Riders Foundation raising funds for Boys & Girls Club of Collin County Bus Fund

FRISCO, Texas (May 11, 2018) – The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation has announced a season-long, multi-faceted initiative to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County Bus Fund. The foundation’s goal is to help purchase a 72-passenger bus to aid the organization’s mission.

“With the addition of at least one new full-size bus in each club in Frisco, McKinney and Plano, we will be able to add over 300 new members, impacting these young lives with great programs in a safe, nurturing environment, where we concentrate on academic success, character and leadership as well as health and life skills,” said Mike Simpson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. “New buses are the vehicles to great futures for more kids.”

A portion of the proceeds from following events will be earmarked for the Bus Fund:

* Riders Classic golf tournament (July 10)

* RoughRiders Baseball Academy (all summer)

* RoughRiders Foundation in-game fundraisers

* Riders 50/50 Raffle (Wednesday-Sunday raffles)

* Auctioned autographed items and sports memorabilia

“It’s important for the Frisco RoughRiders to make memories for our community in and out of the stadium,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The 72-passenger bus will let children at the club know that the future is now and we support them. I hope the entire North Texas community will join in this campaign to make a difference together.”

To participate in the fundraising efforts, join us at Dr Pepper Ballpark all season. Tickets are available online at RidersBaseball.com, by phone at (972) 731-9200 or at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County has been meeting the needs of children in Collin County and North Texas for 50 years since 1968. BGCCC’s mission is to “Enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens“. The organization currently serves over 9,300 children each year through its after-school, summer and outreach programs.

BGCCC serves 71 schools in Collin County and has 21 buses and vehicles which must transport the children to the Clubs. The organization has branches in McKinney, Plano and Frisco and currently operates an on-site school program at Shepton High School in Plano.

Visit the BGCCC website at: http://www.bgccc.org

About the RoughRiders Foundation

The mission of the RoughRiders Foundation is to enhance the community we serve through charitable contributions, grants, and programming initiatives. The RoughRiders Foundation supports programs and organizations in our community that motivate and reward children and families in the areas of education, good health and community services activities.

For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation, contact Breon Dennis at breon@ridersbaseball.com or at community@ridersbaseball.com.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Riders invite fans to Spring EGGstravaganza on March 24 at Dr Pepper Ballpark

The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the third annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

FRISCO, Texas (March 9, 2018) – The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the second annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

In addition to the Easter egg hunt, there will be coloring and spring crafts, airbrush artists and a bounce house. Both the Primrose Schools and Riders Playgrounds will be open during the event. There will also be appearances from RoughRiders mascots Deuce, Daisy, Ted E Bear, Bull Moose and Brooks.

The club encourages fans to bring gloves and baseballs to the park to play catch on the field after the Easter egg hunt. Kids also have an opportunity to run around the bases, just like their favorite RoughRiders players!

Select food and drinks will be available for $1, including candy, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, kettle chips, nachos, popcorn, beer, coffee, hot chocolate, water, and Dr Pepper products.

Doors open early for Founders season ticket members at 9 a.m. for the first opportunity to pick up tickets for the 2018 season. Season ticket holders will have exclusive access to Dr Pepper Ballpark to pick up tickets, interact with Riders staff and sit down for brunch. Starting at 11 a.m., season ticket members will have the opportunity to take advantage of all the festivities at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets to Opening Day on April 5, any of the Deep Ellum Party @ The Yard dates, or any of the 70 games during the regular season are encouraged to speak with a sales representative at Guest Services or visit the Box Office during the event. Tickets are also available at RidersBaseball.com and (972) 731-9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz , as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor  and Nomar Mazara . For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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

RoughRiders raise more than $30,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 6, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation raised $30,856 for Hurricane Harvey relief throughout the team’s final homestand of the regular season, which ended Sept. 4. The proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

“The outpouring of support for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey over the last week is truly inspiring,” RoughRiders Chief Operating Officer Scott Burchett said. “We’re so proud to witness the tremendous generosity of RoughRiders fans and their unwavering assistance for our neighbors along the southeast Texas coast.”

The RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, employed several fundraising efforts during the seven-game homestand, including 10 percent from all sales at the Riders Outpost team store, proceeds from special Pass the Boot activities during games, cash donations at the RoughRiders Foundation table and auctions of RoughRiders items.

Riders Outpost also has limited edition “Texas Tough” T-Shirts available both in store and online for a minimum $10 donation to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. More than 1,000 t-shirts have been ordered and will continue to be available at roughriders.milbstore.com through Friday, Sept. 8.

Fans can visit www.redcross.org/donate/cm/friscorr-pub for more information and to continue to donate. Donations through the American Red Cross are welcome by texting HARVEY to 90999.

About the RoughRiders Foundation

The mission of the RoughRiders Foundation is to enhance the community we serve through charitable contributions, grants, and programming initiatives. The RoughRiders Foundation supports programs and organizations in our community that motivate and reward children and families in the areas of education, good health and community services activities.

For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation, contact Breon Dennis at breon@ridersbaseball.com or at community@ridersbaseball.com.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing nearly $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The upgrades made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. The same publication also honored the Choctaw Lazy River as the best ballpark improvement over $1 million for the 2016 season. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

RoughRiders donate to Jerry Walker Fund

The RoughRiders Foundation presented a $3,000 check to the Jerry Walker Fund on Tuesday in Little Elm. (Frisco RoughRiders)

FRISCO, Texas (February 14, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders today donated $3,000 to the Jerry Walker Fund in a check presentation alongside the Little Elm Police Department.

Little Elm Chief of Police Rodney W. Harrison and several officers attended the event at the Little Elm Public Safety Building, with the check presented on behalf of the RoughRiders by Breon Dennis, Executive Director of RoughRiders Foundation.

“On behalf of the Little Elm Police Department, I would like to thank the RoughRiders Baseball organization for their support of the Walker Family and LEPD,” Chief of Police Harrison said. “We sincerely appreciate the entire baseball community for their contributions to the Jerry Walker Fund and the care they have shown to the men and women of our police force. We could not ask for better neighbors.”

Funds were raised during the Texas Rangers Winter Caravan at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Jan. 28.

Walker died in the line of duty on Jan. 17. He left behind a wife and four children.

About the Jerry Walker Fund

Donations can be made to the Assist the Officer Foundation, Attn: Jerry Walker Fund, 1412 Griffin St. East, Dallas, TX 75215.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing more than $7 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store, and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The upgrades made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. The same publication also honored the Choctaw Lazy River as the best ballpark improvement over $1 million for the 2016 season. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, and Nelson Cruz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor, and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Riders and Kroger team up to support North Texas Food Bank

The Kroger Strikeout Hunger program helped generate $7,000 for the North Texas Food Bank. (Frisco RoughRiders)

FRISCO, TEXAS (February 3, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders, in partnership with Kroger, made a $7,000 donation to the North Texas Food Bank Wednesday as a result of the Kroger Strikeout Hunger program.

Strikeout Hunger debuted for the 2016 season, and the RoughRiders made a $100 donation to the North Texas Food Bank for the first strikeout at each of the 70 home games.

The North Texas Food Bank is a non-profit hunger relief organization that serves 13 counties across the region. A member of Feeding America, NTFB provided more than 70 million meals to the community during fiscal year 2016 and strives to close the hunger gap and provide 92 million meals by 2025. For more information or to make a donation, visit ntfb.org.

“As an organization that values being active members of our community, we are proud to support the North Texas Food Bank and assist their efforts to end hunger in Collin County and beyond,” said RoughRiders Executive VP & General Manager Jason Dambach. “We are grateful to have partners like Kroger who support our efforts to give back to those who make this area such a great place to live.”

The 2017 Frisco RoughRiders season begins on April 6, when the RoughRiders host the Springfield Cardinals at Dr Pepper Ballpark. For all 2017 ticketing information, including tickets for the Choctaw Lazy River and ticket packages for the 2017 Texas League All-Star Game at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Tuesday, June 27, fans can visit RidersBaseball.com, email info@ridersbaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200, or stop by in-person to the RoughRiders Ticket Office.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing over $7 million in wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including the new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store, and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The improvements made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and C.J. Wilson as well as current Rangers stars Derek Holland, Rougned Odor, and Mitch Moreland. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at (425) 736-2785 or via e-mail at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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Sign up for the 2015 RoughRiders Baseball Academy

friscoroughriders_2015-03-13

Sign your kids up to learn from the pros!

Frisco-RoughRiders-2015Do your kids need to sharpen their baseball skills and want to learn from Frisco RoughRiders coaches and players? This is their chance!

The 2015 Frisco RoughRiders Baseball Academy will be held June 9-11 for children ages 9-12.

At the RoughRiders Baseball Academy, your child will get a chance to play like a big leaguer with the professionals at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Click here for more information on the event, and click here to register your child.

For more information or to register your child, contact Kristin Russell at (972) 334-1947 or krussell@ridersbaseball.com. Spots are limited, so sign up today!

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

 

RoughRiders announce Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark

FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 15, 2014) – The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, announced a promotion worthy of rock star status today as they unveiled Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark in conjunction with Women Rock, Inc. The two organizations will rock out together on Saturday, May 10 as the RoughRiders battle the Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 p.m.

The event will mark the third time the RoughRiders have teamed up with the not-for-profit Breast Cancer awareness group. As in the past, Women Rock Day will amp up the game day experience at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

For just $25, fans receive a limited edition RoughRiders hat, a prime seat behind the ‘Riders dugout and a souvenir PlayBall! game program. For two hours, fans with an appetite can enjoy unlimited hot dogs, brats and nachos, and quench their thirst with unlimited Dr Pepper products.

Five dollars from every ticket purchased will be donated to Women Rock, Inc. In turn, Women Rock, Inc. plans to use a portion of the night’s proceeds to fund medicals costs for breast cancer warrior, A.J. Atherton. Ms. Atherton will be present at the game to throw out the first pitch.

Women Rock Day also coincides with the Pink in the Park jersey auction at Dr Pepper Ballpark on May 9 and 10. A portion of all proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Women Rock, Inc.

For more information on Pink in the Park, contact LaShawn Moore at 972-334-1978 or lmoore@ridersbaseball.com

Women Rock Day occurs at the end of an eight-game RoughRiders homestand that begins on May 3 at 7:05 p.m. against the Midland Rock Hounds.

For information on tickets to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.

For additional information on Women Rock, Inc., visit http://www.womenrockinc.org/. Women Rock, Inc. can also be found on:

Twitter: @womenrockinc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenRockInc

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WomenRockInc

About Women Rock, Inc.

Women Rock, Inc, is a not for profit organization that is on a mission to save lives through increasing awareness and the early detection of breast cancer in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We will Leave No Stone Unturned!

Women Rock Inc.’s vision is to spread breast cancer awareness and education, and increase early detection procedures and participants, in order to maximize breast cancer detection while focusing on women who suffer disproportionately due to socioeconomic circumstances. We will take education to people in the communities of Northeast Texas with a mobile teaching setup. Our government funds programs that provide screening exams for women that qualify, but for every five women that qualify, only one is being assisted! Many women are getting left out! Every woman should have the opportunity to have a screening mammogram, and a chance at early detection. It’s that simple. Early detection saves lives! Women Rock wants to close the gap and provide mammograms to those women that are slipping through the proverbial cracks.

About Frisco RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team has finished first among all Double-A minor league teams in attendance each season from 2005 – 2013, drawing more than half-a-million fans each year since the team was founded in 2003. More than 100 former RoughRiders have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including All-Stars Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Chris Davis, C.J. Wilson, Adrian Gonzalez, Neftali Feliz and Matt Harrison The RoughRiders are owned by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, winners of the “Baseball Organization of the Year” in 2008 by Ballpark Digest.

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

RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

Frisco-RoughRidersFor the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Frisco-Foundation-LogoOver 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

Frisco 2011-Kids and posters
Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.
Frisco 2011-Kids and Ts
A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

 

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation awarded 5 grants to The Special Olympics, West Dallas Community School, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, Buckner International and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco during the 2011 season.

“The RoughRiders Foundation is thrilled to award our five grants to these deserving organizations,” said Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “Each organization helps execute the RoughRiders Foundation’s mission of motivating and rewarding children and families in the areas of education, good health and community service activities.”

Each organization received a $1,000 grant from the RoughRiders Foundation to help continue its mission serving the North Dallas Community. 2011 marks the fourth year of the RoughRiders Foundation’s Grant Program and each of the five grant recipient organizations plan to use their grant in different ways.

“Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is truly grateful to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation for the generous $1,000 grant,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO. “This funding will provide much-needed support to afford the opportunity for more than 400 local SOTX athletes to compete in an eight-week softball training program, followed by the chance to compete and go for the gold!”

Each organization that received a grant also received 4 tickets to a RoughRiders game and participated in an on-field check presentation.

Non-Profit Organizations interested in applying for a grant in 2012 can visit www.ridersbseball.com/foundation or contact Michael Davidow at mdavidow@ridersbaseball.com.

(Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

RoughRiders Foundation Awards Five Scholarships

The RoughRiders Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to five graduating high school seniors in North Texas during the 2011 season.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Rooks Patterson and Blake Harrell from Frisco, Mauro Santos and Arturo Gonzalez from Dallas, and Kenbea Walker from McKinney.

Each scholarship winner received $2,000 for their college education, tickets to a RoughRiders game, all-you-can-eat food and Dr Pepper products and a VIP tour before the game.

“The RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship Program is one of our biggest financial contributions of the season,” said Mike Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The RoughRiders appreciate the importance of getting a college education and are proud to help these outstanding students pursue their goals.”

Since the RoughRiders Foundation started their scholarship program seven seasons ago, they have awarded over $55,000 in scholarship monies to local students.

Over 270 applications were submitted by high school seniors around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. All applicants must have met the criteria of a minimum 3.0 GPA and participated in at least one athletic activity during their senior year. Winners were selected by the RoughRiders Foundation Board of Directors based on academic merit, financial need and athletic accomplishments.

Scholarship Winner, Kenbea Walker (left), and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Scholarship Winner, Blake Harrell, and his family.

RoughRiders Host Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger

The Frisco RoughRiders teamed up with Whataburger to host Food Bank Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

Fans that donated two or more items received a free Whataburger voucher. The RoughRiders started collecting food on June 30th at Dr Pepper Ballpark all the way through the Food Bank night during the July 23rd game against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Over 750 pounds of food items were collected and then delivered to the Frisco Family Services food pantry, Little Elm Food Bank and the North Texas Food Bank.

“The RoughRiders are thrilled to partner with Whataburger on this year’s Food Bank Night,” Scott Sonju, President and General Manager of the Frisco RoughRiders said, “By combining our resources with Whataburger, there is tremendous potential to collect large quantities of food for families in need.”

2011 is the first year the RoughRiders have teamed up with Whataburger to organize a food drive.

“Assisting the hungry is important to Whataburger; which is why we are proud to partner with the Frisco RoughRiders to help donate food to those who need it most,” said Joel Griffiths, Whataburger Regional Director of Operations “We are also excited to provide a free Whataburger voucher to reward those members of the community who join us in giving back.”

A ‘Riders fan deposits a bag of food items in the collection bins at the gates of Dr Pepper Ballpark on July 23rd.
RoughRiders fans are all smiles as they donate food to support Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger.

Frisco RoughRiders Host Hoot’s Chalk Talk

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation teamed up with the Taylor Hooton Foundation to host the the 3rd Annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk on Saturday, July 16th, at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

The free clinic was open to youth baseball and softball players between the ages of 12-15.

Donald Hooton, director of development for the Taylor Hooton Foundation, spoke to over 150 youth baseball and softball players, and their families, about the dangers of steroids.

“I was thrilled by the turn out of kids and parents to our 3rd annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk,” said Donald Hooton of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. “We fielded a lot of great questions and I feel the kids got a lot out of it.”

After Donald’s speech, Frisco RoughRiders team trainer, Carlos Olivas, and strength and conditioning coach, Eric McMahon, spoke to the group about the smart and safe way to train for athletic competition.

The second half of the event was an on-field clinic where Mr. Olivas and Mr. McMahon lead different training exercises, and RoughRiders players, Elio Sarmiento and Renny Osuna, executed baseball drills with all of the attendees.

“I’m so happy the RoughRiders Foundation hosted this event,” said Jack Brewer from Plano, whose grandson attended the Chalk Talk. “This clinic helped kids learn the right way to train and stay healthy, while trying to become top athletes.”

Donald Hooton speaks to Chalk Talk attendees about the dangers of steroids.
RoughRiders catcher, Elio Sarmiento, organizes a fielding drill on the Dr Pepper Ballpark outfield grass.

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark

The Frisco RoughRiders teamed up with Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure during the Saturday, June 11th game, to raise awareness about prostate cancer.

To commemorate the event, RoughRiders players and coaches wore blue arm bands in front of the sell-out crowd at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

“It is a joy and privilege for this organization to work with the Frisco RoughRiders to help us spread our life-saving message of prostate cancer awareness,” Ed Randall, commented after the event.

RoughRiders staff members wore blue bracelets during the game to promote the occasion and Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure volunteers set up a booth along the concourse to educate fans about prostate cancer. Fans that visited their booth also had the opportunity to enter to win a RoughRiders blue bat signed by the entire 2011 team.

RoughRiders manager, Steve Buechele, wears his blue wristband in the dugout to help promote prostate cancer awareness.
Fans fill out forms to recive more information about prostate cancer and enter a raffle to win a team signed bat.

‘Riders Classic Raises Over $23,000 for RoughRiders Foundation

The RoughRiders Foundation hosted the third annual ‘Riders Classic presented by Tye Williams Financial Services, Smashburger and DC Rightside, LLC on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes in Frisco, TX. The golf tournament raised over $23,000 for the RoughRiders Foundation through sponsorships, registrations, a silent auction and raffle and mulligan sales.

Boxed lunches were donated by Chick-fil-A at Preston Road and Highway 121, and dinner was donated and catered by Chuy’s on the Tollway.

27 foursomes competed in the ‘Riders Classic; 12 of which included RoughRiders pitchers Justin Miller, Richard Bleier, Jake Brigham, Ben Snyder, Corey Young, and Tyler Tufts. Other RoughRiders who participated were infielders Davis Stoneburner and Tom Mendonca, as well as pitching coach, Jeff Andrews.

“The RoughRiders are extremely thankful to have such fantastic charitable support from our players, sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders,” commented Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament and registering to golf, we raised a significant amount of money for our foundation partners and community programs.”

In 2011, the RoughRiders Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Miracle League of Frisco. The money raised from the 2011 ‘Riders Classic will help fund these partners as well as the RoughRiders Foundation’s scholarship and grant donation programs.

United Healthcare’s foursome pauses for a quick picture. Photos by Falcon Photography

Frisco RoughRiders Players Support the Frisco Miracle League

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, Frisco RoughRiders players Davis Stoneburner, Elio Sarmiento, Justin Miller and Guilder Rodriguez visited the Frisco Miracle League fields to play baseball with children who had mental or physical disabilities.

The RoughRiders Entertainment Crew, mascots and various staff members joined the fun to entertain the crowd, and players, with various skits during inning breaks.

Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, also made a special appearance at the event to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.

“This is the 4th consecutive year we’ve had RoughRiders Day with the Frisco Miracle League,” Michael Davidow, director of the RoughRiders Foundation said, “It’s grown every year and it’s one of those special events our players can’t wait to attend.”

RoughRiders players pitched to kids, helped refine their fielding skills and signed autographs for everyone after the games.

“Frisco is very fortunate to have the RoughRiders in our city, and being a part of our community,” said Steve Johnson, Board Liason with the Frisco Miracle League, “The players, mascots and staff mean so much to our players.”

For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, please visit, www.ridersbaseball.com/foundation.

RoughRiders seconbaseman, Davis Stoneburner.
RoughRiders shortstop, Guilder Rodriguez.
RoughRiders mascot, Deuce, Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, and RoughRiders pitcher, Justin Miller.