Tennessee Smokies Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smokies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tennessee Smokies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Eastern Tennessee community. For every $10 donated, the Smokies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The core behind the Tennessee Smokies and across Minor League Baseball is the community,” stated Tim Volk, Smokies General Manager. “During this unprecedented time, we want to make sure our community members are taken care of which is why we are joining Minor League Baseball in the CommUNITY First Campaign.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from the Smokies fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting the Tennessee Smokies at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

ABOUT FEEDING AMERICA

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Captains Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

(Eastlake, OH), April 28, 2020 — The Lake County Captains today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Captains fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Lake County Captains as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Northeast Ohio community. For every $10 donated, the Captains will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to local heroes of the pandemic at Lake Health and the City of Eastlake Police and Fire Departments.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Captains fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Lake County Captains at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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*About the Lake County Captains *

The Lake County Captains are the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Columbia Fireflies Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“Columbia has a long history of coming together as a community to lift each other up during times of crisis and loss,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Columbia is our home and will be for decades to come. This is a great opportunity to help raise funds for our community and to reward the brave men and women serving on the front-line of the pandemic response teams across the Midlands, from healthcare workers to first responders and everyone in between.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Fireflies fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Columbia Fireflies at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Chihuahuas, Bravos, Locomotive to Unify Borderplex

 

EL PASO – April 28, 2020 – The region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and FC Juarez Bravos – announced today a plan to further unify the Borderplex community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The teams will turn on their respective stadium lights and videoboards as a symbolic gesture and to display messages to the binational region on Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

The messages of strength, courage, and unity will be displayed on the videoboards at Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in both English and Spanish. The same will also be broadcast live on each teams’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

“Sports has a unique way of bringing people from different backgrounds together under one banner to cheer for their team,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “In this case, and in our roles as the symbolic town squares for El Paso and Juarez, we are proud to use our status and work with the Bravos to provide this gesture of support during a challenging and unique time in our history. We all look forward to the time when we’re together again in our respective stadiums, but until then we appreciate the opportunity to do our part to bring the region together in a virtual manner.”

“Together, with strength and courage, we are united as one,” said FC Juarez President Guillermo Cantu. “By bringing the Bravos, Chihuahuas and Locomotive together, we can show the community we are united, and we look forward to the day we see our fans in our stadiums.”

Coupled with the unified messaging, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive and Bravos are asking fans to donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. The Foster Family Foundation & Hunt Family Foundation, via the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, will match each dollar donated up to $1 million to assist the Food Bank. Every dollar donated feeds up to seven families.

While the region continues to practice social distancing, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive, and Bravos want the community to feel connected while in a time of isolation and show solidarity between the two cities. All three organizations encourage fans to wear their respective teams’ jerseys to show support for the effort and to hashtag: #StaySafeAtHome and #UnitedWeAreOne.

WHO: El Paso Chihuahuas, FC Juarez Bravos, El Paso Locomotive
WHAT: Series of messages to connect the Borderplex region in a time of COVID-19 crisis. Encourage support for and donations to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
WHEN: April 29 and May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Locomotive Social Media: @eplocomotivefc
WHERE TO DONATE: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (CLICK HERE)
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EL PASO – 28 de abril de 2020 – Los tres equipos deportivos profesionales de la región – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC y FC Juarez Bravos – anunciaron hoy un plan para unificar aún más a la comunidad Borderplex durante la crisis COVID-19.

Los equipos encenderán sus respectivas luces de estadio y pantallas LED gigantes como un gesto simbólico y mostrarán mensajes a la región binacional el miércoles 29 de abril y el miércoles 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.

Los mensajes de fortaleza, coraje y unidad se mostrarán en los tableros de video del Southwest University Park y el Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez en inglés y español. También se transmitirá en vivo en los sitios de Facebook, Twitter e Instagram de cada equipo.

“El deporte tiene una forma única de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes bajo una sola bandera para animar a su equipo,” dijo el presidente de MountainStar Sports Group, Alan Ledford. “En este caso, y en nuestro papel de plazas simbólicas para El Paso y Juárez, estamos orgullosos de utilizar nuestro estatus y trabajar con los Bravos para proporcionar este gesto de apoyo durante un momento desafiante y único en nuestra historia. Todos esperamos con ansias el momento en que volvamos a estar juntos en nuestros respectivos estadios, pero hasta que esto suceda apreciamos la oportunidad de hacer nuestra parte para unir a la región de manera virtual.”

“Juntos, con fuerza y coraje, estamos unidos como uno solo,” dijo el presidente del FC Juárez, Guillermo Cantú. “Al reunir a los Bravos, Chihuahuas y Locomotive, podemos mostrar a nuestra comunidad que estamos unidos y esperamos con ansias el día en que veamos a nuestros fanáticos de regreso a nuestros estadios.”

Junto con el mensaje unificado, Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos están pidiendo a los fanáticos que donen al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger para ayudar a aquellos directamente afectados por COVID-19. Foster Family Foundation y Hunt Family Foundation, a través de MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, igualarán cada dólar donado hasta $ 1 millón para ayudar al Banco de Alimentos. Cada dólar donado alimenta hasta siete familias.

Mientras la región continúa practicando el distanciamiento social, los equipos deportivos Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos quieren que la comunidad se sienta conectada en un momento de aislamiento y muestren solidaridad entre las dos ciudades. Las tres organizaciones alientan a los fanáticos a usar las camisetas de sus respectivos equipos para mostrar su apoyo al esfuerzo y para etiquetar: #StaySafeAtHome y #UnitedWeAreOne.

QUIEN: Chihuahuas de El Paso, FC Juárez Bravos, Locomotive de El Paso
QUÉ: Serie de mensajes para conectar la región de Borderplex en un momento de crisis por el COVID-19. Fomentar el apoyo y donaciones al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
CUANDO: 29 de abril y 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.
DONDE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Redes sociales de locomotoras: @eplocomotivefc
DONDE DONAR: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (HAGA CLIC AQUÍ)

 

Mudcats Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ZEBULON, N.C., April 28, 2020 – The Carolina Mudcats today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mudcats fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Carolina Mudcats as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Triangle and East Wake community. For every $10 donated, the Mudcats will donate one ticket to a future home game to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Mudcats fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting “Carolina Mudcats” at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced today they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Woodpeckers fans are encouraged to visit MILB.com/CommUNITYFirst starting today, April 28th through May 31st to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to Fayetteville’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeastern North Carolina. For every $10 raised, the Woodpeckers will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic. Additionally, the club has pledged to match up to $3,000 of the donation amount contributed to this initiative from their team charity, The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund.

“We admire Minor League Baseball’s activity during this challenging period,” said Mark Zarthar, President of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. “They have continued to engage with baseball fans throughout the nation and support the small businesses that are MiLB clubs. The CommUNITYFirst initiative will leverage the scale of our platform to both feed the hungry and honor those on the front lines. We are proud to partner with MiLB and Feeding America.”

School closures, rising unemployment and poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Fayetteville Woodpeckers fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Fayetteville Woodpeckers at https://milbstore.com/products/milb-community-first and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

 

“Opening Day” Fundraisers, Flying Squirrels Charities to donate $40,000 to local COVID-19 relief

April 16 fundraising efforts to benefit organizations assisting families and individuals across the Richmond region

RICHMOND, Va. – Last week’s “500 Bases of Love” and “Bring it Home” fundraisers by the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan raised more than $30,000 for COVID-19 relief. With an additional $10,000 contribution from Flying Squirrels Charities, more than $40,000 will be distributed to local organizations combating needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Holli Fund, The Community Foundation, Robins Foundation’s Family Crisis Fund through RVA Strong, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Nourish Henrico and Chesterfield Food Bank.

On Thursday, April 16, the date originally scheduled as the team’s home opener, Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walked 125 laps around the basepaths at The Diamond, touching 500 bases, as part of the “500 Bases of Love” fundraiser. Each lap and each base touched were representative of donations made to the fundraiser. Parney’s walk totaled more than 8.5 miles.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Parney joined Wes McElroy on Sports Radio 910 The Fan for “Bring it Home,” a four-hour live fundraiser with celebrity guests and prize opportunities for donors.

The double-header of events resulted in more than $30,000 raised.

On Wednesday, the team announced that Flying Squirrels Charities will be contributing an additional $10,000.

“We miss our fans terribly, so the ‘500 Bases of Love’ was a great way for us all to connect positively, raise some money to fight COVID-19 and tell our fans we appreciate them, love them and can’t wait to make memories again soon,” Parney said. “Each of these organizations will work diligently to make sure this money helps people in need because of this pandemic. We pray we can be together soon in safe and happy surroundings.

The money from the fundraisers will be distributed to organizations assisting families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as groups helping those who are combating the outbreak.

Holli Fund offers grants to individuals in the food service industry experiencing an economic crisis. Grants help pay for rent, transportation, mortgage payments, and/or utilities. Holli Fund supports individuals in the Richmond-area food service industry who are experiencing an economic crisis such as injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, loss of income due to coronavirus restrictions, or other emergency.

The Community Foundation is a leading partner and advocate for philanthropy and service in the Richmond region. Founded in 1968, they’ve built a strong legacy of helping people and institutions give back with passion and purpose.

“You can always count on Parney and the Flying Squirrels organization not only to entertain us, but also to give back in meaningful ways,” Community Foundation CEO Sherrie Armstrong said. “At a time when many of our community members are particularly hard hit by this crisis, a donation to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund will directly support local organizations that are working hard to fulfill basic needs such as food, healthcare and shelter. Their generosity also sends a powerful statement that we can do more good when we come together.”

The Robins Foundation in partnership with the City of Richmond launched The Family Crisis Fund earlier this month to assist families with children in direct and immediate need of support due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has partnered with Family Independence Initiative to work with families across Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico.

Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with the school district to improve student learning and achievement in preparation for success in college, career, and community. Their role is to seek private sector philanthropy to support new and existing evidence-based programs and enrichment activities.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation from the Flying Squirrels,” Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation Executive Director Ty Toepke said. “At a time when so many of our local businesses are facing their own challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, their generosity towards the students of Richmond Public Schools is inspiring.”

Nourish Henrico supports locally owned restaurants in Henrico by buying meals for police officers, firefighters and other county employees who are working the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the county’s program, 700 to 900 employees are eligible to receive meals valued at $15 or less from about 100 approved restaurants. In addition to its own support, Henrico welcomes contributions from the community. Donations for Nourish Henrico may be made through the Henrico Police Foundation and the Henrico Firefighter Foundation.

“The Nourish Henrico Program is about giving back – giving back to one of the most impacted industries and to our frontline employees,” Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas said. “This effort has also shown me how strong and supportive our community is during times of difficultly, and the Flying Squirrels are an integral part of our community.”

Chesterfield Food Bank strives to stop families in the community from going to bed hungry every night. They proudly serve a variety of neighbors, a majority of whom do not qualify for government assistance. In cooperation with local Social Services, they locate and help those families and individuals that would not have been helped otherwise and serve 1,800 people a week.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

TinCaps Team with Community Harvest to Host Downtown Fort Wayne Farm Wagon Distribution

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In an effort to feed more individuals suffering from the economic effects of COVID-19, the Fort Wayne TinCaps have partnered with Community Harvest Food Bank to distribute food at Parkview Field’s “Silver” parking lot. The food bank has operated the Farm Wagon program since 1999, and has recently made changes to the schedule to eliminate unnecessary personal contact by using a drive through system.

“We want to reach as many people as possible who are living without affordable food access,” said Carmen Cumberland, Community Harvest Executive President. “This unique opportunity to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps allows us to get food distributed into the hands of vulnerable families downtown.”

“Although the TinCaps are not currently playing games at Parkview Field, we want to continue our focus on impacting the community during these tough times,” said Mike Nutter, TinCaps President. “We have been longtime partners with Community Harvest Food Bank and we are happy to be partnering with them again to get food to the families and folks in our region that need it the most.”

The Parkview Field Farm Wagon will be held for two weeks, and may extend for a third week. People in need of food assistance can drive to the location and Community Harvest will distribute food boxes into car trunks.

Parkview Field Distribution Schedule:

  • Monday, April 20, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, April 27, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, May 4, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field (Added to original schedule)

The Farm Wagon at Parkview Field and all other Farm Wagon trucks are open to anyone in need with no ID required. Currently, Community Harvest operates Farm Wagons throughout northeast Indiana in their nine-county service area. Anyone in need of food assistance can visit CHFB.org to see the schedule and find out more information.

About Community Harvest Food Bank

Established in 1983, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. feeds 21,100 people every week. Last year, CHFB distributed 13.8 million pounds of food to nearly 85,000 unique individuals. Donna Van Vlerah serves as Board Chair, Carmen Cumberland serves as Executive President, and John Wolf serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Community Harvest is one of 200 Feeding America member food banks in the United States, and one of 11 regional members of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. Community Harvest feeds hungry people in the nine counties of northeast Indiana. For more information, please visit www.chfb.org.

South Bend Cubs Offering Personalized Messages for Donations to Food Pantry

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are offering an opportunity to help the community and provide you with a special memento. Fans can purchase a message to be displayed on the video board at Four Winds Field for a minimum donation of $10 and receive a digital copy of that message on the video board. All of the money raised will go to the Walter A. Meyer Food Pantry at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Family Resource Center.

Fans will receive an added bonus and have their message displayed on the South Bend Cubs Facebook and Twitter pages. Those who do not wish their message to be added should leave a note in the comments section at check out.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

“During this time of social distancing, we’re actively trying to find ways to help our community,” said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “We know there are some in our community that are food insecure or having a difficult time. The Kroc Center is just one of the many organizations providing assistance for those who need it. I’m encouraging anyone who is looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member to purchase a message. It’s a great way to show someone you care and help our community at the same time.”

“The Salvation Army, motivated by God’s love, continues to meet human needs through its Family Resource Center, ensuring that families and individuals have food to eat,” said Senior Kroc Officer Monty Wandling. “In the first two weeks of our drive-through pantry we have already given away 300 prepackaged food boxes to aid our fellow community members who are struggling during this time of quarantine. Your ongoing prayer and financial support of our service to the community are greatly appreciated.”

The process is simple. Fans can visit SouthBendCubs.com and click on the video board message request link through the Cubs Den Team Store. Just select the amount you wish to donate (minimum $10 donation) and go to check out. In your shopping cart special instructions box, enter your personalized message then click checkout.

Message requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 20 per day. There are no refunds for video board messages. The South Bend Cubs reserve the right to approve and edit any message. Messages that contain obscene or offensive content or include foul language will not be accepted. Marketing messages are not permitted. Photos will be sent to the email provided associated with the Team Store account.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

Greater Nevada Field to Host Two Food Bank of Northern Nevada Drive by Distribution Events in April

 

The Reno Aces, 1868 FC, and Greater Nevada Field are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to provide drive-thru distributions of the Mobile Harvest program on April 7 & 17 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for community members in need of both shelf-stable and perishable food items.

Community members will have the ability to participate in a grab-n-go food distribution line located in the parking lots adjacent to the rotunda at Greater Nevada Field. Volunteers will be in place to help the flow of traffic.

Because the safety of the clients, volunteers, and staff of the Food Bank are of utmost importance, it is asked that anyone attending a distribution take the following precautions:

  • Please keep safe social distances from others
  • Whenever possible, please limit the number of household members who attend distributions
  • We recommend 1 person per household
  • If you are ill, please do not attend a distribution
  • Clients may have a friend or neighbor pick up from a distribution on their behalf by simply writing a short note to be presented when food is picked up
  • Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with soap
  • Remember to sneeze or cough away from others and into your elbow when possible
  • Volunteers and employees are wearing gloves and sanitizing surfaces for the protection of all served through Food Bank program

If households are in need of help during this difficult time, they are encouraged to reach out to the Food Bank at 775-331-3663 or by visiting the Get Help section of FBNN.org to find the distributions closest to them.

“We are so grateful to the Reno Aces and 1868 FC for allowing us to use their lot for distribution of our Mobile Harvest program,” Jocelyn Lantrip, Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said. “Because of their partnership, we are able to operate drive-through distributions that are much safer for everyone involved. It is so important for the community to work together during this challenging time and we are very grateful.”

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Northern Nevada Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest distribution program by hosting at the Greater Nevada Field parking lots,” Aces General Manager Emily Jaenson said. “We are here for the community and are happy to have found a way to contribute.”

“The Northern Nevada Food Bank is a vital part to this community every single day, and we are here to lend a helping hand during these uncertain times,” 1868 FC General Manager of Business Operations Doug Raftery said. “We appreciate what they do for our area, especially in this time of need.”

For more information on the Reno Aces or Reno 1868 FC, visit the teams’ websites at renoaces.com and reno1868fc.com. For more information on the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, visit fbnn.org.

 

Maine Teams Join on Food Fundraiser

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs along with the Maine Mariners and Maine Red Claws are joining forces with Evergreen Credit Union to help Mainers in need of food. The “Fans for Food” campaign benefits Maine’s Good Shepherd Food Bank and associated local food pantries.

Good Shepherd Food Bank’s President Kristen Miale states the help is needed and appreciated. “On a normal day, we provide more than 68,000 meals. With the COVID-19 public health crisis, those numbers will climb and resources to fight hunger will be stretched. Mainers need our support now and will continue to need our help as we emerge from this crisis.”

Working together, campaign organizers encourage their fans and followers to donate on-line through a website managed by Good Shepherd.

The campaign link is https://www.gsfb.org/donate/vfd/4604

In these uncertain times, Adam Goldberg, Vice President of Business Operations, believes, “we don’t want our neighbors in the community wondering where their next meal is coming from. We are thankful to Evergreen and Good Shepherd Food Bank for creating this virtual food drive. Help those in need, be kind and stay safe.”

Dajuan Eubanks, Maine Red Claws President, added, “It is the least we can do to help our community and our fans who have supported us.”

All three local teams have seen their seasons either cancelled or postponed due to the Covid-19 virus, so they share in the economic stress shared by so many businesses and families. Sea Dogs President Geoff Iacuessa stated, “The Portland Sea Dogs are happy to support such an important cause during this challenging time we all face.”

Jason Lindstrom, CEO of campaign co-sponsor Evergreen Credit Union, believes Fans for Food demonstrates the value of businesses working together for the common good. “We are always looking to work with our community partners to better our community and this food drive is so needed at this time.’ He concluded, “We knew our partners would jump at the chance to work with us and provide help to our neighbors in need.”

Sea Dogs to Hold Food Drive

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, in partnership with Maine’s Credit Unions, will hold their 19th annual Food Drive which will run from Friday, January 16th through Friday, January 31st. All the collected food items will be donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

As in the past, this year’s food drive will be “Buy One, Bring One, Get One.” For every ticket purchased and every donated food item you bring, you will receive a free Sea Dogs ticket to the same game. For example, if you buy three tickets to the June 17th game and bring in three food items, you will receive three additional complimentary tickets of equal or lesser value to the June 17th game. The offer is good for Box Seats, Reserved, General Admission, and Pavilion seating (excluding All-You-Can-Eat tickets); subject to availability.

Fans may take advantage of this offer by bringing their non-perishable food items to the Hadlock Field Box Office. The Sea Dogs Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

“Maine credit unions are deeply committed to ending hunger in our state,” said Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “We believe we have a responsibility to help Mainers gain access to healthy, nutritious meals, and identify the root causes of hunger in our communities. We applaud the Sea Dogs for hosting its annual food drive and are pleased to be a part of this important effort to collect donations and raise awareness about the severity of hunger in Maine. It is a great partnership and one we are proud to support.”

Each year the Sea Dogs have been able to donate hundreds of food items to the Good Shepherd Food Bank thanks to the generosity of Sea Dogs’ fans.

The Portland Sea Dogs open the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9th in Hartford, Connecticut with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 PM against the Trenton Thunder. Tickets for all Sea Dogs home games are currently on sale and can be purchased online at seadogs.com or by calling 207-879-9500.

Timber Rattlers Release 2019 Charity Report

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – It was a good year for the various charities supported by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Charity Fund. The Rattlers have released a brief report on their charitable works during 2019 as they prepare for 2020.

The main fundraisers for the 2019 Timber Rattlers were the seven jersey auctions held during the 2019 season. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Brewers, Star WarsTM, and Wisconsin Brats. These auctions raised almost $18,000 for local charities.

The Timber Rattlers are finalizing their jersey designs for the 2020 season and will unveil those designs as Opening Night for next season gets closer.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on June 3, 2019 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers plus Timber Rattlers players, coaches, and front office personnel collected over $8,500 for the Timber Rattlers Charity Foundation through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing. The 2020 Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, June 1 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in Shawano.

The team was also involved in programs like Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

Mascots Whiffer & Fang got into the charitable spirit on their birthdays, too. Whiffer’s Birthday in March coincided with the team’s individual tickets on sale date and a Help for the Homeless Drive that collected hygiene products for area homeless shelters. Fang’s Birthday in August collected 410 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Timber Rattlers front offices also tended to their on-site garden to grow and harvest over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The fresh vegetables were taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2019 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Freedom Food Pantry, Lupus Foundation, Farm Aid, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, over 2000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

The team established the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fund with the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region in 2016 to benefit the team’s charitable works.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2019. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to 2020.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Chasers in the Community 2019 Review

 

The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality donated $571,229.19 to numerous Omaha Metro charities in 2019, with the Storm Chasers aligning with more than 300 different organizations. Storm Chasers front office members also combined for nearly 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year.

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

During the 2019 season, the Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $13,378 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $21,395 was donated to various Omaha Metro charities, including Make-a-Wish Nebraska, Gold Glove Charities and Food Bank for the Heartland, through six different Jersey Auctions throughout the season. More than 4,000 canned goods were also donated to Heartland Hope Mission through the Storm Chasers’ Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday promotion.

A total of $10,865.20 was also raised through the Storm Chasers’ Omaha Potholes promotion to help repair local little league fields with City of Bellevue Recreation and DC West Youth Sports damaged by historic floods this spring, along with matching donations from the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers organizations. The Storm Chasers organization’s relationship with Minor League Baseball and the efforts of President and General Manager Martie Cordaro also helped secure a joint $50,000 donation from Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to Team Rubicon to support Winter Storm Ulmer disaster relief efforts.

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and player appearances totaled nearly 300. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Jaden Ferguson and Damicah Dutton-Burton.

Furthermore, the Storm Chasers and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality once again provided local non-profit organizations and community groups to raise funds by volunteering at concessions stands during the season. A total of $51,531 was raised by those volunteers through this program.

In addition, over 9,000 cocktails were sold in the Jack Daniel’s Club over the course of the 2019 season, raising over $4,500 in partnership with Jack Daniel’s for Operation Ride Home.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2019 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/home

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Public Invited to Halloween with the Hooks on October 24

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Get into the spooky spirit by attending the sixth annual Halloween with the Hooks, presented by H-E-B, on Thursday, October 24 at Whataburger Field from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

Trick-or-treaters can enjoy candy stops around the stadium concourse. The festivities also include hayrides on the field, activity tables, a costume contest, a pumpkin patch photo opportunity, a “photo BOOth,” inflatables and carnival games. Halloween-themed movies will be played on the video board throughout the evening.

Attending guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which has received more than 400 pounds of food in past years.

Ballpark food, soda and beer will be available for purchase.

To volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Merritt via email (cmerritt@cchooks.com) or by phone at 361-561-HOOK.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.