Augusta Green Jackets and Fifth Third Bank Team Up to ‘Strikeout Hunger’

Free Ticket With Non-Perishable Food Donation

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta GreenJackets are teaming up with Fifth Third Bank to help “Strikeout Hunger” in the month of May. Starting on May 1, all three Augusta Fifth Third Bank locations will have donation cans to collect nonperishable food items for Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Every person who donates a food item from May 1 to May 18 at a local Fifth Third Bank will receive a free general admission ticket to watch the GreenJackets face the Savannah Sand Gnats on Sunday, May 19.

There will also be food donation cans at Lake Olmstead Stadium during select home games. The first collection dates at Lake Olmstead Stadium will be Friday, May 3 and Saturday May 4 followed by another round of collections on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

Prior to the start of the game on May 19, Fifth Third Bank and the GreenJackets will make an official on-field donation to Golden Harvest Food Bank with all food items collected throughout the drive.

Those interested in pitching in to help “Strikeout Hunger” can donate food items at Fifth Third Banks located at 3007 Pine Needle Rd., 404 S. Belair Rd., or 2756 Peach Orchard Rd.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Augusta GreenJackets. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award March Grant to Aurora Theatre

Local Theatre is recognized for their commitment to the Fine Arts

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of March to the Aurora Theatre of Lawrenceville, GA. This month’s grant, intended to support organizations that promote art programs and education, will help Aurora Theatre in its purchase of a new portable sound system.

aurora-theater-logoIn 2011, the Aurora Theatre’s Academy and Conservatory launched an educational outreach program. With county schools cutting down music and art programs, the Aurora Theatre travels to local Gwinnett County Public Schools and educates through workshops and small traveling shows.   This season, the program will debut “Unnecessary Monsters,” an interactive play that will discuss the issue of bullying. With the help of the G-Braves, the play will reach a greater audience and avoid technical difficulties.

The program has grown exponentially since last fall.  Through their hard work and dedication, the Aurora Theatre program has provided the youth of Gwinnett County with more exposure to the arts.

“Our education program has many facets,” said the Director of Education Jaclyn Hofmann. “We have our Aurora Academy training program, learning library shows, in school workshops and other features. With this grant we can purchase a portable sound system, so that we can travel to any school or organization.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

E-Z-GO, GreenJackets Recognize Local Military Members

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Even in their 25th year of baseball, the Augusta GreenJackets are continuing some of their greatest traditions. The GreenJackets are teaming up with E-Z-GO once again to bring back their Salute Our Soldiers program for the 2013 season.

“E-Z-GO is excited to partner again with the Augusta GreenJackets to honor our local military families for the sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom,” E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran said.  “We hope that this program, in some small way, helps ease the burden that our service members, veterans and their families bear in our nation’s time of need.”

Salute Our Soldiers is a program designed to recognize local military members and their families, while thanking them for all the sacrifices they make for our nation. At all 70 home games, E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will select a local military family to honor. That family will receive free box seats, food vouchers and a gift certificate to use in the gift shop.

In the middle of the fifth inning, the selected military member and family will be recognized by the crowd for their dedication to protecting and serving our nation.

“In 2012, E-Z-GO really helped Salute Our Soldiers be a great way to show our appreciation for local military members and their families,” Augusta GreenJackets general manager Bob Flannery said. “We’re all excited to provide local military members with a fun night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.”

E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will work with local military officials and service organizations to identify participating families. For more information on Salute Our Soliders or to nominate a military member or family, contact Katie Agostin at (706) 736-7889 or email her at kagostin@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

Augusta GreenJackets getting involved in community through reading program

Augusta-GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are bringing baseball to the classroom with the GreenJackets Reading Program. The program is designed to give students fun incentives, while accomplishing reading goals at their school.

Students are given a reading goal, which is set by the teacher during the four week program. At the end of each week, all the students who achieved their goal will be rewarded with prizes. The final prize for completing all four weeks of the reading program is a free ticket to a GreenJackets baseball game. At the game, students will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.

“This is the fifth year that we’ve implemented the GreenJackets Reading Program and every year it continues to improve and grow,” Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said. “We already have a record-high number of students participating in this year’s reading program, and we are looking forward to getting more schools and students involved.”

The reading program has been a huge success so far this year. The GreenJackets have seen a significant increase in students involved from last year. Currently there are 58 schools participating.

Although the GreenJackets Reading Program has already started, schools are still welcome to sign up. However, the entire school does not have to participate. The program can be done by just a grade level at the school or even an individual classroom. The GreenJackets will continue their involvement in the classroom when they unveil their Anti-Bully Program and Most Improved Student Program this spring.

For more information on the GreenJackets Reading Program, call (706) 736-7889 or email Bill Levy at blevy@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

G-Braves Award February Grant to Archer High School PTSA

“Heart Month” themed grant will benefit Archer PTSA’s Heart Screens for Teens program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of February to the Archer High School PTSA of Lawrenceville, GA.  The “Heart Month” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that bring awareness or raise funds for heart related diseases, will help fund Archer PTSA’s “Heart Screens for Teens” program.

Archer-HS-Tigers-logoArcher High School PTSA launched the “Heart Screens for Teens” program in 2012 in order to detect potentially fatal heart defects that cannot be identified during routine physicals.  The screening, an ultrasound of the heart that takes about 15 minutes, helps identify Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) or an enlarged heart, which is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in teens.  HCM is thought to affect one in 500 persons of all ages, but usually manifests itself before the age of 20.  It is 100% detectable, and teen deaths are preventable.

After screening 60 teens in March of last year, Archer PTSA plans to screen 70 teens in 2013.  The process has been updated to include an electrocardiogram (EKG) and sports physical, which will raise the price per screening from $65 to $150.  The grant money awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will be used to reduce the cost of the screening for each teen.  It is Archer PTSA’s hope that a reduced cost will make parents more inclined to sign their teens up for the screening.

“The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children,” said Lee Merritt, Co-President of Archer High School PTSA.  “Local PTA units, like Archer High School PTSA, support this mission at the local level with programs that promote the health, safety, and welfare of students and families in our community.  Because of the generous grant from the Gwinnett Braves, Archer PTSA can make Heart Screens for Teens more affordable, and there is no doubt, children’s lives will be saved.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Miracle Field Play Begins for Fall

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The Braves Miracle Field of Rome kicks off its fall season beginning Saturday October 20th. The Rome Braves and Rome Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority are in need of volunteers for the season that runs through November 17.

The younger division will play each Saturday at 12:30pm and the older division will play at 1:30pm. A pre-season practice will be held on Saturday October 13th.

For those interested in playing, the registration fee which includes your uniform and end of season reward remains $50 per player. Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Bryant with RFPRA at 706-234-0383 or Erin Elrod with the Rome Braves at 706-368-9388.

Click here to download a registration form now.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament

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The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department announced today the date for the 4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. The golf tournament will be held on Friday November 9 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station or at the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves. Hole and team sponorships are available as well.

Celebrity participants include members of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff as well as minor league field staff. Past participants have included current Atlanta Braves third base coach, Brian Snitker, former Rome Braves manager and current Gulf Coast Braves manager Rocket Wheeler, current Rome Manager Randy Ingle, and former Rome Braves players.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to helping injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

For more information, please contact the Rome Braves at (706)369-9388 or Gary Conway at the Floyd County Police department (706)235-7766.

Click here to download a registration form now!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Blood Drive Comes to State Mutual Stadium

The Rome Braves and the America Red Cross announce that a Blood Drive will be held at the Three Rivers Club on Tuesday August 21st from noon until 5 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a Free T-Shirt and 2 tickets to a Rome Braves game.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code RBraves to schedule an appointment. Walk ins are welcome.

For more information call the Braves at 706-378-5100.

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

Bark in the Park with Paws for Claws

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Humans and Hounds alike, join us at State Mutual Stadium for the Bark in the Park game on Sunday May 27. This season the Rome Braves are partnering with Claws for Paws to help the homeless pets of Rome and Floyd County. All of the money raised by Claws for Paws goes directly back to animal rescue efforts in the local community.

The festivities begin at 2pm but you can register today. There will be a 1.3 mile Dog Walk around State Mutual Stadium followed by pet contests, a Frisbee Dog Demo and stop by the Flealess Market throughout the day. Then bring your dog into the ballpark and cheer on the Rome Braves for the 5pm game.

The Bark in the Park event along with the festivities and t-shirt is only $20! To sign up today just click here. If you are just interested in joining us for the game with your dog you can purchase tickets at Gate 6 the day of the game for $10. For more information please call 706-378-5100.

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

The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton receives Gwinnett Braves February Grant

Team’s grant will help expand the Kids in the Kitchen initiative

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves February Grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative.

The goal of the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc., is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. The program engages kids in the preparation of healthy meals and educates them and their parents regarding nutrition and healthy choices.

The initiative provides lessons and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations, chefs and nutritionists. In addition to healthy eating, the Junior League encourages physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. This past year, the initiative provided healthy eating education and demonstrations to more than 300 children and their families. The grant will triple the reach of the Kids in the Kitchen initiative to more than 900 children in our community.

“The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties is honored to receive this grant from the Braves Foundation. We are celebrating our 25th year of service to the community and are striving to expand our impact. The Braves Foundation grant provides our organization with support that will help us expand our programs to reach more families in the area”, said Misty Sutton, Fund Development Chair. “We plan to utilize this grant to expand our Kids in the Kitchen program, which promotes healthy, and economical, food choices for children and their families. The Braves Foundation grant will help us to more than triple the number of children that we are able to educate through this program.”

About the Junior League
The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization of women who are developed as civic leaders to create lasting community impact through training, leadership opportunities, advocacy and hands-on community service. Its purpose is to develop the potential of women to be leaders in their communities and to strengthen local communities by creating and implementing collaborative volunteer projects.

Foster Children’s Foundation receives Gwinnett Braves January Grant

Team’s grant will help deliver the Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program to foster children in North Georgia.

The Gwinnett Braves announced today that the Foster Children’s Foundation is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves January grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Tomorrow Matters® mentoring program.

According to Suzanne Geske, Executive Director, “the children we serve come from negative backgrounds and often believe that following their dreams will only lead to disappointment. All children deserve to hope for a better tomorrow and it begins with a dream. The funds received from the Gwinnett Braves will help the Foster Children’s Foundation support foster and at risk youth and allow them to believe in themselves and begin a path that will lead them to a successful future and allow them to achieve their dreams.”

The Tomorrow Matters® program provides critical life skills training to youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Trained, caring mentors deliver the program to ensure that the participants have what they need to reach their potential and become self sufficient citizens.

The Foster Children’s Foundation is a 501(C) 3 non-profit support organization that provides for the unmet material and emotional needs of youth in foster care. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children who are in foster care or are in danger of entering the foster care system by identifying the economic, environmental, educational and emotional needs and implementing ways to raise public awareness and establish programs in an effort to serve these issues.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club.

Braves and Floyd Co. Police Present Check to Boys & Girls Club

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department presented a check Tuesday December 21st to the Boys & Girls Club of Rome for $10,648.00 on the front plaza at State Mutual Stadium. The funds for this donation were raised through the 2nd Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament hosted by the Rome Braves and the Floyd County Police Department.

This year’s celebrities were former Rome Braves managers Rocket Wheeler and Randy Ingle as well as Atlanta Braves 3rd base coach Brian Snitker and former Rome Braves coach Bobby Moore.

Photo courtesy of the Rome Braves

Autism group gets $1K grant from G-Braves

A local autism support group is the latest recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves.

On Monday, the G-Braves announced that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. would be awarded its December grant. The money will be used to support the organization’s social skills program for children ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

“When the economy suffers, small nonprofits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give,” Spectrum president Claire Dees said. “But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else.”

The Suwanee-based organization was founded in 1998 and provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

At its monthly meetings, the social skills program allows 50 to 80 children to enjoy interactive and fun activities that focus on social lessons.

For more information on Spectrum, visit www.atl-spectrum.com

12Stone Church doles out Holiday Meals at Coolray Field

Hundreds of cars lined Ga. Highway 20 in Lawrenceville on Saturday afternoon, waiting for their turn in the parking lot of Coolray Field.

Heartfelt cries of “God bless you” and “Merry Christmas” poured from vehicles as unemployed families by the thousands patiently and happily filed through, volunteers from 12Stone Church and a number of partners doling out turkeys, hams and groceries to those in need this holiday season.

“It just means such a great deal,” said Ladonna Smith, leaving with a turkey for her family’s Christmas dinner. “It’s such a blessing, especially being unemployed and having kids.”

After police officers directed folks into the lot, a stone’s throw from the Gwinnett Braves’ stadium, volunteers-turned-traffic-managers orchestrated what turned out to be a smoothly run operation.

Cars were organized into four separate lanes, with pallets full of goodies stacked intermittently in between.

An estimated 250 volunteers cheerfully took requests from waiting recipients. All told, 12Stone distributed 2,500 meals Saturday.

“I love helping people,” church volunteer Cathy Minter said. “They’ve been so thankful. They’re wishing us a merry Christmas, but what I’m getting back from them … I just can’t explain it. I just love it.”

12Stone partnered with HoneyBaked Ham Corp., Kroger, Signature Foods and the G-Braves to provide “a meal and more.” Each family went home with a HoneyBaked ham or turkey, a week’s worth of groceries and a voucher for four tickets to a 2011 Gwinnett Braves game.

The church had already given 3,000 packages to unemployed members, friends and neighbors of the congregation. In all, the 5,500 packages distributed totaled more than $1 million in goods and services.

“It’s been amazing,” Minter said. “We love to serve people. And that’s what God wants us to do.”

As testament to the tough economic times, cars lined up at nearby gas station hours before the giveaway scheduled for 1 p.m., jockeying to make sure their family got a real Christmas dinner.

“This just helps you to be thankful for every day of life,” recipient Terena Harris said. “Especially in times like this you need to be very thankful that people can maintain groups like this, and you can have a meal on the table.”

Added husband John: “We just really appreciate it.”

This article by Tyler Estep originally appeared in the Gwinnett Daily Post on December 18, 2010.

Public Safety Agencies Educate at Coolray Field

Gwinnett County’s public safety agencies want residents to know what they do to keep the community safe.

The Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services joined together Saturday for the first Public Safety Fall Festival at Coolray Field, the home of the Gwinnett Braves.

The event featured dozens of displays and demonstrations from the police and fire departments, including specialized units like SWAT, Ground Search and Rescue, HazMat and Swift Water Rescue. Several other governmental and nonprofit agencies were also on hand to provide safety information.

“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Officer Jeffery Richter, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Police Department. “This joint venture has gone off better than we could have ever hoped.”

Richter said the festival provided a stress-free, fun-filled environment for the community to interact with public safety officials.

Saturday’s event also served as a kickoff for National Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County, said Capt. Thomas Rutledge, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Fire Department.

“This is an opportunity to reach people we don’t normally interact with,” Rutledge said. “We want to let them know we’re here to protect them and help them protect themselves.”

Buford resident Kim Arakas and her family came to the festival to see the police and fire vehicles and learn about public safety.

“It was one of those free family events that looked like it would be educational for the kids,” she said. “We learned things as well.”

Haydee Nunez, who lives in Lawrenceville, brought her children and her nephew to the event because they are in Cub Scouts.

“It’s good for them to know about safety,” she said. “I thought it would be good awareness for the kids.”

This article by Heather Darenberg originally appeared in the Gwinnett Daily Post on October 2, 2010

Jonathan Phillips Dressed as a firefighter, Carter Bromley checks out one of the fire department’s ladder trucks during the Public Safety Fall Festival at Coolray Field on Saturday. The festival included demonstrations, safety information, softball games between the Gwinnett County fire and police departments and fun activities for children. (Staff Photo from Gwinnett Daily Post)