FirstEnergy Stadium To Host Humane Pennsylvania

Paws & Claus event set for Saturday, December 12th

The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to team up with Humane Pennsylvania for their exciting Paws & Claus event this Saturday, December 12th from 12-3pm. Spike’s Pet Pantry is seeking donations to help keep their shelves well-stocked for our four-legged friends in need. Additionally, the Fightins Team Store will be open for holiday gifts, including R-Phils merchandise and discounted 2021 ticket books. Join us at America’s Classic Ballpark to support Humane Pennsylvania and the R-Phils.

The magnitude of this event cannot be understated. Due to the pandemic, there has been a higher than normal need for pet food. From 12-3pm, community members will have the opportunity to donate pet food and in exchange will receive a complimentary family photo with Santa in front of his tiny house. The event will run as a drive thru food donation drop off in the parking lot of FirstEnergy Stadium. Everyone is asked to remain in their vehicle throughout the donation process. Then, each family will be escorted to take their photo with Santa. Families can remove their masks for the photo, but must put them back on immediately after. Pups are encouraged to join in on the photo, but will not be able to be taken off leash or in the photo by themselves. Through your generosity, Humane Pennsylvania is looking forward to filling their truck for the animals in need in our community!

Anyone who donates will also be given a 10% off coupon for the Fightins Team Store, presented by Steve Moyer Subaru. The store will be open for the entirety of the event for all your holiday shopping needs. The RPhils are excited to feature new gear while still showcasing traditional ballpark merchandise. There is a hat, sweatshirt, or jersey for everyone on your Christmas list! And, set your sights on the 2021 season by purchasing a ticket book or flex bank package. For a limited time, holiday deals are available!

“This event will provide much-needed Christmas cheer to the community, but also help us stock Spike’s Pet Pantry,” said Lauren Henderson, Director of Events & Corporate Relations at Humane Pennsylvania. “Everyone is encouraged to stop by FirstEnergy Stadium with a bag of dog and/or cat food between 12-3pm and receive a complimentary family photo with Santa! This donated pet food will help hungry pets in need over the coming winter months. And in return receive a COVID safe, but cheerful Santa photo. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

This year alone Spike’s Pet Pantry has donated over 268,000 pounds of pet food to pet caretakers in need. Paws & Claus will be a fun and significant event to benefit the community. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. Come give back with us to ensure that no pet goes hungry!

FirstEnergy Stadium is located at 1900 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19605. It is home to the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Trash Pandas attempt world-record food drive

Toyota Field serves as donation site for massive philanthropic event

The Rocket City Trash Pandas recently staged one of the most successful and impactful events in the short history of the franchise. They also fell short of a much-publicized stated goal. Two things can be true at the same time. The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville,

The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville, Alabama area, are currently the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The team was slated to play their inaugural season at brand-new Toyota Field in 2020 after relocating from Mobile, Alabama (where they were known as the BayBears). Of course, COVID-19 got in the way of those plans. But like Minor League teams across the country, the Trash Pandas have dedicated themselves to staging socially-distanced events that benefit the community while keeping the club in the public eye.

On Wednesday, the Trash Pandas, alongside an army of volunteers from local philanthropic organizations, attempted to enter the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of “World’s Largest Food Drive in a 24-hour period at a single location.” The record they were trying to surpass was 559,885 pounds, achieved by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. The Trash Pandas, making a difficult task twice as challenging, attempted to break this record in half the amount of time. Wednesday’s food drive was a 12-hour affair, taking place at Toyota Field between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Lindsey Knupp, Trash Pandas vice-president of marketing, promotions and entertainment, reported on Thursday morning that the Trash Pandas had failed to enshrine themselves in the Northern Hemisphere’s (and perhaps the world’s) most prestigious record book.

“We didn’t beat the Guinness world record, but we did do very well,” she said. “There were 13 organizations that we were able to give food to. A lot of rescue missions, food banks, churches. All local organizations within 45 minutes of here. They have been running out of food, so we’re thankful we were able to do what we could.”

Minor League teams are known for making world record attempts, many of them on the absurd end of the spectrum. But very few of these attempts, be it for simultaneous bubble-gum blowing or ballpark-wide games of Duck Duck Goose, actually achieve the Guinness world record in question. This is often because Guinness, based in the United Kingdom, is notoriously strict when it comes to documentation. All involved with Wednesday’s food drive worked to ensure that their “World’s Largest Food Drive” attempt would meet Guinness standards. Cameras were set up, scales were certified and signed witness statements were collected.

The total weight of Wednesday’s Toyota Field food haul was well into the six figures. Knupp was unable to say the precise total, however, because late in the day it was determined that the record was out of reach. Weighing efforts were then abandoned, in order to prioritize the more pressing work of sorting and distribution. Throughout the day, a myriad of the Trash Pandas’ corporate partners – including Halsey Foodservice, Pepsi and Publix – provided both logistical support and food donations.

“It was all contactless. People would pop open their trunks and we’d take the food out,” said Knupp. “We had to do quality control, certify that it wasn’t outdated. Then put it on the scales, then load it into trucks and sent them off to different organizations once they were filled.”

While the Trash Pandas’ food drive was clearly a team effort, Knupp singled out local volunteer Nicole Wilson as the individual most responsible for making the event a reality. Wilson, working with Manna House, a Huntsville-based non-profit food assistance organization, approached the team with the idea and also oversaw the Guinness Book of World Records application process. Organizations like Manna House are always in need of food donations from the community, but the ongoing pandemic has made this work all the more important.

“Manna House is one of the largest distributors in North Alabama,” said Wilson, speaking to Huntsville’s WZDX at Toyota Field. “And typically for Thanksgiving for example, they would have thousands of turkeys in their freezer. Right now they only have eight– eight turkeys in their freezer.”

In promoting the World Record Food Drive, the Trash Pandas implored their fans to “Be a Souper Hero.”

“A lot of people did bring soup, a good heavy-type donation,” said Knupp. “We had crackers, pasta, rice and a lot of canned goods, for sure. Some people didn’t think about weight. We had some ramen noodle donations.”

Whether it was 10 pounds or 10 ounces, the Trash Pandas collected as much as they could to help as many as they could. The team came up light on achieving Guinness world record immortality, but Wednesday’s Toyota Field effort set a template for possibly heavier endeavors in the future.

“We’re trying to make sure our community knows we’re here for them,” said Knupp. “We’re not just here for season ticket holders, mini-plan holders, sponsors. We’re here for the entire community and we’re not going anywhere. We want to help, give back, and do good.”

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben’s Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.

Donate a Turkey

 

Turkey Drive sponsored by Provident Bank to be held at Coca-Cola Park

Turkeys will be brought to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, PA and donated to families in need

Allentown, Pennsylvania (3 November 2020) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Provident Bank and New Bethany Ministries are partnering to hold a Turkey Drive on Thursday, November 19 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Park. Guests will be able to drive up and donate a Thanksgiving turkey! The turkeys will be collected then transported over to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, PA courtesy of Provident Bank. New Bethany Ministries has set its goal to a quantity of 750 turkeys to collect and distribute to those in need (frozen, 10-12 lb. turkeys preferred).

“COVID-19 continues to have an impact and with the holidays approaching, this is a wonderful opportunity for people to provide a Thanksgiving Turkey to people throughout the Lehigh Valley,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “We are excited to partner with Provident Bank for this great event and hope many people donate a turkey this Thanksgiving season. Normally I am 100% focused on pork, but for this one day it’s all about turkeys!”

This is Provident Bank’s fourth consecutive year hosting a frozen turkey collection. The idea was originated by Senior Vice President/Lending Relationship Manager Bob Price who sits on the board of New Bethany Ministries. This is also the fourth consecutive year that the refrigerated truck that transports the turkeys to New Bethany Ministries, is donated by Tom Mesko, a longtime friend and customer of Provident Bank.

“We’re proud to partner with New Bethany Ministries and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on this important initiative to support families of the Lehigh Valley. Involvement with the communities we serve and helping those in need is fundamental at Provident Bank,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO.

Provident Bank employees will be available for curbside collection of donations outside of the Provident Bank Ticket Office at Coca-Cola Park. All participating employees will be wearing masks as well as abiding by social distancing guidelines and a daily health check. The first 500 turkey donors on Thursday, November 19 will receive a commemorative oven mitt. A 10% coupon to the Clubhouse Store for Thursday, November 19 only, will be provided to anyone who donates a turkey.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community of volunteers and donors, especially now, our clients who experience poverty, hunger and homelessness need our support more than ever,” said Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries.

New Bethany Ministries, located in Bethlehem, PA offers hope and support to people who experience poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

World Record Food Drive Attempt To Take Place at Toyota Field

 

The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with multiple local organizations to help feed families across North Alabama in a big way as the holiday season approaches.

On Wednesday, November 11, a Guinness World Record attempt for “Largest Food Drive in 24 Hours at a Single Location” will take place at Toyota Field. The goal of 600,000 pounds of food would eclipse the current record of 559,885 pounds, set back in 2011 in North Carolina.

The drive will run from 8 AM to 8 PM. For safety purposes, there will be a designated drive-through route to drop off non-perishable food items. Drop-offs will be contactless – food can be placed in the back seat or trunk, and volunteers will simply remove the items from the vehicle. Any size donation is encouraged and appreciated.

Cameras will be set up on site to document the donations, weigh stations, and packing of the trucks for the world record attempt. Independent witnesses will also be on hand to confirm a breaking of the record. Giveaways will take place throughout the day for those who contribute food items.

For ease of traffic flow, visitors with donations should enter Toyota Field from the west via Intergraph Road, taking a left on Lime Quarry Road and then another left onto Town Madison Blvd to arrive at the stadium.

Pet Food Drive at Coca-Cola Park

 

Pet Food Drive to be held at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday, November 7

Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are looking for pet food donations starting today

Allentown, Pennsylvania (26 October 2020) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are partnering to hold a Pet Food Drive on Saturday, November 7 from 9-11 a.m. at Coca-Cola Park. The IronPigs and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are looking for generosity in donation from the community to help families in need to help feed their pets.

“We are excited to once again to partner with Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center to host a pet food drive here at Coca-Cola Park,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Pet owners and their pets have been impacted by COVID-19 and this pet food drive will provide an opportunity to help families in need to help feed their pets.”

Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center has created a wish list for families the pet food will be donated to and are asking those who will be donating to visit the wish list. The link can be found by clicking here. Guests can begin to visit the wish list starting today. Guests will be able to select either dog or cat food plus canned or bagged dry food if they choose to donate via the wish list. Any non-wish list donations will also be accepted. In-person donations are welcome and are to be made at Coca-Cola Park. Guests must call the IronPigs Front Office at 610-841-7447 upon arrival to the ballpark. Donations can be made starting immediately and continue all the way up to the morning of the event. Guests can make their donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pet food redemptions will begin on Wednesday, November 4. A link will be provided via the IronPigs social media pages as well as an email shortly prior to November 4. For guests who redeem via the link provided by the IronPigs, will receive a confirmation on the time frame they are to arrive at Coca-Cola Park and have the food put into their car.

Upon arrival on Saturday, November 7, guests will be directed by IronPigs staff members to the pick-up area outside the West Ballpark entrance. Guests will need to show their confirmation for pick-up and must remain in their vehicle. They are to pop open their trunk for an IronPigs or Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center staff member to place their food. Staff members will be wearing protective masks and following all social distancing guidelines.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

Chihuahuas help local food bank achieve its mission 

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger among CommUNITY grant recipients

The El Paso Chihuahuas have partnered with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for as long as the team has been an existence, establishing ties with the nearby food bank during the team’s inaugural season of 2014. From hosting staff volunteer events to conducting food drives at the ballpark, the Chihuahuas have seen EPFH’s important work in the community up close.

Given that longstanding relationship, the Chihuahuas’ front office didn’t have to look far when deciding which organization to nominate for one of Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grants.

“We are proud to see our friends at EPFH benefit from the generosity of MILB Charities,” said Brad Taylor, the Chihuahuas’ senior vice president and general manager. “Their work in El Paso and the surrounding areas is never ending and this will surely help their mission.”

That mission, according to EPFH, is to “combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically procuring and distributing nutritious food through community partners,” crucial work with a need that has grown significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The El Paso community has been impacted so severely by the pandemic that EPFH has already surpassed its 2019 food distribution numbers. Last year the food bank distributed more than 32.5 million pounds of food in the Borderland area; this year through May, EPFH has already distributed more than 50 million pounds, with 15 million pounds distributed in May alone.

What does all that mean for the children, single-parent households, veterans, senior citizens and working class families the organization serves? Simply stated, quite a lot.

EPFH has been providing food to 8,000 families daily via their drive thru program since the beginning of the pandemic — numbers are on par with what food banks in much larger markets like Detroit and Chicago but with a fraction the staff. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network, the organization also recently launched a home delivery service for families impacted by COVID-19 as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Of course, getting that much food into the community requires a lot of volunteers, and EPFH does its best to keep everyone safe in the age of social distancing. The $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities will help toward the purchase of food boxes, of course, but also personal protective equipment for volunteers to give them peace of mind to continue their efforts.

“We are thankful for this generous gift, which will provide 3,500 meals to El Pasoans who are struggling with food insecurity,” said EPFH chief executive officer Susan Goodell, who added that the total will actually be 7,000 meals when you add a matching gift from the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. “These food boxes will not only provide individuals and families with the nourishment needed to sustain themselves, but will allow households to redistribute their expenditures as necessary – on housing, utilities, medical care or education needs. As a result, parents of food insecure households will begin to create a path for financial and longer-term sustainability.”

In addition to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the other winning organizations of a CommUNITY grant were Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs) and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (Birmingham Barons).

“A program like this one shows that even without games, Minor League Baseball can deeply enhance and improve their communities,” said Taylor.

IronPigs to host Pet Food Drive on June 6

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are partnering to hold a Pet Food Drive on Saturday, June 6 from 9-11 a.m. at Coca-Cola Park. Guests will need to RSVP to receive pet food. Courtesy of Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, 200 bags of pet food will be provided at no charge for families and pet owners facing hardships. There is a limited supply – a first-come, first-served basis will be based on the RSVP responses.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

“COVID-19 has impacted everyone, including pet owners and their pets,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Pets are a part of many families and this event provides an opportunity for families in need to help feed their pets while reducing their own financial stress.”

Guests need to RSVP and specify which type of food they need clicking here. Guests will be able to select either dog or cat food plus canned or bagged dry food. Based on the type of food needed, guests will be given a specific time frame to arrive at Coca-Cola Park within the 9-11 a.m. pick-up window.

Upon arrival, guests will be directed by IronPigs staff members to the pick-up area outside the West Ballpark entrance. Guests will need to show their confirmation for pick-up and must remain in their vehicle. They are to pop open their trunk for an IronPigs or Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center staff member to place their food. Staff members will be wearing protective masks and following all social distancing guidelines.

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

RailRiders hosting Family to Family emergency food drive-thru May 27

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 21, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will serve as the hosts for the Family to Family Emergency Drive-Thru Food Giveaway on May 27. The event is run by the Friends of the Poor in response to the global health pandemic and will take place in the parking lot at PNC Field from 2:30 to 5:30 PM Wednesday.

The Family to Family Food Basket Program and the Friends of the Poor have partnered with the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank for COVID-19 emergency food drive-thrus since late March. These drive-thrus have taken place each Wednesday in different locations around the Scranton area. The emergency drive-thru on May 27 at PNC Field, however, will be the first one located between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and expectations are for over 1,000 vehicles to attend.

All attendees must remain in their vehicles for the safety and well-being of all guests and volunteers. Food bags will be placed directly into each vehicle.

This event is open to the public. Attendees will be asked what their zip code is as well as how many adults, children and elderly live in each household.

For more information, find the Friends of the Poor on Facebook.

Items donated will benefit the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and Local Hospitals

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Idaho Falls Chukars will hold a food and medical supply drive benefiting those effected by COVID-19 in the community. The drive will be held on Friday April 24, from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.

Each donor will receive a coupon for buy-one get-one Chukars tickets for the 2020 season, in addition each donor will be entered into a raffle for a Chukars jersey and on field experience.

Items in need include at the community food basket include: cereal, white rice, mac and cheese, canned tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, canned chili, and side dishes. However, any food you are generous enough to donate will be accepted. Items in at local hospitals include facemasks, latex glove, and any other personal protective equipment.

Chukars staff will collect donations in the parking lot of Melaleuca Field, the team asks that donors place their donations in their trunk or an empty seat in order to respect social distancing

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.

20th Annual Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive on December 7th

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will hold their 20th annual Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive on Saturday, December 7th from 9 am until 11 am at FirstEnergy Park. Buster and Santa Claus will be on hand to collect food and toys for the holidays.

The BlueClaws will have bagels, coffee, and hot chocolate available for all fans in attendance that day.

Attendees are encouraged to bring new, and unwrapped toys, and non-perishable food items. All donations will be collected by the Salvation Army of Ocean County, a BlueClaws Charities Community Partner.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve reached our first ’20 Year Event,’ but this is one that we’ll be hosting for the 20th time this year,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “It’s been supported by the community in an amazing fashion of the years and we look forward to another great event this year.

“It’s our goal to help those less fortunate and we thank everyone for their support of this event this holiday season.”

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

BlueClaws 2020 Membership Plans and Group Outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws Charities Releases 2019 Community Impact Report

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities have released their 2019 Community Impact Report including information on BlueClaws Charities, presented by DiFeo Kia, grant recipients and club community involvement throughout the year.

“BlueClaws Charities and the entire BlueClaws staff is proud to be a key part of the community throughout the year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “From BlueClaws games themselves to events and fundraising around the area 12 months a year, to supporting a series of tremendous Community Partner organizations, being a leading member of the community is something that we take great pride in. We look forward to expanding our involvement further in 2020!

To read the 2019 Community Impact Report, click here.

BlueClaws Charities handed out cash grants to 39 Community Partners in 2019 and all organizations that applied received a grant. These organizations, ranging from local branches of national charities to smaller local organizations, each create a positive impact in the community in a different way.

“Our BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations are helping lead the way around the Jersey Shore in working with the underserved and underprivliged around the area,” said BlueClaws Vice President of Community Relations Jim DeAngelis, also the Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “We are proud to note that all grant money stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties and is put to great use locally.

“We thank our great sponsor, DiFeo Kia, and everyone that supported BlueClaws Charities events and fundraising efforts to make these grants possible.”

Grant fundraising included special events, both in and outside the stadium, throughout the year.

In May, the BlueClaws hosted their 19th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event, benefiting the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Phillies. This year’s event was held at Quaker Steak & Lube in Brick. The Celebrity Waiter Event has raised over $120,000 for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia in its history.

In August, BlueClaws Charities hosted their annual golf outing at Lakewood Country Club. The 10th annual event, a “Nine and Dine” format, includes golf, dinner, and special auctions plus appearances by BlueClaws players and coaches.

Additional funding came from the nightly 50/50 raffle which took place at all BlueClaws home games. Each pool total averaged over $2,000 with an average of more than $1,000 being returned to winners.

BlueClaws Charities also raised money through BlueClaws jersey auctions during the year. In 2019, the BlueClaws did the following jersey auctions for BlueClaws Charities: Players Day, Grateful Dead, Margaritaville Night at the Park, BruceClaws, Military Appreciation Night, and Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese. A special pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night benefitted the American Cancer Society. Fans were able to bid either online or through a mobile device, enabling bidding from all over the world. This process raised additional funds for BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

The BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities partner with OceanFirst Bank and OceanFirst Foundation on several programs that benefit area military personnel. The Home Runs for Heroes program, which just completed its 11th year, generates a donation from OceanFirst Foundation to a local military-based non-profit for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. In 2019, the program raised $38,000 for local organizations. Further, through the Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, tickets are donated to military members through accredited channels.

Additional events during the year included a Challenger Clinic at which the developmentally disabled were able to learn baseball from BlueClaws players and Major League alumni. Troop and School Supply Drives were held at the ballpark during games and the 19th annual Breakfast With Buster holiday food and toy drive was held in December, collecting non-perishable food and unwrapped toys to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Through the Phillies Step-Up Program, BlueClaws players participated in over 261 hours of community service during the year. This included events at the ballpark and around the community such as a free clinic put on by the Ocean County Parks Department featuring BlueClaws players.

BlueClaws staff members served on event committees for nine different area non-profit organizations. Staff members served on the Board of Directors of seven different non-profit organizations and five Chambers of Commerce.

The BlueClaws fundraising program also proved profitable for area organizations and event committees. In 2019, over $143,000 was raised through the BlueClaws fundraising program, through which organizations purchase BlueClaws tickets and re-sell them to their constituents to raise money. For additional information on that program, contact a BlueClaws representative at 732-901-7000 option 3.

In-Kind donations included ticket vouchers or other contributions to 924 organizations plus 65 additional packages including merchandise or hospitality outings.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The organization supports its Community Partners in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with cash grants and other organizations with in-kind donations throughout the year.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com. Opening Night of the 2020 season is on Thursday, April 16th.

– BlueClaws –

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