South Bend Cubs to Host Polar Plunge in 2017

SOUTH BEND, IN – Four Winds Field will host the South Bend Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the plunge beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed immediately by the After Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

“Special Olympics Indiana is really looking forward to holding our first-ever Polar Plunge in South Bend,” said Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish. “We’re extremely lucky to have a partner like the South Bend Cubs who knows how to bring the community together and create a positive atmosphere.”

“We are incredibly proud to host this event,” said Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “To help stimulate donations, the person who raises the most money for the South Bend Polar Plunge will receive four tickets to a South Bend Cubs home game and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of that game.”

To participate in the 2017 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team.

Register by clicking here or visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the special events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About the Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 12,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 28 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

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

Dash enjoy record-setting Charity Call-A-Thon

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 30, 2016) – At Tuesday’s Charity Call-A-Thon, the Dash raised more than $4,000 in a two-hour period, easily the most successful Call-A-Thon in team history! Proceeds from this event will go to the Dash’s 2016 Charity Partner, Veterans Helping Veterans Heal (VHVH).

Thanks to this incredible response, we are pushing our Call-A-Thon sales through the end of the week! Contributions for VHVH have come through monetary donations and commemorative brick purchases. These bricks, which can be personalized with a special message, will be installed outside the main gates before the Dash’s 2017 home opener.

From now through Friday, the Dash are offering special pricing for these bricks. The first brick is just $125, and each additional brick is only $75 each. We will also continue to accept monetary donations, and you can support a veteran for a day with a $10 donation, a week with a $50 donation or a month with a $300 donation. Fans can contribute by calling (336) 714-6880.

Full details on the Commemorative Brick Program are available here.

Proceeds for the 2016 Commemorative Brick program will go to Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, a local non-profit that restores home, health and spirit to homeless veterans and transitions them from consumers of services to contributors of our community. More information about this great organization is available at vhvh.org.

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

San Manuel Stadium to Host Happy Holidays Double Feature

San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino announced Monday that the club will play host to a Happy Holiday Double Feature Night on Friday, December 9th at San Manuel Stadium. The free to the public event, presented by the 66ers Foundation, will start at 6pm with the showing of a Charlie Brown Christmas followed by a 7:00pm showing of Elf. Individuals are allowed to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, stadium concessions will be available for those who would like to purchase them starting at 5:30pm when gates open.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring this event back and provide a memorable experience for the community,” stated 66ers General Manager Joe Hudson. “For the first time we are showing two classics to ensure that there is a showing for everyone. Free events like this one is just one of our ways of saying thank you to a community that has supported us in so many different ways.”

In addition to the movie showing itself, the team will be raising funds to help support children with the costs of playing little league baseball and softball through the club’s foundation. Donations, while not required, are encouraged.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino, California League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, open the 2017 schedule at home on Thursday, April 6th against the San Jose Giants. For information on season tickets or additional information on this event contact the 66ers front office at 909-888-9922 or visit the team online at 66ers.com.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season, which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

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

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Dash to hold annual Call-A-Thon on November 29

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2016) – The Winston-Salem Dash’s annual Commemorative Brick “Call-A-Thon” will take place on Tuesday, November 29, from 4-6 p.m. Through this event, the Dash will raise money for the organization’s 2016 Charity Partner, Veterans Helping Veterans Heal (VHVH).

Throughout the Call-A-Thon, members of the Dash’s front office team and VHVH will sell engraved bricks that will be installed outside the main gates at BB&T Ballpark in advance of the 2017 season. These bricks can be personalized to honor family members or friends, memorialize a loved one or celebrate a special event.

From now until the end of the Call-A-Thon, the Dash are offering special pricing for these bricks. The first brick is just $125, and each additional brick is only $75 each. Normally, the cost of additional bricks is $100.

In addition to brick purchases, the Dash are accepting monetary donations for VHVH, which can support a veteran for a day with a $10 donation, a week with a $50 donation or a month with a $300 donation. Fans can purchase a brick or make a donation by calling the Dash at (336) 714-2287 at any point before the Call-A-Thon.

Full details on the Commemorative Brick Program are available here.

Proceeds for the 2016 Commemorative Brick program will go to Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, along with other Dash community outreach efforts. VHVH, a non-profit entity owned and managed by the North Carolina Housing Foundation (NCHF), operates a 24-bed extended-term housing program in Winston-Salem for veterans battling homelessness to ultimately transition into permanent housing and independence. This year, VHVH Works established a relationship with the Dash to supply food service staff at BB&T Ballpark. More information about the non-profit organization is available at vhvh.org.

Baseball returns to Winston-Salem on April 13, 2017, for the eighth season at BB&T Ballpark. A full schedule will be released soon, and season-ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

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

JetHawks Foundation to Host Inaugural Hot Stove Banquet

Lancaster, CA – The Lancaster JetHawks, High-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, are pleased to announce their first ever Hot Stove Banquet, benefitting the Lancaster JetHawks Baseball Foundation. The Banquet will be held on Thursday, January 26th at the University of Antelope Valley Grand Ballroom, starting with a cocktail reception and silent auction from 5:00-6:30, followed by a program and dinner at 6:30. The program will be baseball themed, featuring a baseball guest speaker who will be announced in the coming weeks.

Proceeds from the Banquet and the Silent Auction will benefit the newly formed JetHawks Baseball League, which in partnership with the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs will provide over 100 local youth with the opportunity to play baseball on a team right here at The Hangar. The youth will be outfitted with jerseys, gloves, hats and helmets, play their games on the same field as the JetHawks, all at no cost to themselves or their families.

Tickets for the Hot Stove Banquet will be $50 for an individual or $350 for a table of 8. Table sponsorships and individual tickets for the Banquet are available by calling the JetHawks offices at 661-726-5400 or Click to Reserve Your Spot Today.

The Lancaster JetHawks start their 2017 season at home on April 6th against the Visalia Rawhide. Group tickets and ticket packages are available now at jethawks.com or by stopping by the JetHawks offices, located at 45116 Valley Central Way in Lancaster.

Download a Hot Stove Order Form Here

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

Home Runs for Heroes Nets Local Charities $30,000 from OceanFirst Foundation

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation celebrated another successful season of the Home Runs for Heroes program on Wednesday at FirstEnergy Park as OceanFirst Foundation presented the nine participating organizations with checks totaling $30,000 representing each of the 30 home runs hit at FirstEnergy Park this year.

The nine organizations (see below) were each paired with one inning and each BlueClaws home run in one particular inning meant a $1,000 donation to a charity.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund 1st 3 $3,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council 2nd 5 $5,000
Navy-Marine Relief Society 3rd 2 $2,000
GI Go Fund 4th 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief 5th 6 $6,000
Chariot Riders – Horses for Heroes 6th 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities 7th 2 $2,000
American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) 8th 4 $4,000
Vetgroup 9th + Extras 3 $3,000

Among BlueClaws players, Jose Pujols raised the most money. The 20-year old hit 12 home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, more than any player in BlueClaws history. Jan Hernandez hit five home runs in Lakewood and Jiandido Tromp, who was promoted at the All-Star break, hit four home runs in Lakewood.

For more on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle Returns With More Winners Than Ever Before

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is once again holding their annual BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle, with this year’s raffle including a greater chance to win than ever before.

Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold, for $100 each, with proceeds going to BlueClaws Charities. This year, however, there will be seven winners instead of four. Each winner will win a 10-game BlueClaws Luxury Suite package for the 2017 season.

ORDER RAFFLE TICKETS – There are two ways to order. Order online by clicking here, or order on the phone by calling Mike Kasel at 732-901-7000 ext 195.

The seven winners will receive 20 tickets to 10 pre-determined games throughout the season. The games will be split up by day of the week and month of the season. Opening Day is April 13th and the season concludes on September 4th, Labor Day.

Kami Zonin of Zonin Wealth Management was a raffle winner for the 2016 season. “From the very first game in the Luxury Suite, we knew we were in for something special. The staff at the stadium did an amazing job to help cater every game to the person using the Suite. Our staff was able to use it for family birthdays and special occasions. We were also able to give some of our clients the opportunity to use the Suite for their own special occasions. Our clients loved it!”

She added: ” The BlueClaws worked with us to make every game a once in a lifetime experience, and for that we will be forever grateful!”

The last day to reserve a raffle ticket will be March 17, 2017 (but tickets are expected to sell out before that date). All seven winners will be determined via a drawing on March 20th at 10 am. at FirstEnergy Park. Winners do not have to be present to win.

Those that purchase multiple tickets can win multiple shares of a suite. Each share holds a $4,945 value.

Each Luxury Suite provides panoramic views of the stadium from a climate-controlled indoor area, which is completely furnished with cable and has 12 seats on the balcony. Luxury Suite ticket holders also have access to the Upstairs Club as well as wait service within the suite.

The proceeds from the raffle go to benefit BlueClaws Charities, a 501c3 organization and the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

The organization works with 40 non-profit Community Partners each year and donates to hundreds of area organizations and fundraising events.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Free to Breathe Run/Walk at Fifth Third Field Sat., Oct. 22

Dayton, Ohio- Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, October 22 at the Fifth Third Field. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. – Registration & check-in
9:30 a.m. – Opening rally
9:45 a.m. – 5K run/walk & 1-mile walk
11:15 a.m. – Closing rally

REGISTRATION FEES/DEADLINES

ONLINE (CLOSES OCT. 19)

$25/$15*

EVENT DAY (BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M.)

$30/$20*

*youth ages 12 & under

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Entry into the 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk, 2016 branded Free to Breathe event t-shirt, refreshments and entertainment. All online registrants who participate are guaranteed an event t-shirt. A limited quantity of t-shirts in limited sizes will be available for those registering on event day.

It’s easy to join the ranks of these lung cancer heroes. Simply register, raise funds, and run or walk. “By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those touched by the disease,” said volunteer event chair Kathy Fennig of Dayton. “More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance.”

The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $14 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. This year the organization will be funding two new lung cancer research grants totaling over $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk by raising over $33,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2016, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. In Ohio alone, an estimated 10,550 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

This year’s event will feature a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. The day will also include a silent auction, a variety of kids activities, the chance to meet Gem, the Dayton Dragons mascot and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/dayton.

Free to Breathe

Free to Breathe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

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

Kernels Take the Lead charities raise over $36,000 in 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA – This season, three Kernels Take the Lead charities: Transamerica K’s for Kids, Millhiser Smith Home Runs for the Iowa Donor Network, and CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates, helped raise over $36,000.

Transamerica K’s for Kids: The Transamerica Foundation donates $25 for each strikeout recorded by a Kernels pitcher, at home and on the road, to Kids First – an organization that provides focused legal services for children. This season, Kernels pitchers recorded 1,231 strikeouts for a total of $30,775 to Kids First.

Millhiser Smith Home Runs: Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donate to the Iowa Donor Network for every home run the Kernels hit at Perfect Game Field. This season the Kernels hit 36 home runs as Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donated $2,500 to the Iowa Donor Network.

CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates: CarePro Health Services donates one plate of hot, nutritious food, the equivalent of $5, for every run the Kernels score at home and on the road to Horizons Meals on Wheels. This season, the Kernels scored 669 runs and CarePro Health Services donated $3,345 or 669 plates of food to the Horizons Meals on Wheels program.

The Kernels would like to thank the continued support of the Transamerica Foundation, Millhiser Smith, West Bend Insurance and CarePro Health Services for their continued support of these Take the Lead charities.

Take the Lead Mission Statement
From the Front Office to the dugout “Take the Lead” exemplifies how teamwork and collective efforts support and benefit the Cedar Rapids Corridor. The Kernels are committed to being the community beacon for education, social and recreation programs.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 15. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

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

Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday at Fifth Third Field

The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will start following the opening ceremonies.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information and to register for the Walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 8?

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

JDRF One Walk Dayton at Fifth Third Field Saturday

Dayton, OH – JDRF Southwest Ohio will host its annual JDRF One Walk Dayton on Saturday, October 1 at Fifth Third Field, where more than 2,500 participants are expected.

The event is one of more than 200 community Walks nationwide that bring together thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s mission to create a world without T1D.

Walk check-in begins at 8:00 am. The 4k walk, which begins at 9:00 a.m., starts and ends at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton.

The Walk’s Corporate Co-Chairs this year are Steve Petitjean, Market Manager at Fifth Third Bank and Liz Heitner, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Synchrony Financial. There is also a committee of lead volunteers and walk coaches driving the Walk to success.

“Our mission at JDRF is to turn type one into type none, and participating in the JDRF One Walk Dayton is a great way for individuals to support the Dayton community and experience a fun event. This year’s Walk features the One Walk Model, which focuses on JDRF’s mission to fund research for a cure for type one diabetes. We hope attendees will enjoy returning to Fifth Third Field as we’ve add some extra fun surprises for this year.” said Samantha Redden, Dayton Development Coordinator for JDRF Southwest Ohio.

JDRF One Walk is the most powerful peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world for T1D, raising more than $75 million annually. As JDRF’s flagship fundraising event and the largest T1D event in the world, JDRF One Walk provides the perfect opportunity to get more involved in your local JDRF community and show your commitment to creating a world without T1D.

Since 1992, the event has raised more than $1 billion dollars for life-changing T1D research-research that has led to breakthrough discoveries, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real-world testing. Although there has been considerable progress, there is plenty more we have yet to accomplish. View past JDRF One Walk Dayton event photos at their Flickr page.

JDRF gratefully acknowledges its national corporate partners who support its efforts to create a world without T1D. The JDRF One Walk Elite Partners include Advance Auto Parts, Ford Motor Company, Lilly Diabetes, Marshalls, Novo Nordisk and Walgreens. Local corporate partners for Southwest Ohio’s Walk include Fifth Third Bank, Synchrony Financial, Messer Construction, Dayton Childrens, Heidelberg Distributing, Ford Lima Engine Plant, RSM and Fifth Third Field. Event day emcees are John Seibel from WDTN with and Frye Guy from K99.1 FM.

Interested participants can find more information and register at walk.jdrf.org/dayton or by contacting the Southwest Ohio office at (937) 690-9176.

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About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. For more information, please visit swo.jdrf.org or connect with us on Facebook (JDRFSWOhio) or Twitter (JDRFSWOhio).

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

66ers Honored with California League’s Award for Community Service

San Bernardino, CA – On Friday the California League announced the 2016 Front Office Awards and named the Inland Empire 66ers the winner of the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award, which was voted on by the other organizations in the California League, was given to the 66ers due to their outstanding and on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community.

The Sixers received high praise from the league for their efforts and commitment to the community following the tragic events on December 2nd. A day after the incident, thousands came to San Manuel Stadium to attend a candlelight and prayer vigil. Victim’s families and friends, civic leaders and the community at large started healing the healing process together. On this night “SB Strong” came into existence and an organic fundraising opportunity happened after multiple attendees asked where they could buy tee shirts with the SB Strong logo on them. The fundraiser was a great success as over 2,000 shirts were purchased with 100% of the proceeds heading to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund. Following the vigil the club would go on to host a luncheon for the first responders, a SB Strong Charity Picnic and Blood Drive and the team’s SB Strong Night Game. During this game the Sixers and the visiting San Jose Giants wore specialty SB Strong jerseys that went up for auction to raise funds for the cause. In total, $74,115.26 was raised for the victims and their families through events held at San Manuel Stadium.

The 66ers continued their excellence in community service by closely working with local schools in several ways. The team’s reading program, which provided tickets for children and their families for reading, saw an increase in participation by over 30%. In addition, the club introduced the Breakfast with a Book Program in which students were rewarded for their academic efforts by receiving breakfast and a new book courtesy of the club. The commitment to the area didn’t stop there as the 66ers worked with over 200 local partners that had an impact of over $400,000 in donations during the 2016 Season.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

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

Fifth Third Field to Host AHA Walk/Run on Saturday

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton 5K Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 24th from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. A signature event of the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk/Run promotes physical activity and healthy living in an environment that’s fun for the whole family. All proceeds will go toward funding research and education involving the reduction of heart disease and stroke. Individuals or teams can register online at heart.org/daytonwalk or by calling Kim Doherty at (937) 853-3110.

The Walk/Run is specifically designed for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m., which is also when the gates open at Fifth Third Field. Before the event begins, families can roam the concourse or enjoy a fun and interactive health and wellness fair on the plaza. Sponsors will give out a heart-healthy snack and allow attendees to check blood pressure and help figure out body mass index (BMI). There will be inflatable games for children to enjoy, and Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance.

Heart disease and stroke survivors are also encouraged to visit the survivor area, created especially for the “honored guests” of the Heart Walk. Special gifts will be available to survivors at the walk.

The third annual Kids Fun Run/Walk will begin shortly after 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The 5K Race and Heart Walk is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is quick and easy if you visit heart.org/daytonwalk. Once you click “Register,” you can join a team, join as an individual, or start your own team. After you complete registration, you can personalize your site and invite friends and family to participate or sponsor your efforts.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OF GREATER DAYTON

Located in Kettering, the American Heart Association of Greater Dayton covers 12 counties in the area and is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke throughout Ohio. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Currently, the American Heart Association is funding $660,000 of experimental research at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

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