50-50 raffle adds to Community Org program

               The Lexington Legends 50/50 raffle at home games in 2016, a new feature of the long-standing Community Organization of the Night program, not only made winners of some lucky fans, it also raised $3,642.62 for 40 charitable organizations.

In the raffle, which will be offered again in 2017, fans can buy chances to win for five dollars each through the first seven innings of each Legends home game. In the eighth inning, a winning ticket is drawn, and the fan holding that ticket receives 50 percent of the proceeds.   One fan at the 2016 South Atlantic League All-Star game took home $265.

The remainder goes to the Legends Charitable Fund, through which the Legends give to a wide variety of charitable organizations around the region, and to the Legends’ Community Organization of the Night, if that organization has chosen to participate by re-selling discounted fundraiser tickets.

The Community Organization program, sponsored by Dean Dorton Allen Ford Inc. in 2016, has been a part of Legends baseball throughout the team’s 16-year history. It offers non-profit organizations a chance to raise awareness of their work through information distribution at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a home game as well as on-field and radio interviews at that game.   More than 100 different organizations have participated in the program over the last two seasons, and many organizations return year after year.

“The Community Organization of the Night is one of our favorite programs, as it educates fans about all the wonderful non-profit organizations that work diligently to give back to our community,” said Legends Vice President of Business Development Sarah Bosso. “The 50/50 raffle is a great added component for fans to show their support for these non-profits and also have the chance to leave the ballpark with some unexpected spending money. It’s a win-win, and we’re excited to be able to offer this fundraising opportunity again for the 2017 season.”

Interested organizations should contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or (859) 422-7847 or visit the Legends website, www.lexingtonlegends.com (under the “Community” tab), to sign up for the Community Organization of the Night program for 2017.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shea wins in ADA ‘Kiss a Pig’ campaign

  Lexington Legends’ President/CEO Andy Shea planted a kiss on a pig Saturday night.

Shea was the winner in the American Diabetes Association “Kiss a Pig” fundraising campaign. He was one of 10 local celebrities in whose names donations could be made.   His total of more than $45,000 raised led the way, and as the winner, he kissed the pig – now named “Pig L” in reference to the Legends famous mascot, Big L.

“My Aunt Debbie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was in eighth grade,” Shea recalled. “She passed away shortly after my 16th birthday, and I still think about her and love her every day. It was a true honor to be a part of such a great event, raise funds for research, and bring awareness to this awful disease. It was even more special being able to share the night with my mom and friends. And we’re all very excited about the addition of Pig L to our family and the ballpark!”

Pig L will be a part of the Shea household, and is expected to occasionally visit Whitaker Bank Ballpark for some Legends’ games next season.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hot Rods to Host Annual Halloween Event

Bowling Green, KY – The Bowling Green Hot Rods announced on Wednesday that the team will once again celebrate Halloween at the ballpark by hosting the newly branded Hot RodderWeen event on Sunday, October 23. The free event will take place from 2-4 p.m., and will include a new haunted clubhouse tour, trick or treating, photo booth, costume contests, and more.

“Our Halloween event has become a staple on our offseason calendar and we love hosting this free event for the community,” said Hot Rods General Manager Eric C. Leach. “In addition to the costume contest and trick or treating, we are adding in a haunted clubhouse tour, which will be a lot of fun for both kids and adults.”

The Hot RodderWeen event will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 and will run until 4 p.m., rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, as there will be a costume contest for both children and adults. The event is also dog-friendly (they must be on a leash) as the Hot Rods will have a special costume contest for all dogs in attendance.

Attendees will be able to trick or treat at various locations throughout the ballpark, including the Graves Gilbert Carousel and Van Meter Insurance Axle’s Adventureland playground. A photo booth will be set-up for families to document their outing at the ballpark. And the Body Shop, official merchandise store of the Hot Rods, will be open so fans can stock up on their favorite orange Hot Rods apparel. Hot dogs, popcorn, and soda will all be available for $1.00.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organization or business that would like to hand out candy at the event. If interested, please contact Jennifer Johnson at 270-901-2121 or by email via jjohnson@bghotrods.com.

The Hot Rods open their ninth season in South Central Kentucky on Thursday, April 6th against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Mini-plans and season tickets are now available for the 2017 season at the Hot Rods front office and online at BGHotRods.com.

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Hot Rods Baseball – #FanDriven

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Louisville Slugger Field to host Miracle League Kick-Off Event

Rendering of the future Miracle League of Louisville field located in Fern Creek

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Miracle League and the Louisville Bats organization have partnered together for a special event at Louisville Slugger Field. This event is for all to meet and greet current Louisville Bat Jermaine Curtis and learn more about the Miracle League. Curtis will be meeting and signing autographs at the FREE Miracle League kick-off event at Louisville Slugger Field from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.

The Miracle League is a baseball complex for children with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities to play in an organized baseball league. The event will have raffle drawings along with a free hat giveaway to all veterans and first responders as the Miracle League will recognize their service on September 11.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buddy Bat joins Family Scholar House mini-marathon team

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

CONTACT:

Nicole Gabriel

Community Engagement Specialist

ngabriel@familyscholarhouse.org

Mobile: (502) 219-7657

 

BUDDY BAT JOINS “WILL RUN FOR BOOKS” MINI-MARATHON TEAM

BUDDY BAT SUPPORTING FAMILY SCHOLAR HOUSE THROUGH THE MINI-MARATHON

WHAT:

On Saturday, April 25, Buddy Bat, the official mascot of the Louisville Bats, will participate in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s mini-marathon to support Family Scholar House. Fellow runners and walkers are encouraged to post a selfie taken with Buddy Bat during the race and use #BuddyRuns4Books to be entered into a drawing for a prize pack of Louisville Bats tickets and memorabilia. As our community prepares for the mini-marathon, Family Scholar House is posting training tips on Facebook, including one to be posted on Tuesday of Buddy Bat training for the mini.

Cathe Dykstra, Chief Possibility Officer of Family Scholar House, has known Buddy Bat (AKA Jeremy Sharfe) as an educator and community leader for many years. Cathe said, “The only thing bigger than Buddy Bats’ head is his heart. He really cares about families and giving everyone a chance to learn and grow.”

Family Scholar House, a nonprofit organization, is changing lives, families and communities through education. Family Scholar House provides comprehensive, holistic programming and support services for disadvantaged single-parent college students and their children. This is the first year that Family Scholar House has been an official charity included in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s mini-marathon.

WHERE & WHEN:

Monday, April 20th, at 3pm – Buddy Bat will be training at Proformance, 2041 River Road.

Saturday, April 25th – KDF mini-marathon course (you can’t miss him!)

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information, contact Nicole Gabriel at (502) 813-3085 or ngabriel@familyscholarhouse.org.

About Family Scholar House

Our mission is to end the cycle of poverty and transform our community by empowering families and youth to succeed in education and achieve life-long self-sufficiency. To date, Family Scholar House graduates have earned 186 college graduates. Family Scholar House’s four Louisville-area campuses are home to 215 families with 324 children.

To learn more, please visit our website at www.familyscholarhouse.org or find us on Facebook.

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

Fifth Annual EasterFest to Flood BGBP with Easter Eggs on Saturday, April 4

Kids Set to Find 50,000 Easter Eggs in BG’s Largest Easter Celebration

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe Bowling Green Hot Rods and Crossland Community Church are proud to partner up and bring EasterFest to Bowling Green Ballpark on Saturday, April 4. The completely free event will run from Noon CT until 3 p.m., and it will feature the largest Easter egg hunt in the South-Central Kentucky region. Over 50,000 Easter eggs will grace the field with four different age groups set to take the field and find their Easter treasure.

“We love what Crossland Community Church does for the community, and their outreach fits right into what we’re trying to do with the ball club,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Eric C. Leach. “We’re proud to once again partner with hem for this event, and we can’t wait to provide families a superb venue for what will surely be the biggest Easter celebration in the area.”

Over 50,000 Easter eggs will blanket the field at Bowling Green Ballpark, and four different age groups will get the chance to showcase their Easter-egg hunting prowess. The age groups go all the way up to fifth graders, and smaller children will get to explore separately. Entry to the event is completely free, and 16 bicycles will be given away to those in attendance. Free popcorn and Pepsi products will be served in the concession stands, and the Easter bunny will make a grand entrance to help celebrate the event.

“We consider EasterFest a great opportunity to express our love and gratitude to our community. We are blessed to live in South-Central Kentucky and feel a very strong responsibility to help, encourage and bless the people of this community and not just the members of our church,” said Gregg Farrell of Crossland Community Church. “Jesus gave up His life for us and we feel a strong calling and responsibility to give of ourselves to this community.”

The newly-minted Axle’s Adventureland presented by VanMeter Insurance will be open and ready for play, and just like Easterfest itself, entry to the play area is completely free. Popular inflatables like the bounce house and speed pitch will also be ready for big outdoor party. All of the fun begins right at Noon, and the gates will remain open until 3 p.m. CT.

EasterFest will be the first event held in the ballpark in April, but it will the lid-lifter of a very busy month. That following Tuesday, on April 7, the Hot Rods will take the field as a team for the first time this season and host Western Kentucky University in a historic exhibition contest. Season ticket packages are on sale now, and they provide the most savings while offering the greatest flexibility. For more information about EasterFest, upcoming games, or anything else Hot Rods, please visit BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or folks can stop by the ballpark in downtown Bowling Green.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Bourbon Central student wins Hit the Books design contest

Ana Flores-Ortiz, a Bourbon Central Elementary student and winner of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books bookmark design contest, was congratulated by the Legends' Big L (center) and Pee Wee during a presentation at the school March 3. (Bourbon Central Elementary/Lexington Legends)
Ana Flores-Ortiz, a Bourbon Central Elementary student and winner of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books bookmark design contest, was congratulated by the Legends’ Big L (center) and Pee Wee during a presentation at the school March 3. (Bourbon Central Elementary/Lexington Legends)

Lexington-Legends-2013Ana Flores-Ortiz, a fifth grade student at Bourbon Central Elementary School, was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Ana received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork, and membership in the 2015 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 30,000 students from 74 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

“Hit the Books will continue to be an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Tim Vieira, the Legends’ community outreach coordinator. “We enjoy going out to the schools and meeting with students. It’s great to be part of a program that has a positive impact in the educational development of so many students.”

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The 2015 season is the 15th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 205,000 students have participated.

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

Education Days, presented by Zaxby’s, back for 2015

lexingtonlegends_2015-02-27

Hello from Whitaker Bank Ballpark!

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends are happy to announce that we will continue the tradition of award-winning, family-friendly entertainment for students, teachers, administrators, and parents through our Education Day Program presented by Zaxby’s. Our Education Day games consistently sell out with schools traveling from around the region to attend! As the name suggests, Education Day is about educational opportunities as well as a fun day at the ballpark.

The dates for the 2015 Education Days are as follows and we sincerely hope that one of them will work for your class schedule in the Spring:

  •          Wednesday, April 22nd @ 10:05 AM vs. Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox)
  •          Wednesday, April 29th @ 10:05 AM vs. Rome Braves (Atlanta Braves)
  •          Monday, May 11th @ 10:05 AM vs. Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox)

 

We play these games at 10:05 AM to allow teachers and students to take a field trip during the school day and enjoy America’s Pastime, Lexington style. Baseball has played a significant role in American history and the civil rights movement, and every game is filled with scientific and mathematical learning opportunities. New this year, we will incorporate an educational curriculum that you can use in the classroom prior to the day of the game and also on game day. It’s a great combination that will make your day at Whitaker Bank Ballpark memorable – and educational!

Group Tickets and Add-Ons:

  •          Discounted tickets available for groups of 20 or more – prices range between $4 and $7 per ticket.
  •          Sack lunches available for an additional $5 each and includes the following:
    • o   Zaxby’s chicken finger sandwich comprised of three chicken fingers on a toasted bun with Zax sauce
    • o   Bag of chips
    • o   Soft drink
      •   We deliver these to your students in their seats meaning you do not have to journey around the ballpark with your kids looking for lunch while here.

We are taking reservations now for groups to attend these games so please contact your Account Executive or call the Lexington Legends Ticket Office at 859-252-HITS (4487) to reserve your seats now while they are still available. You can also reply to this email to make your reservation or seek more information.

Have a great day and Go Legends!

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

Cintas Hometown Heroes: Recognition for military

LexingtonLegends_2015-02-04

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends and Cintas are teaming up to recognize members of the military at Legends games this season.

New for 2015, the Legends are inviting nominations for the Cintas Hometown Heroes program. Nominations may be made by completing a form that is available online at www.lexingtonlegends.com under “Community.”

At 35 Legends home games in 2015, hometown heroes selected from the nominations will be provided four game tickets and will be recognized on the field during the game.    Veterans and retired military personnel, as well as those on active duty, may be nominated.

“We are excited to introduce this new program,” said Legends’ corporate account executive Anne Brenner, who has been involved with the development of the program. “We know how much our fans have enjoyed our annual Military Appreciation Night, and that will continue. The Cintas Hometown Heroes program will provide an opportunity to bring even more recognition to our veterans and active military throughout the season.”

For more information on the Cintas Hometown Heroes program, contact Sarah Bosso, Legends director of business development, at 859 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Bats to wear camo jerseys to benefit PVA

LouisvilleBats_2015-02-02

Louisville-BatsThe Louisville Bats will wear special digital camouflage jerseys at all Sunday home games in 2015 to benefit the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Koetter Construction will provide the jerseys, which will be auctioned following the conclusion of the season with 100 percent of the funds being donated to the local PVA chapter. The jerseys will be introduced at the team’s noon press conference Wednesday at Louisville Slugger Field.

Paralyzed-Veterans-of-AmericaA nonprofit organization, many of PVA’s volunteers are dedicated veterans who have taken up the cause to not only fight on the battlefield together, but on the battlefield at home. The mission of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter is to improve the quality of life of U.S. Military Veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction through the use of advocacy, research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

“The partnership with the Louisville Bats and Koetter Construction will give us the exposure we so desperately need,” said Kevin Sparks, president of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter. “Our hope is when fans see a camouflage uniform at a Bats game or anywhere else, or a sign for Koetter Construction, that they immediately think of our paralyzed veterans here in the Louisville and Kentuckiana area.”

“Koetter Construction is very proud to partner with the Bats and sponsor the Sunday military camouflage jerseys as a fundraiser to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Bob Koetter, Jr., president of the Floyds Knobs-based company. “We have been a past supporter of the PVA because we like to show our appreciation of our veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

“I would hope that these camouflage jerseys will remind people to thank a veteran, especially those who have come back missing limbs or being paralyzed from an accident while fighting for our freedom,” Koetter added. “I also hope people will support the PVA financially by participating in the auction at the end of the season.”

The PVA works continuously to raise awareness of the issues that paralyzed veterans face every day. There are a variety of ways to help. Visit www.kipva.org to become a volunteer, donor, sponsor or learn about supporting the group at its events.

Kentucky-Indiana PVA contact: Vickie Lincks, Executive Director, 502-635-6539, vlincks@kipva.org

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

Non-profits invited for Community Org program

LexingtonLegends_2015-01-20

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2015 season.

The Community Organization program, sponsored for 2015 by Dean Dorton, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games.   Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“Community involvement has been important to the Legends since day one,” said Legends’ President/COO Andy Shea. “Our Community Organization of the Night program allows us to put the spotlight on the great work being done by many organizations throughout Kentucky, and we’re very happy to help get their message out.”

On their night at the ballpark, organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system.   The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game.   Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game.

Solicitation is not permitted, but there is a fund-raising element in the program. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 60 Legends fundraiser tickets at four dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of 10 dollars, allowing the organization to raise up to six dollars per ticket sold.

“Also, the more tickets sold, the more supporters each organization will have at the game,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events.   “It’s fun for everyone involved, and it’s always for a great cause.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.   For more information, call (859) 422-7855 or send e-mail to sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open the 2015 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Thursday, April 16 at 7:05 p.m. against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends’ donations top $715,000 for 2014

14-year total nears $13 million

Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

Boy-Scouts-logo3–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council:  The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Susan-G.-KomenConnection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.   The Legends and LBX held a dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

Military-Missions –Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund:  At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

United-Way–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer:  Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and siVs-Cancer-logogn of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game.

In the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

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

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Legends invite schools to ‘Hit the Books’

Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends' Big L.
Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends’ Big L.

Lexington-Legends-2013It’s time for elementary schools to “Hit the Books” with the Lexington Legends.

Teachers, librarians, media specialists and other educators are encouraged to register with the Legends to get their elementary schools involved in the Hit the Books reading program for the 2014-15 school year.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. Kindergarten students may participate by having their teachers read four books to them.

When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The school with the highest bookmark redemption (based on percentage of enrollment, minimum 50 students) will receive a school-wide reward from the “Hit the Books” sponsor.

To begin the process, educators must register with the Legends by November 14 to ensure their school’s participation. Registration information is available at www.lexingtonlegends.com.

“Hit the Books is one of the Legends’ favorite community programs,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Encouraging the students of central Kentucky to read and show off their artistic creativity through the bookmark design contest is very rewarding. Big L loves visiting all the participating schools, and we hope there will be more for this year’s program than ever before.”

In addition, the annual bookmark design contest is under way and will run through December 12. The winning student will have his or her artwork featured on the official 2015 Hit the Books bookmark and poster that are distributed to every student participating in the reading program, which runs through March 31, 2015. About 23,000 students participated during the 2013-14 school year.

Schedule a visit by Big L

The Lexington Legends and Big L would like to visit any participating school and serve as a guest reader for any class or scheduled Media Center time to encourage students to complete the Hit the Books program and redeem their bookmarks for Legends game tickets. For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at (859) 422-7855.

The 2015 season will be the 15th for Legends baseball and also marks the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 195,000 students have participated.

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