Loons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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MIDLAND, Mich. — The Great Lakes Loons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Loons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. For every $10 donated, the Loons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Since 1981, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has grown to serve more than 331,000 people annually through a network of over 700 Hunger Relief Partners, including partner agencies, schools, and other community organizations.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Loons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Loons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

3,000 Books Being Donated by the Whitecaps Community Foundation to Area Schools

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COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Whitecaps Community Foundation will donate 3,000 books to six West Michigan Public Schools this month in an effort to encourage children to read during March is Reading Month and beyond!

The books were selected with the help of GRPS educators and will be delivered as a surprise to CA Frost Elementary and Grand Rapids Montessori on Friday, March 15. Then on Wednesday, March 20, MLK Jr. Elementary in Muskegon Heights and Aberdeen Elementary in Grand Rapids will receive the books. Lastly, on Thursday March 21st the Whitecaps Community Foundation will visit Southwest Community Campus and North Park Montessori.

These six schools were selected to receive the free books because of their designation as high priority elementary schools; many of their pupils do not have access to resources such as books. With this donation, every child at these six schools will receive one free book.

This is the fourth year of the book donation program and in that time more than 10,000 books have been donated.

The book donation is a part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from West Michigan schools who read 15 minutes a day, during the month, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April through June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 67,000 K-6 area children participate from 322 schools. Nearly 19,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

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 2018, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than 1.4 million dollars to local children and their families through programs such as the reading program’s book donation and many others.

For more information on the book deliveries please contact Mickey Graham at (616) 726-7067 and for information on the Whitecaps Community Foundation, including how to volunteer and/or donate, please visit www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org.

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

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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.

FIFTH THIRD BANK STEPS UP TO THE PLATE WITH BIGGER DONATIONS ON “STAND UP TO CANCER NIGHT”

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LANSING, Mich. – Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan and the Lansing Lugnuts are teaming up to help fight cancer when the Bank hosts a special Stand Up To Cancer Night at Cooley Law School Stadium on Saturday, August 12. Fifth Third will offer fun, interactive fan activities during the game as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness and contributions to support cancer research.

Among the in-game promotions planned include:

  • A $5,300 donation to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) that the bank will make for every strikeout that the home team accomplishes during the game. This is an increase from the $530 donation per strikeout last year.
  • Fifth Third will also donate $5.30 to SU2C for every eligible public use of the hashtag #howifight on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, up to $500,000 during the promotion period.*
  • A special mid-game stretch is planned when fans can show their support for loved ones who have fought or are fighting cancer by holding up, in unison, special customized SU2C game placards.

Since teaming up with SU2C in 2013, Fifth Third has contributed more than $7.2 million in donations to help fund innovative cancer research and support SU2C’s mission to bring new cancer treatments to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C has helped receive two drug approvals in the last seven years, a process that can typically take between 12-15 years for just one drug.

“Stand Up To Cancer’s teams of researchers and scientists are making significant breakthroughs in cancer research,” said Tom Ruis, Vice President, Fifth Third Bank. “With the help of the Lugnuts fans, and Fifth Third customers, we hope to get one step closer to ‘striking out’ this disease once and for all.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Lugnuts website, lansinglugnuts.com. On top of the other donations, Fifth Third will also give $1 to SU2C for each person who attends the game.

Stand Up To Cancer, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a breakthrough initiative that raises funds to accelerate innovative cancer research, enabling scientific collaboration in order to get new therapies to patients quickly. Fifth Third supports this collaborative approach and is committed to finding different ways to improve people’s lives and better our communities. As such, Fifth Third began working with SU2C in 2013 when the Bank introduced its Fifth Third SU2C debit and credit cards, which raise funds to support SU2C research through every qualifying purchase made using those cards. Fifth Third Bank is the only card issuer to offer the SU2C payment cards. Visit 53.com/su2ccards for full details.

*$5.30 donation to SU2C for every eligible public post with the hashtag #howifight on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, from 7/1/17-12/31/17, up to $500,000. Only one hashtag use per username, per Monitored Social Media Site, per day will be counted.

About the Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, are in their 22nd season in Michigan’s Capital City. The Lugnuts make their home at beautiful Cooley Law School Stadium, built in 1996 with an award-winning renovation in 2015/16, and continue to be a key component in revitalizing Lansing’s downtown while providing fun, affordable, family entertainment to fans in Mid Michigan and beyond. Find them online: www.lansinglugnuts.com.

About Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had $141 billion in assets and operated 1,157 full-service Banking Centers and 2,461 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & AssetManagement. As of June 30, 2017, Fifth Third also had a 17.7 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2017, had $330 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $34 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed atwww.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.

For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.StandUpToCancer.org.

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Loons to Host Pride Night on May 31

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons will host Pride Night at Dow Diamond on Wednesday, May 31 during their game against the West Michigan Whitecaps. The Dow Chemical Company and GLAD (Dow’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (LGBTA) employee resource group) are proud to sponsor this inaugural event with the Loons.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our first-ever Pride Night here at Dow Diamond,” Loons Vice President of Baseball Operations & Gameday Experience Tiffany Wardynski said. “It’s another opportunity for the Loons to connect with our fans and have our ballpark act as a community gathering place.”

The Loons, Dow and GLAD are focused on inclusion and awareness for the LGBTA community in the Great Lakes Bay Region. LGBTA advocacy groups will be on hand throughout the concourse that night.

Fans interested in purchasing a Pride Night ticket package can do so for $20. The purchase gets fans a reserved box seat, as well as a Loons Pride Night t-shirt.

Dow fosters a safe, inclusive, supportive and open working environment for all employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. GLAD is one of eight diversity networks at Dow, and for more than 17 years the group has been championing for the realization of a fully inclusive workplace and community.

“A community that is inclusive, celebrates differences, and respects and welcomes everyone, unites its people – enabling individuals and families to thrive, businesses to prosper and economies to grow,” said Howard Ungerleider, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Dow and GLAD executive sponsor.

Jim Fitterling, Dow president and chief operating officer, will throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Loons facing the Whitecaps.

The 2016 Midwest League Champions and hosts of the 2017 MWL All-Star Game presented by GoGreat.com have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. For tickets and more information about the Great Lakes Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

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

MBF Exceeds $1 Million in Grant Donations

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce that after awarding grants for the 2017 cycle, MBF has exceeded $1 million donated to non-profit organizations since 2008. This month, MBF distributed 26 grants totaling $104,515 across seven counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region this past year.

“Giving back to our local youth has been something we have taken pride in since MBF started awarding grants,” Michigan Baseball Foundation vice president Paul Barbeau said. “It’s an important part of what we do at Dow Diamond, not just providing fun entertainment during the baseball season, but also supporting the communities that surround us.”

MBF has awarded 283 grants totaling $1,022,761 to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past 10 years.

This year the Friends of Hoyt Park Foundation in Saginaw received $6,600 for dugout benches and a tractor. Midland Center for the Arts received a grant in the amount of $6,250 to upgrade the permanent microscope exhibit in the museum’s “Hall of Ideas.” The Bay Community Tennis Center will install net posts, while Gladwin Community Schools will use $3,000 to upgrade their athletic building and batting cages.

The Foundation began its annual grant process in April 2016 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The Michigan Baseball Foundation considers funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

The 2018 grant process is currently in the planning stage. Updates will be communicated once the plans are finalized for the next cycle. For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at [email protected]

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Whitecaps Community Foundation to Donate 1,900 Books to Area Schools to Encourage Reading

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COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Whitecaps Community Foundation will donate 1,900 books to five Grand Rapids Public Schools this week in an effort to encourage children to read during March is Reading Month and beyond.

The books were selected by GRPS educators and will be delivered as a surprise to Brookside Elementary, Mulick Park Elementary, Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary, Cesar Chavez Elementary and Burton Elementary on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. These five schools were selected to receive the free books because of their designation as high priority elementary schools in the GRPS system; many of their pupils do not have access to resources such as books. With this donation, every child at these five schools will receive one free book.

This is the second year of the book donation. Last year, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids (300 in total).

The book donation is a part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area West Michigan schools who read a 15 minutes a day, during the month, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April through June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 70,000 K-6 area children participate from 268 schools. Nearly 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

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 2016, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than $555,000 to local children and their families through programs such as the reading program’s book donation and many others.

For more information on the book deliveries please contact Mickey Graham at (616) 726-7067 and for information on the Whitecaps Community Foundation, including how to volunteer and/or donate, please visit www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org.

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

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Friday

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application season will be closing this Friday, February 17. Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at [email protected].

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

MBF Grant Applications Available Now

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at [email protected]. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

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COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

-end

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

Loons, MBF Team Up for Baseball Camps

Clinics focus on skill development, coached by Loons

greatlakesloons_2015-05-05

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of this season’s Loons Summer Baseball Camps – presented by Culver’s of Midland & Mt. Pleasant – at Dow Diamond. The first two-day camp will be held June 17-18.

The camps will pair participants with professional players and coaches from the Great Lakes Loons in a strong learning environment. Loons manager Luis Matos will serve as Camp Director.

Campers will learn various aspects of hitting, throwing, fielding and pitching while being instructed in the characteristics that define successful baseball players. The drills taught will be the same ones utilized by the coaches and player personnel of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Great Lakes Loons.

Loons Summer Baseball Camp Dates
June 17 & 18 (ages 7-12) • July 8 & 9 (ages 7-12)

As part of the camp, each participant will receive two days of instruction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and two tickets to a Loons game that will take place following the second day of instruction. All campers will be invited on the field for a special pre-game recognition.

Each two-day Loons Summer Baseball Camp is $90 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Michigan Baseball Foundation. A portion of the entry fee is tax deductible.

All interested parties should reserve their spot now as space is limited. To secure a spot or to obtain more information, please contact Amy Charboneau at 989-837-6137, [email protected] or Aaron Cole at 989-837-6148, [email protected]. Fans can also visit Loons.com. You can download a registration form here.

Through your support at Loons games, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has been able to award $829,486 to youth baseball leagues, schools and other deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. To continue its economic and charitable impact and to meet its obligations as a public charity, MBF must raise annual funds from public support.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development through creative partnerships and grants and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2015 Grant Recipients

22 organizations are part of 2015 grant class

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce that 22 organizations are part of its 2015 grant class. The 2015 grant total is $108,477.

At Olson Park in Saginaw County, Heritage High School Athletics will install two scoreboards with an $8,000 grant. The Mt. Pleasant School District in Isabella County received $6,900 for construction of a press box at their athletic complex. Improvements to the horse arena at the Bay County Fair and Youth Expo received 6,858 this year. In Tuscola County, the Reese High School softball program received $5,000 to build batting cages for their teams to use.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 231 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties, bringing the grant program’s total to $829,491 since its inception.

The Foundation began its eighth annual grant process in April 2014 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The 2016 grant session begins Monday, April 20, 2015 and applications will be accepted until February 19, 2016. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at [email protected]

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

Full list of grant recipients (by county):

Bay County

Bay City Central High School – $5,000
Bay City Northeast Little League – $3,770
Bay County Fair and Youth Expo – $6,858

Gratiot County

Breckenridge Little League Association – $1,755

Isabella County

Mt. Pleasant School District – $6,900

Midland County

Chippewa Nature Center – $4,900
Edenville Township – $2,834
FRC Team 2619 – $1,900
HH Dow H.S. All Sports Booster Club – $4,550
Midland Center for the Arts – $4,764
Midland Public Schools; Midland High School – $4,000
Midland Speed Skating Club – $5,000
Momentum Midland – $20,000
Sanford Youth League – $4,900

Saginaw County

Carrollton Township Recreation – $4,800
Hemlock Boosters – $1,763
Heritage High School Athletics – $8,000
Mid‐Michigan Children’s Museum – $1,200
Saginaw Community Foundation – $2,583
Swan Valley Little League – $5,000
YMCA of Saginaw – $3,000

Tuscola County

Reese High School Softball – $5,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Michigan Blood Celebrates Milestone at Dow Diamond

Employee of The Dow Chemical Company is 10,000th blood donor

Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It's open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It’s open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

SAGINAW, Mich. – The nation’s first blood donation center inside a sports stadium opened in April 2012 and three years later, 10,000 donors have walked through its doors.

The Dow Diamond Donor Center is the result of a partnership between The Dow Chemical Company, the Michigan Baseball Foundation, the Great Lakes Loons baseball franchise, and Michigan Blood. Thanks to a generous donation from The Dow Chemical Company to support renovations, the Dow Diamond Donor Center replaced a long-time location at Dow.

“The Dow Diamond Donor Center is a continuation of the rich history of blood donation in Midland. It’s an honor for Michigan Blood to be a part of this legacy,” said Bill Rietscha, CEO and president of Michigan Blood. “We are pleased to have a center right in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region that offers donors another opportunity to help support the needs of our partner hospitals throughout Michigan.”

Todd Sloggett of Midland and an employee of The Dow Chemical Company was the 10,000th person through the doors of the Michigan Blood donation center at Dow Diamond.

“Donating blood allows others to get back to good health. My daughter had to get several pints of blood last year for a surgery. Now my son is donating at Dow High School as a junior which really makes me proud of him and the other students that are starting this process young in life,” said Sloggett who has donated over 6 gallons of blood.

In recognition of the 10,000th donor and three years of operations at Dow Diamond, Michigan Blood will present representatives of The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan Baseball Foundation, and the Great Lakes Loons with its Ruby Award, which recognizes people or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to saving lives of patients in Michigan hospitals.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing and generous support of these fine organizations,” said Carleen Crawford, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Michigan Blood. “They, along with hero donors like Todd, help Michigan Blood ensure that our partner hospitals and their patients have this precious blood resource when needed. The MB Ruby Award is our way of recognizing this valuable contribution.”

Besides the Dow Diamond Donor Center, Michigan Blood collects blood donations at other donation centers in the Great Lakes Bay Region including one at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Michigan Blood is the exclusive provider to MidMichigan Health, Covenant HealthCare, and St. Mary’s of Michigan, as well as over 40 other hospitals throughout the state.

Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Blood donors should bring photo ID (or two forms of non-photo ID). Appointments are preferred. Individuals can schedule appointments by visiting www.miblood.org or calling 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

About Michigan Blood

Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is an independent, nonprofit, blood bank that provides blood for hospitals across Michigan. Michigan Blood is committed to serving the needs of Michigan hospitals first. Besides blood donation at permanent donation sites, Michigan Blood conducts more than 3,700 mobile blood drives each year. Other related services include Michigan’s first public cord blood bank, blood stem cell (marrow) program, transfusion medicine consultation, transplant center support, and other services. For more information, visit www.miblood.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Community Organization of the Night Returns in ’15

Loons, SVSU will spotlight local organizations at Dow Diamond

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Great-Lakes-LoonsThe Great Lakes Loons and Saginaw Valley State University are pleased to present the “Community Organization of the Night” promotion for the 2015 season at Dow Diamond.

Sponsored by SVSU, the “Community Organization of the Night” will give non-profit groups the opportunity to win up to $1,500, while also spotlighting their organization at a Loons home game and through various media.

Non-profit organizations wishing to participate can do so by purchasing a minimum of 20 tickets to their scheduled game. Each organization will get a skirted table set up on the concourse to display information about their group, radio mention on ESPN 100.9-FM, and a Dow Diamond public address and video board announcement.

Helping to drive traffic to the group’s table will be an entry form box in which fans can enter a drawing to win an iPad Mini, courtesy of SVSU.

The organization which sells the most tickets to a Loons game during the season will receive $1,000. Organizations that purchase the minimum of 20 tickets are also automatically entered into an end-of-season raffle to win an additional $500.

For more information or to book a “Community Organization of the Night” date, contact Amber Ferris at [email protected], or 989-837-6140, or James Cahilellis at [email protected], or 989-837-6173.

The Great Lakes Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Loons ticket staff is currently taking orders for individual game tickets, ticket packages and group outings for the 2015 season. For more information, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Loons, Girl Scouts Team Up For Dow Diamond Sleepover!

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Girl Scout Family Night and sleepover scheduled for May 15

Great-Lakes-LoonsThe Great Lakes Loons and Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan are pleased to partner for the Girl Scout Family Night and Sleepover at Dow Diamond on May 15.

The event will include two options for participants. The Game Only option will give participants the opportunity to watch the Loons game vs. the South Bend Cubs, take a behind-the-scenes tour, receive a patch, and meet and greet with Rall E. Camel

Girl_ScoutsThe Game and Sleepover option will include all of the above plus a post-game dance party, a movie shown on Dow Diamond’s video scoreboard, as well as the opportunity to sleep on the field. All participants must supply their own tent. Males will sleep in a separate area and must also provide their own tent.

The Game Only Option is $8 per participant until April 30 and $11 after until May 6. The Game & Sleepover Option is $15 per participant until April 30 and $18 after. The sleepover will last until 7 a.m. Saturday. Dow Diamond is located at 825 E. Main St., Midland, MI.

A special prize will be awarded to the troop or Girl Scout family who show the most Girl Scout spirit.

To reserve tickets, fill out a Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program registration form and roster (attached), or register online at gshom.org. Participants are asked to bring a blanket to sit on in Girl Scout lawn area during the game. For additional information, contact Michelle Holmes, GSHM program specialist, at 989-399-7260.

The Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets or more information about the team, call 989-837-BALL or visit loons.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.