Sea Dogs hold food drive to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank

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Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, in partnership with Maine Credit Unions, will hold their annual Food Drive which will run from Monday, February 7th through Friday, February 25th. 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 28th game and bring in three food items, you will receive three additional complimentary tickets of equal or lesser value to the June 28th game. The offer is good for Reserved, and General Admission 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 2022 season will be the Sea Dogs’ 29th season in Portland and 20th as an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The Sea Dogs open the season on Friday, April 8th at Hadlock Field against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Hadlock Field, online at www.seadogs.com, or by phone at 207-879-9500.

Delmarva Shorebirds 2021 Holiday Community Impact

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After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more,

After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more, the Shorebirds carried their mission through the beginning of the offseason to lend a helping hand and spread some holiday cheer to those on Delmarva this holiday season.

Thanksgiving for Thousands

The Delmarva Shorebirds kicked off the holiday season by participating in Mountaire Farms annual Thanksgiving for Thousands. The Shorebirds have been involved with Mountaire Farms Thanksgiving for Thousands for many years now and helped Mountaire pack over 10,000 Thanksgiving boxes for families in need across Delmarva. This event is a favorite of the Shorebirds front office and was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

An annual tradition, the Delmarva Shorebirds’ front office staff partnered with the Shorebirds’ Fan Club to participate in Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing in front of the Salisbury Walmart this holiday season. By participating in bell ringing, the Shorebirds were able to help the Salvation Army raise holiday funds for families in need in our community, while sharing a smile and holiday cheer with customers and Shorebirds fans.

Santa’s Letters

Next, Sherman and the Shorebirds visited Santa’s Letters in Dagsboro, Delaware to help ring in the Christmas season. This event spread Christmas cheer by allowing kids to play in the winter wonderland, drink hot chocolate, and put their letter to Santa in Santa’s mailbox. Sherman was very excited for Santa to read his letter! Sherman and the Shorebirds enjoyed helping Santa’s Letters spread the joy of the holiday season for those young and old. Despite the cold, Sherman’s feathers kept him warm!

Home Instead’s “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program

At the beginning of December, the Delmarva Shorebirds partnered with Home Instead for their “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. The Shorebirds decorated a Christmas tree in their front lobby and put ornaments from Home Instead that were labeled with gifts that seniors could use this holiday season. With the help of our amazing fans, the Shorebirds were able to give many presents to the seniors in our community through the “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program. Plus, Sherman visited the MAC Center with Home Instead to spread holiday cheer to the seniors as they received their gifts. This wonderful community initiative is something the Delmarva Shorebirds welcomed for the first time this season and plan to join forces with Home Instead for the years to come.

Holiday Parades

Sherman was a very busy bird this holiday season as he attended seven (7) Christmas parades across Delmarva. On November 29th, the Shorebirds started their parade route by attending the Pocomoke Christmas Parade followed by the Berlin Christmas Parade a few days after on December 2nd. Sherman and the Shorebirds had a double header on December 4th as Sherman shook his tailfeather at both Ocean City and Seaford Christmas parades. Sherman flew closer to the nest on December 5th as he spread holiday cheer at the Salisbury Christmas Parade giving his hometown fans a reminder that baseball will soon be back at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds ended the parade route with the Rehoboth Christmas Parade on December 6th and the Bridgeville Christmas parade on December 12th.

Halo Trees of Hope Festival

The Shorebirds donated a Shorebirds themed Christmas tree decked out with various memorabilia including Shorebirds bobbleheads, upper reserved tickets to a Shorebirds game, and a Shorebirds Suite Night, all valuing at $1000 to Halo’s first Trees of Hope Festival. The Shorebirds’ Christmas tree along with many other trees donated by organizations across Delmarva were auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting Halo Ministry and their mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Jaycees Christmas Shopping Tour

Sherman and the Shorebirds helped the Jaycees with their annual Christmas Shopping Tour where they spread the Christmas cheer and gave out Christmas gifts to children in the area at the Salisbury Elks Lodge #817. The Jaycees do amazing work in the community each year, and the Shorebirds are always excited for the opportunity to join forces with such a wonderful organization.

Penguin Swim

Sherman attended Atlantic General Hospital’s annual Penguin Swim in Ocean City on New Year’s Day! He cheered on attendees as they dipped their tail feathers in the ocean. Sherman was a warm, friendly face for the participants who dunked themselves in the frigid waters. The proceeds of the event benefited the hospital and their mission of providing quality care to their community, and Sherman and the Shorebirds were proud to support such an incredible event.

The Delmarva Shorebirds were able to join forces with incredible community members this holiday season to give back to our supportive community and spread holiday cheer. The Shorebirds participated in recurring events that are beloved by the team as well as new ones that the Shorebirds hope to continue year after year. With the 2022 Delmarva Shorebirds’ season quickly approaching, the team will continue to fulfill its mission of making a positive impact on the community as well as gearing up for an exciting 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball that is bound to be one of the best years yet!

2021 Trash Pandas Community Impact Report 

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The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to assist the North Alabama community by raising more than $100,000 in cash donations for non-profit organizations during the team’s inaugural season in 2021.

The funds were raised through a series of events throughout the season including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Dog Day Donations, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2021 include:

  • Five specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $65,000 throughout the season.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games with profits going to their organization, which collected over $47,000.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $750 was collected.
  • Four drive-through food drives at Toyota Field where over 40,000 pounds of food was distributed at each event to provide more than 2,500 families with much-needed food during the pandemic.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 200 children aged 8-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also posed with rescue animals for a calendar photo shoot to help puppies find a new home.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, trade shows, visits with Trash Pandas partners, and delivering holiday meals to those in need.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Trash Pandas are looking forward to continuing their work in the community as the 2022 season approaches. To learn more on how to get involved in Trash Pandas community events, please CLICK HERE to view the Community Tab at TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Opening Night at Toyota Field is set for Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO GIVE AWAY 100 TURKEYS

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The Charleston Dirty Birds will host a turkey giveaway to families just in time for the Christmas holiday. The event will take place at Appalachian Power Park on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 4pm.

Families in need of a turkey for the holidays are invited to stop by Appalachian Power Park on December 22nd to pick up a free turkey courtesy of the Charleston Dirty Birds, US Foods and Kroger. The event will begin at 4pm right inside the main gate at Appalachian Power Park and will end when all 100 turkeys are distributed. One turkey per household, first come first serve.

** EVENT DETAILS**

  • WHEN – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
  • WHERE – Appalachian Power Park
  • TIME – 4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

WHERE

Appalachian Power Park

TIME

4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

Inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” to Spread Joy Around Central Massachusetts this Week

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Community Award Winners Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman to join Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, and Santa in visits to charities.

WORCESTER, MA – Led by Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman, two award-winning members of the Worcester Red Sox, the inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” will visit charities from Leominster to Leicester and from Webster to Worcester this Wednesday through Friday, December 15-17.

Ockimey, the club’s first baseman and first-ever recipient of the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” award for community service, will team up with Gedman, his Hitting Coach, who won the charity’s inaugural eponymous “Geddy” award for his kindness and contributions to the community. Joining them are Mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Last week, the WooSox were named Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion among all 120 teams in the United States and Canada.

The Caravan, funded by generous donors from our community, begins on Wednesday morning just blocks away from Polar Park in the Canal District at St. John’s Food for the Poor, where representatives of the WooSox Foundation will serve breakfast to those in need. Other stops in Worcester include Abby’s House and Why Me & Sherry’s House, which the Caravan will visit on Wednesday, and the Worcester Public Library and UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, which will be visited on Friday.

Stretching northward, the Caravan continues to Leominster on Thursday afternoon, with a visit to the Spanish American Center, which focuses on social, educational, and economic support to the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Southward, the troupe will travel to Webster, Mass. on Wednesday afternoon, to bring gifts to the talented students in Our Bright Future’s after-school program, which supports students’ academic needs and pursuits of robotics, arts and crafts, and sports. The charity is based in neighboring Southbridge, Mass.

West of Worcester, early Wednesday evening the excursion visits Leicester, site of the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys. Partnering with Double Play Sports, home of the Junior WooSox in AAU Baseball, the visitors will bring gifts and play games with the residents of the home team.

Addressing some of the needs at the eastern end of Central Massachusetts, the Caravan will also spend time with foster families from Framingham’s Department of Children and Families in conjunction with the Wonderfund. Care packages comprising toys and books, as well as clothing and toiletries, will be presented. Assembled by Kits for Kids of Marlborough, the gifts provide fun as well as everyday essentials to the children.

“As we head into the holidays, we find joy in bringing joy to some of those in need of a smile,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who is also president of the club’s foundation. “We are thrilled that one of the stars of WooSox ’21, Josh Ockimey, is returning to his summer home to warm the hearts of children in winter. And we are delighted that our native son and WooSox Hitting Coach, beloved Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman, will bring gifts and love to these children as well. For each child, it is a moment and a memory that we hope impacts and improves their precious lives.”

Ockimey, 26, hit 15 home runs and knocked in 45 runs in only 98 games for the WooSox in 2021. The lefty slugger, who has been in the Red Sox system all eight years of his professional career, has hit 40 home runs with 102 RBI in 220 games his past two seasons in Triple-A. The Philadelphia native has consistently been among the team leaders in community appearances.

The WooSox Foundation awarded its first “Geddy Award” to the Worcester native for his devotion to baseball, commitment to the community, and kindness to all.

Smiley Ball, born on World Smile Day in 2020, pays tribute to the Smiley Face, invented in Worcester in 1963 by the late advertising executive, Harvey Ball. Woofster the WonderDog, whom Smiley Ball adopted as a rescue dog at the Worcester Animal Rescue League, debuted on National Dog Day in August of 2021.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are longtime fans, having sewn and distributed red socks throughout the world. They are most familiar with the concept of a Polar Park.

Cutters Donate to American Rescue Workers

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The Williamsport Crosscutters recently presented the American Rescue Workers with a check for $4,737.88, representing the proceeds from the team’s 50/50 raffles during from the 2021 season. The Crosscutters 50/50 raffle is presented by The Pitch In Charitable Foundation, a non-profit foundation of professional baseball teams.

This represents the fifth straight season that the team has donated it’s 50/50 proceeds to the American Rescue Workers. Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The American Rescue Workers is a great organization, run by great people, doing great work. We know that the donated funds are put to good use, helping the most vulnerable in our population in their time of need.”

In the past five seasons, the Williamsport Crosscutters have donated over $31,000 to ARW through the foundation’s 50/50 raffle.

###

Shown in the check presentation photo from left are; Cutters Vice President General Manager Doug Estes, ARW Business Administrator Dawn Astin, ARW Executive Director Sam Astin and Cutters Vice President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE WORKERS: American Rescue Workers (ARW) is a faith based non-profit organization providing hunger and homelessness prevention services in Lycoming County since 1934. ARW cares holistically for men, women, and children who find themselves in an emergency situation or a homeless crisis by providing shelter and social services. The Williamsport American Rescue Workers is a part of the national ARW organization whose headquarters is also located in Williamsport.

Annually, ARW provides shelter to over 1,100 homeless men, women and children. 76,000 meals are served to shelter residents as well. A 3-day emergency supply of groceries is distributed to over 1,000 families per month and over $350,000 in emergency rental and utility assistance is given out to help keep families in their homes and from avoiding the homeless crisis. American Rescue Workers helps members of the community reach self-sufficiency through work programs, shelter, food, case management, and spiritual guidance.

American Rescue Workers operates 10 Thrift Stores across Central Pennsylvania, the Social Service Center, three shelters for men, women, and children, and American Rescue Workers Community Church.

ARW is primarily funded through the resale and recycling of donated goods in our 10 Thrift Store locations. Other critical annual funding comes from grants, as well as generous foundation, individual, and corporate donors.

Blue Wahoos Partner To Help Provide Holiday Meals For Those In Greatest Need 

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A volunteer enthusiastically greeted Angie Ishee, the executive vice president of the Waterfront Rescue Mission, while she stood on the sidewalk entrance to Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“This kicks off a right kind of Thanksgiving, doesn’t it?” Ishee said.

A nod of approval became the common theme.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos played a significant role in helping feed thousands of needy people on Thanksgiving Day as part of the facility’s “Feeding Of The 5,000” quest.

After executive chef Travis Wilson and sous chef Carl Sackman prepared more than 50 turkeys, a team of volunteers worked Thanksgiving Day morning to add complete dinner meals, then box the food into Styrofoam containers for delivery into the community.

“This is basically using our resources for the greater good,” Wilson said. “We have the high powered ovens, we have the space to do this. It is the least we can do to help.”

The stadium’s Better Homes & Garden Lounge became staging area for a unified effort to help people in need throughout the Pensacola area.

The initial efforts for Thanksgiving may be followed with help for Christmas meals that Waterfront Rescue Mission provides.

“It is a massive undertaking,” Ishee said. “The Blue Wahoos have been wonderful. This (stadium) provide a central location for our team of volunteers to come day and get the food prepared, loaded and sent out to places we are serving.”

It was the 72nd year that Pensacola’s Waterfront Rescue Mission has provided Thanksgiving meals to homeless, elderly shut-in people and others within the community in need.

The facility has done it with partnership of the Appleyard Agency. Company president Dick Appleyard said he got involved 35 or 40 years ago while his father, John Appleyard, was the company CEO and has stayed actively involved every year.

“I was part of trying to solve the problem,” Dick Appleyard said. “We knew the problem then and now the problem is front and center in the community.

“These guys at Waterfront Mission have been doing this now for nearly 75 years. They know their stuff. And at the end of the day, they are going to be part of the solution to help alleviate this problem of homelessness.”

Sackman said the Blue Wahoos kitchen area and the massive ovens enabled them to cook 41 turkeys at once.

“With turkeys, especially since they come frozen, thawing them is always what takes the longest,” said “When you have so many big turkeys together, they are basically giant ice cubes, so it keeps each one more frozen. These were all together.

“It takes over a week to thaw them out effectively.”

In 2020, Sackman and Wilson combined efforts to create takeout holiday meals the Blue Wahoos provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It enabled people to pre-order their family dinners, then pick up the food before each holiday.

“This time, they approached us and asked for our help and we said, sure we can make some turkeys,” Wilson said. “We have the space here to do things like this and the amount of ovens to use.”

All of the food and costs were donated. Appleyard said the plan will be to follow suit for Christmas meals.

“(Blue Wahoos) were a godsend to us,” he said. “The facility can be used for so many things. It is so fantastic.

Patriots Announce Tropical Storm Ida Relief Donations

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced the recipients of the team’s fundraising efforts to assist those affected by the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

$35,000 was raised by the team through an online auction, ballpark 50-50 raffles, and a donation match by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“First we need to thank everyone that donated to our efforts, whether that was items for the auction or monetarily,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “They helped us raise a significant amount of money that was matched by our very generous ownership and the dealerships.”

The money raised through the Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation was earmarked to assist with recovery efforts for Central New Jersey residents and businesses.

The selected recipients of the fundraising efforts were:

The Food Bank Network of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Sparkee, Gordon White, President of the Board of Directors; Steve Katz, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle.

  • The donation will help distribute food and provide other basic human needs to those in Somerset County affected by the flooding and destruction caused by Ida.

Greater Somerset County YMCA: DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Patrick McVerry, David Carcieri, President/CEO; Sparkee.

  • The donation will assist families and children through social programs designed to help them stay healthy and strong, as well as provide financial assistance to those displaced, underprivileged, or in need due to the impact of the storm.

The ARC of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Jill Glassman, Director of Early Childhood Services; Chris Corvino, Associate Executive Director; Lauren Frary, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle, Jen Prior, Sparkee.

  • The donation will help the organization assist those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families that were affected by the flooding and damage from the storm.

Somerset Health Care Foundation: DONATE

(L to R): Jessica Ust, Director of Development; Sparky Lyle, Donna Castronovo, Vice President, Foundation and Development; Sparkee, Patrick McVerry, Patrick Delaney, Chief Operating Officer at RWJUH Somerset.

  • The donation will be used to help displaced health care workers and hospital support staff due to the flooding and assist with their needs during the recovery.

Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290 (Manville): DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Andy Henkel, Commander; Patrick McVerry, Sparkee.

  • The donation will be used to assist with the cost of shelter operations and aid the victims directly to help get back into their homes.

Checks were personally delivered on Monday, November 22nd and Tuesday, November 23rd by McVerry, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle, and Sparkee the Mascot.

“You really couldn’t ask for a better time to give than Thanksgiving week,” said Lyle. “To be able to say thank you to our friends doing such important work to help our community felt really good. And while the devastation to the area put a spotlight on their efforts, it’s really something they do all year long and deserves to be recognized.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit:

www.somersetpatriots.com.

Patriots, Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton Continue Tradition Of Giving With Donation Of Holiday Meals For Local Families

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Bridgewater, New Jersey– The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, along with Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are donating holiday meals and personal care items to local families through the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the Flemington Area Food Pantry.

The donation for Somerset County residents was made at the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s main warehouse in Bound Brook on Friday, November 19th. Jonathan Kalafer and his son Broden were joined by Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry, team mascot Sparkee, County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Douglas Singleterry and the President of the Board of Directors of the Somerset County Food Bank Network, Gordon White.

“Anybody who is in need, or has ever been in need, the first thing people think of is ‘what am I going to eat tonight,’” said White. “It’s not ‘do I pay the rent or do I go to a doctor?’ It’s how do I feed myself and how am I going to feed my family. If we can’t meet that first level of support, people don’t have the will or the energy or the mental stamina to devote to anything else.”

The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in the community in a manner which recognizes and advances self-worth and human dignity. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is incorporated as a charitable, not-for-profit organization. The majority of their food and funding are donations provided by individuals, families, philanthropic organizations, businesses and corporations of all sizes. For more information, or to make a food or monetary donation, please visit somersetfoodbank.org.

“Donations this time of year are important to the fabric of what makes family and communities a community,” said Commissioner Director Robinson. “That we are all working together to make sure that we are all made whole and that we have a great time with our family and friends, but more importantly, there’s nothing else that matters when you are coming together with family than coming to break bread.”

Added Commissioner Singleterry, “This has been a tough time for a lot of people, and I applaud the work that the Food Bank does, and all the people that support the Food Bank, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. This is really helping a lot of people out and the work they do is appreciated.”

Giving back to the community is an important tradition for the Kalafer family and the businesses they own and operate.

“This was a core value that my father built his businesses on. I have heard countless stories of his generosity over the years and feel blessed to have learned the importance of community from him,” said Jonathan Kalafer.

Steve Kalafer passed away in April from a battle with cancer. That tradition of giving back continues on to the next generation of the Kalafer family as Jonathan’s 13-year-old son, Broden, lent a hand.

“I am very proud of Broden. He created a charitable initiative called ‘Hearts to Help’ as part of the process when he was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah last year. Even though the service requirement for his Bar Mitzvah is over, he has decided to continue on with it,” said Jonathan Kalafer. “He has added personal care items to the families holiday meals through his personal fundraising and money he earned working at a hair salon on the weekends. It is hard doing this without our dad this year, but I know he would be so proud to see Broden here.”

The Kalafers and Sparkee also visited the Flemington Food Pantry to make the donation for Hunterdon County residents to Executive Director, Jeannine Gorman. In addition to the donation, they also received a bag full of gift cards donated by associates and staff from the Kalafer businesses who wished to participate in the effort.

“We never had a clue of how many people would show up to our door, but we have faith that no matter how many people there are, that we have the support of the community to have everything we need in order to ensure people have the food that they need for their families,” said Gorman. “For us, having strong partners like the Kalafer family and their businesses is absolutely critical to everything that we do.”

Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard and Committeeman Jeff Kuhl were in attendance for the presentation.

“It’s so great to see a family like the Kalafer family, now third generation here, that Steve taught them so well,” Committeeman Kuhl said. “They always want to give back to the community that they serve. The Somerset Patriots and Flemington Car and Truck Country are great for the community and so is the Kalafer family.”

The Flemington Area Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to needy Hunterdon County families regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. The Flemington Area Food Pantry depends on the generosity of the Hunterdon County community for its very existence. Without donations of food and funds, the Pantry would not exist. More than 80% of Pantry in- come is derived from contributions of cash and groceries. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit flemingtonfoodpantry.org.

“We know these donations will help feed families and bring some joy to those in need,” said Josh Kalafer, Co-Owner of Flemington Car & Truck Country and Clinton Honda, Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover Princeton, and Co-Chairman of the Patriots. “It’s a way for our family, team, and dealerships to do good in our community during a time when it is very much needed. It is how our businesses have always operated under my father’s guidance and they will continue to do so long into the future.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

About Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton

Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are Authorized Automotive Sales, Service and Parts Dealerships serving Hunterdon and other surrounding New Jersey and Pennsylvania counties since 1976. They have locations on Routes 202, 31, 22 and 206. For more information, please visit Flemington.com, ClintonHonda.com, or JLRPrinceton.com.

Patriots To Host Holiday Toy And Food Drive

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will host a Holiday Toy and Food Drive at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, December 11th.

The event will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Team Store located by the main gate of the ballpark.

New and unwrapped toys will be collected to donate to Central New Jersey Toys For Tots to bring holiday cheer to less fortunate children throughout the area.

The team will also be accepting donations of canned and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to help fight hunger.

Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle will be on site to meet fans, sign autographs, and take pictures from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Sparkee the Mascot will also be at the event during those times.

The Team Store will feature new arrivals, holiday items, and restocked favorites from the season.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: __www.somersetpatriots.com.

BlueClaws Charities Announces Grant Recipients

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities announced a list of 31 organizations that received a grant from the organization.

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, raises money throughout the year as part of a series of initiatives. These include a 50/50 raffle at BlueClaws home games, specialty fundraising events like the team’s Virtual Hot Stove held this year in March, merchandise sales, and more.

Grant money will once again be kept within Ocean & Monmouth Counties.

“We are delighted to once again distribute grants to these deserving non-profit organizations in our communities,” said BlueClaws Charities President Kevin Fenstermacher. “Our mission is to help those less fortunate around the Jersey Shore, and these grants to 31 unique organizations will benefit those in need.”

Below, find a list of organizations to receive a grant (organizations are listed alphabetically):

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, to subsidize their care services program for families of patients diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • A Need We Feed, to provide meals to veterans, seniors, elementary school children, and families in Ocean County.
  • The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, to offer fitness classes twice a week for program participants.
  • The Ashley Lauren Foundation, to provide financial assistance to families with children diagnosed with cancer.
  • The Brodie Fund, for financial assistance to families that have a pet diagnosed with cancer.
  • Brody’s Crew, to purchase drawstring bags with items like stress balls, sanitizer, glow sticks, silly string, and more, in honor of what would have been Brody’s 6th birthday, to support inpatient families at CHOP.
  • Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, to help onboard new volunteers for the organization, which provides supportive services to people who are 60 and older and can no longer drive.
  • Child Care Resources, to support their Diaper Bank, providing diapers and wipes to individuals and organizations in Monmouth County.
  • David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, to provide financial assistance, wellness services, and hope to Jersey Shore families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
  • Easterseals New Jersey, to ensure continuation of employment services programs featuring skills evaluation, resume building and interview skills to help place participants into jobs within the local community.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company, to help purchase a new refrigerator for concessions at performances.
  • Family Promise of Southern Ocean County, to provide emergency shelter to homeless children and their families throughout Ocean County.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, to purchase chairs needed for their Program Activity Center in Farmingdale, which supports Girl Scout fundraisers and girl programs throughout the year.
  • Homes Now, to assist the nearly 250 individuals and families who reside in Homes Now housing units with food items, cleaning supplies, activities, and more.
  • Jersey Shore Council of the Boy Scouts of America, to offset the costs related to Scouting, such as registration fees, uniforms, and program fees, for families at the Jersey Shore.
  • JF Party Dragon, to purchase food for local food pantries
  • Kids Need More, for an event to support children under 18 and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
  • LADACIN Network, to support their Give and Take Child Care Center in Monmouth County, which provides services for children with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays and typically developing children.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, towards the sponsorship of a service dog.
  • Ma Deuce Deuce, to support a Audrey’s Toy Chest, an initiative to ensure Christmas occurs for local veteran families in need.
  • The Mya Lin Terry Foundation, for siblings of those with pediatric cancer.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, for a home repair project to help subsidize the increased costs incurred after the pandemic.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization, to support their youth partnership, made up of youth between 12-21 living in Ocean County with behavioral, emotional, mental health, and developmental challenges.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club, to support the 20 pediatric patients of Philadelphia Shriners’ Hospital for Children based in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children, to support the needs of the youth served, including food, clothing, and community activities.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House, to provide shelter, support, and services for vulnerable youth including at their 12-bed shelter.
  • Parents of Autistic Children (POAC), to support their Challenger Sports League to offer a socialization opportunity through athletic participation between disabled students and their non-disabled peers.
  • Raising Hope for Others, to support their annual golf outing held in August of 2022.
  • Seabrook Village, to provide books and magazines for residents at their senior living community.
  • Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, to distribute 200 behavioral health toolkits to students attending Monmouth/Ocean County schools.
  • The Salvation Army, to support their Hearty Helpings, which serves the hungry at their Toms River, with the purchase of additional cookware and containers.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, to provide financial aid to first responders, their spouse, and children struggling with finances due to medical burdens from sickness or injury.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, to support an annual coat drive for local pre-school to middle-school aged children.

“We are very grateful to those that supported BlueClaws Charities throughout the year and look forward to additional fundraising events soon,” said Fenstermacher.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

Drive 4 Harvest Hope at Fluor Field November 19

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The Greenville Drive are proud to partner with WYFF News 4 to host the Drive 4 Harvest Hope at Fluor Field November 19 from noon-7 PM.

Please donate nonperishable food items to the Main Street gate at Fluor Field for those in need this holiday season. All items will directly benefit Harvest Hope–a foodbank located in Greenville.

WYFF News 4 will also produce their evening broadcast live at the stadium to support the food drive.

Additionally, the Drive will honor longtime respected news anchor Michael Cogdill who is retiring after 32 years behind the desk at WYFF. Join us to support the food drive and show appreciation to one of Greenville’s most-beloved voices.

Dragons Home Run Challenge Presented by Lexus of Dayton Raises More Than $17,000 for the Dayton Foodbank

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As the Dayton Dragons entered the 2021 season, the organization developed a goal of doing more than saying “thank you” to the community. The Dragons organization felt that it was important to express its appreciation with action.

Fans throughout the region had provided an overwhelming outpouring of love and support towards the Dragons organization during the challenging summer of 2020. In response, the Dragons organization made a pledge to give back to the community in new and creative ways in 2021. That pledge led to the development of a new program called the “Home Run Challenge.”

The concept was simple: For every home run hit by the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark during the 2021 season, the Dragons and Lexus of Dayton would donate $200 to a worthy local charity.

As the Home Run Challenge got underway and Dragons fans learned about the program, they began contributing as well. By the end of the Dragons season, the Home Run Challenge had raised $17,798 for the Dayton Foodbank.

On October 25, the Dayton Dragons and Lexus of Dayton General Manager Aaron Forland presented The Foodbank with a check for $17,798. The Foodbank’s Chief Development Officer, Lee Truesdale, graciously accepted the donation.

ABOUT THE DAYTON FOODBANK:

The Foodbank’s mission is to relieve hunger in the community through a network of partner agencies by acquiring and distributing food. They are able to serve as the charitable hunger relief network in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Just one dollar donated provides those in need with 5 meals.

ABOUT THE HOME RUN CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY LEXUS OF DAYTON:

https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/homerunchallenge

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Donates Food Truck to Food Bank of CNY 

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets and the Food Bank of CNY will host a food drive in the parking lot at NBT Bank Stadium on Thursday, September 30th in conjunction with the game that night.The Food Bank of CNY is using this game to debut the new refrigerated food truck donated to the Food Bank of CNY by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The food drive will begin at 5 p.m. and will last until 7 p.m. The first 150 people to donate non-perishable food items will receive an Amazin’ Mets Foundation tote bag.

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is proud to support the great work of the Food Bank of Central New York and the communities in Syracuse,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are committed to providing needed services and opportunities to underserved groups, especially when it comes to hunger relief, which continues to be a growing issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in all of our affiliates’ communities and neighborhoods.”

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is making a huge impact in the Central New York community, and we are privileged to be working with them, alongside the New York Mets,” said Jason Smorol, Syracuse Mets General Manager. “The Food Bank does so much to support people around our community, and this donation will help them focus and spend on food instead of vehicle maintenance. This donation by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation is just that, Amazing!”

The Syracuse Mets will play the Buffalo Bisons on Thursday, September 30th, and fans attending the game are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate before entering the stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

“We are thrilled to reveal our new refrigerated straight truck during Thursday night’s Syracuse Mets game,” said Karen Belcher, Executive Director at Food Bank of Central New York. “The Amazin’ Mets Foundation and the Syracuse Mets are terrific partners of the Food Bank, providing funds, awareness, and support for our work to provide nutritious food in the community for people struggling with hunger. This truck, funded by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, will be on the road every day helping to pick up food donated to us from local retail partners for distribution in various locations in the community later that same day!”

Tickets for September 30th and all remaining Syracuse Mets home games for the 2021 season are available at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone (315-474-7833), or in-person during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online anytime at syracusemets.com.

2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge On Delmarva Delivers 173,000 Meals For Hunger Relief

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SALISBURY, MD. (Tuesday, September 22, 2021) — As part of Perdue Farms’ “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors®” hunger-relief initiative, the company teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team and three Delmarva Peninsula food banks to deliver 173,000 meals across the region’s communities in the season-long 2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.

“The impact of the pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and challenge to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “After pausing the Strike Out Hunger Challenge last year because of the pandemic, we’re pleased that this year’s campaign once again provided a collaborative platform to raise public awareness about the problem of hunger and food insecurity and deliver much-needed relief to our neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

According to research from the food banks, on average one in seven people on the Delmarva Peninsula are challenged by food insecurity. One third of that food-insecure population is children.

Since 2011, Perdue, the Shorebirds, food banks and the community at-large have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more than 1.2 million meals for those in need on Delmarva.

“The Delmarva Shorebirds are so proud of this collaborative partnership that continues to put food on the table for so many of our neighbors in need during these difficult times,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “We look forward to continuing our work with Perdue in this important effort to improve the quality of life on Delmarva.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Foundation — the charitable giving arm of the company — to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Each of the food banks were required to engage the Delmarva community to raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their equal share of the first $10,000 of the Foundation challenge grant. This included any combination of pounds of food collected, monies collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season. Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter, up to $5,000.

“This annual campaign remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the needs of those who struggle to feed their families,” said Jennifer Small, senior regional program director for the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “As a result of our longstanding partnership with Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the support committed through the Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, we are able to provide more food to Eastern Shore Marylanders challenged by food insecurity.”

As Chad Robinson, community relations manager for the Food Bank of Delaware, explains, “We are so grateful for Perdue’s leadership with this annual initiative. Partners like Perdue play a critical role in not only raising much needed funds, but bringing awareness of the critical issue that so many in our community face.”

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®.

About Perdue Farms

We’re a fourth-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores, and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

About the Delmarva Shorebirds

The Delmarva Shorebirds were founded in 1996 and have been the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 1997. The Shorebirds have won two South Atlantic League championships in 1997 and 2000 and were named the MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year in 2019 after going 90-48 in the regular season. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, the Shorebirds are proud to represent the entire Delmarva Peninsula and have hosted two SAL All-Star Games in 1999 and 2011. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, based in Stockton, California headed by Chairman Tom Volpe and President Pat Filippone.