Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools in Three Counties This Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Gem, will visit schools in three different counties across the Miami Valley this week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

10:00am-10:45am

Cox Elementary

506 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, OH, 45385

Phone: 937-372-9201

11:15am-12:00pm

Saville Elementary

5800 Burkhardt Rd.

Dayton, OH, 45431

Phone: 937-259-6625

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

10:00am – 10:45am

Warder Park-Wayne Elementary

2820 Hillside Ave.

Springfield, OH, 45503

Phone: 937-505-4459

11:15am – 12:00pm

Snyder Park Elementary

1600 Maiden Ln.

Springfield, OH, 45504

Phone: 937-505-4430

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible by CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

—end–

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

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Legends Announce Partnership with UK HealthCare for Sensory Friendly Kits and Days at Whitaker Bank Ballpark

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to announce Sensory Friendly Days on Sunday, May 13 and Monday, June 11, 2018 in partnership with UK HealthCare. Along with special considerations around the ballpark before the games, the Legends will have Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life Is Washable Inc. available throughout the entirety of the season.

On the days of May 13 and June 11, fans with sensory sensitivities and their families will be able to enter the ballpark at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 13 and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11 to take part in pre-game festivities they previously may have had to skip. There will be no loud music or public address announcements made during this time. Legends players will be available for autographs and the Toyota Triple Play Zone will be open, also. Legends mascots, Big L and Pee Wee will be on hand, but will not approach children. Instead, they will allow the children to come up to them for autographs and photographs as desired. When gates open for the public at 12:30 p.m. (Sunday, May 13) and 6:00 p.m. (Monday, June 11), children and their families can make their way to Guest Services to pick up one of the thirty Sensory Safety Kits for the remainder of their time at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

“This new partnership with UK HealthCare opens Legends games to children and adults who normally would not be able to attend due to sensory sensitivities,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We always want to strive to make our games as accessible as possible and this is a huge step towards that. Families can come out and enjoy a game utilizing the new Sensory Safety Kits that will be available all season long.”

Included in the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life is Washable Inc. and sponsored by UK HealthCare, are stickers, a wrist band, ID card, communication card, a sensory toy, anti-glare glasses, earmuffs and tissues. At the end of each night, fans will return the kits to Guest Services so they can be sanitized, restocked, and ready for the next event. With the partnership with UK HealthCare, there are certain items provided that the child can keep after the game.

“We are thrilled to join the Legends’ efforts to provide an opportunity for more of Kentucky’s kids to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. The sensory kits will allow children who would otherwise not be able to attend a baseball game due to loud noises and other environmental factors to enjoy a fun day at the ballpark, making lifelong memories,” said Scottie Day, Interim Chair, UK Department of Pediatrics.

Previously, minor league hockey teams have done similar nights, but the Legends are ensuring that fans can enjoy games for the entirety of the season by utilizing the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits. Thirty kits will be stocked in Guest Services to start the 2018 season, as interest and demand dictates, more kits can and will be added to inventory for fan use.

For more information about Sensory Friendly Day, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

Bowling With The BlueClaws Returns April 15th

Bowling With The BlueClaws is back on Sunday, April 15th!

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities is proud to announce its seventh annual Bowling With The BlueClaws fundraising event returns to Sea Girt Lanes on Sunday, April 15th. BlueClaws players will again be at the event, a great chance for kids to have a fun night out with players and Buster while raising money for a worthy cause.

The charitable bowling event takes place from 6-8pm. For just $15, participants will receive bowling shoes, a raffle ticket for a series of prizes, pizza and soda, and unlimited bowling games.

Raffles will be held throughout the night for limited edition autographed merchandise and other door prizes. In addition to prizes being given out, BlueClaws players will be there to hang out with you! All proceeds from the night will benefit BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

“This has been a great event for BlueClaws Charities and the fans over the last seven years and we look forward to another great event,” said Jim DeAngelis, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “Each fundraising event like Bowling With the BlueClaws benefits a wide variety of local organizations that we are proud to support and will continue to support.”

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact JoAnne Bell at 732-901-7000 ext. 100 or at jbell@blueclaws.com. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to book early.

BlueClaws Charities, the official charity of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting the underpriveleged Ocean and Monmouth counties. BlueClaws Charities has donated over $250,000 over the past four years to community organizations, including donations in the form of grants to BlueClaws Charities Community Partners.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

Opening Day for the 2018 season is Thursday, April 12th. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Riders invite fans to Spring EGGstravaganza on March 24 at Dr Pepper Ballpark

The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the third annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

FRISCO, Texas (March 9, 2018) – The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the second annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

In addition to the Easter egg hunt, there will be coloring and spring crafts, airbrush artists and a bounce house. Both the Primrose Schools and Riders Playgrounds will be open during the event. There will also be appearances from RoughRiders mascots Deuce, Daisy, Ted E Bear, Bull Moose and Brooks.

The club encourages fans to bring gloves and baseballs to the park to play catch on the field after the Easter egg hunt. Kids also have an opportunity to run around the bases, just like their favorite RoughRiders players!

Select food and drinks will be available for $1, including candy, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, kettle chips, nachos, popcorn, beer, coffee, hot chocolate, water, and Dr Pepper products.

Doors open early for Founders season ticket members at 9 a.m. for the first opportunity to pick up tickets for the 2018 season. Season ticket holders will have exclusive access to Dr Pepper Ballpark to pick up tickets, interact with Riders staff and sit down for brunch. Starting at 11 a.m., season ticket members will have the opportunity to take advantage of all the festivities at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets to Opening Day on April 5, any of the Deep Ellum Party @ The Yard dates, or any of the 70 games during the regular season are encouraged to speak with a sales representative at Guest Services or visit the Box Office during the event. Tickets are also available at RidersBaseball.com and (972) 731-9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz , as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor  and Nomar Mazara . For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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

Whitecaps Community Foundation to Donate 5,000 books

COMSTOCK PARK MI, – The Whitecaps Community Foundation is celebrating “March is Reading Month” in a big way this year, by donating 5,000 books to local Grand Rapids elementary schools. The book donations will benefit the students of 15 Grand Rapids Public Schools recommended for the program based on their needs and their potential for impacting as large a student group as possible.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation started their book donation program two years ago when 300 books were donated to one school in need and since then the program has blossomed. Each school receiving books will host an assembly recognizing the importance of reading where the books will be distributed to students. Two of the donations will occur in April where West Michigan Whitecaps players will be on hand to help distribute books. Those are April 11 at Ridgemoor Park Montessori and on April 19 at Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy. Both of those are scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.

The book donations are a key part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading and literacy. Kids who read 15 minutes a day, during the month of March, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April, May or June. The Whitecaps Community Foundation provides participating schools with all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 67,000 K-6 children participate from over 260 West Michigan schools. Nearly 16,000 complimentary tickets were donated to students who completed the challenge.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation, the nonprofit extension of the West Michigan Whitecaps, is a 501c3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families by providing them with access to social, educational and recreational programs that will have a positive impact on their futures. With the help and generosity of community partners and members, the Whitecaps Community Foundation continues to strive to make the West Michigan area a better place to grow, learn, and thrive.

In 2017, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than $530,000 to local children and their families. For details on the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s programs and how to participate in the Reading Program please visit us at www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org or call the Whitecaps front office at 616.784.4131.

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

Cougars 7th Annual 5K to Raise Funds for Special Olympics

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars announce the 7th annual Cougars 5K Run/Walk, presented by Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center, which will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Northwestern Medicine Field beginning at 8 a.m. As the Cougars continue to grow their charitable outreach, proceeds from the race will benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Registration is now open at kccougars.com and raceroster.com.

“It feels like a natural fit to team up with the Cougars for their 5K,” said Member Services Manager, Debra Neari. “We are proud to partner with them and continue our efforts to promote health and wellness for families throughout our community.”

The Cougars 5K, which features chip timing, will follow a course along both Kirk Road and Fabyan Parkway.

Children through age 12 can also register for the Cougars “Inside the Park Dash”, a half-mile fun run, which will take place at the conclusion of the 5K for $5 per child.

“We’re excited to carry on the tradition of the Cougars 5K for another season,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “As we continue to grow our charitable outreach beyond the baseball field, we’re looking forward to contributing towards all the wonderful programs Special Olympics has to offer to their athletes and families.”

Open to competitive runners and recreational walkers, the Cougars host one of the most unique 5K events in the Chicagoland area with the finish line located at home plate inside Northwestern Medicine Field. Participants can be seen on the ballpark videoboard through a live-feed camera while high-fiving team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, down the final stretch of the race course. Families with children are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted on the course with a discounted rate for participants between the ages of 5-18 years old.

Those registered by May 10 are guaranteed a commemorative race t-shirt featuring the Cougars 5K logo while all participants will receive a complimentary ticket voucher for a 2018 Cougars game. The top three male and female finishers in 14 age groups will receive a custom race medal courtesy of Creative Awards and Products, Inc. in Bartlett, Ill.

Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog or brat and beer for those 21 & older.

For updates on tickets and promotions for the 2018 season, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Dragons Mascots, Green Team at Area Schools

Dayton, Ohio-Opening night for the 2018 baseball season is 10 weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the sixth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Fifth Third Field. Each assembly in 2018 focuses on “Teamwork.” The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 19th Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The Dragons will officially open the 2018 Midwest League season on the road on Thursday, April 5 against the Hot Rods in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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

AquaSox Release 2017 Community Relations Report

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox Community Fund launched in 2009 to help fund many community projects, with a focus on education, youth programming and youth sports. Since its inception, the Community Fund has donated over $100,000 in grants to Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs and other local organizations.

In 2017, the Everett AquaSox Community fund donated $21,307 in monetary donations to several non-profit organizations and foundations in the area. The Community Fund raises money primarily through auctions at the ballpark. The season featured six different auctions with the first auction being the Relay for Life jersey. In addition to the Relay for Life jersey, there were Pink in the Park hats, 4th of July hats, FrogStock jerseys, Star Wars jerseys and the fan favorite, FROGS faux-throwback jerseys.

Hit-a-Home-Run in Reading Program increased its enrollment to nearly 23,000 students between Snohomish, King, Island and Skagit counties. Students who read “around-the-bases” received a coupon from Alfy’s pizza, Woodland Park Zoo and a ticket to a game with their school.

The AquaSox continued supporting the Challenger League by hosting two games in 2017. Each game allowed every player in the Challenger League to show off their skills at the plate, in the field and on the mound. All the AquaSox players participated in both events after their game.

Webbly and staff participated in multiple events throughout the season. This included Camp Erin, Socktoberfest, Celebrate Schools 5K, National Adoption Day and more! If your organization has an event you would like Webbly or the AquaSox staff to attend, contact Ashlea LaPlant at (425) 258-3673 or at ashleal@aquasox.com.

Click here to vew the complete 2017 Community Relations Report.

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

Ports Release 2017 Community Relations Report

STOCKTON, Calif.- Through the organization’s non-profit sector, the Anchor Fund, the Ports gave $32,464 in monetary donations and nearly $240,000 of in-kind donations to local non-profits within the San Joaquin community in 2017. Through various fundraisers held at Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports were able to raise almost $11,000 with the help of generous fans.

The revenue-leading event was the eleventh annual Pink Night, in which $5,493 benefited Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Additional fundraisers included Root Beer Float Day and Youth Baseball Camps presented by Amy L. Scriven, DDS., and Anchor Fund Weekend.

The Ports also had over 50,000 individuals participate in community programs such as Silver Sluggers presented by SCAN Health Plan, Amy L. Scriven, DDS. Kids’ Club, Baseball by the Books courtesy of Smack Pie Pizza, and the Summer Reading Program in partnership with San Joaquin County Libraries. Additionally, the Ports teamed up with Valley First Credit Union for this year’s Community Corner. Valley First donated 625 tickets to the Anchor Fund, and the Ports matched that donation for tickets to be distributed in the community.

Through these outreach programs, the Ports were able to provide people of all ages with donated or discounted tickets.

New to the 2017 season, the Ports partnered with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation to create a program called “Community Person of the Month,” in which select members of the local community were recognized in a monthly pre-game ceremony and a $500 donation was made to a non-profit organization of each recipient’s choice.

Finally, the Ports’ mascot, members of the front office, and Ports players were out in the community approximately 180 days out of the 2017 calendar year for events such as Little League Opening Ceremonies, school and library visits, grassroots events, and more.

“We are proud of the impact the Ports Community Department has made in the city of Stockton and beyond, in conjunction with the many people and organizations in our market,” said President Pat Filippone. “Over the 10 years since we’ve established the Anchor Fund, the Ports have remained committed to supporting the community and we look forward to growing upon this season’s success in the upcoming year.

The Stockton Ports’ Anchor Fund was established in early 2007 and has helped support many community projects, with a primary focus on youth centers and youth sports. The charitable fund reflects and reaffirms the Ports’ commitment to strengthening the community using baseball and entertainment as a backdrop, with 457 non-profit organizations receiving donations in 2017.

To view the Community Relations Report and receive ticket information on the 2018 season, please visit www.stocktonports.com.

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

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report for 2017

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is proud to present the third Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2017. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

Five new foundation programs were added in 2017 including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund, the D-backs Give Back partnership, AmazonSmile, Highland Salutes and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan campaign which saw the Cougars selected as one of four teams out of 160 Minor League Baseball teams to participate in this historic Hispanic outreach program.

The annual 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Cougars was re-branded in honor of First Responders. A total of $2,000 was donated to local departments including Geneva Police and Fire, St. Charles Police and Fire, Batavia Police and Fire as well as the Kane County Forest Preserve Police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

Ozzie’s Reading Club was also re-branded, with the addition of our new mascot Annie, to the Cougars Reading Club. Each year the program encourages over 130,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for the Cougars Reading Club totaled $646,190 in 2017.

The 50/50 Raffle, presented by Bret Brizzolara your local Country Financial representative and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs from which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2017, these two programs generated over $29,000 to support local causes including Fox Valley Wildlife Center, Food for Greater Elgin, Holiday Heroes, Naperville Alive and DuPage PADS.

For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House which was then matched by the Cougars through the Home Run for Charity program. In 2017, the donation totaled $2,400.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $16,844 in 2017.

Various in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics and events show the Cougars on-going commitment to the surrounding community through programs such as the Library Summer Reading Program, senior citizen half-price tickets and food vouchers, the Winter Coat Drive and a partnership with Two Men and a Truck to collect items through the Movers for Moms program.

“Each year we strive to find new ways to give back to local organizations,” said Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich. “With the additional programs added under the Kane County Cougars Foundation we were able to assist the surrounding community in more ways than we ever have before.”

“We’re dedicated to creating a legacy for the Kane County Cougars that goes far beyond the game of baseball,” added Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “The Cougars are committed to making Kane County and the surrounding area a better place to live and work through the efforts of the Kane County Cougars Foundation.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive on December 9th

Our Breakfast With Buster Food & Toy Drive returns on December 9th!

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The 18th annual Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive returns to FirstEnergy Park on Saturday, December 9th from 9 am – 11 am. This year’s event is presented by Rosko’s Bagels in Jackson.

Once again, Buster will be joined by his holiday friend, Santa Claus, at the event, which is free to the public. The BlueClaws ask that those in attendance bring unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable food with all donations benefiting the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Rosko’s Bagels will provide complimentary bagels and the BlueClaws will provide coffee for attendees.

“This is one of the first events the BlueClaws ever hosted, debuting in December of 2000,” recalled Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws VP of Community Relations. “It’s been very well supported by the community every year and we look forward to another great event, supporting the less fortunate leading into the holiday season.”

For photos from last year’s event, click here.

The BlueClaws, acquired by Shore Town Basball in July, are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. The BlueClaws open the 2018 season on Thursday, April 12th. 2018 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Lake Monsters Free Family Fun Fest November 18th

The Vermont Lake Monsters will be hosting their fifth annual FREE Family Fun Fest on Saturday, November 18th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.

Join CHAMP and the Lake Monsters for a morning of FREE fun and activities that will feature:

  • A special appearance by everyone’s favorite mascot, CHAMP, who will be on hand to take pictures, and sign autographs
  • Fan-favorite inflatable games including the speed pitch and obstacle courses
  • CHAMP coloring and activity stations
  • Free hot dogs for fans in attendance, while supplies last, courtesy of McKenzie Country Classics & Freihofer’s
  •  A wide variety of snakes, lizards and other reptiles to see, hold and take pictures with, thanks to 802 Reptiles
  • Raffles with lots of great prizes to be given away

Even though it is a free event, the Lake Monsters are encouraging all attendees to bring at least one non-perishable food item as we host the New England Ford Dealers’ Fill-A-Ford truck, with all food being donated to the Vermont Foodbank.

This free event is possible thanks to the generous support from Free Press Media, Hall Communications (WOKO and KOOL 105), Kids & Fitness Williston, McKenzie’s Country Classics, Freihofer’s, New England Federal Credit Union, and Mater Christi School.

Merchandise, ticket packages and holiday stocking stuffers will also be available for purchase at the Fun Fest.

For more information on the Free Family Fun Fest, please call (802) 655-4200 Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 4:30 PM.

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

PawSox Welcome Families and Children for Second Annual Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

For the second straight year, the Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3-6 p.m.  The free event on Tuesday, October 31, includes candy, visits with Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter through the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“Halloween is a special day for children, and we at the PawSox are eager to contribute to their joy,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles A. Steinberg.  “Whether it’s a piece of their favorite candy or a hug from an embraceable polar bear, we hope to provide a smile-inducing environment with some magical memories for the little ones in our neighborhood.”

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

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Fireflies Reading Program Receives National Recognition

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has awarded the Columbia Fireflies Reading Program – an incentive-based literacy initiative presented by Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital – a certificate of commendation as an outstanding program deserving of recognition at the national level.

The Reading Program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of the Midlands. The program is completely free to students and educators. During the academic year, the program is run through schools, and, during the summer months, the program continues through local libraries. Students are required to reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Each student’s progress is tracked, and once they make it to “Home Plate” (complete the program), students are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a Fireflies game, a voucher for a free meal, a special gift from the Fireflies and a free ticket to EdVenture Children’s Museum.

“The Columbia Fireflies are proud to have been honored with this formal commendation for our efforts to enhance literacy through our Reading Program,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Our partnership with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in our ability to grow so rapidly and to impact the lives of so many children.”

In just the second year of the program, the Fireflies reached over 65,000 students from 153 schools during the spring session, and nearly 25,000 more this summer through 4 county libraries, the YMCA and other child-centric organizations.

Kyle Williamson, the Fireflies Reading Program Manager, works closely with educators and librarians to provide children across the Midlands with incentives to hit their reading goals, develop a love for reading and for the use of information technologies. After summer break, the Reading Program had been implemented across the region in Richland, Lexington, Oconee, Newberry, Fairfield, Lancaster, Kershaw, Florence, Williamsburg, Calhoun, Sumter, Orangeburg, Beaufort, and Barnwell Counties.

“Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital firmly believes in the importance of literacy. Reading is a strong component of children’s ability to grow and understand the world around them. Forming a partnership with the Fireflies reading program is another way of being an advocate for children and their overall well-being that helps our entire community,” said Diane Bagnal-Moody, administrative director of Children’s Hospital.

Delegates of the AASL Affiliate Assembly nominate specific programs across the country, and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians delegate, Cindy Symonds, brought the Fireflies’ efforts to the national stage.

The Fireflies kicked off the program at the local schools and libraries with Mason, the team’s mascot, making an appearance to get the children excited about reading. Fireflies players joined in after the season began and would head out in their uniforms and read with students at various schools.

The mission of AASL is to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning. Audrey Church, president of AASL, explained that this group works to ensure that all members of the school library field collaborate to connect learners with ideas and information to prepare students for life-long learning and informed decision-making.

Enrollment for the 2018 Fireflies Reading Program begins on Friday, October 27th at 9am. Visit ColumbiaFireflies.com for more details.

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

Storm Pair Up with Shoes That Fit

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – Lake Elsinore’s loveable green dog Thunder and fellow Storm staff members partnered with Shoes That Fit to bring lots of smiles and 40 new pairs of shoes to kids at Enchanted Hills Elementary School in Perris, Calif.

Shoes That Fit, the largest national organization of its kind, is committed to tackling one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by providing kids in need with new athletic shoes to attend school with new confidence and joy. The organization has donated almost two million pairs of shoes to kids in thousands of schools across the country.

“Creating a partnership with Shoes That Fit is perfect for Storm Baseball,” said Courtney Kessler, the team’s Director of Community Relations. “Two areas we focus on in the community are education and physical education through sport. Storm Baseball and the staff are excited to be able to help out students with the support of Shoes That Fit.

The Lake Elsinore Storm, a Minor League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, has been in the city for almost 25 seasons and have always been active on giving back to the fan base and the community the team has called home. The Storm will be celebrating the team’s 25th season in 2018.