Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Chasers Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Pacific Coast League has announced that the Omaha Storm Chasers’ franchise is the circuit’s nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. Each league in Minor League Baseball nominated an organization, with the overall winner announced at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida in December.

“A truly great organization is one that shows a high level of commitment to its own community,” stated Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “We are proud to be representing the Pacific Coast League with this nomination, which is a testament to the time and commitment of our front office staff, as well as the Kansas City Royals organization, to the Omaha Metro community.”

Over the course of the 2017 campaign, Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, donated $808,182 to local charities, setting an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year. The Storm Chasers assisted over 1,500 different organizations, and were also visible in the community with over 420 mascot and player appearances. Front office employees also donated 740 hours of community service throughout the year.

73 different organizations were provided a platform at Werner Park at the Sprint Community Organization of the Night. Over $18,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, while more than $21,000 was raised for various local charities including Methodist Hospital Founation and Moving Veterans Forward via four Jersey Auctions. Initiatives also included Hy-Vee Canned Food Sundays, with nearly 5,000 items donated to Heartland Hope Mission, in addition to Chasers FUNdamentals, with Chasers Charities teaming with DREAM to put on baseball clinics introducing youth to baseball.

Chasers Charities also offered the Chasin’ Dreams Grant, donating a total in excess of $9,000 to help non-profit organizations that operate youth softball/baseball programs make major renovations. Two Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarships worth $1,000 each were also awarded through Chasers Charities and The Weitz Company, while partnering with the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office for the 15th annual Why I Want To Go To College Essay Contest.

The Storm Chasers also held their third annual Chasers Community Week presented by Summit Dental, which included the Jirschele Family Memorial Golf Outing to help benfit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as player appearances at Children’s Hospital and the Southwest YMCA and hosting Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park. The nine-day event culminated in hosting The Wall That Heals, an exhibit that featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day from August 3-6 at Werner Park, with the Storm Chasers’ Military Appreciation game preceded the exhibit’s closing ceremonies.

Werner Park also served as a site for local organizations to use the stadium as a venue to host large-scale fundraisers. Those special events included the “Boxer 500” to benefit the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, the “Walk to Defeat ALS”, SHARP Race towards Brain Aneurysm, Heart Heroes Run, and Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

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

Shuckers to team up with Corpus Christi for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

The Biloxi Shuckers front office staff is teaming up with the Corpus Christi Hooks to aid the Texas Coastal Bend residents in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts! Members of the front office staff will travel to Texas to help in the cleanup efforts and deliver much-needed supplies.

ITEMS NEEDED:
Water, diapers, animal food, bug spray, and toiletries are all in high demand. Fans can drop off items at the Biloxi Shuckers front office at MGM Park.

You can also provide a monetary donation via this LINK. 

Donations will be accepted after the week of September 18, as any donations dropped off after our trip will be donated to Hurricane Irma relief efforts in Florida.

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The Corpus Christi Hooks are meeting Texas Coastal Bend residents at their point-of-need by partnering with local and national charities in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The devastating Category 4 storm made landfall at Rockport, Texas, on Friday, August 25, 2017.    

Please help our efforts to get Texas Coastal Bend residents back on their feet. 

This relief initiative is vitally important to the Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club because so much of the affected region is in our area. For example, of 51 high school communities, approximately 40 percent were affected by Harvey, including those hardest hit: Rockport-Fulton, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Refugio, Woodsboro, Victoria, Port Lavaca, Flour Bluff, Sinton, Taft, Gregory-Portland, Beeville, and Odem.    

Fans from these towns and others have been instrumental in our success since the Hooks began play in 2005 and we want to use our platform to give back and make sure their needs are met during this time of great adversity.   

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

Scrappers Sock Out Hunger on August 11

Dr. James LaPolla, Jr. DPM and the Howland Health & Wellness Committee will be sponsoring a sock giveaway on Friday, August 11 when the Scrappers take on the Staten Island Yankees at Eastwood Field. The first 1,000 fans will receive a pair of Scrappers branded socks. Anyone who brings in a canned food donation will also receive a free ticket voucher for an upcoming Scrappers game. All donations will go directly to the Bolindale food pantry inside of The Boldindale Christian Church (2749 Fairview Ave. SE, Warren, OH 44484).

The food pantry at The Bolindale Christian Church serves 60-70 families twice a month. According to the 2008-2013 U.S. Census Bureau, 31.2% of the residents of Bolindale live below the poverty level and 54.3% are receiving food stamps.

The Bolindale community is also a focus of the Creating Healthy Communities initiative spearheaded by the Trumbull County Combined Health District. Grant monies were used to purchase additional lighting to improve the safety and visibility of the park and upgrades have been made to the park by repairing playground equipment and adding several pickleball courts.

The goal of the Howland Health and Wellness Committee is to promote healthier lifestyles and workplaces in the township. The Township has received the Healthy Ohio Healthy Community award from the Ohio Department of Health in 2015 and 2016. For information regarding the committee contact Township trustee Dr. James LaPolla at james.lapolla@howlandtownship.org.

There will also be a post-game firework show following the game on August 11.

Buy August 11 Tickets

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

Community Heroes Week Highlights Five-Game Homestand

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Barons are set to welcome the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds to Regions Field for a five-game homestand beginning on Sunday night. A jam packed schedule of promotions, events and giveaways are on tap for the home stand. In addition, The SwitchYard On 14th will be open before, during and after games all homestand for fans to enjoy a game of ping pong or bocce ball, as well as a drink from the Barstream, or some of the new menu items featured in the Foodstream. Here is the full schedule for the homestand.

Sunday, July 30, 6:00 p.m. – The Barons welcome the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to Regions Field on a Salute to Armed Forces Sunday presented by Marion Military Institute and NAPA. All active or retired military members can receive two dollars off a regular priced ticket by showing a valid military ID at the box office. It is also the beginning of Community Heroes Week in which the Barons will celebrate the community’s unsung heroes, presented by Fox 6. The executive entry opens at 4:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 5 p.m. The SwitchYard On 14th will open its doors at 4 p.m. and remain open following the game until 10 p.m.

Monday, July 31, 7:05 p.m. -Come enjoy Monday night baseball with the Barons as Community Heroes week continues at Regions Field, brought to you by Fox 6. The Barons will also be hosting a canned food drive as part of Bush’s Baked Beans Month, as the first 1,000 fans to donate canned goods will receive two dollars off their ticket courtesy of Bush’s Baked Beans The executive entry opens at 5:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 6 p.m. Fans can enjoy food and beverages at The SwitchYard On 14th which opens at 4 p.m. and will remain open until 10 p.m.

Tuesday, August 1, 7:05 p.m. – Join us for the fifth installment of T-Shirt Tuesday, free for the first 1,000 adults through the gates presented by Paycor. It is also 50-Cent Hot Dog Night sponsored by Kayem, Flowers Baking Co., MINI of Birmingham, Birmingham Zoo, CBS 42, and O’Charley’s. Community Heroes Week presented by Fox 6 also continues on Tuesday night. Be sure to enter the $1,000 Paycor Pay Day where one lucky fan will leave Regions Field with $1,000! The executive entrance opens at 5:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 6:00. The SwitchYard on 14th will be open at 4 p.m. prior to the game and will remain open after the game until 10 p.m.

Wednesday, August 2, 7:05 p.m. – Wednesday Night’s game is highlighted by AAA Wednesday brought to you by AAA of Alabama. Be sure to show your AAA card when purchasing tickets for a two dollar discount. Community Heroes Week presented by Fox 6 also continues to honor Birmingham’s local heroes. The executive entrance opens at 5:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 6:00. The SwitchYard on 14th will be open once again prior to the game at 4 p.m. and will remain open after the game for fans to enjoy until 10 p.m.

Thursday, August 3, 7:05 p.m. – The five-game series against Pensacola wraps up on Thirsty Thursday featuring two dollar beer, wine, and soft drink specials throughout Regions Field presented by Miller Lite, Woodbridge, and Buffalo Wild Wings. The executive entrance opens at 5:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 6:00. The SwitchYard on 14th opens at 4 p.m. prior to the game and will remain open after the game until midnight.

For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or for additional information about Regions Field, call (205) 988-3200, or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

Strike out hunger with a Food Drive, July 27

Did you know roughly one out of every eight Americans struggle with hunger? The Toledo Mud Hens are teaming up with Bush Brothers to host a food drive on Thursday, July 27, in conjunction with National Baked Beans Month.

Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to Fifth Third Field on Thursday and drop them off at the collection bins located at Guest Services on the main concourse. All donations will be taken to the Seagate Food Bank for distribution to the people they serve.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 27 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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BlueClaws, Bush’s Best to Hold Food Drive at July 28th Game

LAKEWOOD, NJ – In honor of National Baked Beans Month, the BlueClaws and Bush’s Best will be hosting a Food Drive on Friday, July 28th at the 7:05 pm game.

The BlueClaws will be collecting Bush’s Baked Beans and other non-perishable food at the game. Fans are instructed to bring their donations to the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth on the concourse behind home plate.

Anyone that donates will receive two tickets to the BlueClaws game on August 30th.

All donations will benefit The Salvation Army of Ocean County for their Hearty Helpings Food Pantry.

July 28th is a Friday, and that means the BlueClaws will have post-game fireworks thanks to Carl’s Fencing. It’s also Italian Heritage Night, with food specials and a pre-game performance from Frank James.

For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s stop stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

MONDAY: Bisons to hold ‘Food Drive’ in honor of National Baked Beans Month

Fans, did you know July is National Baked Beans month? As part of National Baked Beans Month, the Bisons are teaming up with Bush’s Beans and the Food Bank of Western New York to help strike out hunger.

Prior to the Herd’s game against the Durham Bulls on Monday, July 24 (7:05 p.m.), the Bisons will be holding a Food Drive to help feed those in need in the local community.

Fans can bring their non-perishable food items to the collection bins located outside of the Coca-Cola Field Ticket Office. In return for their much-needed donations, fans will be given a coupon for Buy-One, Get-One Free Ticket coupon for Monday’s game between the Bisons and the Bulls!

The Food Bank of Western New York was founded in 1979, after a group of religious and community leaders came together to develop an effective and comprehensive way to fight hunger in the region. Today, they assist as many as 129,000 individuals in a month through our 329 member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth programs, group homes and senior centers.

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

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Dash to host “Fill the Stands with Cans” on July 21

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (July 14, 2017) – The Winston-Salem Dash are proud to announce, in conjunction with the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA) and WXII, the return of “Fill the Stands with Cans” for an eighth consecutive season at BB&T Ballpark. On Friday, July 21, before the Dash’s 7 p.m. game against the Salem Red Sox, PTAA volunteers will be positioned outside the gates of BB&T Ballpark collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

Last year, the Dash were among several organizations to help the PTAA provide a total of 17,832 meals to people in need in the northwest North Carolina area.

“Every summer Second Harvest’s resources are stretched thin because so many children who rely on free and subsidized meals at school are out of school for the summer,” said Jon Lowder, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association. “That means that Second Harvest and its partner agencies have to supply more food to needy families, and we are so fortunate to be able to partner with three organizations that are dedicated to addressing the community’s needs. This year, we hope to raise 20,000 meals, and we’d love to reach 25,000.”

As a thank you from the Dash and the PTAA for helping support Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC, any fan who brings a non-perishable food item or cash donation to Friday’s game will receive a ticket voucher that can be redeemed for any Dash home game in August. To redeem your ticket, simply bring your voucher to the Baker Roofing Box Office, which is open leading up to all home games and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday on non-gamedays.

“We are incredibly excited about hosting ‘Fill the Stands with Cans’ again this year,” said Dash President Geoff Lassiter. “The PTAA does a fantastic job of organizing this event every season, and their goals intertwine with our organization’s community initiatives, so it’s truly a perfect match.”

Gates will open at 6 p.m. for Friday’s 7 p.m. game with the Red Sox, with tickets still available for purchase for as low as $8 by calling the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visiting wsdash.com. Be sure to stick around after the game for a spectacular postgame fireworks show and kids run the bases, powered by New Balance Winston-Salem. Friday is also the first Star Wars Night in BB&T Ballpark history.

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

SeaWolves To Host ‘Good Deeds Day’ on July 1

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed up with Erie Federal Credit Union to host the fourth annual Good Deeds Day on Saturday, July 1 at UPMC Park.

Good Deeds Day is a drive to collect items needed by multiple non-profit organizations in the Erie region. Fans who donate an item at the game on July 1 will receive a complimentary Upper Box seat ticket to the SeaWolves’ Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 26 against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Indians).

“We would like to thank our partners at Erie Federal Credit Union for supporting this community initiative,” SeaWolves President Greg Coleman said. “We encourage SeaWolves fans to support one or more Erie-area organizations by bringing needed items to the ballpark on July 1.”

Items can be donated at the stadium from 6:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the SeaWolves’ game against the Altoona Curve. Stadium gates open to the general public at 6 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The following is a list of participating organizations and their current list of needed items:

Project Support Our Troops

Needs items include canned fruit (full size cans; no plastic containers), peanuts, peanut butter, trail mix, beef jerky, waterless hand sanitizer, snack cracker packs, foot powder, Silly String, Pringles, tooth paste, crossword puzzles, tooth brushes, rat traps, cookies, lip balm, gum, air freshener, eye drops, cards or letters of support, hard candy, shower scrubbies, non-aerosol bug repellant, On-the-Go drink mix, small Kleenex packs, Wet Wipes (travel size), tea bags, lotion, hand-held games, sun­flower seeds, instant cocoa packets, Q-Tips, Cracker Jack, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. NO ramen noodles or travel-size personal hygiene items please.

United Service Corps

Various school supplies including pencils, glue sticks, markers, crayons and notebooks.

KaleidAScope, Inc.

Copy paper, paper towels, tissues, manila folders, large kitchen garbage bags, rolls of stamps, post-it notes, tablets of paper, snacks for groups, paper plates, plastic cups, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

The JFK Center

Arts and craft supplies including paper, crayons, colored pencils, glue, paint and paint brushes. Assorted toiletries including toothpaste and tissues. The JFK Center is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Perseus House

Toiletries and paper products including tissues, toilet paper, paper plates, cups, and paper towels. Perseus House is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Erie Youth Hockey

Hockey tape, hockey sticks, ice skates, hockey pucks, hockey pants, chest protectors and helmets.

Erie City Mission

Diapers (Sizes 2, 3, 4 & 5), baby wipes, baby food and formula, boxed food (cereal, breakfast bars, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti), canned food (fruit, vegetables, soup, broth, chicken, tuna), feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, shaving cream), toilet paper, paper towels, mulch for gardens, various vegetable and fruit seeds for gardens.

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

PawSox Wives Food Drive – Tuesday, June 20

Fans, the PawSox Wives will be at McCoy Stadium on Tuesday Night June 20th  game collecting your donations of Peanut Butter and Tuna to support the Citizens Bank Strike Out Hunger Campaign to benefit the RI Food Bank. Be sure to stop by the PawSox Wives table at the Main Entrance on June 20th and donate a jar of Peanut Butter or can of Tuna….Anyone donating 5 jars of Peanut Butter or cans of Tuna, will receive an autograph photo of a PawSox Player. That’s the PawSox Wives Food Drive on Tuesday June 20th when the PawSox meet Lehigh Valley at 7:05pm…. The PawSox and Citizens Bank thank you for your support of the RI Food Bank.

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

Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

South Bend Cubs Go to Bat Against Hunger and Honor our Fallen Heroes

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs, in conjunction with Express Employment Professionals, are proud to host a collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, during the Memorial Day weekend four-game homestand. The Cubs are asking all fans coming to the games to donate non-perishable food items and placing them in the orange barrels located inside all gates at Four Winds Field.

“The entire Express Employment Professionals team is thrilled that the South Bend Cubs have said ‘Yes’ to fighting hunger by hosting the Food Bank’s orange collection barrels at all gates for the upcoming home games,” said Norm Robertson, franchise owner of Express. “We know that the generosity of our community is unparalleled when it comes to helping others in need.”

Along with the food drive over the holiday weekend, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals are providing all active duty military and veterans with two free tickets the games on Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at Four Winds Field.

“Although a solemn day of reflection in remembrance of the multitude of men and women who have lost their lives in the defense of our country, Memorial Day also reminds us of the resilience of our constitutional republic, and how we are always the first to grab the flag and lead others in the direction of all peoples yearning to breathe free,” said Express Employment Professionals Director of Marketing Greg Mackey. “Express Employment Professionals is honored to sponsor Military Appreciation Days on behalf of our active-duty military personnel and our veterans and in partnership with Andrew Berlin, Joe Hart, and this great South Bend Cubs organization!”

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals to give back to our local veterans and those who are on active duty in the military as a small way to say thank you for your service,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “The collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana is a great addition to this weekend of giving back. We encourage our fans to bring non-perishable food items to join us in the fight against hunger.”

In order to receive the two free tickets, all active duty personnel and veterans must visit the South Bend Cubs Box Office and show a form of military ID. This offer is not available over the phone or online. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Should either game sell out, lawn tickets will be provided.

Sunday’s game has a special first pitch time of 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks after the game. Monday’s game has a scheduled first pitch at 2:05 p.m. and gates open at 1:00 p.m.

The South Bend Cubs are one of over 150 area volunteer organizations helping to fight hunger and food insecurity this summer with the North-Central Indiana offices of Express Employment Professionals, as a part of Express’s “Brand It Blue” food drive campaign.

About Express Employment Professionals:

Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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 sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Baysox and Local Community Team to Strike Out Hunger Saturday, May 20th

The Bowie Baysox have partnered with their local business community to “Strike Out Hunger” in an attempt to raise both money and supplies for local food banks in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties. Baysox fans coming to Saturday, May 20th‘s game against Binghamton at 6:35 p.m. can be a part of the effort.

“We want to find new ways to use our product as a way to benefit those that are in need in our community” Director of Broadcasting Adam Pohl said. “A huge thank you to all in our business community who have come together to benefit our local food banks through Baysox Baseball.”

Fans can purchase a suite ticket for $50 which includes an All-You-Can-Eat All-American Buffet and tickets in our Potomac Room for the game and following fireworks show. To purchase call Emily Reder at 301-464-4890 or online at ereder@baysox.com. Partial proceeds from suite ticket will benefit local food banks.

You can also donate in the form of food. Bring a canned food donation to the Strike Out Hunger Table outside the stadium on the front pad and receive a FREE Baysox promotional item.

“It’s an honor to be a part of local businesses teaming with the Baysox to help our local food banks,” Suzanne Frost of B&P Environmental said. “There is a major need to help our banks in the summer and we hope to bring some help their way.”

There will also be a stadium-wide raffle that fans can participate in that will also raise funds. All proceeds from the raffle will go to local food banks.

All monies and canned food donations will go to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank (Prince George’s County) and the Maryland Food Bank (Anne Arundel County).

The Baysox are at home this upcoming weekend with fireworks following games on Friday, May 19th and Saturday, May 20th. For tickets, contact the Baysox at 301-805-6000 or purchase online at baysox.com.

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

Perdue Farms, Delmarva Shorebirds Launch ‘2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva’

SALISBURY, Md. (Monday, April 24, 2017) – As part of a company commitment to fight hunger in our communities, Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds announce the launch of the annual season-long “2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva” in partnership with the region’s three food banks.

To jumpstart the challenge, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation – the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms – has issued a $15,000 challenge grant to the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Eastern Shore Branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

The campaign provides the forum to continue the awareness and community engagement in hunger relief that began with Perdue’s sponsorship of the 2011 South Atlantic League “Perdue Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game promotions. Since then, the Shorebirds, their fans and the food banks have embraced the challenge to provide more than 700 meal equivalents for those in need on Delmarva.

“At Perdue Farms, we believe that in a country as rich as ours, no one should have to go hungry. The Strike Out Hunger Challenge has provided a wonderful forum to raise awareness about those struggling with hunger on Delmarva,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Foundation. “We are proud to be part of this unique collaborative partnership for the greater good of the Delmarva community.”

As Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds, said, “The Shorebirds look forward to working again with Perdue this season to bring awareness to hunger relief in our communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors. Since 2011, we have made major strides together to keep hunger top of mind, while generating hundreds of thousands of meals to help the hungry.”

How The ‘Challenge’ Works

The first $10,000 of the Foundation’s challenge grant will be divided equally among the three Delmarva food banks as a challenge to involve the Delmarva community in the regional fight against hunger. Each food bank must raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim its share of the $10,000 challenge grant. Any combination of pounds of food collected, funds collected and donated, or volunteer efforts from the Shorebirds’ home opener on Wednesday, April 13, through the final game of the regular season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 4, will count toward each food bank’s challenge goal.

Perdue has also committed to donate $10 for each time a Shorebirds’ pitcher strikes out an opposing batter (up to $5,000). The $5,000 will be split equally between the three food banks.

Shorebirds Plan Promotions To Support Strike Out Hunger

The Shorebirds plan a variety of promotions to generate interest in the Strike Out Hunger Challenge at their 70 home games.

The Shorebirds have designated the season’s 11 Sunday home games as “Strike Out Hunger Sundays.” If fans bring two non-perishable food items to the stadium they can receive an upper reserved ticket to that day’s game for $3. Food collected from the 11 Sunday home games will be distributed equally among the three food banks.

In addition, food donation barrels will be located at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, making it easy for fans to help by bringing food items to the game or just stopping by the stadium.

If you, or your organization, would like to get involved in the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or one of the three participating food banks: Maryland (410) 742-0050, Delaware (302) 424-3301 or Virginia (757) 787-2557.

About Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products. Since our beginning on Arthur Perdue’s farm in 1920, to our expansion into agribusiness and the introduction of the PERDUE® brand of chicken and turkey under Frank Perdue, and continuing with our third generation of leadership with Chairman Jim Perdue, we’ve remained family owned and family operated. We are the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Through our PERDUE®, PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART®, PERDUE® HARVESTLAND®, COLEMAN PREMIUM® and COLEMAN ORGANIC® food brands; agricultural products and services; and stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, we are working to become the most-trusted name in food and agricultural products. Learn more about Perdue Farms at www.perduefarms.com.

About The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture.®

Caption: Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds joined food bank representatives to launch the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Hunger at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Friday, April 14. From left are Charmin Horton, branch manager of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Mike Hooks with the Maryland Food Bank, Chris Bitters, general manager of the Shorebirds, Steve Evans, president of Perdue Foods, and Chad Robinson, Milford branch manager of the Food Bank of Delaware.

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