Drive continue to make impact in South Carolina



Summer nights at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina, have the feel of a large neighborhood gathering with the beautiful 15-year-old facility serving as the “front porch” of the Greater Greenville and Upstate South Carolina area.

And while the coronavirus pandemic has prevented local fans from being able to support the Drive on the field in 2020, the team has not wavered from its commitment to the community, hosting the Underground Kitchen Community First Project, which provided nearly 1,000 free meals to those in need over three days in June.

For their efforts in the community, the Drive are the recipients of the Minor League Baseball Promotion of the Month Award for June.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on our work in the Greenville and Upstate area, but without baseball games this year, we really decided to double down on our efforts in the community and really try to wrap our arms around those who are struggling and help in any way we can,” said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “We had to get creative and find ways where we could utilize our staff and really help as many people as we could.”

While the team had previously volunteered with FoodShare South Carolina, an organization that provides access to fresh produce to those in need, Jarinko said a conversation with volunteer Marylou Stinson got the ball rolling on what became a “no-brainer” of an event.

A suggestion by Stinson led the Drive and FoodShare South Carolina to combine forces with a Richmond, Virginia-based organization called the Underground Kitchen. The goal of the Underground Kitchen is to provide a diverse group of chefs, who are typically from places underrepresented in the culinary world, the opportunity to share their creative talents and tastes to create soups and meals for those in need.

“The Underground Kitchen had been looking to expand the scope of its program and FoodShare South Carolina has been expanding their efforts across the state so teaming up with the Drive was a perfect way to help a large number of people,” said Stinson. “The Drive were on board and had their entire staff leading the way. They were just tremendous.”

The Drive opened the kitchens at Fluor Field and the team’s Executive Chef, Wilbert Sauceda, himself a native of Honduras and a veteran of the restaurant business, helped coordinate efforts to produce nearly 1,000 free meals in just two days. Much of the food was donated by the Mill Village, a non-profit organization in Greenville that features food products from local farmers.

With the food preparation underway, the Drive relied on FoodShare South Carolina to spread the word of the opportunity to families who were known to be in need that meals made from scratch would be available free of charge.

“Wilbert took the lead in the kitchen, and the rest of our staff utilized other parts of the ballpark like our season ticket holder lounge to package the meals and prepare for a drive-thru distribution point in the Fluor Field parking lot,” said Jarinko. “The fact that we were able to host the pickup event on such a somber anniversary day in our state’s history was very uplifting to a lot of people.”

The meals were distributed on the fifth anniversary of the horrific shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston that claimed nine lives. In honor of the Charleston Nine, meal recipients also received a white rose in their bag to signify forgiveness and rosemary to signify remembrance. The bags also came with a tag that included the names of the nine victims to serve as a reminder of the lives lost five years ago.

“I can’t say enough great things about the Greenville Drive and everyone there, including owner Craig Brown, as they have transformed the landscape in South Carolina of what it means to be a community partner and they push other organizations to do more,” said Stinson. “Their impact here has had a ripple effect across Upstate South Carolina, and we hold this team and its ownership group in the highest regard.”

For Jarinko, the event had an immediate impact that left the Drive staff motivated to do more.

“When all of the food had been distributed and the day was done, we all left saying this is an event we need to do every year and hopefully multiple times a year.”

With a record number of Americans struggling to make ends meet, the Drive continue to answer the call of those most in need. That is how you become the front porch of a community.

Jeff Lantz is Minor League Baseball’s Senior Director of Communications.


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$2,790 Raised For Second Harvest Food Bank Through CommUNITY First Initiative

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are pleased to announce the results of their month-long participation in the MiLB CommUNITY First campaign. The national initiative, developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, encouraged participating teams and their fans to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a grand total of $2,790 raised, the Woodpeckers placed first in fundraising in the Carolina League and second nationally out of more than 100 participating teams throughout Minor League Baseball. Fans donated $1,145 from April 28th through May 31st. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund, the team’s official charity, matched the total amount raised. As one of the top five teams in fundraising through this initiative, MiLB Charities added an additional $500 donation.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Woodpeckers’ local food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, located in Fayetteville. In southeast North Carolina, 1 in 6 people face hunger; 1 in 4 of these are children. Second Harvest Food Bank is the leading hunger relief oganization in the southeastern region of the Tar Heel state; serving Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson counties.

CommUNITY First not only addressed food insecurity, the initiative also aimed to honor those on the front lines fighting COVID-19. For every $10 raised, the Woodpeckers pledged to donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic. The Woodpeckers will work with local partners to distribute 279 tickets to front-line workers in our community.
Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First campaign collectively raised $54,070 for Feeding America food banks around the country. As a result, participating teams will donate over 5,400 tickets to heroes fighting COVID-19.

 

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Participating in MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America, is participating in the new CommUNITY First campaign, aimed at helping fight hunger while also recognizing frontline workers battling against the COVID-19 pandemic.

From now through May 31, fans can visit milb.com/CommUNITYFirst to donate and select the community they want to support. All proceeds pledged to Oklahoma City will be given to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

For every $10 donated, the Oklahoma City Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation will provide one ticket to a local first responder and/or frontline worker during the 2020 or 2021 baseball season through the team’s Community Night Out program. Between 2018-19, approximately $60,000 was raised through Community Night Out to provide 6,000 tickets to families and individuals in need.

Fans are encouraged to donate on Giving Tuesday, May 5, and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst and tag the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation (@OKCDBFoundation) on social media to show support.

“At this time it’s especially important to recognize community victories, and we see this as a true win-win situation,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Executive Director Carol Herrick. “Not only does this program allow us to provide for those in need, but we can also say ‘thank you’ to those who are doing their best to fight this pandemic.”

Per Feeding America, an estimated additional 17.1 million people will experience food insecurity within the next six months. As a result, Feeding America is projecting a $1.4 billion shortfall during that time.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue to fight hunger across America during this pandemic. When it is possible to hold games once again, our teams will provide local heroes across the country with unforgettable experiences in our ballparks.”

For more information about the CommUNITY First campaign or the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2104.

Cardinals join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

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

Cardinals fans are encouraged to #FlyTogether and visit www.MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Springfield Cardinals as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Southwest Missouri community and the Ozarks Food Harvest. For every $10 donated, the Cardinals will donate one ticket (and up to 500 tickets) to a future home game to local heroes of the pandemic.

“Springfield and all of Southwest Missouri has done such a great job coming together as a community over the past six weeks, and the donations that will come from this program will help so many avoid hunger during this difficult time,” Cardinals Vice President & General Manager Dan Reiter said. “Community is at the center of what the Cardinals are all about and what Minor League Baseball is all about. This initiative is such a perfect partner to our #FlyTogether community campaign to benefit Springfield during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”

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

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

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

Everett AquaSox Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

EVERETT, WA, April 29, 2020 — The Everett AquaSox today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

“Supporting the local community is a top priority for the AquaSox, so we are happy to join Minor League Baseball in this nationwide effort,” said AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “This effort will allow us to not only support our local food banks at this very difficult time, but also recognize our essential workers for all they are doing for the community.”

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

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

About the Everett AquaSox

The Everett AquaSox have been the Seattle Mariners’ short-season single-A affiliate since 1995, offering affordable entertainment for families in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with the Frogs, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook or visit AquaSox.com.

About Feeding America

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

Tampa Tarpons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

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

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

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

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

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

Altoona Curve join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY first campaign

 

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

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

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

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

About Feeding America

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

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365_. _

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CommUNITY First: SWB partners with MiLB

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local benefactor is the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

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

“In these trying times, we should do what we can to help those in need around us,” said John Adams, the RailRiders Team President. “Minor League Baseball, as an industry, has always done a great job in community-driven events and focused efforts like this. Donations to this cause will help benefit our region immensely. While we are certainly aware that times are tough financially, this is a tremendous way for those who can donate to make an impact.”

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

In response, contributions from RailRiders fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times.

Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Modesto Nuts Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign 

National Initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

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

Nuts fans are encouraged to visit CommUNITY First through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the “Modesto Nuts” as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Modesto/ Central Valley community. For every $10 donated, the Nuts will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

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

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

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call (209)572-HITS (4487)

About Feeding America

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

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS JOIN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’S COMMUNITY FIRST CAMPAIGN

 

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

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

“The Naturals are proud to participate in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY program,” said Justin Cole, Naturals Vice President/General Manager. “This program is a great way to help those in need, and we appreciate the efforts of Minor League Baseball to aid communities across the country during this time.”

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

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

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About Northwest Arkansas Naturals

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

About Feeding America

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

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Round Rock Express Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to join MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and select the Round Rock Express as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Central Texas Food Bank, the local affiliate of Feeding America. For every $10 donated, the Express will also donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“A core pillar of the Round Rock Express and Minor League Baseball is giving back to the community. Through MiLB’s CommUNITY First initiative, we look forward to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region with donations to the Central Texas Food Bank,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Especially during these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for all of us to come together as a community and support those in need.”

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

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner said. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue the fight against hunger across America during this pandemic.”

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

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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Spikes join MiLB’s CommUNITY First campaign

 

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

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

“The Spikes have always been a place where the Happy Valley community comes together to create lasting memories, and now more than ever we are dedicated to continue that mission” said General Manager Scott Walker. “We are committed to joining our Minor League Baseball family across the country in using our resources to help sustain the lives of our neighbors and of millions of people in need.”

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

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

The Spikes are entering their 15th Season of Making Deer Friends across Happy Valley, and the 2020 schedule is slated to begin on Thursday, June 18 with a matchup against the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). Fans can now order Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Books, and group and hospitality experiences for every home game by calling (814) 272-1711. More information can be found at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

About Feeding America

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

Drillers Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

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

Drillers fans are encouraged to click HERE from now through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tulsa Drillers as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tulsa community. For every $10 donated, the Drillers will donate one ticket to a local hero of the pandemic for a game this season or in 2021.

“The Drillers are proud to participate in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “We all currently have neighbors in need of help, and there are so many unsung heroes fighting on the frontlines in this battle.”

“This program is a great way to help those who need it and to say thank you to those working in dangerous situations. Any donations that one can make can affect so many, and we appreciate the efforts of Minor League Baseball to help aid folks in all of our communities during these uncertain times.”

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

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

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About Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the longest-tenured professional sports franchise in the city of Tulsa. Former Drillers players include Walker Buehler, Corey Seager, Will Smith Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, 2019 Minor League Player of the Year Gavin Lux and 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger.

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

 

Hooks Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

“The MiLB CommUNITY First campaign is an excellent way to come together during this national crisis,” Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle said. “If able, please join us in the fight against hunger in our community by using this initiative to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank. I look forward to the day when we can once again rally at Whataburger Field to honor the achievements and sacrifices of our local heroes. Being able to gather at the ballpark will help us restore our way of life and hopefully begin to heal some of the wounds of this epidemic.”

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

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

Cutters Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

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

Cutters fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Williamsport Crosscutters as the recipient of their donation, who will direct funds to the Central PA Food Bank. For every $10 donated, the Cutters will donate one ticket voucher to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero during the pandemic.

“The Crosscutters are happy to be participating in this Minor League-wide initiative that will not only benefit the Central PA Food Bank ,” said Cutters Vice President General Manager Doug Estes, “but also show our local heroes a small token of our deep appreciation for their call to duty during the fight against COVID-19.”

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

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