanned over 240 hours; Value of free or discounted appearances – $7,500).

In-Stadium Fundraising at Frawley Stadium – $23,700

The Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to select charitable organizations during home games, and enabled them to raise money for their respective causes. Money was raised by selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, and by collecting donations. There have also been a number of check presentations before Blue Rocks games during the 2010 season.

K’s for Kids: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware donated money every time a Blue Rocks pitcher recorded a strikeout at home. At the end of the season, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Base Learning Initiative: SBLI Life Insurance donated money for each Blue Rocks stolen base during a home game. At the end of the season, BooksFirst! was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Bases for Happy Faces: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Bear Babe Ruth Baseball League Miracle League Field project.
B+ Score for the Cure: AstraZeneca donated money for each Blue Rocks run scored at home. At the end of the season, the B+ Foundation was presented with a $5,000 check.

Miscellaneous

Make-A-Wish Night: On Aug. 31, the Blue Rocks hosted Make-A-Wish Night. Wish Kids were treated like stars. They were able to participate in some unique activities before and during the game, and they received lots of autographs and free stuff.
Challenger Little League: The Blue Rocks continued the tradition of working with the Challenger Little League to host its season’s Opening Ceremonies. Each player was introduced individually, and all teams get to play on Judy Johnson Field.
Stadium Tours: The Blue Rocks offer stadium tours for free. Tours are usually 30 minutes long. In 2010, the Blue Rocks hosted 60 tours, many to community organizations with little to no funding.
Toy Drive: The Blue Rocks were once again, able to contribute toys to the Mary Campbell Center. Rocky Claus surprised guests at the Mary Campbell Center’s youth and children holiday party with a sack full of donated toys.

Tackling Childhood Obesity

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are committed to tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity. To do so, the Blue Rocks have partnered with local programs like Nemours Health and Prevention Services, Titus Sports Academy (CHAMPIONS program), and Girls on the Run. Through these partnerships the Blue Rocks have been able to reward kids who participate in health/fitness-related extracurricular activities.

One of the many visits by Blue Rocks players and team mascot Rocky Bluewinkle to A.I. duPont Hospital included (left-to-right): Rocky, Ivor Hodgson, Buddy Baumann, Barry Bowden, Adrian Ortiz. (Photo by Dave Arthur)

Public Safety Agencies Educate at Coolray Field

Gwinnett County’s public safety agencies want residents to know what they do to keep the community safe.

The Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services joined together Saturday for the first Public Safety Fall Festival at Coolray Field, the home of the Gwinnett Braves.

The event featured dozens of displays and demonstrations from the police and fire departments, including specialized units like SWAT, Ground Search and Rescue, HazMat and Swift Water Rescue. Several other governmental and nonprofit agencies were also on hand to provide safety information.

“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Officer Jeffery Richter, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Police Department. “This joint venture has gone off better than we could have ever hoped.”

Richter said the festival provided a stress-free, fun-filled environment for the community to interact with public safety officials.

Saturday’s event also served as a kickoff for National Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County, said Capt. Thomas Rutledge, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Fire Department.

“This is an opportunity to reach people we don’t normally interact with,” Rutledge said. “We want to let them know we’re here to protect them and help them protect themselves.”

Buford resident Kim Arakas and her family came to the festival to see the police and fire vehicles and learn about public safety.

“It was one of those free family events that looked like it would be educational for the kids,” she said. “We learned things as well.”

Haydee Nunez, who lives in Lawrenceville, brought her children and her nephew to the event because they are in Cub Scouts.

“It’s good for them to know about safety,” she said. “I thought it would be good awareness for the kids.”

This article by Heather Darenberg originally appeared in the Gwinnett Daily Post on October 2, 2010

Jonathan Phillips Dressed as a firefighter, Carter Bromley checks out one of the fire department’s ladder trucks during the Public Safety Fall Festival at Coolray Field on Saturday. The festival included demonstrations, safety information, softball games between the Gwinnett County fire and police departments and fun activities for children. (Staff Photo from Gwinnett Daily Post)

OceanFirst Donates $30k Through HRs for Heroes

OceanFirst Foundation donated $30,000 to local military-based charities in 2010 as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program with the BlueClaws.

Home Runs for Heroes, presented by OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM, pairs nine military-based charities with positions on the field (including designated hitter, not including pitcher).

Every time a BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, one of the nine charities received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

“When our young men and women leave to serve their country, they leave families behind here in the States. We support those organizations that help those families and we support those organizations that help our soldiers when they come home,” said OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardelli.

Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix led the way with $8,000, $7,000 of which came courtesy of home runs by BlueClaws first baseman Jonathan Singleton.

VETGROUP, which benefitted from five home runs by BlueClaws catcher Sebastian Valle, earned $6,000.

Below are the 2010 standings in full:

Organization Position Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix 1B 8 $8,000
VETGROUP C 6 $6,000
American Red Cross RF 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities CF 3 $3,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Lakehurst LF 3 $3,000
NJ National Guard Family Readiness SS 2 $2,000
A.R.M.S DH 2 $2,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Earle 2B 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Monmouth 3B 0 $1,000

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.

OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardell (center, with trophy) presents checks to recipients.

RiverDogs Volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief

During the off-season, the RiverDogs choose one day each month to work with a local nonprofit organization.  The day away from the office gives the staff a chance to give back to the Charleston community as well as a team building opportunity.  For September the RiverDogs staff spent the day with Lowcountry Orphan Relief.

Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing goods and services to children that are victims of abandonment, abuse or neglect.  The goal of the organization is to ensure that children coming in to the system will have in their possession clothes, toiletries, school supplies, and any other personal items within 48 hours.  Located in North Charleston, the facility is stocked with underwear, socks, toiletries, books, toys, and a “clothing closet,” all of which are donated to the organization.  In addition to providing necessities, LOR hosts fun events for these children to be enriched, nurtured, and loved.

On September 22, the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  The staff began the day by sorting clothing and book  donations.  Shelving and supplies were rearranged to make room for new supplies to be unloaded from the donations truck.  The team worked to put together packages of age appropriate items to fill the orders for needy children that are constantly being received by LOR.

RiverDogs staff volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Dream House receives G-Braves grant

The Gwinnett Braves announced recently that the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves September grant.

The $1,000 grant will be used to cover unreimbursed direct care costs associated with the Family For Keeps Transition Care Program. The proven Family for Keeps program provides education and services enabling families to care for these children at home. This gives children with complex health care needs a chance to be part of a loving home where they are valued and cared for effectively.

“We are very grateful for local friends, such as the Gwinnett Braves Foundation,” said Kim Marks, Chief Program Officer, Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. “The community’s support is vital so that Dream House may continue to provide transition care services to the medically fragile children we serve in the Gwinnett area and across the state.”

Gwinnett Braves General Manager North Johnson will present a ceremonial check to the Dream House during the non-profit’s 8th Annual Music-on-Main fundraiser at Lilburn City Park on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

Link to original story

Kernels Continue to Help Flood Victims with Phase II

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9, 2010 prior to the Kernels playoff game against the Clinton Lumber Kings. The money was raised in part from a season-long 50/50 raffle at home Kernels games. The amount of $17,162 will be divided between six local schools affected by the 2008 flood, which include Jefferson, Harrison, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Metro, and Wilson. The monies will help provide equal opportunities to outdoor physical fitness activities and fitness programs to school children. The Foundation is committed to providing programs and introducing better life skills and leveling the playing field for the children in these neighborhoods as compared to the rest of the city. This year’s project was phase II in the Foundation’s efforts to continue to help the flood victims in Cedar Rapids.

The Kernels Foundation phase I project included building two new baseball fields and renovating a third that was damaged by flood waters. The Kernels Foundation, Minor League Baseball Charities, Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the City of Cedar Rapids, and others raised $170,000 in 2009 for the project. Because of the new playing fields, we were able to offer a free program to at-risk kids this summer. Seventy-five children were able to play baseball two nights a week at the Jones Park Complex for free, including the use of equipment and uniforms.

The Kernels Foundation presented a check to Amy Geiger and Board Members of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation on Thursday, September 9.

CarePro, the Kernels, and AEGON raise nearly $10,000 for community betterment

For the 3rd consecutive season, the Kernels teamed up with CarePro Health Services in providing a huge lift to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” by donating $5.00 to purchase a plate of hot, nutritious food for “Meals on Wheels” recipients for every run the Kernels plate in the 2010 season. The Kernels high powered offense, led the Midwest League in runs “plated” with 745 runs this season. At $5.00 per run “plated” by CarePro Health Services in their 3rd Annual “Plating for Plates” Campaign, CarePro Health Services Chief Financial Officer Gary Kaufman presented Horizons “Meals on Wheels” $3,725 on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium before the Kernels game on Saturday Night, August 21st. The $3,725 contribution from CarePro Health Services to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” provided the area community home bound citizens who rely on “Meals on Wheels” for their sustenance with 745 additional plates of hot nutritious food!

AEGON’s “K’s for Kids First” initial campaign was a success as it ran through the 2010 baseball season. AEGON is one of the world’s largest providers of life insurance, pensions and long-term savings and investment products. For every strikeout (K) that Cedar Rapids Kernels pitchers recorded, AEGON donated $5 to Kids First, a law center that gives children a voice in divorce and custody conflicts by providing legal representation and services for them. AEGON presented a check for $5,580 to Kids First on Wednesday, September 1 for the 1,116 strikeouts the Kernels pitchers recorded for the remainder of the season.

Kernels mascot Mr. Shucks and AEGON officials present a check to Kids First on September 1, 2010.

Live Jersey Auction Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers held a ‘Brewers Sunday’ promotion every Sunday home game as a tribute to their Major League affiliate Milwaukee Brewers. As part of the promotion, the players wore jerseys honoring the 1982 Brewers. Throughout the season, the Timber Rattlers promoted a live post-game jersey auction to be held on the last Sunday home game of the 2010 season.

Sunday, August 29th marked that last Sunday home game, and in spite of very warm temperatures and an extra-inning game, the live post-game auction resulted in proceeds well over $3000. A host of fans stuck around after the game to bid on their favorite players’ jersey for the good of charity while Representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin were on hand to present each jersey to its winning bidder while the players stayed around for photos and autographs. The auctioneer even donated his time for charity.

Timber Rattlers slugger Chris Dennis’ jersey went for the highest bid at $275. Four other jerseys also went for over $200 (Scooter Gennett: $250, Cutter Dykstra: $225, Kentrail Davis: $225, Andy Sauter: $225). The Timber Rattlers also placed a few of the jersey up for bid via Minor League Baseball’s online auction service.

The event marked the first time the Rattlers hosted a LIVE jersey auction, which resulted in a total donation of $3,377 to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin…a definite success.

Timber Rattlers gather on-field next to the auctioneer who works to get top dollar for their jerseys.
Outfielder Kris Davis poses for a photo with the highest bidders for his jersey.