Granite State Baseball Dinner Goes Virtual Nov. 21

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MLB Players and Red Sox Legends Will Attend Remotely to Help Raise Funds for CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) will host a virtual edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 in a continued effort to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Over $1.75 million has been donated as part of this event since 2007.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the state-of-the-art studio at Events United in Derry, NH. Events United has hosted a number of high-profile events despite the challenges of 2020, including the Dropkick Murphy’s “Streaming Up From Boston” St. Patrick’s Day Concert.

A group of baseball celebrities will attend remotely and participate in the annual question & answer session, including Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen, Blue Jays coach John Schneider, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Oliver Drake. Red Sox greats like Bernie Carbo, Oil Can Boyd, Luis Tiant and Dick Drago will also be on hand, along with two legends of women’s professional baseball, Lois Youngen and Sue Zipay. Viewers can submit questions in the Facebook Live comment section.

“We’re proud to continue the Granite State Baseball Dinner tradition, regardless of how many obstacles this year has thrown at us,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “Supporting our community means everything to this organization, and we’re committed to raising funds for these worthy charities any way we can.”

Five Ways to Donate

1. Pack the Park for Kids

Starting today and continuing through the end of the Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats begin a mission to virtually Pack the Park for Kids. A $10 donation at NHFisherCats.com will digitally mark off one of the 6,500 seats at Delta Dental Stadium, and add to the $1.75 million that has been donated as part of the event since 2007.

2. Sponsorship Opportunities

Several elements of the broadcast are available for sponsorship, including the VIP reception, question & answer session, video commercials, and more. Click here to view the full sponsorship form.

3. Online Silent Auction

The annual silent auction returns at NHFisherCats.com, featuring sports memorabilia like a Rafael Devers autographed baseball, and priceless experiences like private batting practice at Delta Dental Stadium with an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

4. Online 50/50 Raffle

It’s a ballpark tradition in digital form — every donation adds to the grand total, with a raffle drawing at the end of the night. Half of the funds go to CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation, and the other half go to one lucky winner.

5. Dinner Packages, Delivered!

It wouldn’t be the Granite State Baseball Dinner without a delicious meal. Celebrations Catering will offer home deliveries of family dinners, bottled wine, charcuterie boards, and more to enjoy during the show. All proceeds will benefit CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Baseball Celebrities

Danny Jansen is the starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Fisher Cats in 2017. Previously known as a defensive specialist, Jansen hit .323 and earned a spot in the Eastern League All-Star Game in New Hampshire. Just over a year later, he was suiting up for the Blue Jays, and began his MLB career with a six-game hitting streak.

John Schneider led the vaunted 2018 Fisher Cats to an Eastern League Championship as the youngest manager in team history. The following year, he joined Fisher Cats All-Stars Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto as a Major League Coach with the Blue Jays.

Worcester, MA native Oliver Drake earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Rays playoff roster during their run to the World Series this season. The former US Naval Academy pitcher kept the Yankees off the board during a strong inning of relief in the ALDS.

Luis Tiant, affectionately known as ‘El Tiante’, was one of the most dominant, durable pitchers of his generation. Over 19 seasons, he dazzled lineups with his overpowering stuff and unique, back-to-the-hitter wind-ups. A three-time All-Star, he shined for the Red Sox from 1971-78, perhaps making his biggest impact for the 1975 American League Champions.

In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Bernie Carbo hit one of the most memorable home runs in Red Soxhistory. Facing elimination and a three-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carbo was brought in to pinch hit with two on and two out. He drilled a game-tying blast to center field, and the Red Sox eventually prevailed in the 12th inning on a Carlton Fisk homer.

Dennis Ray “Oil Can” Boyd pitched for the Boston Red Sox (1982-89), Montreal Expos (1990-91) and Texas Rangers (1991) during his 10-year career. He won a career-high 16 games during the Red Sox 1986 American League Championship season, and started Game 3 of the World Series against the Mets.

Dick Drago spent 13 years in the major leagues as a pitcher for the Red Sox, Royals, Angels, Mariners, and Orioles, and pitched in the iconic 1975 Red Sox – Reds World Series.

Sue Parsons Zipay of Hingham, MA played for the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the 1950s. She is the Founder and President of American Girls Baseball, which develops, manages, and promotes training and instructional programs for girls and women in the game of baseball.

Lois Youngen spent four years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, catching a perfect game with the South Bend Blue Sox in 1953. Lois Youngen Ball Field in West Eugene, OR is named after her.

The primary beneficiary of the Granite State Baseball Dinner is the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). CHaD, New Hampshire’s comprehensive, full-service children’s hospital, is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Offering primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond, their focus includes keeping all kids healthy and safe.

In addition to raising valuable funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the donation total will help fund the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship program, which provides $2,500 college scholarships to 12 student-athletes every season.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $5.7 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations.

For more information about the charitable Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, please call the Box Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit nhfishercats.com.

Former and Current Owners of the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club Team up to Donate $250,000 to the Visalia and Tulare County Community

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VISALIA, CA- The former and current owners of the Visalia Rawhide have jointly contributed $250,000 to establish the Visalia Rawhide Charitable Fund at the Central Valley Community Foundation to serve the community where Visalia Rawhide fans live, work and play.

“The Visalia community provided great support over our 18 years with the Rawhide ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community during this time of great need, in partnership with the Rawhide and the Sigal family. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Rawhide championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.”

To support families with childcare costs, food, distance learning supplies, and other essential services, an initial grant from the new fund of $50,000 has been donated to First 5 which supports six family resource centers, including the Visalia Family Resource Center. During the COVID pandemic, family resource centers in Tulare County are experiencing, on average, a 50% increase in the number of calls for assistance, many from families that have never sought help before.

A second $50,000 grant will help fund The Healthy Harvest Program in Tulare County. The local ag industry is essential and has continued the food production we all rely upon. This new program expands messaging to the Valley’s food production industry about coronavirus safety. It will provide access to testing, house workers who need to self-isolate and provide food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

“It takes all of us coming together to make a difference in this national crisis”, said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the Rawhide and Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “ The Healthy Harvest Program is a partnership that brings together state, federal, industry, and philanthropic dollars.” Among the agencies that support The Healthy Harvest Program are the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau.

“It is an honor to team up with the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Family Resource Centers, and the Healthy Harvest Program, said Sam. “Although professional baseball is in a pause due to the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in the years ahead. For now, the health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

In April, at the beginning of the pandemic, the Sigal family donated over $30,000 to support Central Valley non-profits. In collaboration with the Central Valley Community Foundation, support was directed to emergency relief funds, food bank distribution efforts and local hospitals.

“The Visalia Rawhide has been an iconic presence in Tulare County by tipping its hat to the Ag industry that propels our community. And by stepping up to help financially support our Healthy Harvest program, the Community Care Coalition in Tulare County can bring much needed supportive services to our farmworkers and their families affected by COVID-19,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, Executive Director of United Way Tulare County and Francena Martinez, Division Manager, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. “We applaud their efforts in making sure this critical program is available to those that need it.”

For more information about the efforts of the Central Valley Community Foundation in the fight against the Coronavirus, contact Hannah McAbee ([email protected])

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The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. For more information, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Front Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

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2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.

TinCaps Donate $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations

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Money Raised Through “IN This Together” T-Shirt Sales

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are proud to have donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations, as a way of expressing support and appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. The money was raised through the sales of special edition TinCaps “IN This Together” t-shirts.

“We’re glad to support healthcare workers in our community while they’re protecting us during these uncertain times,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President for Marketing and Promotions. “In addition to our tremendous appreciation for our healthcare heroes, we also send gratitude to all of our fans who purchased an ‘IN This Together’ t-shirt.”

Parkview Health is a not-for-profit health system. As a 501(c)(3), Parkview Foundations accept tax-deductible donations. These fund essential needs such as new equipment, enhanced health services, outreach programs, the expansion of medical facilities, access to medication, and assistance to patients and their families. 100% of every gift made through Parkview Foundations is used to benefit patients, their families, and the care received at Parkview Health locations.

“We’d like to thank each of the TinCaps fans who bought a t-shirt and supported the Parkview Foundations,” said Ben Miles, President of Parkview Regional Medical Center and Affiliates, and Interim Senior Vice President of Parkview Foundations. “These donations are going to support our Parkview Health frontline workers. Each of us has been impacted in some way during this pandemic. Your donation to the Parkview Foundations is helping us to keep patient care at the forefront of everything we do. We’re honored to serve you and to support our TinCaps as well.”

The t-shirts, which were produced by _18 Threads_, a Fort Wayne-based custom print apparel shop, are green and read “TinCaps” across the chest. While the team’s primary logo features a red apple at the center, this design substituted in a red heart. Below that is the phrase “IN This Together,” part of a statewide campaign to promote social distancing to keep Hoosiers healthy and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations. Nearly 1,000 shirts were sold from late April through late June.

Fans can continue to support the Parkview Foundations thanks to a partnership that allows tax-deductible monetary donations to be used to provide TinCaps Meal Kits to Parkview Health frontline workers. For more information on how you or your organization can donate to this program, call 260-407-2813 or email [email protected].

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Joint Campaign Raises $6,500

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Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks and Delaware Blue Coats are proud to announce that their joint fundraiser generated $6,500 for ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

The two professional sports organizations in Delaware united on a co-branded “Delaware Together” t-shirt, with proceeds going directly to the facilities on the front line in the First State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans purchased hundreds of the limited-edition shirts during the three-week initiative.

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “First Staters have an unsinkable spirit and determination to help each other get through even the toughest times. Our two organizations were delighted to join forces to support our community’s heroes, and our fans generously embraced the cause and made this fundraiser a tremendous success. I couldn’t be more proud of the people of Delaware and the entire region.”

A limited supply of the co-branded “Delaware Together” t-shirts remain available for purchase online from The Quarry Team Store by clicking HERE. Delaware residents may select “Stadium Pick-up Only” and collect their purchases with contact-less pick-up at Frawley Stadium. In-store shopping is available, but due to State of Delaware COVID-19 guidelines is currently limited to Monday-Friday by appointment only. For in-store shopping hours & to make an appointment, call (302) 888-2015 or email [email protected].

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and the 2019 Mills Cup champions. The Delaware Blue Coats are the G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

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The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

South Bend Cubs Launch Meals for Medical MVPs

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UPDATE: Due to overwhelming demand, we’re offering our Meals For Medical MVPs for one more week. Feed a front line healthcare worker and their family with a ballpark feast that includes hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cookies and more! All orders must be in by Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. THANK YOU for your generosity Michiana!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A MEAL PACKAGE

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs have teamed up with Beacon Health System and Saint Joseph Health System to launch a new program that will feed front line healthcare workers and their families. Meals for Medical MVPs kicks off this week. Fans interested in thanking these essential workers and their families can purchase a $60 feast of ballpark favorites by calling (574) 235-9988 or by clicking below.

The meal includes hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, chips, cookies and lemonade and serves 4-5 people. As a personal way to say ‘thank you’, each donation will also include the name of the individual, family, or business providing the meal. Packages will be donated and distributed to healthcare workers at Memorial Hospital in South Bend and Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

“Great teammates support each other in both good times and hard times. Meals for Medical MVPs is another way we as a community can thank front line healthcare workers for always having our backs,” stated South Bend Cubs President, Joe Hart. “My family and I are donating the first five meals. And, I want to challenge our community and business leaders to join me in showing our gratitude for these folks and their families.”

This program expands upon earlier efforts made by the South Bend Cubs, when the organization donated over 2,000 meals to both hospitals as healthcare workers and medical staff were hit with the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in the Michiana region.

“The South Bend Cubs are one of the many community partners who demonstrates tremendous support to our medical team,” stated Chad Towner, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Joseph Health System.

Susan King, President of Beacon Health Foundation added, “From all of us at Beacon Health System, thank you to Joe Hart, the South Bend Cubs and our entire community. Over the last two months, our community has pulled together to help one another. The generosity and support from business and the broader community to all healthcare workers has been amazing and has helped sustain us during these challenging times.”

Both Beacon Health System and Saint Joseph Health System will manage the distribution of food donations and the South Bend Cubs will help coordinate meal delivery. All meal donations placed after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays will be rolled over to the following week.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

IronPigs to celebrate Nurses Week

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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will celebrate Nurses Week presented by The GIANT Company, Friendly’s of the Lehigh Valley and NJM Insurance, which begins on Wednesday, May 6 and runs through Tuesday, May 12. The celebration will recognize nurses from Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, who have been in the front lines battling COVID-19.

“With this week being Nurses Week, we want to celebrate it by honoring nurses in a very fun and special way,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “We hope this week will bring recognition to a special group of people who’ve endured so much throughout this pandemic.”

The IronPigs will be bringing the Pork Race to each facility throughout the week. Medical personnel will be able to see and cheer on their favorite pork racers as they battle it out and see a piece of IronPigs fun outside the confines of Coca-Cola Park.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation will each receive a balloon structure courtesy of BalloonWorks that says, “Thank You” and will be displayed for many to see. The balloon structure is a token of gratitude for each facility. To cap off the celebration for Nurses Week, the video board at Coca-Cola Park will be lit up at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 and streamed live on the IronPigs social media pages. The video board will consist of messages of gratitude to individual nurses. Those who would like to submit names of nurses they know, will be able to do so by commenting on the social media pages.

Throughout the week on social media, nurses will be highlighted on baseball cards. The baseball card will feature information about the nurse as it would about a baseball player. IronPigs staff members and players will be sending their gratitude throughout the week via video messages. Local businesses will be offering discounts for nurses and will be featured as well.

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

Round Rock Express to Donate Weekly Meal Kits to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are teaming up with RS3 Strategic Hospitality, Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation to donate weekly meal kits to doctors, nurses and hospital administrators at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center who are fighting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic on the front lines.

The Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality previously teamed up to provide family meal kits for purchase by the community through the Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka at Dell Diamond. With the help of Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the program has expanded to include the donation of a minimum of five to ten meal kits per week to healthcare professionals through a partnership with St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“We are proud to be able to assist some of our local heroes fighting the Coronavirus pandemic right here in Round Rock,” Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Our goal is to grow this program through additional community support so that we can help alleviate some of the stress of grocery shopping and meal preparation for our doctors, nurses and hospital administration staff.”

Donations are currently being accepted to help expand the meal kit program to even more frontline heroes. Through the help of the Nolan Ryan Foundation, businesses and individuals can purchase meal kits to be designated for donation to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center personnel when ordering online. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. The Express will work with St. David’s to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Dell Diamond, each meal kit comes complete with five unique meals with four servings each as well as several grocery staples, which may include paper towels, toilet paper, milk, bread, butter and more. Cooking and reheating instructions are also included in each kit.

Following the success of the family meal kit initiative in Round Rock, RS3 Strategic Hospitality teamed up with their partners at the Comerica Center in Frisco to offer meal kits to the North Texas community. RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Beef are proud to extend the program to include the donation of meal kits to doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City Healthcare in Frisco.

Public donations are also being accepted to assist healthcare heroes in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. More information on the meal kit program at Comerica Center and can be found by clicking here.

“Like so many of us throughout Texas, Nolan Ryan Beef wanted to give back to our local frontline heroes during this pandemic. We are honored to be able to assist in these donations,” Nolan Ryan Beef President and CEO Perry Coughlin said. “We hope that these donations can help ease some of the burdens faced by our healthcare professionals during this difficult time, and we encourage those in Central and North Texas with the means to donate to help us reach even more of these heroes.”

Just like in Round Rock, the meal kits in Frisco are prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Comerica Center and include four servings of five unique meals as well as general groceries. The Comerica Center is home to the practice facility and executive offices for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars business and hockey operations, as well as a 6,000 seat arena that hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), concerts, family shows, corporate conferences and other sporting events. Dallas Stars staff will work in conjunction with Medical City Healthcare to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Led by Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan and Don, Bret and Brad Sanders, Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment is the parent company of the Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Foundation as well as RS3 Events & Entertainment and RS3 Turf. For more information about the Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment family of companies, visit RS3Sports.com.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Pigs raise more than $20K to battle COVID-19 

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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are proud to announce that $21,704 has been raised from their “In This Together” t-shirt and #HopeningDay celebration to help the local battle against COVID-19. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network will receive 100% of the proceeds.

“We are grateful to the entire Lehigh Valley for their outstanding support and coming together to help raise funds to fight this dreadful disease”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network have both been tremendous partners and do incredible work within our community. We’re both proud and thankful to help fund their efforts and support their employees on the front lines of this battle.”

The ”In This Together” t-shirt campaign was the initial response to the battle against COVID-19 and to bring awareness throughout the community. Over the two-week campaign, the IronPigs sold over 1500 t-shirts and raised $19,254.04. T-shirts were purchased throughout the Lehigh Valley and the state of Pennsylvania but were also sold in 18 other states such as: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, California, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Virginia.

#Hopening Day was a weeklong celebration of support of the community and the IronPigs, culminating a televised two-day, two-game series on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 and Service Electric TV2 Sports. The goal was to bring additional awareness and support to fight against COVID-19. A GoFundMe fundraiser courtesy of IronPigs Charities raised $820 throughout the two-day, two-game series.

Valley Prep Meal Prep’s “Eat like a PIG” promotion – a $15 home-delivered ballpark meal package that featured a hot dog, popcorn, Coca-Cola beverage and Philly Pretzel rivets – raised $1,630. The ballpark meal package was sold throughout the Lehigh Valley and areas around the region.

Here is a list of the money raised for the Covid-19 efforts:

• “In this Together” t-shirt: $19,254.04

• Valley Prep Meal Prep “Eat like a PIG” promotion: $1,630

• IronPigs Charities GoFundMe courtesy of #HopeningDay broadcasts: $820

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

Blue Rocks and Blue Coats Partner on Delaware Together Campaign

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Wilmington, DE – As the world unites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two professional sports organizations in Delaware are coming together to support and raise money for two of the state’s largest health providers. The Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Delaware Blue Coats today unveiled the “Delaware Together” campaign, a joint fundraiser to benefit ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health System.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR “DELAWARE TOGETHER” T-SHIRT

The campaign kicks off with a “Delaware Together” t-shirt available for purchase HERE. The t-shirts are $20 with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to support these two health systems currently serving on the front lines of this pandemic. The shirts will be available for an initial pre-sale period of two weeks from April 22 until May 10.

“We can’t wait for the next pitch at Frawley Stadium or the next basket at 76ers Fieldhouse,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “Each will be far more special than usual due to these unprecedented circumstances. In the meantime, we are thrilled to unite with the Blue Rocks and use our platforms to offer a way for our fans, should they have the flexibility to do so, to contribute to the front lines of Delaware’s health care systems.”

“It’s in these challenging times that the spirit of Delaware really shines,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “There’s an unsinkable spirit and determination amongst us to help each other get through even the toughest times. That’s why our two organizations have joined forces to support our community heroes with these awesome t-shirts and why we’re asking all First Staters to give whatever they can as we raise money for our dedicated and selfless health care workers and first responders to help them effectively conquer the COVID-19 crisis.”

Please note, stadium pick-up is an option for those that wish to save on shipping. However, due to mandated closures pick-up will be delayed until further notice. The order window for the Delaware Together campaign t-shirt will run from April 22 – May 10. T-shirts will start shipping in mid- to late-May.

 

Aces Season Ticket Members Convert Jerseys into Protective Masks

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Willing to help anyway they could, Aces season ticket members Jeff and Sheila Wood turned Aces jerseys into over 190 protective masks.

The masks were sold to benefit six different local healthcare centers – they raised $3,600 in two hours. KOLO’s Kurt Schroeder has the story:

The entire organization would like to thank Jeff and Sheila, the Aces cannot wait to have them back at Greater Nevada Field when it is to safe to do so to honor their incredible efforts.

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Reno Aces and 1868 FC donating 100% of select team shop proceeds to local hospitals

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In support of the local healthcare community, the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC will be donating 100% of proceeds from a selection of items in the Greater Nevada Field team shop from now until Friday, April 17. The proceeds will go towards assisting Renown, Saint Mary’s, Carson Tahoe and Northern Nevada Medical Centers, as well as Tahoe Forest and Barton Memorial Hospitals in providing direct support to the employees fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds donated will go towards supporting the staff working in hospitals: protective equipment so the staffs can help others safely, childcare so medical professionals can continue to work, as well as food, groceries and hotel stays to ensure the families of hospital staffs are safe, healthy and fed during the pandemic.

“In speaking with our healthcare partners, there is a significant need for basic necessities, and we want to contribute,” said Aces and 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein.

“We commit 100% of the proceeds of this sale will go directly to those on the front lines against this pandemic. There are heroes among us, and right now they wear masks, gloves and PPE.”

“Residents of The Biggest Little City are doing their part, staying home, and making personal sacrifice during these unprecedented times, but the biggest heroes during this unprecedented crisis are the medical professionals,” Aces general manager Emily Jaenson said. “As an organization whose role is to physically bring people together, we thought, what can we do to help? The answer was a fundraiser where 100% of the purchase price of any pieces in the collection will benefit this community. Please join us in supporting these hospitals in the Northern Nevada community, just as they have always supported us.”

“I’m thrilled that we are able to provide an outlet for our community to support,” said 1868 FC general manager Doug Raftery. “In the end, we are rewarding you with Reno 1868 FC and Aces gear for your donation to our local healthcare workers.”

Aces items going towards the fundraising efforts include team cards, New Era packable visor hats and OT Sport replica jerseys. Reno 1868 FC will offer New Era fitted hats, women’s crew neck sweaters and men’s track jackets. The team store is currently only accepting orders made online, with the Aces team store found here, and 1868 FC’s team store here.

 

Nemours Children’s Health System Seeks PPE & Cleaning Supply Donations

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Wilmington, DE – Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, part of the Nemours Children’s Health System, is seeking the public’s assistance in the form of donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies as the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. A contactless donation drop-off location has been set up in North Wilmington and will accept donations now through April 30.

“Our patients, families and team members are of the utmost importance to us. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nemours is working closely with our states’ departments of health and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines. This includes using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. We greatly appreciate our communities’ outpouring of support and willingness to help. We truly all are in this together.”

Below you will find a list of the items Nemours is currently accepting. The list is in order of need and priority. The items listed below are the ONLY supplies that will be accepted at the donation drop-off location at this time.

1. Masks/Facial Protection – factory-made and hand-sewn. Factory-made include: N95, level 1 procedure, level 3 surgical in original unopened container.

2. Respirators – Max-Air or ILC Dover brand Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), PAPR hoods and PAPR supplies

3. Eye Protection – Transparent face shields, safety glasses, goggles

4. Cleaning Wipes – bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide based wipes

5. Gloves – Non-latex gloves, all sizes in original unopened container

6. Gowns – Disposable gowns, water resistant, in original unopened container

7. Hand Sanitizer – Hand sanitizers w/ > 60% alcohol concentration, unscented

Donations can be dropped off Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through April 30 at the Brandywine Town Center (5329 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803). Those wishing to make donations should adhere to the following drop-off instructions:

1. Place donated items and printed tax form in your vehicle’s trunk

2. Follow signs to the drop-off location

3. Leave your windows closed and do not get out of your car

4. Pop-up your trunk

5. A Nemours associate will meet you and remove the donations from your trunk

Tax forms & more information can be found on the Nemours COVID-19 Donation of Goods web page HERE.