RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoWhat began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

HOPE-WeekInitiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

Voluntary-Action-Center-logoHOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

PA-Dept-of-Military-&-Veterans-AffairsScranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Vs-Cancer-logoFortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

Childrens-Miracle-Network-Hospital-2014On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. Boys-&-Girls-club-of-AmericSWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July Make-A-Wish11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Storm Chasers to Accept Donations for Pilger Relief Tonight, Tomorrow

Fans can bring various suggested items or make cash/check donations

Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014A week ago today the community and residents of Pilger, Nebraska were devastated by twin tornadoes, leaving many survivors without their homes and belongings. In a show of support for their fellow Nebraskan community, the Storm Chasers will ask fans attending tonight and tomorrow’s games to donate various items to be sent to the city that lies just over an hour and a half from Omaha.

Items that the Storm Chasers suggest to be donated by fans are totes, gloves, personal hygiene items, first aid supplies and non-perishable foods. No clothing is needed at this time.

Home-Run-Foundation-of-Omaha-logoThe Storm Chasers will also accept cash donations at Werner Park through 2 p.m. Tuesday, as well as check donations that will go directly to aid the Pilger community. Checks should be made out to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha. All donations, both monetary and physical, can be made outside of Werner Park near the Ticket Office.

As the relief effort continues and grows, the Storm Chasers will be participating and will alert fans to other ways they can get involved as well. Fans can follow the team and their community relations information on Facebook and Twitter to get updates.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Phanatic, Military Appreciation Night June 19th

First of two Phanatic visits this year

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-06-12

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoThe BlueClaws welcome the Phillie Phanatic to FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, June 19th, and at the game, they will hold their annual Troop Supply and Care Package Drive.

The Phanatic, the world’s most famous mascot, makes the first of two trips to the ballpark this summer and between innings, he will entertain fans like only he can. The Phanatic’s appearance is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

Tickets – For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

Cell-Phones-for-SoldiersThe BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJNG Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last nine years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The Troop Supply and Care Package Drive takes place on Military Appreciation Night, where military groups will take in the game and there will be various pre-game ceremonies honoring military members.

For more in Military Appreciation Night, call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

Thirsty Thursday – This is also a 66MVP Thirsty Thursday, with dollar beer and soda plus 50-cent wings in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

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

Donate non-perishables on Kroger Food Drive Fridays

ToledoMudHens_2014-05-27

 

Toledo-Mud-HensDid you know roughly one fourth of our local population relies on some form of food assistance? To help address the needs of our community, the Toledo Mud Hens and Kroger have teamed up on the Kroger Food Drive Friday program. Donate generously!

Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the ballpark that night. Collection bins will be located at all Fifth Third Field entrances, and anyone bringing a minimum of three items will receive a reusable shopping bag, courtesy of Kroger. Food Drive Friday events will be held on June 13, July 11 and August 15.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Donate generously to the Fifth Third Bank Food Drive

ToledoMudHens_2014-05-20

 

Toledo-Mud-HensDid you know an estimated 50 million Americans go hungry every day, including one child out of every five in this country? To help raise awareness and inspire action, Fifth Third Bank and the Mud Hens are teaming up to collect food during the May 26-June 2 homestand in support of the Food for Thought program in Northwest Ohio.

Fans attending the Mud Hens home games between Monday, May 26 and Monday, June 2 are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the ballpark. Boxes will be readily available at all entrances.

Food-for-Thought-ToledoFifth Third chose the food drive as this year’s bank-wide service project in honor of Fifth Third Day which occurs annually on May 3. Fifth Third Bank will celebrate Fifth Third Day at the Ballpark on Saturday, May 31 during the Food Drive. During the past two years, Fifth Third employees provided more than 890,000 meals to those in need. For 2014, each of the Bank’s affiliates has created its own plan to fight hunger, with the goal of providing at least 530,000 meals.

Food for Thought is a social justice non-profit dedicated to feeding the hungry and offering dignity, welcome and relationship to anyone in need. The group operates a stationary food pantry in Oregon and a mobile pantry which visits 17 fixed locations around the Toledo area every month.

Call 419-725-4367 for tickets to the May 26 through June 2 games or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Join Fifth Third Bank And The Dragons As We Strike Out Hunger

DaytonDragons_2014-04-23

 

Dayton-DragonsFifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have partnered with the The Foodbank, Inc. in efforts to assist families fighting hunger in the Miami Valley. From April 28-May 1, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the plaza at Fifth Third Field, donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items will be accepted. Items will be donated to The Foodbank, Inc. to provide meals for those in need.

“Each Fifth Third Day, May 3rd, Fifth Third and our employees celebrate our commitment to our communities and to fighting hunger,” stated Doug Compton, Fifth Third Bank’s Dayton City Executive. “Through volunteerism and donations, we’re proud to partner with the Dayton Dragons and their fans in support of The Foodbank, Inc. and efforts to Strike Out Hunger.”

The-Food-BankMichelle Riley, CEO of The Foodbank, expressed the need for the donations. “Throughout our tri-county region, our member hunger relief charities serve about 16,000 meals every day to children, families and seniors,” she said. “We cannot respond to the enormous need for food assistance without the generous support of community partners like Fifth Third Bank and Dayton Dragons.”

Please help Fifth Third Bank reach their goal for Fifth Third Day (May 3) of providing 530,000 meals for the hungry. For more information, visit daytondragons.com. You can text MEAL to 41444 to give a one-time or recurring gift by credit card.

The Foodbank, Inc. is in need of the following food items:

•Chili/Soup

•Cereal

•Peanut Butter & Jelly

•Canned Fruit & Vegetables

•Pasta & Canned Sauce

•Rice & Beans

•Baking Mixes

•Canned Meat & Fish

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

Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) Partners with the Augusta GreenJackets to Launch Annual Strike Out Hunger! Food Drive

 

Augusta-GreenJacketsToday, Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) announced it is going to bat with the Augusta GreenJackets – to launch Strike Out Hunger! This community food drive will run from April 18 through May 3 (“Fifth Third Day” on 5/3) and is aimed at collecting enough products to feed 5,300 families in the Atlanta Metro area. 

Members of the community are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items – such as canned fruits and meats, peanut butter and boxed cereal – to participating Fifth Third Bank financial centers. While supplies last, the bank will give baseball game tickets to those who make a contribution to the food drive, courtesy of the Augusta GreenJackets.

“We believe that a continual investment in our community can make a meaningful impact. Each year, the bank recognizes its employees, customers and the communities it serves on the third day of the fifth month – or 5/3 on the calendar,” said Randy Koporc, president of Fifth Third Bank (Georgia). “We’re proud to be working with top-notch organizations like the Augusta GreenJackets, the Gwinnett Braves, Kennesaw State University, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Golden Harvest Food Bank to help families and children in need throughout the Atlanta area.” 

Golden-Harvest-Food-BankAfter the month-long food drive, the bank will deliver food donations to the Golden Harvest Food Bank, which will in turn feed thousands of families. 

“The need for food in our community continues to grow, and the donated items will directly help people right here in our own backyards,” said Rebecca Hersey, Chief Advancement Officer for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. “Last year, we distributed more than 16.2 million pounds of food through our network of more than 300 agencies – translating to more than 438,000 families who benefit from our efforts annually. We are grateful that Fifth Third Bank has once again focused on contributing to our mission to fight hunger and provide hope.”

“We are proud to be able to partner with Fifth Third Bank on the Strike Out Hunger! food drive,” said Tom Denlinger, General Manager of the Augusta GreenJackets. “As we continue to build on our community impact here in the CSRA for 2014, we look forward to seeing the community support this great initiative and be rewarded with a ticket to our Saturday, May 3 game at 7 p.m.”

To take part in fighting hunger and receive tickets to the Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 7 p.m., residents can drop off food donations at financial centers in Martinez and Augusta from April 18 through May 3.

** Disclosure: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Offer available only at participating Fifth Third locations. Offer valid April 18, 2014 – May 3, 2014. Donations may be made during regular business hours. Limit one ticket per donated item with a maximum of four tickets per person. Offer good only while supplies last. 

Food collection bins are set up at all 32 Fifth Third financial centers in the following counties: Columbia, Richmond, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Walton, and Cobb. Location addresses are available at 53.com.

About the Golden Harvest Food Bank
Golden Harvest Food Bank is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that provides quality food and other grocery products to those in need. We do this with local community support through direct service programs, food pantries, and community education about hunger. The Food Bank was founded in Augusta, Georgia, in 1982, and now operates from three distribution centers – Augusta, GA and Aiken and Liberty, SC. Golden Harvest is a locally-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grocery products to the hungry through direct service programs and a network of more than 300 food pantries and soup kitchens. Golden Harvest distributed more than 16.2 million pounds of grocery products to those in need in fiscal year 2013.

Golden Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America. For more information on how you can help eliminate hunger in our community, visit www.goldenharvest.org. You can also find Golden Harvest on Facebook and Twitter.

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

Pelicans team up with HTC and Backpack Buddies

Partnership renewed to bring much-needed essentials to underprivileged youth

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

Help-4-Kids“The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we’re honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need,” remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She’s a true hero and we’re fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community.”

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Partner with Fifth Third Bank on “Strike Out Hunger” Food Drive

Local Bank Aims to Collect Enough Food Donations to Feed 5,300 Families to Help Celebrate “Fifth Third Day”

GwinnettBraves_2014-04-15

 

Kennesaw, Ga. – Today, Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) announced it is going to bat with the Gwinnett Braves – to launch Strike Out Hunger! This community food drive will run from April 18 through May 3 (“Fifth Third Day” on 5/3) and is aimed at collecting enough products to feed 5,300 families in the Atlanta Metro area.

Members of the community are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items – such as canned fruits and meats, peanut butter and boxed cereal – to participating Fifth Third Bank financial centers. While supplies last, the bank will give baseball game tickets to those who make a contribution to the food drive, courtesy of the Gwinnett Braves.

“We believe that a continual investment in our community can make a meaningful impact. Each year, the bank recognizes its employees, customers and the communities it serves on the third day of the fifth month – or 5/3 on the calendar,” said Randy Koporc, president of Fifth Third Bank (Georgia). “We’re proud to be working with top-notch organizations like the Gwinnett Braves, Kennesaw State University, the Augusta GreenJackets, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Golden Harvest Food Bank to help families and children in need throughout the Atlanta area.”

After the month-long food drive, the bank will deliver food donations to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which will in turn feed thousands of families.

“The need for food in our community continues to increase, and the donated items will directly help people here in our own backyards,” said Bill Bolling, Founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Each year, we distribute more than 45 million pounds of food to help feed the food insecure through our network of more than 600 partner agencies throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. We are humbled that Fifth Third Bank has once again focused on contributing to our efforts to fight hunger and provide hope.”

“The Gwinnett Braves are proud to team up with Fifth Third Bank to help answer a vital need of our community,” said North Johnson, General Manager of the Gwinnett Braves. “The Atlanta Community Food Bank does a tremendous job in providing food to hungry children and families, and we are glad to do our part in helping keep those food banks stocked.”

To take part in fighting hunger and receive tickets to the Gwinnett Braves vs. Lehigh Valley Ironpigs on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 7:05 p.m., residents can drop off food donations at financial centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Loganville, Roswell, and Norcross from April 18 through May 3.

** Disclosure: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Offer available only at participating Fifth Third locations. Offer valid April 18, 2014 – May 3, 2014. Donations may be made during regular business hours. Limit one ticket per donated item with a maximum of four tickets per person. Offer good only while supplies last.

Food collection bins are set up at all 32 Fifth Third financial centers in the following counties: Columbia, Richmond, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Walton, and Cobb. Location addresses are available at 53.com.

 

About Fifth Third Bank: Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company has $130 billion in assets and operates 17 affiliates with 1,320 full-service Banking Centers, including 104 Bank Mart® locations, most open seven days a week, inside select grocery stores and 2,586 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 25% interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of December 31, 2013, had $302 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $27 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC.   

About the Atlanta Community Food Bank: The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) began operating in 1979 from a small space at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. ACFB now distributes over 45 million pounds of food and grocery products each year from a 129,600 square-foot facility in N.W. Atlanta. The product is accessed by more than 600 partner nonprofits that provide food assistance to families and individuals in 29 counties across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. ACFB leads seven distinct projects that reinforce its mission to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering our community: Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, Atlanta’s Table, Community Gardens, Hunger 101, Hunger Walk/Run, Kids In Need and Product Rescue Center.


ACFB is a member of Feeding America, the national network of more than 200 food banks. For more information on the Food Bank, visit www.acfb.organd for more information on Feeding America visit www.feedingamerica.org.

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

“Yes we Can”-ned Food Drive

BeloitSnappers_2014-04-08

 

In conjunction with the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville the Snappers are proud to announce our “Yes We Can” food drive. The Snappers invite fans to bring canned or non-perishable food items to the ballpark for any of the games April 14th -18th and fans will receive a ticket voucher for the Snappers game on Wednesday May 14th! All food donated will be split between the food pantries at the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville.

“We are so excited to have this new promotion at the ballpark this season. The work done at the Salvation Army in both Beloit and Janesville is a vital part of our community and we are happy to be a part of it” said Snappers President Dennis Conerton.

Tami Prochazka of the Salvation Army in Janesville said, “The Salvation Army appreciates this partnership with the Beloit Snappers and the community in ensuring food pantry shelves are stocked and ready to assist families in need during difficult times. The Yes We Can food drive is a win-win for The Salvation Army, food pantry families and avid baseball fans.”

The Snappers will be taking on the Great Lakes Loons Monday April 14th-16th all games starting at 6:30 pm with gates opening at 5:30 pm. April 17th-18th the Snappers will take on the Lansing Lugnuts with both games starting at 6:30 pm gates opening at 5:30 pm. For tickets visit the Snappers Box Office or call 608-362-2272.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Beloit Snappers. Click here to view the original story.

Sea Dogs to Hold 14th Annual Food Drive

Trade Your Canned-Goods for Tickets When You Make a Ticket Purchase

PortlandSeaDogs_2014-01-02

 

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs, in partnership with the Maine Credit Union League, will hold their 14th annual Food Drive which will run from now 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 20th game and bring in three food items, you will receive three additional complimentary tickets of equal or lesser value to the June 20th game. The offer is good for Box Seats, Reserved, General Admission, and Pavilion seating; 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 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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 Sea Dogs open the 2014 season on the road in Reading, Pennsylvania on April 3rd. The home opener is set for Thursday, April 10th at 6:00 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats. Tickets for the 2014 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoIt’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

  • Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5
  • Player hours volunteered: 202.5
  • Mascot appearances: 130
  • Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)
  • Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092
  • Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The service person and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued with another new tip of the cap, Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many liveChildrens-Miracle-Network-logo125s as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, Little-League-Challenger-lostopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting thB&G-of-NEPA-logoe Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

Voluntary-Action-Center-logoOn Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

 

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

Thousands of Hours, Over $200,000 Given Back to NEPA

Moosic, Pa. – It’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5

Player hours volunteered: 202.5

Mascot appearances: 130

Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)

Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092

Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued with another new tip of the cap, Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, stopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

On Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals). The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

“Score 4 for Hunger” Raises $14,000

Sea Dogs, Dead River Company Partnership Generates $14,000 Donation

PortlandSeaDogs_2013-08-31 PortlandSeaDogs1_2013-08-31

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs partnership with Dead River Company, “Score 4 for Hunger” resulted in a $14,000 donation to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

The “Score 4 for Hunger” campaign featured a $400 donation from Dead River Company to Good Shepherd Food Bank every time the Sea Dogs scored four or more runs in a home game this season, up to a $14,000 total. Through August 30th, the Sea Dogs had scored four or more runs at home 44 times, generating $14,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

During the third inning of the August 31st Sea Dogs game Bob Moore, the CEO of Dead River Company, presented  the check to Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. They were accompanied by Bill Phillips, Market Manager for Dead River Company in Scarborough and Dana Guay, Dead River Company Market Manager in Biddeford.

September kicks-off Hunger Action Month. The Sea Dogs and Dead River Company held a food drive at the game and collected hundreds of non-pershiable food items to donate to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Additionally, Dead River Company presented the first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark on August 31st with a Sea Dogs ballcap.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

Donations Good for Naturals Game Ticket

Proceeds Benefit NWA Food Bank

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have joined Arvest Bank’s effort to fight hunger in our area. Donate $5 or 10 nonperishable food items at a Naturals game Aug. 26-29, and you can be part of the team, too.

The Naturals ticket offer is a warm-up for Arvest Bank’s 1 Million Meals initiative, which officially begins Sept. 4, and aims to raise a million or more meals to fight hunger. All donations made at Arvest Ballpark will benefit the NWA Food Bank.

Considering $1 = 5 meals, you can make a big difference by donating $5 or 10 nonperishable food items. In return, you’ll receive a reserved ticket for that evening’s game. Come watch the Naturals play the Arkansas Travelers on Aug. 26, or the Tulsa Drillers Aug. 27-29.

Some of the most-needed food items, which can be dropped off at the Naturals team van near the ticket office, include:

• canned meat
• canned vegetables
• fruit cups
• macaroni & cheese
• boxed dinners
• cereal

In its third year, 1 Million Meals runs Sept. 4-Nov. 2 and challenges Arvest associates, customers and communities to help fight hunger in the more than 120 communities the bank serves. Last year, the initiative raised 1.38 million meals. This year’s effort benefits 53 organizations in the four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma – Arvest serves.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.