South Bend Cubs Host Third Annual Polar Plunge

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the third straight year, the South Bend Cubs will host the Michiana Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Four Winds Field. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the plunge beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed immediately by the After-Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

The Polar Plunge, an event held across the state of Indiana, continues to be a hit among the South Bend community. Because of this fundraiser, Special Olympics Indiana can continue to work towards their objective of improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by offering year-round programs and events such as the plunge. All funds raised at the Polar Plunge goes towards supporting the 16,000 Special Olympics athletes in all of Indiana.

“In 2019, Special Olympics Indiana celebrates 50 years of serving people with intellectual disabilities,” said Special Olympics President and CEO Jeff Mohler. “During this important milestone, we have set a goal to reach $1 million through our Polar Plunges across the state. The South Bend Cubs and our polar plungers will make this possible. Help our athletes reach their goals too.”

After raising over $17,000 dollars last year, the South Bend Cubs are issuing a challenge to the community in the hope of breaking last year’s record.

“Last year, we nearly doubled our fundraising goal,” said South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “With our new goal of $20,000 for 2019, we’re adding an incentive for our plungers. The individual or group who raises the most money will receive a free outdoor suite to a South Bend Cubs game in April and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.”

Fans who do not wish to plunge can also donate to the South Bend Cubs front office team, headlined by Owner & Chairman Andrew Berlin. Fans who donate at least $15 will be entered to win a set of four tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Three lucky winners will be chosen after February 23. Donate by by clicking here.

To participate in the 2019 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team. Register by visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 16,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2018 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their third annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2018.

The twenty-page report highlights the work inside and outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium throughout the calendar year. The Kernels Organization as a whole gave over $429,000 in charitable donations which includes money granted by the Kernels Foundation for local recreational projects. Other community efforts showcased include the 20th Annual Kernels Summer Reading Program that promoted the importance of reading to 25,000 local children in Eastern Iowa and the “Home Run for Hunger” program that, since 2017, collected 7,200 pounds of food from farmers’ market vendors for the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) food reservoir.

The entire 2018 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by visiting www.kernels.com and clicking on the Community tab on the home page.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 20

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a rolling start from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2018. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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 (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

###

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

New Fang & Whiffer Halloween Contest for 2018

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers mascots Fang and Whiffer had an idea for a new Halloween contest for children from Kindergarten through fifth grade. We liked it and decided to let them run with it.

To enter, your class at school should write a Halloween story involving Fang and Whiffer and submit it to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The best story submitted to us will win a visit from our mascots on October 31 that will be full of spooky surprises.

Please send your entry to fang@timberrattlers.com along with a class photo, the name of your teacher, and the name of your school. There may only be one story per class.

Stories need to be sent to Fang by Wednesday, October 24. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 29.

Wisconsin’s schedule for the 2019 season has been made available.   Season ticket packages for the 2019 season are available from the Timber Rattlers ticket office, which is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday. Fans may call (920) 733-4152 or 800-WI-TIMBER or stop by the box office at the stadium.

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

Fang’s Reading Club Is Back and Better Than Ever for 2019

GRAND CHUTE, WI – School is back in session and Fang’s Reading Club is open for enrollment! The incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5 is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Learning Rx, Myndology, and Tutor Doctor and now includes an easy, online ticket ordering option. Teachers and reading coordinators have until Friday, November 16 to get involved in this popular Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. The Timber Rattlers and various sponsors will provide students with incentive prizes as they reach goals within the program. Students who meet all of their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2019.

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • Incentive prizes for students as they reach each goal set by the coordinator.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2019 Timber Rattlers game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Please head to Fang’s Reading Club page at the Timber Rattlers website for full details, including a sample timeline, dates for Reading Club games, and how your school can schedule a visit from Fang. You may also look at this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 200 schools and over 47,000 students participate in the program last year and Fang is looking to make this year’s club even bigger!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at dbaitinger@timberrattlers.com, (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for Fang’s Reading Club.

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

Thousands of Local Children to Learn Life Saving CPR at Four Winds Field

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the second year in a row, the South Bend Cubs will host a CPR Training Event with over a thousand local children participating from South Bend Community School Corporation and School City of Mishawaka at Four Winds Field. This event is the largest in the region.

Students will be given training in Hands-Only CPR by area EMS, fire, police, and medical personnel. Each student will be given their own CPR Anytime training kit complete with an inflatable manikin and DVD with instructions in CPR. Students will be encouraged to take home their kits and train friends and family using the DVD. While at the training they will also hear speeches from local community leaders and testimonies from area sudden cardiac arrest survivors.

The event is coordinated by enFocus, a local nonprofit, and the Out-Of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest (OHCA) Task Force to drive home the importance of prompt bystander intervention for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Research indicates that hands-only CPR can significantly increase the likelihood of survival of such an event. The national average for survival is only about 10% and in 2015 in Saint Joseph County it was only 5%.

“We are honored to host this event again in conjunction with enFocus,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “The amount of space Four Winds Field has, gives us the flexibility to host such a large number of students. Our hope is that the students trained at this event will then train their friends and family.”

This is not a public event, but media representatives are welcome. South Bend Schools will be trained during the morning session (10:30am – 12:00pm) and Mishawaka and Catholic schools will be trained in the afternoon session (1:00pm – 2:30pm). In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed until Tuesday, October 16. Additional information can be found at www.savealifesjc.org.Additional information can be found at SaveALifeSJC.org.

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

Cougars Nominated for MiLB Community Service Award

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have been nominated by the Midwest League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club which demonstrates a commitment to charitable service as well as support and leadership within their local community and the baseball industry.

Community impact has been one of the pillars of the Cougars organization since 1991, but prior to the 2018 season the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. launched a historic fundraising goal known as “A Million Smiles Campaign.” The first campaign of its kind in the history of MiLB, the Foundation worked towards reaching a donation total of one million dollars with each dollar donated providing a welcome smile for those in need. Reaching above and beyond that milestone this season marks the first time in the Cougars 28 year history that the one million dollar donation total has been achieved with the expansion of various programs including:

• Country Financial 50/50 Raffle
• Acres Group Pitch in for Charity
• Paramount Fence Home Runs for Charity
• Legacy Brick Program
• D-backs Give Back Program
• Cougars Reading Club
• Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholars
• Cougars 5K
• Tangled Roots Give Back Pledge
• Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund
• AmazonSmile
• Highland Salutes
• Movers for Mom
• Holiday Turkey Giveaway

Nominees from all leagues are reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee and recommendations are presented to the President and Executive Vice President of MiLB for the final decision. The winner will be announced at the Winter Meetings in December.

For the latest ticket and promotional information, follow your 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 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to raise breast cancer awareness and support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2018. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 20 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

###

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday

DAYTON, OH – Dayton, Ohio will host one of the nation’s largest Walks to End Alzheimer’s as the annual event brings attention to the impact and reach of the disease.

More than 3,000 people are expected to participate in the Saturday, Oct. 6 event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. The event is a great way to support efforts for a cure, celebrate a loved one or honor caregivers.

“We’re looking forward to this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Eric VanVlymen, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Chapter. “Not only does the Walk support Alzheimer’s research, care, and support programs, but it’s also a chance for families and friends to come together and share a message of hope. We’d love to see the entire community get involved and join the fight to end Alzheimer’s.”

The Dayton Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The walk starts at 10 a.m. While at the walk, participants can learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with a poignant tribute known as the Promise Garden ceremony.

Walk Committee member Jenica Huelskamp said, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is truly a day of showing support and love for those facing Alzheimer’s. I’ve been participating in the walk for years with my family and I always leave feeling hopeful and refreshed that we can make a difference to end Alzheimer’s.”

All funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Dayton Walk is the 25th largest walk in the nation based on dollars raised. Last year, $550,000 was raised during the Dayton walk.

The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter serves a nine-county region. Last year about 30,000 people in the region were living with Alzheimer’s. Nationwide, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S.

Register today for the Walk. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk or call 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement or research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Approximately 5.7 million in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Almost 220,000 Ohioans are living with dementia. In the Miami Valley, about 30,000 people have dementia and approximately 100,000 people serve as their caregivers. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is carried out in Ohio by seven local chapters coordinating care and support, awareness, fundraising and advocacy initiatives. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association call 1.800.272.3900, or visit alz.org.

###

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

South Bend Police Department and Cubs to Host Trick or Treating Event on October 29

UPDATE: Due to the expected crowd size, the entrance has been moved to Gate B, next to the Box Office.

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs have partnered with the South Bend Police Department to introduce Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event taking place on Monday, October 29 from 5:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M at Four Winds Field.

The new event in Downtown South Bend will allow local families to come out to the ballpark and enjoy safe trick or treating as the South Bend Police and Fire Department will be joined by other city officials. The groups will hand out candy along with other South Bend community sponsors. South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will also be in Halloween costumes to meet and take pictures with the kids.

The South Bend Fire Department will also bring their smoke house to the event. The new partnership between the Cubs and South Bend Police Department creates for a new opportunity to give back to the entire community.

“This is an amazing event our community, officers, and the City looks forward to every year,” South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said. “Thousands of people have enjoyed a fun and safe trick or treating experience with officers. This year, we’re excited to be partnering with the South Bend Cubs and taking our Halloween event fun to a whole new level.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with the South Bend Police Department in this community event,” South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom said. “This event continues to show that Four Winds Field isn’t just a baseball destination. We want the stadium to be seen as another great entertainment venue in the city of South Bend.”

Around the ballpark with spooky music playing from the speakers, both the Cubs Den Team Store and 1st Source Bank Performance Center will be open to the public. Kids hoping to check out the Performance Center will be able to take swings in the same batting cages used by the South Bend Cubs players.

Kids arriving in their Halloween costumes will have the opportunity to also enter a costume contest at the park. Prizes will be awarded to those who are wearing the most fun costumes. Be creative!

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

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

College Prep Night Set for Wednesday at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 26 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests will attend and more than 70 colleges and universities will participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Wright State University, Kettering College, Ohio University, Miami (Ohio) University, Duke University, University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, University of Dayton, Ohio Army National Guard, University of Kentucky, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“Fifth Third is committed to growing the financial knowledge of families and students as they make decisions about their future,” said Doug Compton, city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “It is important that we play a role in providing information that will help them successfully navigate their options regarding college. We are honored to provide a scholarship to a student who has made the decision to continue their education and we are dedicated to continue participating in events like College Prep Night that make a long-lasting, positive difference in the communities that we serve.”

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away after the event to a lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before noon on the day of the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present when the winner’s name is pulled at the conclusion of the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on choosing the right college savings, part of a 13-program series called Empower U, designed by financial professionals at Fifth Third Bank with the employees of their valued clients in mind. The Empower U program is designed to provide you with financial information that will help empower you to achieve your goals and realize financial independence. This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of how to, and how much to, save for your child’s college education.

To learn more about College Prep Night, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $141 billion in assets and operated 1,158 full-service Banking Centers and 2,458 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 54,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2018, had $368 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $37 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 at www.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. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.

###

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

Snappers Donate $1,500 To Stateline Foundation

The Beloit Snappers hit 30 home runs this season at Pohlman Field. As part of their agreement with West Bend Mutual, Senz Insurance and the Stateline Community Foundation, the amount donated was $1,500 with $50 donated with each home run.

On August 21st in the Snappers home game against the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Jeff Gray of the Snappers, Sheryl Bell of West Bend Mutual and Mark Senz and Pete Marino of Senz Insurance donated the check prior to the game to Tara Tinder, the Executive Director of the Stateline Community Foundation.

“We are so thankful for the support from West Bend Mutual, Senz Insurance and the Stateline Community Foundation over the past few years with the Snappers. Having a community that backs your product on and off the field is so important and they do a tremendous job,” said Snappers General Manager Jeff Gray.

The agreement has been in effect between the Snappers, West Bend Mutual, Senz Insurance and the Stateline Community Foundation since 2007.

The Snappers look to continue their storied partnership for many years to come and thank West Bend Mutual, Senz Insurance and the Stateline Community Foundation for their many years of support and supporting Beloit Snappers baseball.

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

Dragons and Vectren Present 2018 “Community All-Stars”

Dayton, Ohio – The Dragons and Vectren will honor Shoes 4 the Shoeless during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Monday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Shoes 4 the Shoeless Story: “Shoes & Socks Bring Hope”

Kris Horlacher is a nurse by trade, but a decade ago she began devoting her time to a tutoring and mentoring program for homeless kids. Whether it’s finding food to eat or shelter for the night, these children have plenty of needs, and something that is often overlooked is their feet. According to Horlacher, “a pair of shoes and socks that are in good condition and fit, is the biggest unmet need for children living in poverty.” After researching, they found only a few organizations nationwide who provide these resources. They did not appear to be highly effective so, in 2010, Horlacher decided to take action into her own hands.

Within the first year of forming Shoes for the Shoeless (S4TS), Horlacher and her team won the Pepsi Refresh competition, a nationwide competition for organizations to compete for a $50,000 grant. Horlacher proudly states, “against all odds, Shoes 4 the Shoeless won, beating out large corporations from all across the country.” This funding was the traction needed to launch the organization.

Many of the children served by S4TS have never owned a pair of new shoes. Instead they wear hand-me-downs that are extremely worn, and not even close to the right size. Children go to school wearing shoes full of holes, missing soles, taped together, etc. Hundreds of local children do not even own socks. S4TS corrects these painful and embarrassing problems for children on the spot.

Since 2011, Shoes 4 the Shoeless has served over 75,000 children in 7 counties. Around 500 volunteers go to schools each month and work one-on-one with kids to find the right pair of shoes. Around 1,000 pairs of gym shoes are donated by Shoes 4 the Shoeless each month! To learn more and help support Shoes 4 the Shoeless, please visit www.shoes4theshoeless.org

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

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

View More

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Bentley Renner will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 27

Dayton, Ohio – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host five-year-old Bentley Renner during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Bentley’s Story

After a premature birth, Bentley Renner had a difficult time swallowing. Doctors diagnosed him with severe dysphagia. They felt his challenges with swallowing were due to his prematurity and would improve with time.

Two months later, a common cold put Bentley back to the hospital. He was admitted for eight weeks and needed life support. While in the PICU, Bentley was unable to swallow, and his motor skills quickly declined. Bentley went through intense feeding therapy and needed a g-tube to digest food.

For the next year and a half, Bentley was in and out of the hospital. At three years of age, Bentley underwent a diagnostics workshop at the Mayo Clinic and visited the National Institute of Health. Bentley and his parents were shocked to learn he had mitochondrial myopathy.

Mitochondrial myopathy is a genetic disease affecting specific parts of the cells in the body. In an affected cell, the mitochondrion cannot produce the energy the body needs. In response, these cells don’t provide enough fuel for the body’s muscles and nerves, creating a setback in development. A disease like this causes several issues like muscle weakness, hearing loss, trouble with balance, and seizures. These common symptoms often make it difficult for doctors to diagnose.

Treatment started immediately for Bentley. He has had several airway surgeries and takes mitochondrial vitamins daily. Since he was born, Bentley has had 19 hospital stays in the ICU. “I am sad when I have to go to the hospital because I really miss my family and friends,” Bentley said. “But I usually get to play games with the doctors and nurses, which is fun!”

Today, Bentley is five-years-old and full of energy. He will be starting kindergarten at Brookville Elementary in the fall. Bentley looks forward to spending time with his family in Florida this summer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Bentley’s life, including his parents Jerry and Trisha, siblings Ella and Olivia, his pediatrician Dr. Amy Jones, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Bentley as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 27.

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.

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

Tenth Annual Peanut-Free Nights on June 28 and 29

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will hold two Peanut-Free Nights at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium when they open the second half of their home schedule on Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29. This is the tenth season in a row in which the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have held at least one Peanut-Free Night to allow fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to attend games.

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will have no peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut based products to allow fans with peanut allergies a chance to enjoy the Timber Rattlers games against the Clinton LumberKings. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm on both nights.

The stadium will be cleaned and rinsed before the events to remove as much peanut residue from the seats, the concourse, and other areas of the ballpark as possible. Even though peanuts and products made with nuts or peanut oil will not be sold, the Timber Rattlers cannot guarantee that all peanut residues will be out of the ballpark. However, every effort will be made for a peanut-free environment.

In addition to the Peanut-Free Nights, there are big promotions scheduled for both games.

The game on June 28 is Dinosaur Night with an appearance by a “Live” dinosaur and vehicles from the Jurassic Park movies in front of the stadium. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans to attend this game will receive a Dinosaur T-Shirt from the Eric Soda Insurance Agency and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. This night is a Craft Brews and Brats Thursday presented by Wisconsin Brewing Company, Badger Club Amber, Fox River Brewing Company, and 105.7, WAPL with 12-ounce craft beers and Cher-Make brats available for $2.

The game on June 29 is Harry Potter Night presented by Neuroscience Group. There will be characters from the movies, butter beer, and more fun from the books and movies. Plus, the first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a pair of Harry Potter-themed Timber Rattlers socks. Neuroscience Group also is bringing Strike Out Stroke Night to the stadium with ways to recognize the signs of and prevent strokes. After the game there will be a fireworks display courtesy of FOX 11 and after the fireworks children 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Menasha Corporation. This night is also an Arty’s Old Fashioned Friday presented by WIXX with Arty’s Old Fashion drinks available for $3.

Tickets for Peanut-Free Nights on June 28 and June 29 are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

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

View More