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.

Legends celebrate 15th year with ’15 Days of Service’

Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends "15 Days of Service" program. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends “15 Days of Service” program. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are celebrating their 15th year of operation of 2015, and part of that celebration includes a special campaign to continue giving back to the community.

The Legends’ “15 Days of Service” campaign will include volunteer work with 15 different organizations in the Lexington area. Legends players as well as front office staff will be involved.

The first of the 15 stops was made April 20 at Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency in Lexington committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families and the community.   Legends players Alfredo Escalera, Kyle Pollock, and Michael Hill, along with Big L and front office staffers Rebecca Barnes, Anne Brenner, Ty Cobb, April Dietrich, Tim Vieira and Corie Roberts spent time with children at Greenhouse 17 and also helped out with some gardening chores.

Other agencies that will be part of “15 Days of Service” include the Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Blessings, Hope Center, Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Salvation Army, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, United Way, God’s Pantry, the Nest, GLEAN and Habitat for Humanity. More will be added as the 2015 season continues.

“Community service has always played a very important part of who we are as an organization here at the Lexington Legends,” said Barnes, the Legends’ director of community relations. “Being able to give back to the community that has supported us for the last 15 years is a great way to celebrate our 15th anniversary season.”

“Fifteen days of service really brings our community service efforts into focus,” added Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We’ll never lose sight of the importance of giving back, but the celebration of the 15th season of Legends baseball provides a special incentive for all of us.”

For more information, contact Barnes at 859-422-7855.

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

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-11-19

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities has completed its 6th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

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.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

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 underserved 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 Lakewood 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 their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Host “Kiss a Cow” Fundraiser

Contest aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are excited to host the “Kiss a Cow” fundraiser for the Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity on Friday, July 25th. The fundraiser pits six local community leaders against each other in an effort to raise the most money for HFH, with the “winner” having to kiss a cow.

The six community leaders participating in the fundraiser include Rudy Wright, Mayor of Hickory, Steve Underdown, Vice-President of HSM, Dr. Dan Brigman, CCS Superintendent, Mitzi Gellman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, and Crawdads own General Manager Mark Seaman and All-Star relief pitcher Ryne Slack. The contest concludes with the overall winner kissing a cow on the field at LP Frans Stadium immediately following the ‘Dads game and before the post-game Fireworks.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo2The Crawdads are also conducting a secondary challenge between the organization’s two contestants. In addition to the regular “Kiss a Cow” contest, the ‘Dad that has the most donations given in their name will also get a pie in the face following the Crawdads game on Saturday, July 26th.

Donations can be made online at www.habitatcatawbavalley.org by clicking on the “DONATE” button. Donors are asked to place the name of the contestant they wish to donate on behalf of in the additional comments section of the form. Donations may also be made at L.P. Frans Stadium for the two Crawdads contestants by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Customer Care Booth during any ‘Dads game.

For more information regarding the Habitat for Humanity “Kiss a Cow” night, contact the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Ballpark sod donated to Habitat

Lexington-Legends-2013New sod will soon be installed on the field at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, and the old sod will find a new home – in fact, it likely will find several new homes. Part of the sod that is being taken up at the ballpark has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be available for purchase at Habitat’s ReStore, 451 Southland Drive.   The ReStore is a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   Proceeds from sales at the Re-Store benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for Lexington families.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo“We were excited to get the call asking if we could accept some of this sod,” said Jim Kreiner, director of the ReStore, a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   He said since current Habitat homes were not quite ready for sod to be laid, the donated sod would be made available for sale at the Re-Store.

“The Legends have had a long-standing partnership with Lexington Habitat for Humanity,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.   “Habitat came to mind immediately when we began this project.”

Installation of new sod at Whitaker Bank Ballpark is scheduled to begin later this month.

This article originally appeared on the Legends’ website.

Lexington- Sod_removal_photo_saved_101413

Habitat for Humanity to Hold 50/50 Drawings at Blue Rocks Home Games

Proceeds from the Daily Drawings to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County

WilmingtonBlueRocks_2013-05-15

 

WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce that Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County will hold a 50/50 raffle at each of the remaining Blue Rocks home games during the 2013 season. Proceeds from each raffle go to benefit the Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

“This is a brand new concept that will be introduced to our fans, but it is something that has worked at other major league and minor league professional sports venues,” said Kevin P. Linton, director of community affairs for the Blue Rocks. “Fans will have the opportunity to participate in something that is very economical and could win them some extra money, all while supporting a great organization here in the Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, here in Delaware.”

The 50/50 raffle will be executed by 50/50 Central, a company based out of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fans can purchase tickets two different ways while visiting Frawley Stadium during each Blue Rocks game. Fans may purchase tickets at the 50/50 kiosk, which is located on the main concourse across from the Quarry Team Store. Additionally, people can purchase tickets throughout the game from the seats from a 50/50 vendor walking around the seating area.

Tickets can be purchased from the time gates open until the seventh inning. The 50/50 drawing will take place at the end of the seventh inning, via an electronic draw. Tickets can be purchased in the following increments: 1 for $2, 3 for $5, 10 for $10 and 40 for $20. Fans do not need to be present to win the raffle jackpot each night. Jackpots will vary depending on the sales of the tickets each game.

“We’re pleased to be working with the Wilmington Blue Rocks on this exciting fundraising endeavor,” said HFHNCC Chief Executive Officer Kevin L. Smith. We know the Blue Rocks fans and how they’ve supported various community groups throughout their 21 seasons here in Delaware and we’re looking forward to receiving their support.”

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has been building affordable housing with low-income families since 1986. Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has built more than 200 homes in areas throughout New Castle County including the City of Wilmington, Middletown, Newark, New Castle and St. Georges. As a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, it is among the top three largest affiliates in the Northeast (of over 210 affiliates from Delaware to Maine) in terms of home construction. Through its unique approach, Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families break the cycle of poverty through the stability and empowerment gained through homeownership.

The first raffle drawing will take place on Friday, May 17 during the 7:05 p.m. Blue Rocks’ game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, with a spectacular fireworks show to follow the game. For tickets, and mini-plan information, call 302-888-BLUE.

www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Dash to hold annual Community Build May 18

Joint effort to include Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity

Winston-SalemDash_2013-05-07

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (MAY 7, 2013) – The Winston-Salem Dash will partner with Lowe’s Home Improvement and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County to assist in the annual Community Build on Saturday, May 18, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dash players, staff members and front office team members will join volunteers from both Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity in the construction of five houses at two separate locations in the Winston-Salem area.

The build project is truly a community effort, so Dash fans are encouraged to help, too. To register as a volunteer, call Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County at (336) 765-8854. Everyone’s efforts will be honored during the Dash’s game on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. A special video will be shown at BB&T Ballpark in dedication to this year’s Community Build.

The first location at 1825 Willow Oak Way features three houses, one of which is very near completion. The other two homes are at 922 and 924 Roosevelt Street. One of these houses, donated to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, is undergoing a complete reconstruction, while another home will be built on the property. This donated lot was big enough to divide in half to accommodate a second house.

All five houses are at various stages of their construction, so volunteers will be assigned to a number of different tasks. Volunteers will assist with flooring, installing trusses, installing shingles into the roof and landscaping, among other things.

The Dash are continuing their drive toward one million fans at BB&T Ballpark, and this milestone will be reached sometime in May. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Brenner, Habitat honored at Coaches Luncheon

2013 Dash roster introduced to the community, too

Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash's Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)
Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash’s Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)

The Winston-Salem Dash honored Rich Brenner as this year’s Service Through Sports Award winner and announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is the Dash’s official charity for the 2013 season at the annual Coaches Luncheon Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark.

Brenner, an award-winning sportscaster for FOX8, began his broadcasting career in 1967 as a correspondent in Vietnam. Originally from Merchantville, N.J., Brenner’s full-time television career started in 1975. He arrived at FOX8 in 1987, and his time in Winston-Salem yielded six awards, including three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. He retired in 2008 following a 21-year career at FOX8.

During his retirement, Brenner, who served as a United States Marine, continued to be a major presence in the community, making public appearances to honor community members, including those who served in the military. Before he passed away last year at the age of 65, Brenner was working on a veterans’ memorial at Triad Park in Kernersville. Brenner’s family accepted the Service Through Sports Award on his behalf.

“I’m so honored and so humbled for this award, and I know Rich is, too,” Brenner’s widow Judy said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “I can’t tell you how special this is to our family.”

Brenner is the fourth winner of the Service Through Sports Award. The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized last year.

The Dash also announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will be the team’s official charity partner for the 2013 season. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County brings together community partners and volunteers to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners. Through the organization’s global efforts, Habitat for Humanity has built homes in 90 countries and all 50 states. They have also built homes for more than 350 Partner Families in the Winston-Salem community.

As the Dash’s official charity for the season, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will partner with the Dash for their Commemorative Brick Program. Entering its fourth year, the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program allows members of the community to purchase a brick that will be installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates. The Dash and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will collectively use the program’s proceeds to further their community outreach efforts.

“We really thank the Dash for choosing us as their 2013 charity partner,” said Sylvia Oberle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. Thank you for thinking of us.”

The Coaches Luncheon also served as the community’s first chance to meet the Opening Day roster for the Dash. New manager Ryan Newman spoke to those in attendance, while every member of the 2013 Dash was introduced. Many local media members were on hand for the event, which also served as the Dash’s annual Media Day. Newman and select players were available for interviews before the squad’s first official workout of 2013 at BB&T Ballpark.

The Dash begin their 2013 season Friday night in Zebulon, N.C., against the Carolina Mudcats, while the home slate begins Friday, April 12, when the Mudcats invade BB&T Ballpark for a 7 p.m. game.

The Dash have unveiled their new Stars & Stripes Mini-Plan, which includes seven great Dash games, including the Fourth of July, for just $77. Single-game tickets are also on sale now, so call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com to secure your seats.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Timber Rattlers Visit Habitat for Humanity

Wisconsin-Timber-RattlersOn Tuesday, August 2nd, two Timber Rattlers pitchers and a few members of the team’s front office visited one of Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity’s work sites. Pitchers Stosh Wawrzasek and Matt Miller volunteered their time before taking on the Clinton LumberKings to thank the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our community.

This marks the second year that the team provided lunch to one of Habitat for Humanity’s work sites. It’s a great opportunity to get the team more involved in the community. Likewise, the volunteers love being able to chat with the players about their minor league baseball experience…and even get a few autographs!

Greater-Fox-Cities-HFH-logoThe Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity has built over 130 houses and counting in the Fox Cities, providing a new home for nearly 500 people in the community. In partnership with hundreds of dedicated volunteers and supporters, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is building hope, one house at a time.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers look forward to supporting Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity for many more seasons to come!

WTR Habitat Lunch 2011

Local Publication Cites RiverDogs with Philanthropy Award

While the sound of bats cracking and the scent of hot dogs grilling may make Charleston RiverDogs fans smile while at The Joe, those same fans have even more of a reason to support the franchise while fancying even bigger smiles when the RiverDogs engage in any of their many community service activities,

Because of the organization’s positive impact in the community, the RiverDogs will be the 2010 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist for the Charleston Region Award, as provided by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.

The citation will be presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 18 at the Charleston Marriot on Lockwood Blvd. with RiverDogs team president Mike Veeck accepting the award on the team’s behalf.

“We, at the RiverDogs, do things for the right reasons and our involvement in the local community is the right thing to do,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols, who will be at the event. “We are constantly reminded by the first part of our name that Charleston as a community is important to us, and we keep that in the forefront of our minds every day. We’re active in the area for a multitude of reasons; the primary being that we are positioned to help and at the end of the day, we do.”

In their most recent issue, the Charleston Regional Business Journal cites the many involvements to the community that the RiverDogs involve themselves in throughout the calendar year. When not in season, the administrative staff closes the office for a day and, as a group, donates time and energy to a worthy cause, like Habitat for Humanity.

MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute is the RiverDogs’ primary charity, due in part to Veeck’s daughter, Rebecca, suffering from a retinitis pigmentosa, a visionary disorder that left the personable teenager legally blind. However, not all of the club’s efforts are devoted toward fighting blindness.

The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are deeply involved with the RBI Program (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and the Boys & Girls Club by providing assistance with equipment and travel, while team members help with practices.

Additionally, the organization made a huge commitment to Charleston County Schools. They helped create a reading and fitness program for third graders, and participate in a sports and entertainment academy in the high schools to expose students to the business side of sports.

And during the season, each Monday night’s home game is appropriately billed as “Dogs with a Cause Night” and is devoted to a local non-profit organization as the group is positioned to share its mission with fans.

“The idea is that if you are interacting with the community and giving back, you will feel good, and in ways you are able to be an overall more well-rounded and happier person. And that will translate in the workplace,” Echols said.

“We let them choose what’s near and dear to their hearts,” he added. “We have 15-to-20 full-time staff, so that’s 15-to-20 different organizations that are receiving help from the RiverDogs.”

Fans share their valuable time during the season with the RiverDogs, so it is only fitting that the RiverDogs return that time in various charitable efforts to maximize the potential of community involvement.

And with the club’s “Be Your Own Fan” marketing initiative, the off-season contributions by the organization gives citizens another reason to be a RiverDogs fan.

RiverDogs Staff Help Out at Habitat for Humanity

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. On October 22, ten members of the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

The team met Friday morning to assist with the ongoing restoration and renovation of the home of Beatrice Dennis.  Since acquiring the the property, Dennis’ home has developed serious structural problems,including crumbling supports and rotting wood, which have led to a serious Eastward lean.  If it were not for a new partnership between the Historic Charleston Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Charleston, Dennis may have been forced to continue living in a deteriorating home or move elsewhere, but fortunately that is not the case.  The three organizations have combined forces to renovate the house for Dennis and her family along with the help of community volunteers, including the Charleston RiverDogs staff.

The Historic Charleston Foundation is helping to preserve the home’s exterior, but the inside of the home, however, will resemble a new Habitat home. The Foundation supported the interior renovation to ensure that Dennis and her family would be able to afford to stay there.

“Knowing that this is not just a house, but rather the home of a real family in our community makes this project so special.  I am thankful for the opportunity to lend a hand to Beatrice and her family, and I hope that they have many years of happy memories to come, in this home” stated Sarah Ward, RiverDogs Director of Community Relations.  Habitat and the Foundation are seeking other homes that owner-occupied and somewhat historic to help this way.

Charleston Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit housing organization.  The organization provides affordable home ownership opportunities, whether it be new home construction or home repair, for working families of moderate income in Charleston and North Charleston.   For more information, to donate, or to volunteer please visit www.charlestonhabitat.org.

RiverDogs staff member Mike Petrini works on the house of Beatrice Dennis

Legends Win ‘We Care’ Award

The Lexington Legends have won a 2010 Republic Bank We CARE Award for outstanding community service.
The We CARE (Community Activity Recognition Enterprise) awards give recognition and appreciation to local companies whose employees are actively involved in a variety of community service activities. The program was launched in 2006, and the Legends have been nominated for awards in each of the last three years.

Winners were announced Thursday night in a ceremony at the Griffin Gate Marriott. WLEX-TV news anchor Kevin Christopher served as master of ceremonies.

More than 50 nominations from organizations in seven categories met the We CARE criteria and were accepted for the awards competition. Organizations were judged on how they encourage employees to become involved in volunteer activities either during or after business hours. They were also evaluated on how they support community-based initiatives through philanthropic efforts and neighborhood assistance. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges consisting of previous winners and community leaders.

The Legends, a class A minor league baseball affiliate of the Houston Astros, won in the category of entertainment and leisure. The Legends have provided in-kind donations of tickets, memorabilia and suites to more than 250 non-profit organizations in 2010. Legends employees participate in many fund-raising events, including the Polar Bear Plunge, Bowl for Kids Sake, the Diabetes Walk and others. Employees also participate in Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Junior Achievement.

“There are certain prestigious ‘touch points’ in a community,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “For a company like the Lexington Legends, whose own mission statement emphasizes quality of life and making our communities better, the Republic Bank We Care Award is a very important acknowledgment that we’re on the right track. It is a tremendous honor for our entire staff, and I particularly salute our General Manager, Andy Shea, for his continued leadership and commitment to community service, and our Director of Community Relations, Stephanie Fish, for her tireless efforts in this arena.”

“The Republic Bank We CARE Awards have again brought to light the quality and variety of volunteer work done by so many companies in our community,” said Bo Henry, Market President of Republic Bank.

“All of us at Republic Bank recognize the employees of the nominated companies, and the winning companies, for the community efforts they put forth that contribute so much to making this such a great place to live and raise our families,” stated Steve Trager, Chairman and CEO of Republic Bank.

“I’m so proud of the way employees of Lexington area companies reach out into our neighborhoods and communities every day,” added WLEX-TV general manager Pat Dalbey. “There’s an obvious growing culture of caring that the Republic Bank We CARE Award is nurturing. I’m particularly impressed with the quality of the employee volunteer efforts made by this year’s winning companies. Central Kentucky is indeed a warm, friendly, giving community and WLEX-TV is proud to be part of recognizing the wonderful spirit of giving represented by these awards.”

Winning companies received a handmade glass sculpture award designed by Ken von Roenn of Kentucky’s Architectural Glass Art, and WLEX-TV will produce and broadcast video vignettes highlighting each winning company.

(Left to Right) Bo Henry, Market President of Republic Bank with Legends Staff, Justin Ball, Stephanie Fish, Seth Poteat, Ty Cobb.

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.

Trenton Thunder Players Help Build A Home

Seven players for the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity home build in East Trenton this morning.

The players who took part in the event were: RHP Grant Duff, RHP Eric Wordekemper, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP David Phelps, RHP D.J. Mitchell, OF Austin Krum and IF Justin Snyder.

The players worked on a duplex that has been under construction since March 2009.  They helped put  the “finishing touches” on the home including the installation of lattace to the back porch and working on the ceiling of the front porch.  One of the homes is expected to be completed and turned over to the new owners on Friday, April 30.  The Thunder front office staff spent December 2, 2009 at the same location installing sheet rock and siding.

Thunder pitcher Eric Wordekemper works on a home in East Trenton
Thunder players Eric Wordekemper (left) and Austin Krum (right) put the finishing touches on a home in East Trenton