International League

Raise money for your non-profit organization in 2015

January 23, 2015

The Toledo Mud Hens are once again offering a fun and exciting opportunity for organizations to raise money during games at Fifth Third Field. We are putting out a call for groups with friendly, hard-working volunteers to work the concessions stands and portable food and beverage carts during the 2015 season.

The Mud Hens are eager to partner with organizations wanting to share in our success and earn some additional funds for their cause. A group will be given the tools needed to be successful, such as training, supervision and a percentage of the sales. Each year, contributions to local non-profit organizations taking part in our fundraising program total more than $140,000.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and they must be at least 21 years old in order to sell or serve alcohol. Click for all the details on group fundraising opportunities.

Questions? Contact Corey Pleasant at 419-725-4396 or email at cpleasant@mudhens.com.
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This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toldeo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Hometown Heroes Program Presented by MetLife Launches

January 20, 2015

RailRiders Pay Homage to Public Service, Military & More

Your mom. Your neighbor. Your son. A classmate from long ago. Any one of them could be among the local heroes honored by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) during the 2015 season thanks to the team’s Hometown Heroes Program presented by MetLife.

The RailRiders are calling for nominations for the initiative that will salute those that have exemplified excellence in public service. Those with service time in the military, police force, fire department, emergency medical service, volunteer activities or other related fields are eligible.

Each 2015 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to HometownHeroes@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders’ front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Community Relations”. Each submission should include the potential honoree’s name, reasons for his/her nomination, a preferred month to attend for the honor and contact information (telephone number, e-mail address and a mailing address).

“This is our way of saying thank you to those that serve,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director. “It also allows us to show our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices so many of our neighbors make on a daily basis.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Bully Busters Anti-Bullying Program Returns

January 16, 2015

Elementary School Assembly Program Expands to Wake and Orange Counties

The Durham Bulls have announced the return of the successful anti-bullying program “Bully Busters,” which debuted in February of 2014. The initiative, in which the Bulls provide free school assemblies to raise awareness for a priority issue in elementary schools, will again travel to schools throughout Durham County, while expanding this year to Wake and Orange counties as well. ARS Rescue Rooter has partnered with the Bulls to present the program in its second year.

Using beloved mascot Wool E. Bull as the driving force, each interactive assembly engages students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying. At the conclusion of the 20-minute presentation, students are asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” at home with their families, and students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Durham Bulls game this spring. Additionally, the Bulls provide teachers and students with take-home activity books, further reinforcing the anti-bullying message.

In its inaugural campaign, the program reached over 10,000 students throughout Durham County. The success from 2014 has prompted growth into Wake and Orange counties in 2015, nearly tripling the number of schools the Bulls will visit in the initiative’s second year.

“We’re thrilled to bring back this extremely successful program for 2015,” Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “In our first year we reached a large number of students for a very pertinent, meaningful issue, and we’re excited to grow Bully Busters even further throughout the Triangle.”

Bully Busters, presented by ARS Rescue Rooter, will run from mid-January through the end of March. School administrators seeking more information about booking a Bully Busters assembly can do so by visiting the Bully Busters webpage.

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

Tides to renovate local youth field

January 8, 2015

4th year of field makeover contest

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“This project has become a yearly highlight for our entire front office staff” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’re excited to offer our resources to these worthy organizations, as they provide a home for children to learn the game of baseball while serving as an environment conducive to fitness and fun.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 6, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 16 to February 20.

2015 is the fourth year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first three years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate six local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox) and Cradock Little League (Portsmouth).

In addition to the field makeover, the Tides will be hosting a youth baseball groundskeeper seminar on Wednesday, February 11 at Harbor Park from 5-8 pm. The event will allow two members per youth league the opportunity to tour the Harbor Park playing surface alongside Tides groundskeepers Kenny Magner and Derek Trueblood. This free seminar will then feature dinner at Hits at the Park Restaurant followed by a question and answer session designed to help youth baseball leagues prepare their fields each year. Those interested must RSVP by February 4 to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com.

“Goodwill is proud to support this amazing community giveback effort for a second consecutive year” said Danielle Cronin, Community Relations Manager for Goodwill. “As a nonprofit, we strengthen families and communities throughout Hampton Roads with our job training programs and career development services. The leadership and staff at Goodwill look forward to being a part of the field renovation – it’s just one more way we can give back to our local community.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking here.

The Tides open their 2015 regular season with a nine-game road trip beginning Thursday, April 9, with the home opener slated for Saturday, April 18 vs. Durham at 7:05 pm. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2015 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Pinstripe Pals Program Launches

January 6, 2015

RailRiders Seek to Sponsor Local Youth Baseball Teams

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) love baseball, families and NEPA. In 2015, they will combine all three loves into the Pinstripe Pals, presented by Maines Food & Party Warehouse. A youth baseball sponsorship initiative, the Pinstripe Pals program includes a $500 sponsorship from the RailRiders and a $500 gift card to Maines Food & Party Warehouse for each selected league.

The program is open to Little League districts 16, 17, 18, 29, 31 and 32 along with Cal Ripken district five. Other benefits include:

The chance for each selected league to be honored at a RailRiders game with a pre-game parade on the field.
The league’s ability to choose a photo for the cover of the GuideRail cover for that league’s game.
A mascot appearance and giveaways for the league’s opening ceremonies.
One of the league’s teams can serve as the “Field of Dreams” squad that takes PNC Field with the RailRiders.

For consideration, a league representative should fill out a form found on the RailRiders website and mail it along with a 500-word essay describing why the RailRiders should choose his/her league. The completed forms and essays should be sent to SWB RailRiders, Attn: Pinstripe Pals, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507.

Please note that the sponsorship preferably includes a team within each selected league adopts the nickname “RailRiders” and uses the RailRiders logo on team jerseys/shirts.

“The holiday season might be over but giving is a year-round activity for the RailRiders,” said RailRiders community relations director Rachel Mark. “We started this program today to benefit NEPA’s baseball stars and fans of tomorrow.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Award November Grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry

December 15, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Thanksgiving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of November. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc. has been awarded the “Thanksgiving” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that works to end hunger.

Meat can be a difficult and costly item for food banks and feeding ministries to obtain. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry that seeks to transform the renewable resource of deer and other wild game into food for the hungry through locally established chapters. For the past eight years, the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter has provided over 5,000 pounds of venison to local food-needy groups.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves helped the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter pay for the processing costs of donated deer. On average, it costs around $55 to cut, package and distribute one deer to local food banks. Funds may also be used toward promoting the option of deer donation to the local farming and hunting community through printed, web and broadcast media.

“We are truly blessed to have the Gwinnett Braves partner with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to provide assistance to our food ministry,” said Joe Schuster, President of the FHFH Georgia Foothills Chapter. “FHFH raises funds from sponsors like the G-Braves to process protein enriched venison donated by local hunters which is then directed to the food needy. The Abba House of Cumming, GA, a ministry focused on helping women break free from addiction and abuse, was the recipient of our harvest this year.”

About Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc.: Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a 501c(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. The organization is comprised of a main office in Hagerstown, MD and 120 local coordinators serving in 24 different states. FHFH includes a network of hunters, farmers, ranchers, butchers, food banks, ministries and financial supporters working together to provide meat to the hungry among us. For more information or to make a donation, visit FHFH.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply for future grants, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

One Day High School Baseball Clinic Announced

December 4, 2014

Learn from Mickey Morandini & Dong Lien on January 17

The IronPigs are hosting an indoor hitting and strength and conditioning clinic featuring former Major League All-Star and current IronPigs coach Mickey Morandini along with IronPigs Strength & Conditioning coach Dong Lien on Saturday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Coca-Cola Park. The clinic – available to current high school baseball players in grades 9 through 12 – costs $80 per player. Interested participants are encouraged to register by contacting Hannah Ishida at (610) 841-1228 or at hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com as space is extremely limited and the event is expected to sell out.

As an added bonus, sign-up by Friday, Jan. 9 and be entered to win one of three Mickey Morandini autographed baseballs!

The clinic will take place in Coca-Cola Park’s indoor batting cages and weight room area with players receiving hitting instruction as well as learning strength and conditioning techniques that are designed to prepare them for the upcoming baseball season as well as take their game to the next level. Players must bring their own equipment, including a water bottle. Water jugs will be provided. This event is limited to high school baseball players only.

About the instructors:

Morandini begins his fifth season on the Phillies developmental staff after spending four years as the head coach for Valparaiso (Ind.) High School. After being drafted by the Phillies out of Indiana University in the fifth round of the 1988 draft, the native of Leechburg, Pa., went on to an 11-year major league career that was highlighted by a trip to the 1993 World Series and a selection to the 1995 National League All-Star team. Morandini finished his career batting .268 with 32 home runs, 351 runs batted in and 123 stolen bases in 1,298 games – 956 (74%) of which he donned a Phillies uniform. In fact, Morandini finished his career as the Phillies’ all-time leader in most seasons (eight) as a regular starter at second base (later surpassed by Chase Utley, who recorded his ninth in 2013).

Lien is entering his second season as the IronPigs strength and conditioning coordinator and his tenth in the Phillies system. Prior to joining the IronPigs, he spent the previous six seasons in a similar post at the Major League level with the Phillies. Lien holds a Master’s from California University of Pennsylvania and was part of the Phillies’ 2009 Dick Martin Award winning training staff. Lien was born in Indonesia and resides in West Chester, Pa.

For more information or to register today, please call (610) 841-1228 or email hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com. Space is limited and the registration deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (if space remains).

The IronPigs 2015 season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders to Unfurl Banners of Honor in 2015

December 2, 2014

Team Seeks Community Input to Recognize NEPA’s Most Helpful & Courageous

There are many pieces to the puzzle that make up why NEPA is such a great place to live, work and play. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) believe that the people of NEPA stand at the top of that pyramid. The team would like to invite our neighbors to submit nominations for the newly-minted Banners of Honor program that will salute those that have exemplified excellence in public service. Those with service time in the military, police force, fire department, emergency medical service, volunteer activities or other related fields are eligible.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to info@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Banners of Honor”. Each submission should include a summary and photo of the person being nominated. Selections will be made by Jan. 30, 2015. The selected winners will be honored with banners inside of PNC Field throughout the 2015 season.

“We believe that some of the most helpful and respected people to enter our stadium have never played on the field, but are the men and women of our community,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Santa Claus is Coming…Back to PNC Field

December 1, 2014

Breakfast with St. Nick & Friends on Dec. 13

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) fans that is. On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., the big man himself, Santa Claus, and several of his friends will be on hand in the Mohegan Sun Club at PNC Field for breakfast and more.

The full breakfast features scrambled eggs, mini-pancakes, home fries, ham, sausage, juice and coffee. The accent sure to excite – a hot chocolate bar with all the fixins kids can add including sprinkles, marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

There will be activities for the little ones as well with craft tables sporting: reindeer puppets, candy cane reindeer ornaments, Christmas cookie decoration and Christmas cards for veterans. Every guest will also be eligible for three different baseball-related prize giveaways on a raffle basis during the breakfast. One lucky guest will receive a grand prize giveaway of four tickets to Opening Day 2015.

Santa and the RailRiders’ mascots will be available for pictures along with the chance for a Christmas family photo in the RailRiders clubhouse. The Marines will be on hand as well to accept new, unwrapped Toys for Tots donations. The first 100 people to donate toys will receive a RailRiders baseball. The team store, SWB Station, will have gear available for your holiday needs.

Tickets for the event are on sale now in advance at the PNC Field box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), or the day of the event. All payments will be run through the box office and guests shall receive tickets that must be presented at the door to gain entrance to the breakfast. The ticket prices are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 3-12. Children that are 2 and under will be allowed in at no charge.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

PawSox win Moss Community Service Award

November 13, 2014

Award, honoring late Sally League founder, was established in 2013

Minor League Baseball announced today that the Pawtucket Red Sox are the recipients of the second annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. In its inaugural year, the Grand Junction Rockies were named the winners of the recognition. The Pawtucket Red Sox will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California.

“The PawSox family is extremely honored to be selected for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award,” said Pawtucket Red Sox President Mike Tamburro. “The role of any successful franchise must be to help lift those in its community who are in need. The past four decades we have quietly tried to do our part.

“We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life within our community and for creating partnerships that have carried on for generations. We share this award with our community, our Major League partner the Boston Red Sox and our wonderful fans who make all our charitable efforts possible,” added Tamburro.

For the last 38 seasons, the Pawtucket Red Sox have been an integral part of their local community. Along with providing the best in affordable family entertainment, the PawSox primary goal as a team is to be actively involved in making a difference in Southeastern New England. The PawSox are strong financial supporters of countless charitable organizations and youth-based programs in their area, and every staff member either serves on a Board of Directors, sits on Advisory Council or volunteers in some capacity with multiple community organizations.

The Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust has contributed to hundreds of charitable organizations and important causes in the area, donating more than $250,000 during the last five years. For almost 40 years, the PawSox have also contributed to local charities through the team’s Ticket Fundraiser Program. This program has donated more than $200,000 over the last five years to worthy organizations such as American Parkinson’s Disease Association and the American Cancer Society, among many others.

The PawSox have also supported their community by hosting a number of fundraising events on non-gamedays including the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, which benefits inner city youngsters in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. This event included an All-Star Softball Classic game held at McCoy Stadium featuring celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. Light the Night Leukemia Walk, held on Sept. 27, at McCoy Stadium, was another of the team’s non-gameday events. Approximately 2,000 walkers participated and raised $250,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts have benefited from the PawSox generosity to the community. For the last five years, the PawSox have hosted five events at McCoy Stadium annually and donated $10,000 each year to the Boy Scouts. The team has also hosted the Girl Scouts Project Undercover, a clothing drive for needy families in the community, collecting hundreds of new socks, underwear and diapers.

Although the PawSox are busy contributing to the community year-round, the team also supports its own employees by providing five $2,000 college scholarships to seasonal workers who are selected based on their outstanding work ethic during the season.

“It is well established that all members of the professional baseball family are extremely generous with their time, money and efforts in support of their local community,” Randy Mobley, International League President, stated. “The heart of the Pawtucket Red Sox organization is big enough to not only fill Rhode Island, but much of New England. Following the lead of Mike Tamburro and Lou Schwechheimer, this organization has a well-earned reputation for being a selfless regional treasure that is ready to assist and lend its support to all that is good for the community.”

“The Pawtucket Red Sox commitment to their community has positively impacted countless organizations and individuals in Southeastern New England,” Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO, stated. “Through the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust and a number of other philanthropic efforts, the PawSox have embodied one of Minor League Baseball’s most important principles, giving back to the communities where our teams are located. On behalf of Minor League Baseball, I commend the team for their good work, and congratulate them on this honor.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award October Grant to Project Paws Alive

November 6, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Four Legged Friends” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of October. Project Paws Alive, Inc. has been awarded the “Four Legged Friends” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits animals.

Project Paws Alive was created in 2012 when the founders heard about a series of Police K-9 deaths that could have been prevented had the dogs been wearing protective ballistic vests while on duty. Since forming, the organization has worked to provide K-9 stab and bullet proof protective vests, as well as other vital K-9 equipment to Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue and Military K-9 units nationwide.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Project Paws Alive in their local mission, providing protective equipment to the nine dogs in the Gwinnett County Police Department’s K-9 unit. Their goal is to raise $16,000, which will provide each K-9 with a ballistic/spike protective vest as well as a K-9 trauma kit.

“We are absolutely honored to be the recipient of this grant so generously offered by the Gwinnett Braves,” said Cheryl Allen, Co-Founder and President of Project Paws Alive. “We are pleased to announce that this particular grant will be used to purchase protective equipment for our very own Gwinnett County Police K-9 Unit.”

About Project Paws Alive, Inc.: Based in Grayson, GA, Project Paws Alive is a nationwide 501(c) non-profit organization. They rely solely on donations and sponsors to provide life-saving K-9 equipment to Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue, EMS and Military units across the country. To learn how you can support Project Paws Alive, visit their website at projectpawsalive.org.

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

Darnell honored for his community service

October 21, 2014

Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Announce September Grant Recipient

October 14, 2014

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. earns $1,000 “All About Kids” grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of September. A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center, Inc. has been awarded September’s “All About Kids” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that benefits children.

A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc. provides a comprehensive, coordinated response for child victims of sexual abuse or physical abuse and for witnesses to violence, abuse or homicide. The Center partners with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to facilitate forensic interviews and medical examinations in a safe, child-friendly environment. Interviews are video-recorded so that children are spared the need to relive traumatic events while valuable, accurate information can be gathered as evidence.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will provide 13 direct forensic and medical services, free of charge, to children and their families in Newton, Walton and surrounding counties.

“A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center would like to thank the Gwinnett Braves for their generous support of our organization,” said Administrative Assistant Katie Bruner. “With this grant, we will continue our work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide forensic medical examinations utilizing tele-health in our efforts to deliver the best medical care possible for the children who visit our center. We look forward to partnering with the Gwinnett Braves to serve children and their families now and in the future.”

About A Child’s Voice CAC, Inc.: Since seeing their first child in 2009, the Center has shown dedication and commitment to providing the best services possible to the children and families of Newton, Walton and surrounding counties. A Child’s Voice served 190 children in 2013 and expects to serve around 200 children in 2014. For more information, contact Katie Bruner at 770-484-0082 or email kbruner@achildsvoicecac.com.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

Charlotte Business Journal Honors Knights & BB&T Ballpark With Two Awards

September 25, 2014

The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)

The Charlotte Business Journal named the Charlotte Knights among their inaugural Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate award winners earlier this week. The Knights were honored with the Economic Development Award for New & Existing Industry and the Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development Award. Members of the Charlotte Knights staff will accept the awards on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “We are very proud of BB&T Ballpark and very appreciative of the support we have received from the Greater Charlotte Region and our fans throughout our inaugural season.”

The awards honor the best commercial real estate deals and developments across the region from June 30, 2013, to July 1, 2014. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts working in combination with the Charlotte Business Journal staff.

BB&T Ballpark, which opened its gates on Friday, April 11, 2014, was the most visited Minor League Baseball venue this season. Including the Triple-A National Championship Game, the Knights welcomed 696,601 fans during their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte — leading all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. The ballpark also welcomes thousands of additional guests year-round with events such as Charlotte BeerFest, the Toshiba trade show, and the City of Charlotte’s Back To School Day.

The Charlotte Knights will begin their second season at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday, April 9 with their 2015 home opener against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Season tickets are currently available and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

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

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.