Charlie T. RiverDog Aids as Fallen Trooper Memorial Run Raises More Than $30,000

Loveable Mascot Lends A Paw for Worthy Fundraising Effort

Charlie T. RiverDog, the loveable mascot of the Charleston RiverDogs, participated in a 24-hour running and walking fundraiser for a memorial wall to honor 49 South Carolina Highway patrolmen killed in the line of duty that has raised more money than expected.

The Fallen Troopers Memorial Run, a 24-hour, 100-mile run/walk at Charleston Southern University held Oct. 5-6, raised more than $30,000, according to Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, the trooper who spearheaded the effort.

The initial goal was $20,000.

“As a community-minded organization, the Charleston RiverDogs – and Charlie T. RiverDog, in particular – are eager to assist whenever possible,” said General Manager Dave Echols.  “Our mantra of ‘Be Your Own Fan’ works both ways as we listen to our fans and respond to their needs.  It was our pleasure to have Charlie T. RiverDog participate in this worthy fundraiser.”

“I think I can safely speak on behalf of the troopers and families of fallen troopers who participated by saying that this was a touching and meaningful event for all involved,” Beres said.  “I learned a long time ago that if you want to go fast, you go alone, and if you want to go far, you go together.  Well, we did this together and shattered our original goal that we needed to build this wall.”

The addition money will go toward maintenance and upkeep, possible lighting and landscaping, Beres said.

A granite memorial wall bearing the troopers’ names will be erected at the S.C. Highway Patrol’s headquarters in Blythewood.

At least three of the names on the wall will be of local patrolmen: Cpl. Richard Varn Woods, Trooper First Class Bruce Smalls and Lance Cpl. Mark Coates.  All three were killed in the line of duty by drivers of vehicles they had pulled over.

Grasshoppers Announce $100,000 Playoff Guarantee For 2011 Season

The Greensboro Grasshoppers announced a new charity initiative, Guarantee To Give – Hoppers Playoff Pledge, today during a brief press conference at NewBridge Bank Park.

The core of the pledge will be based on the Greensboro Grasshoppers going to the South Atlantic League playoffs for the first time in over ten years.  All Grasshopper season ticket holders and sponsors will have the opportunity to select their local charity of choice, and a Hoppers 2011 playoff berth will result in 20 of the charities receiving a $5,000 donation.  The winners will be announced at a date and time to be determined upon completion of the 2011 season.

If the Hoppers do not make a playoff appearance, the Grasshoppers will donate $5,000 to ten local charities, for a total donation of $50,000.

“Today was an exciting day for us as we announced a program that promotes the Grasshoppers making the playoffs for the first time in over ten years and also strengthens our commitment of guaranteed giving to the Greensboro community,” said Hoppers President and General Manager, Donald Moore.

CarePro, the Kernels, and AEGON raise nearly $10,000 for community betterment

For the 3rd consecutive season, the Kernels teamed up with CarePro Health Services in providing a huge lift to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” by donating $5.00 to purchase a plate of hot, nutritious food for “Meals on Wheels” recipients for every run the Kernels plate in the 2010 season. The Kernels high powered offense, led the Midwest League in runs “plated” with 745 runs this season. At $5.00 per run “plated” by CarePro Health Services in their 3rd Annual “Plating for Plates” Campaign, CarePro Health Services Chief Financial Officer Gary Kaufman presented Horizons “Meals on Wheels” $3,725 on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium before the Kernels game on Saturday Night, August 21st. The $3,725 contribution from CarePro Health Services to Horizons “Meals on Wheels” provided the area community home bound citizens who rely on “Meals on Wheels” for their sustenance with 745 additional plates of hot nutritious food!

AEGON’s “K’s for Kids First” initial campaign was a success as it ran through the 2010 baseball season. AEGON is one of the world’s largest providers of life insurance, pensions and long-term savings and investment products. For every strikeout (K) that Cedar Rapids Kernels pitchers recorded, AEGON donated $5 to Kids First, a law center that gives children a voice in divorce and custody conflicts by providing legal representation and services for them. AEGON presented a check for $5,580 to Kids First on Wednesday, September 1 for the 1,116 strikeouts the Kernels pitchers recorded for the remainder of the season.

Kernels mascot Mr. Shucks and AEGON officials present a check to Kids First on September 1, 2010.

Live Jersey Auction Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers held a ‘Brewers Sunday’ promotion every Sunday home game as a tribute to their Major League affiliate Milwaukee Brewers. As part of the promotion, the players wore jerseys honoring the 1982 Brewers. Throughout the season, the Timber Rattlers promoted a live post-game jersey auction to be held on the last Sunday home game of the 2010 season.

Sunday, August 29th marked that last Sunday home game, and in spite of very warm temperatures and an extra-inning game, the live post-game auction resulted in proceeds well over $3000. A host of fans stuck around after the game to bid on their favorite players’ jersey for the good of charity while Representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin were on hand to present each jersey to its winning bidder while the players stayed around for photos and autographs. The auctioneer even donated his time for charity.

Timber Rattlers slugger Chris Dennis’ jersey went for the highest bid at $275. Four other jerseys also went for over $200 (Scooter Gennett: $250, Cutter Dykstra: $225, Kentrail Davis: $225, Andy Sauter: $225). The Timber Rattlers also placed a few of the jersey up for bid via Minor League Baseball’s online auction service.

The event marked the first time the Rattlers hosted a LIVE jersey auction, which resulted in a total donation of $3,377 to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin…a definite success.

Timber Rattlers gather on-field next to the auctioneer who works to get top dollar for their jerseys.
Outfielder Kris Davis poses for a photo with the highest bidders for his jersey.

Stockton Ports raise close to $8,000 for St. Joseph’s Foundation Breast Health Services

The Stockton Ports held their fourth annual breast cancer awareness night on August 27 at Banner Island Ballpark. This was the most successful “Pink with the Ports” event that the Ports have hosted since beginning the fundraiser in 2007. With over 4,100 fans in attendance for the night’s game, support for St. Joseph’s was overwhelming.

This event hit close to home with the Ports this year. Becki Scarsone, wife of Ports manager Steve Scarsone, is a recent breast cancer survivor, and has early self-detection and the overwhelming love and support of family and friends to thank for her recovery. The goal of the “Pink with the Ports” event was to raise as much money possible for St. Joseph’s Foundation Breast Health Services. The Ports also wanted to stress the importance of catching cancer early, and that doing self-exams could make all of the difference.

Prior to the game against the San Jose Giants, the Ports hosted a “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” to help raise even more money for St. Joseph’s. This event was a first for the Ports. Both teams gathered on the field to participate in a friendly home run competition. Each team consisted of about 15 people, and everyone was thrown 10 pitches each. Pledges were made by fans and Ports Alumni prior to the event, so every home run hit earned money for St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Former Oakland Athletics hall-of-famer Rickey Henderson participated in the event, and dance team members from the University of the Pacific were on the field dressed in pink dance tops cheering on both teams.

One dollar from every ticket sold to that night’s game was donated to the foundation’s breast health services. Ports players and coaches also wore special pink jerseys, belts, and socks. The jerseys were auctioned off after the game and that money was also given to St. Joseph’s. Another unique fundraiser that the Ports hosted weeks leading up to Pink Night consisted of selling pink paper baseballs for $1. Messages were written on the baseballs and were made into a “Pink Wall” that was displayed at the front of the ballpark on “Pink Night”. Ports players and coaches also donated memorabilia that was used in a raffle to benefit St. Joseph’s.

Former Oakland A’s hall-of-famer Rickey Henderson participated in the Ports “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” benefitting St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
The women of St. Joseph’s raised breast cancer awareness during “Pink Night” on August 27.

THUNDER FANS DO “GOOD DEEDS”

On Saturday, August 14, the Trenton Thunder hosted the first ever “Good Deed Game” with over 200 fans participating by making at least one donation to the four drives held outside the stadium.

The event featured a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey, a school supplies drive to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-perishable food drive to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and a toiletries drive to support HomeFront.

Of the over 200 fans who made donations, 25% supported one organization, 40% made two donations, 31% supported three drives and 4% donated to all four.

“We always say we have the best fans in baseball and their giving nature really backed up that statement,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations Patience Purdy. “It was a lot of fun to see families with little kids getting excited about making a donation to help others.”

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey Blood Mobile collected 20 pints of blood, enough blood to potentially save 60 lives.  The 20 pints collected is the highest of the three drives held at Waterfront Park this year.

The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank collected 814 pounds of nonperishable food.  Mercer Street Friends notes that the amount is enough to supply a family of four with food for two months.  In the last two years, Thunder fans have donated over 1,700 pounds of food for the food bank through Trenton Thunder drives.

While quantifying the amount of school supplies collected is difficult, Patty Hughes, the Development Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area said, “The Habitat volunteers were overwhelmed with the response from the game attendees.  They mentioned that the bags of school supplies filled their car.  Please know how much the HFH-TA staff and the community appreciates the generosity of the Trenton Thunder and the fans.  The work and the commitment of all of the non-profits in Mercer County is amazing in these tough economic times. ”

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, collected over 250 personal care items – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

“Trenton Thunder fans are fun people with great big hearts!  The personal items that were collected cannot be bought with food stamps and provide a lot of comfort to people in genuine need,” said Anita Hanft, Director of Mission Advancement for HomeFront.

The Thunder provided incentives to fans who supported these local non-profit organizations.  Fans who donated to any one of the causes received a ticket to the Thunder’s Fan Appreciation Night vs. Akron on Thursday, September 2 at 7:05 pm.  People who donated to any two of the drives received the game ticket and a Thunder hat.  Individuals who supported three causes got the ticket, hat and on September 2nd they will be recognized on the field and throw a ceremonial pitch before the game. Those who support all four drives got everything plus a food voucher.

Flying Tigers Help Boys & Girls Clubs Raise Over $14,000 During Inaugural Backyard BBQ Festival

The Lakeland Flying Tigers inaugural Red, White and The Blues Celebration and Backyard BBQ festival on July 4 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry raise over $14,000 during the inaugural event. The Boys & Girls Clubs raised money through sponsorships, selling food tickets for the BBQ and working concession stands. Presenting sponsors included True MD, Nite Owl Urgent Care and Regal Automotive Group.

The mission of the clubs is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers Lakeland & Mulberry youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry serve more than 2,000 young people through its Clubs, summer sites and outreach programs. Money that was raised will support programs and expenses at the club.

The Red, White & The Blues event included the Backyard BBQ Festival, Lakeland Flying Tigers game, a tribute performance by The Blues Brothers, Aretha and Cab Calloway by the Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers Revue and then a spectacular dueling fireworks show choreographed to patriotic music.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

BBQ Teams Serving up Samples to Fans (Photo courtesy of Lakeland Flying Tigers)

Timber Rattlers Golf Outing Benefits Miracle League

The Timber Rattlers completed their latest nine-game homestand on a walk-off victory, but it was their work off the field which reigned supreme during the week. Tuesday, July 13 was the solitary off day for the club during the home stretch, but members from the entire organization showed their support for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers charity golf outing.

Manager Jeff Isom, hitting coach Matt Erickson, and seven players put down their bats and picked up their clubs at Eagle Creek Golf Course last Tuesday. “I had a blast playing with some great people,” said All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett. “This was an awesome way to spend a day off.” Even with the enthusiasm, Gennett’s team didn’t come out on top. It was relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar who helped propel his foursome to victory. Thielbar, paired with a foursome put together by Chadd Scott of the Settle Inn, took home the grand prize that featured four Brewers tickets and four autographed bats signed by the entire Timber Rattlers team.

Each of the 18 holes had a contest, such as longest drive, closest to the pin and even the use of an oversized putter. While competition was prominent throughout the day, the true focus of the outing centered on raising money to benefit the Miracle League of the Fox Valley. Organizations were able to sponsor a hole or tee box to help support the event, and donations were accepted at specified holes. Raffle tickets were also sold for selected prize giveaways, including autographed memorabilia from Ryan Braun and Donald Driver.

Thanks to the generosity of each participant and sponsor, the outing helped raise over $5,500 for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley. The charity organization is a baseball league for children aged 4-19 with physical and/or mental disabilities. Games are played at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer at John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field in Memorial Park of Appleton.

The entire Timber Rattler organization would like to thank each sponsor for their help in raising money and for making the outing such a success. The Miracle League greatly appreciates each donation they receive. Please be sure to continue to show your support for these courageous young children!

2010 Charity Challenge Huge Success

A night at the ballpark is always a lot fun especially when needed funds are raised for local charities.  On Friday night July 9th at State Mutual Stadium the Boys & Girls Club of NWGA, Cancer Navigators, Children’s Miracle Network, Hospitality House, Murphy Harpst Children’s Home, and Williams Davies Shelter all participated in the 2010 Charity Challenge.  Each organization sold tickets with a portion of sales going directly back to them.  The top four teams selling the most tickets took part in “on field” activities like the dizzy bat race and the limbo to raise additional funds.  Nearly $3,500 was raised.

The Murphy Harpst Children’s Home sold the most tickets, Boys & Girls Club placed first in the game challenges while the Children’s Miracle Network placed 2nd in the game challenges.

Squirrels Salute the Troops!

On Saturday, June 19, the Flying Squirrels partnered with Budweiser to honor the troops for Military Appreciation Night. Hundreds of soldiers and military personnel enjoyed a game at The Diamond.

Support US Armed forces collected donations by offering acorn cut outs to fans to show their support of the troops and raised over $1200 dollars that was used to make care packages for the troops overseas!

The Squirrels also held a “Camo Jersey off the Back” Auction raising over $1,390 with all proceeds benefiting the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) that supports soldiers at Fort Lee and throughout central VA.

Fans were entertained by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and were given a camouflage baseball cap as they entered the gates, courtesy of Budweiser.

SGT. Slaughter leading the crowd in Take me out to the Ballgame!

BlueClaws Raise Over $5,500 in Pink Jersey Auction

Sunday’s Lakewood BlueClaws post-game pink jersey auction raised $5,535 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central and South Jersey, the American Cancer Society’s “Strides Against Breast Cancer” and BlueClaws Charities.

The auction was originally scheduled for Mother’s Day (May 9th), but was pushed back two weeks when the May 9th game went 15 innings.

“We’re very happy to raise so much money to help these outstanding causes,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “The BlueClaws, the Komen Foundation, and the American Cancer Society are all very appreciative of the fans that bid and donated their money to help fight breast cancer.”

BlueClaws pitcher Nick Hernandez’s jersey went for $800, the highest bid of the day.

The team’s next jersey auction will be held on June 17th, when the BlueClaws host a BlueClaws World Cup jersey auction on Soccer Night.

The team will also host jersey auctions on July 10th (BruceClaws on Bruce Springsteen Appreciation Night) and July 29th (Goonies jerseys on 25th Anniversary of the Goonies Appreciation Night).

Charities can receive a portion of the proceeds from a BlueClaws jersey auction through the team’s Community Partners Program. Interested area non-profits that take part in a BlueClaws fundraiser receive exposure through the team’s game program plus stadium signage. Community Partners can then apply to receive additional money through the program.

Interested charities can contact Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114 or email jdeangelis@blueclaws.com.

BlueClaws Charities contributed over $150,000 to area non-profits and fundraising events in 2009.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are in their 10th season of providing family fun and entertainment at the Jersey Shore. The BlueClaws, who won the South Atlantic League title in 2009, have led the league and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence.

FLYING TIGERS GO PINK TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE MARY KAY FOUNDATION

The Lakeland Flying Tigers Pink in the Park Night on May 1 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Mary Kay Foundation raise over $12,000 for the inaugural event. The Mary Kay Foundation proudly supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers that affect women and programs committed to ending domestic violence.

Flying Tiger players and coaches wore pink jerseys during the game and fans had the opportunity to take the jersey off the back of their favorite player after the game. Autographed Detroit Tiger pink bats were auctioned off during the game.

There was a pre-game cancer survivor parade as well as a pink Cadillac parade on the field. Bases were painted pink as well. Even the post-game fireworks show had bursts of pink. The inaugural event was a great success helping raise awareness and funds for the Mary Kay Foundation.

Flying Tiger Alden Carrithers with his pink jersey winner after the game.

American Heart Association receives support from Ports Players

Giving back and supporting local charities is important to any sports organization, and the Stockton Ports are no different.

The Stockton Ports were asked to take part in the Go Red for Women Luncheon on April 29, 2010 at The Hilton Stockton to help raise money and awareness for Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association. The luncheon provided a Healthy Lifestyle Expo & Boutique, Breakout Session, Keynote Speaker Neha Sangwan, Survivor Speaker James Niskanen, and Master of Ceremonies Jennifer Smith of News 10. The Ports players took part in the luncheon portion of the event and provided a lot of smiles and laughs for all in attendance.

The players had the responsibility of collecting donations during the lunch. But the fun part was what happened once the donations were collected. The boys were provided with red feather boas. Each person who donated received a boa from one of the players. It was a fun way to get the crowd smiling and gave them a way to interact with the Ports. Eight Ports players were involved in this wonderful event: catcher Ryan Ortiz, pitcher Kenny Smalley, pitcher Scott Deal, pitcher Trey Barham, catcher Dusty Napoleon, pitcher Paul Smyth, shortstop Grant Green, and designated hitter Kala Ka’aihue.

RoughRiders Host 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl tournament on Wednesday, April 21st at Main Event in Frisco, TX. The entire 2010 RoughRiders Team participated in the event and all funds raised went to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.  The event raised over $6,000 for the RoughRiders foundation through registrations and silent auction/raffle ticket sales.

Over 100 people participated in the event and 19 out of 20 lanes were sold. First place was claimed by the team headed by ‘Riders pitchers Zach Phillips and Ryan Falcon. Second place went to the team that included infielder Marcus Lemon and the third place team included catcher Kevin Richardson.

All proceeds from the event benefited the RoughRiders Foundation.  The RoughRiders Foundation’s mission is to help families in North Texas through programs and events. In 2010 the Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Gilda’s Club North Texas and The Frisco Miracle League.

Frisco RoughRiders Players before the bowling tournament.

 

 

 

“Pack the Park” Charity Program Expands for 2010

Once again this season Mondays at Arvest Ballpark will feature our popular community outreach initiative called “Pack the Park For Charity” as several different non-profit service agencies will enjoy the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for their specific cause. Each non-profit organization will generate revenue through the sale of discounted Naturals tickets for their specific game. This season the program will extend to Wednesday night games during the summer.

The selected charities will sell six dollar reserved tickets to a Naturals Monday or Wednesday home game, with a different major charity pre-selected for each Monday or Wednesday. The normal reserved ticket price is eight dollars. Three dollars per ticket sold will be given back to the charity. Supporters of the particular charity can also order tickets online or at the ticket window with a special unique codeword supplied to the charity to facilitate such sales. The more people “in the house” at Arvest Ballpark each Monday or Wednesday – the more revenue generated for the worthwhile cause.

The charities with their respective home games and pertinent contact information for the organizations are listed below:

5/17/2010: ALS Asscociation (Danielle Wood, 479-621-8700)
5/24/2010: The Jones Center (Jake Fout, 479-756-8090 ext. 2139)
6/2/2010: Miracle League (Peggy McCall, 501-940-3405)
6/7/2010: Kendrick Fincher Foundation (Rhonda Fincher, 479-986-9960)
6/21/2010: Ozark Guidance (Jane Guyton, 479-695-1240)
7/5/2010: Elizabeth Richardson Center (479-872-1800)
7/26/2010: Pagnozzi Charities (Sarah Eldridge, 479-443-2550)
8/4/2010: Children’s House (Ben McClintock, 479-872-7479 ext. 16)
8/9/2010: Single Parent Scholarship Fund (Anne Jackson, 479-750-4971)
8/18/2010: Circle of Life (Jessica Young, 479-750-6632)
8/23/2010: American Cancer Society (Lindsey Bowers, 479-750-2493)
9/2/2010: American Diabetes Association (Lori Jones Branlett, 479-464-4121 ext. 6859)

Each week’s Pack the Park Charity partner will also appear on the Jay and Brock Show on Hot Mix 101.9 the week prior to their date and some may also appear on KNWA News to raise awareness for their cause. To purchase tickets supporting these charities for their respective nights, please contact the charity using the contact information listed above.

For more information about Pack the Park for Charities, please contact Amanda Potter with the Naturals at 927-4900.