Donate a Turkey

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Turkey Drive sponsored by Provident Bank to be held at Coca-Cola Park

Turkeys will be brought to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, PA and donated to families in need

Allentown, Pennsylvania (3 November 2020) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Provident Bank and New Bethany Ministries are partnering to hold a Turkey Drive on Thursday, November 19 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Park. Guests will be able to drive up and donate a Thanksgiving turkey! The turkeys will be collected then transported over to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, PA courtesy of Provident Bank. New Bethany Ministries has set its goal to a quantity of 750 turkeys to collect and distribute to those in need (frozen, 10-12 lb. turkeys preferred).

“COVID-19 continues to have an impact and with the holidays approaching, this is a wonderful opportunity for people to provide a Thanksgiving Turkey to people throughout the Lehigh Valley,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “We are excited to partner with Provident Bank for this great event and hope many people donate a turkey this Thanksgiving season. Normally I am 100% focused on pork, but for this one day it’s all about turkeys!”

This is Provident Bank’s fourth consecutive year hosting a frozen turkey collection. The idea was originated by Senior Vice President/Lending Relationship Manager Bob Price who sits on the board of New Bethany Ministries. This is also the fourth consecutive year that the refrigerated truck that transports the turkeys to New Bethany Ministries, is donated by Tom Mesko, a longtime friend and customer of Provident Bank.

“We’re proud to partner with New Bethany Ministries and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on this important initiative to support families of the Lehigh Valley. Involvement with the communities we serve and helping those in need is fundamental at Provident Bank,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO.

Provident Bank employees will be available for curbside collection of donations outside of the Provident Bank Ticket Office at Coca-Cola Park. All participating employees will be wearing masks as well as abiding by social distancing guidelines and a daily health check. The first 500 turkey donors on Thursday, November 19 will receive a commemorative oven mitt. A 10% coupon to the Clubhouse Store for Thursday, November 19 only, will be provided to anyone who donates a turkey.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community of volunteers and donors, especially now, our clients who experience poverty, hunger and homelessness need our support more than ever,” said Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries.

New Bethany Ministries, located in Bethlehem, PA offers hope and support to people who experience poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

LVHN Flu Drive

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Lehigh Valley Health Network to host Flu Drive at Coca-Cola Park

The flu drive will be held on Sunday, November 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Allentown, Pennsylvania (30 October 2020) – Lehigh Valley Health Network will be hosting a flu drive at Coca-Cola Park on Sunday, November 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This will be the 23rd straight year Lehigh Valley Health Network will administer free seasonal flu vaccinations for adults and children. For the past 22 years, 180,000 free flu shots have been administered by LVHN’s community influenza vaccination campaign.

In order for guests to receive their free flu vaccine, they must complete and print a consent form for each person being vaccinated and review the vaccine information sheet. This information can be found by going to lvhn.org/flu shot or requested by calling 888-402-LVHN (5846). In addition, Lehigh Valley Health Network is asking those who are requesting to receive a flu shot to wear loose-fitting clothing for the shot to be administered in the arm, and the leg of children under two years old.

In conjunction with the flu drive, Lehigh Valley Health Network is partnering with food banks and shelters throughout the Lehigh Valley to accept donations of unexpired, non-perishable food items during each of the drive-thru sessions. Over the last 22 years, more than 140,000 pounds of food have been collected for food banks throughout the Lehigh Valley. Food donations are optional and not required to receive a shot. Lehigh Valley Health Network is urging those to check the expiration date and only bring items that have not expired and are non-perishable. In addition, other items such as diapers, personal hygiene products, coffee pods and wipes will be accepted.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

Bulls Partner With BASF, Cree|Wolfspeed to Create Pollinator Garden at DBAP

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Today the Durham Bulls announced a partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, a leading supplier in the agriculture industry creating sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers, and Cree|Wolfspeed, a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on silicon carbide and GaN technologies, to create a pollinator garden at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The collaboration, sponsored by BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed, will contribute to the Durham Bulls commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change in the Triangle. The garden, which will be planted in mid-November, will feature both annual and perennial pollinator plants including Goldenrods, Stoke’s Aster, and New Jersey Tea and reflect the Bulls colors – blue, white and orange.

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed to provide the Triangle with another interactive space to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the food chain,” said Mike Birling, Durham Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations. “We know the importance of building these spaces in urban settings and are delighted to play a role in the sustainability of our local environment and in the education of the community.”

Approximately 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, making pollinators vital to both the ecosystem and the food supply chain. In addition to supporting our food supply, there are many other environmental benefits of wild flowering plants including producing oxygen to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, purifying water and returning the moisture to the atmosphere after it rains.

Downtown Durham is host to several beehives, making the DBAP an ideal location to help sustain the pollinator population native to the area. The goal of the pollinator garden is to expand the availability of food sources to surrounding pollinators. While the honeybee and monarch butterfly are some of the most iconic pollinators, patrons of the DBAP will see beetles, moths, birds, and many other insects.

“At BASF, one of our goals is to educate the public on various ways to improve and impact sustainability, which is why we are partnering with the Durham Bulls and Cree|Wolfspeed to establish a pollinator garden,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions North America. “We hope partnerships like these can continue to shed light on the vital role pollinators play in our food supply chain and ecosystem.”

“At Cree|Wolfspeed, we believe every individual should have a home, enough to eat and an opportunity to excel. Partnering with BASF to help the Durham Bulls create a teaching pollinator garden adds an educational and fun science-based activity for our neighbors,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe. “We cannot wait for the community to be able to learn more about the pollination process and its importance to the food supply, while watching the garden grow in the heart of downtown Durham.”

Video from the kickoff event can be found here.

Pet Food Drive at Coca-Cola Park

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Pet Food Drive to be held at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday, November 7

Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are looking for pet food donations starting today

Allentown, Pennsylvania (26 October 2020) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are partnering to hold a Pet Food Drive on Saturday, November 7 from 9-11 a.m. at Coca-Cola Park. The IronPigs and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center are looking for generosity in donation from the community to help families in need to help feed their pets.

“We are excited to once again to partner with Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center to host a pet food drive here at Coca-Cola Park,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Pet owners and their pets have been impacted by COVID-19 and this pet food drive will provide an opportunity to help families in need to help feed their pets.”

Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center has created a wish list for families the pet food will be donated to and are asking those who will be donating to visit the wish list. The link can be found by clicking here. Guests can begin to visit the wish list starting today. Guests will be able to select either dog or cat food plus canned or bagged dry food if they choose to donate via the wish list. Any non-wish list donations will also be accepted. In-person donations are welcome and are to be made at Coca-Cola Park. Guests must call the IronPigs Front Office at 610-841-7447 upon arrival to the ballpark. Donations can be made starting immediately and continue all the way up to the morning of the event. Guests can make their donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pet food redemptions will begin on Wednesday, November 4. A link will be provided via the IronPigs social media pages as well as an email shortly prior to November 4. For guests who redeem via the link provided by the IronPigs, will receive a confirmation on the time frame they are to arrive at Coca-Cola Park and have the food put into their car.

Upon arrival on Saturday, November 7, guests will be directed by IronPigs staff members to the pick-up area outside the West Ballpark entrance. Guests will need to show their confirmation for pick-up and must remain in their vehicle. They are to pop open their trunk for an IronPigs or Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center staff member to place their food. Staff members will be wearing protective masks and following all social distancing guidelines.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Golf Outing Recap

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INDIANAPOLIS – Thanks to a 32-team field, hole sponsors and generous donations from participants who purchased raffle tickets, cheat bags and played in the Tee Box Chipping Challenge, Indianapolis Indians Charities raised over $20,000 in its charity golf outing at Broadmoor Country Club. The success of the golf outing enables IIC to fulfill its annual mission of providing for the community by strengthening youth, family, neighborhood and educational development.

When the round concluded, three teams finished within a stroke of each other for the title. Ric Cabrera, Neal Johnson, Alicia Peck and Cheyne Reiter took home first place by shooting 18 under to hold off Craig Huls, Rodney Kuhl, Nick Venice and Joel Zawacki at 17 under. The champions rolled in 16 birdies, one eagle and one par. Team Zawacki earned second place over Adam Basinger, Evan Buckley and Joey Stevenson by way of a tiebreaker that was not settled until the eighth handicap hole. All individuals received gift certificates to the Broadmoor Country Club pro shop.

Five golfers secured closest to the pin and/or longest drive honors. Wes Bankert led the charge by winning the men’s longest drive on hole No. 9 and closest to the pin on No. 15. Alicia Peck’s best drive of the day came at an opportune time on No. 9 to win the women’s longest drive contest. Other closest to the pin winners were Travis Visley on No. 4, Jeremy Smith on No. 8 (a near hole-in-one, no less), and Randy Rennaker on No. 11.

Many golfers sunk at least one chip during the Tee Box Chipping Challenge on the 10th tee box, but Chad Bohm emerged victorious from the drawing to win a Yuengling cooler.

Thank you again for playing in the 2020 Indianapolis Indians Charities Golf Outing. IIC looks forward to welcoming all golfers back in 2021!

IronPigs look to ‘sell out’ Coca-Cola Park

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The IronPigs are looking to sell out Coca-Cola Park this October as they will be teaming up with Olympus Corporation of the Americas and Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute to host a “Virtual Strike Out Cancer” throughout the month of October. The event will run through Saturday, October 31.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A VIRTUAL SEAT FOR OUR FUNDRAISER

“We are honored to be teaming up with Olympus and Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute to host the virtual Strike Out Cancer throughout all of October,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “This will be a great way to recognize those battling cancer and their families, along with cancer support organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

The “Virtual Strike Out Cancer” will raise awareness and support for cancer patients, their families, and cancer support organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Fans are encouraged to submit photos of their loved ones (past and present) – those they will Stand Up to Cancer for. The IronPigs will share these photos on their social media platforms, with a special Strike Out Cancer frame around their loved one’s photo.

“The Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute is proud to partner with Olympus Corporation and the IronPigs to support the virtual strike out cancer event,” said Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute. “Supporting local cancer fundraising groups is important for the community and to those with cancer and their families. We look forward to our continued partnership.”

“As a leader in the design and development of medical devices that are used in the prevention, detection, treatment of cancer, raising awareness is at the core of what we do,” said Julien Sauvagnargues, President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “We are so proud to team up with IronPigs this year for Virtual Strike Out Cancer.”

In addition, fans will have the opportunity to help the IronPigs sell out Coca-Cola Park. Fans can click here to purchase a virtual, Coca-Cola Park seat for $11. The net proceeds from these purchases will be donated to local cancer support groups. Those groups are:

• American Cancer Society
• Angel 34 Foundation
• Boutique at the Rink
• Cancer Support Community
• Dream Come True
• Julia’s Grace Foundation
• Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute Prager Fund
• Life Always Facing Forward
• Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley
• Women’s 5K Classic

Fans who purchase a seat(s) will be entered to win an IronPigs Pig Pack that will include promotional items plus items donated by Olympus Corporation of the Americas and Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The IronPigs are presented by__ Capital BlueCross._

Inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race Announced

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The Durham Bulls announced today plans for the inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race, a virtual race featuring a One-Mile Fun Run and 5K, presented by PNC Bank. Two race distances allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate, while the virtual format means individuals anywhere can join the greatest mascot in the world for a fun-filled Thanksgiving race they’ll never forget.

Registration for the Thanksgiving-themed virtual race is now open and runs through Sat., Oct. 31. Participants will have one week — Nov. 23 to Nov. 29 — to complete the race. They will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded.

“As we prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday that will be unlike any other, PNC looks forward to helping the Durham Bulls bring this virtual event to friends and fans everywhere,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “We are pleased to join Wool E. Bull for this race, which celebrates community, family togetherness and good health.”

Participants may select from one of two distances for their virtual race:

  • One-Mile Fun Run: For $25, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. The One-Mile Fun Run is the perfect distance for children wishing to participate in Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race.
  • 5K: For $40, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. For an additional $10, runners can add a ticket voucher that may be redeemed for a 2021 Durham Bulls home game.

Registration is open through Oct. 31. Packet pick-up for local participants will be available at the Ballpark Corner Store beginning Nov. 16. Race packets will be shipped to those who select a shipping option beginning Nov. 16. Click here for more information or to register.

Special Olympics Indiana 2020 State Softball Championship Games Coming to Victory Field

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities today announced that two Special Olympics Indiana State Softball Championships featuring four teams and nearly 70 athletes will be played on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Victory Field. The first game begins at 11 AM and the second contest starts at 1 PM.

“We have been proud partners with Special Olympics Indiana for over 50 years and are thrilled to provide its athletes an opportunity to play at beautiful Victory Field,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “We hope to uplift the spirits of the athletes in what has been a challenging summer and give them a memory they’ll cherish forever.”

Special Olympics Indiana softball teams consist of athletes of all ages and compete in one of three classifications: traditional teams including only Special Olympics athletes; unified teams comprised of individuals with or without intellectual disabilities; and designated pitcher teams, which play under modified rules to ensure greater pitcher consistency. The Special Olympics Indiana 2020 State Softball Championships feature gold medal games in the traditional (Johnson County Blue vs. Johnson County White) and designated pitcher (Tippecanoe County Sluggers vs. Shelby County Cardinals) classifications. Both games will be seven-inning affairs.

“In a year that has seen the cancellation or suspension of countless events and even entire sports seasons, the excitement our athletes are now feeling about the chance to compete – not only in-person, but at a professional baseball stadium – just cannot be overstated,” said Special Olympics Indiana President & CEO Jeff Mohler. “So, on behalf of the entire Special Olympics Indiana community, I’d like to extend our gratitude to the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities for helping us to get back on the field and for making this a really memorable experience for everyone involved.”

For those wanting to attend the championship games, please contact Special Olympics Indiana Director of Sports & Competition Scott Mingle at [email protected] or (317) 328-2004. Gates open at 10 AM.

Officially established as a Special Olympics sport in 1983 and based upon rules developed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), softball is played by more than 70,000 Special Olympics athletes worldwide each year. Softball is Special Olympics Indiana’s fourth-most popular sport, promoting personal growth and development among its athletes, to encourage active lifestyles, and to improve self-esteem among children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout Indiana.

In a typical year, softball is played throughout the summer by thousands of individuals and dozens of teams. Special Olympics Indiana’s annual state softball tournament includes sectional qualifiers in the north, south and central regions of Indiana in mid-August, with state finals taking place in or near Indianapolis each September.

On a national level, Team Indiana earned gold in softball at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, Wash. and is preparing to compete once again at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Fla.

Pawtucket Red Sox and PawSox Foundation to hold first-ever Fall Golf Classic

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Event takes place on Tuesday, October 6th at Pawtucket Country Club.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

PAWTUCKET, RI – In an effort to raise more funds to help the community through this unprecedented year, the Pawtucket Red Sox will hold their inaugural PawSox Foundation Golf Classic presented by Navigant Credit Union on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Pawtucket Country Club. Proceeds from the event will help the PawSox Foundation support the charities of Rhode Island and the many community partners who have relied upon the ballclub’s support for the past five decades. The course sponsor is LiUNA! Local 271.

The club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary by providing “50 Acts of Kindness” throughout the Ocean State for the second straight year, and this outing will help augment the impact of those acts.

Co-chairmen of the event are PawSox Hall of Famer Mike Tamburro and longtime PawSox executive Mike Lyons.

“This community has been our home for over 50 years,” Tamburro said. “And, with your help, our organization will continue to operate the PawSox Foundation and continue the partnerships and relationships right here in the years to come. We look forward to an afternoon of good friends and good golf.”

The October 6th PawSox Foundation Golf Classic will begin with registration from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon followed by a 12:15 pm shotgun start and then scramble play. A BBQ lunch will be served on the course. Registration includes green and cart fees (18 holes) as well as lunch and dinner (at 5:30 pm). Guests will also receive a complimentary PawSox gift bag upon arrival.

The entry fee is $200 per person or $800 per foursome. Tee Box Signs are available for $200. Click here to register now.

Fans can visit pawsox.com for more information or contact Tamburro at [email protected] or Lyons at [email protected].

The Pawtucket Country Club is committed to providing precautions and ensuring everyone’s safety. The PawSox Foundation thanks PCC owners David Rampone and Gary Reis, along with general manager Jacki Doyle and golf professional Mike Gelinas.

Victory Field Lights Up Red as Part of #RedAlertRestart

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INDIANAPOLIS – Tonight, Victory Field and other venues around Indiana have gone on #RedAlert to raise awareness for the thousands of Hoosier workers and small businesses in our industry who have been impacted by COVID-19. Live events venues were the first to close and will be among the last to return, and efforts to help us safely back to live events are critical for our economy.

Did You Know?

  • Live events employ over 12 million people.
  • Live events contribute over $1 trillion annually to the US economy.
  • 95% of live events have been canceled due to COVID-19.
  • 96% of companies have cut staff and/or wages.
  • 77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 97% of 1099 workers.

On September 1, 2020, #WeMakeEvents, a coalition of trade bodies, businesses, unions and live events workers, will light up their venues, home and cities red in over 1,500 locations across North America to raise public and media awareness in support of the live events sector. Will you join us?

How You Can Help

  • Please contact your representatives at WeMakeEvents.org.
  • Post a red-tinted photo of your favorite live event to your social media with the following caption: #RedAlertRESTART: the live events we love may never recover from the pandemic, we need to take action! Take 2 minutes to contact your representatives here, and post a red photo of you at your favorite event, too: https://WeMakeEvents.org #WeMakeEvents #ExtendPUA
  • Turn your photo red here: https://www11.lunapic.com/editor/?action=tint
  • Check out the hashtag #RedAlertRESTART and share/RT images of venues and live events workers you love.

Knights help Charlotte youth lead the way

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Nonprofit selected as one of five CommUNITY grant recipients

For Charlotte’s Megan Smithers, nominating an organization for Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grant program was a no-brainer, given the team’s relationship with and appreciation for the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Knights’ director of community relations selected YBLA for its involvement with Black youth in the Charlotte area. Founded in 2006, YBLA works to “educate and develop young black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond.” Through its flagship Ambassador program, YBLA identifies student leaders in high school, helps get them ready for college and their early professional years while also training them to mentor students of all grade levels.

Recently, in light of social justice issues that have come to the forefront, YBLA launched another campaign called Community Conversations — a three-tier program aiming to educate, collaborate and solve disparities affecting the Black community in Charlotte.

“Community Conversations has been a great way to create positive communication,” Smithers said. “They’ve been able to create a platform where people can come join and talk openly and really either educate themselves or listen to other people.

“I think the leaders and founders of YBLA realized the opportunity to create positive conversation. This also showed these young Black youth that they are helping to further their careers and further their education. It allowed them to get involved.”

Members of the Young Black Leadership Alliance enjoy a Knights game. Charlotte Knights

Eager to recognize the important work of nonprofit organizations in 2020, Minor League Baseball came up with the idea of awarding five $500 grants to organizations spanning the country that are supporting their local and diverse community in an impactful, relevant way. YBLA joins Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs), El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas) and ¡HICA! (Birmingham Barons) as recipients receiving that grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

“YBLA is doing some really great things in our community,” Smithers said. “They make sure (their ambassadors) succeed, go to college and become good community advocates.”

This is not the first time the Knights have helped recognize the efforts of YBLA. In 2017, Charlotte awarded the organization a $3,500 grant as part of its Safe at Home campaign. The Knights also work closely with YBLA for education opportunities in the sports industry, serving as a community liaison.

“If they have kids in their program that have sports-tracked minds or want to go into sports, we are a good advocate for them,” Smithers said.

COVID-19 has forced YBLA’s in-person sessions for the 2020-21 school year to be conducted online. However, that hasn’t hindered the organization’s ability to impact and inspire the Charlotte community. Community Conversations still take place online every Tuesday, and the sessions are open to the public.

“This allowed the youth to get involved, which was a different aspect hearing how things are affecting them,” Smithers said. “It’s definitely a cool way that they were able to engage with all the demographics during this kind of unrest.”

Katie Woo is an editorial producer for Minor League Baseball. Follow her on twitter at @katiejwoo.

“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.

Bulls & WGU North Carolina Announce Military Appreciation Event

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of a recognition program in partnership with WGU North Carolina and the USO of North Carolina, to provide a unique, special experience for active military and their families.

Beginning Monday, the Bulls will host pre-registered military families at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and provide the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch in the outfield, enjoy yard games or just breathe in the fresh air for a 45-minute session, underneath the stadium lights.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer these military families a special experience at the ballpark,” said Nick Bavin, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Durham Bulls. “We are always grateful for the sacrifice these individuals and their families make for us, so we’re excited to be able to play a part in putting a smile on their faces during these trying times.”

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand that opportunities like these are greatly appreciated,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We look forward to hosting these families for a memorable experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the on-field experience, the event will also serve as a ‘Back to School’ kickoff with WGU North Carolina providing school supplies to the children in attendance.

WGU North Carolina is a One Star Patriot Circle Partner of the USO of North Carolina and was recently named the number one military school in the nation in the category of online/vocational in an announcement that can be found here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2020/02/wgu-named-number-one-by-military-friendly.html.

About WGU North Carolina

WGU North Carolina is an online competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in post-secondary education. WGU has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at nc.wgu.edu.

Fan cutouts to raise funds for IronPigs Charities at Phillies Taxi Squad games

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Baseball is back and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are inviting fans to show off their game faces! Fans can submit their photo and have a cutout placed in the stands at Coca-Cola Park for the Philadelphia Phillies Taxi Squad intra-squad games. The IronPigs are encouraging fans to showcase their favorite IronPigs or Phillies gear! Net proceeds will be donated to IronPigs Charities presented by Air Products. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOURS!

“We’ve had the fortunate opportunity to have the taxi squad games televised by Service Electric and to now add fan cutouts will be another gateway for fans throughout the Lehigh Valley to feel they are in the stands watching the games,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “We look forward to seeing “fans in the stands” while continuing to raise funds for our non-profit IronPigs Charities.”

The cutouts are available for purchase starting today at $30. Fans can purchase the cutouts by clicking here. Instructions will be emailed following each purchase regarding how to upload your photo and any photo specifications. Cutouts will be available for pick-up once the baseball season has been completed.

The IronPigs reserve the right to refuse any photos. Images that portray obscene, lewd, explicit, discriminatory, derogatory, violent, offensive, infringing or otherwise inappropriate content are strictly prohibited and will be discarded.

IronPigs Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ commitment to the Lehigh Valley community and is presented by the Air Products Foundation.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

The IronPigs season are presented by Capital BlueCross.