Cougars Partner with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ® to Help Moms In Need

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced that Northwestern Medicine Field will serve as a donation drop-off site for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Movers for Moms® program through Friday, May 11.

Thousands of mothers across the country are overlooked each Mother’s Day due to circumstances that force them to live in shelters as a result of domestic abuse or homelessness. That’s where TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® steps in to ensure that these women receive the love and appreciation they deserve this Mother’s Day. Donations collected through the Movers for Moms® program will be provided to women staying Lazarus House in St. Charles, Ill.

Fans are encouraged to bring donations of the following essential care items: body spray, soaps, hair styling products, towels, make-up brushes, pajamas, large tote bags and umbrellas.

Click here for a full list of much-needed items.

A donation bin is located inside the atrium of the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field for fans that would like to drop off donation during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For every two items donated to the Movers for Mom® program, fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2018 regular season Cougars game. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan. Donations will be accepted through Friday, May 11.

For more information about the Movers for Moms® program, visit twomenandatruck.com/moversformoms.

The 2018 season of Cougars baseball begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including a full 2018 schedule, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the up to date promotional information.

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.

Cougars Make History With “A Million Smiles Campaign”

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars charitable arm, the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. has launched a historic fundraising goal known as “A Million Smiles Campaign” for the upcoming 2018 season. Today’s announcement makes the Cougars the first team in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) to set a charity fundraising goal.

This season, the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. will work towards reaching a donation total of one million dollars, with each dollar donated providing a much needed smile for those in need. As the first campaign of its kind in the history of MiLB, President and CEO Pat O’Connor is excited to see the charitable work that the team will accomplish this season.

“I am very proud of the lengths which our Minor League Baseball teams go to give back to their local communities, as the Kane County Cougars have now publicly pledged to do at an extraordinary level. Should the Cougars reach this ambitious goal, they will certainly be one of the most charitable of Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams and I commend them for their efforts.”

As members of the Midwest League, the Cougars are building upon the tradition of giving back that has been a part of the League for the last 72 years. “I applaud the initiative being taken by the Kane County Cougars to commit to this extraordinary philanthropy,” said Dick Nussbaum, President of the Midwest League. “It is consistent with the Midwest League’s leadership in Minor League Baseball. Proceeds from each ticket sold to our four million fans each year ends up as a charitable contribution by our Clubs. The collective power of this giving is consistent with the generosity shown by those of us who live in the Midwest and the Cougars are taking this tradition of giving to another level.”

One way fans can help provide a million smiles includes purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets with proceeds benefiting various local charities including Mutual Ground, Northern Illinois Food Bank, BraveHearts for Kids and CASA Kane County. Additional opportunities to contribute include participation in the Pitch In for Charity promotion, benefiting Loaves and Fishes CARES, on fireworks nights, purchasing a Legacy Brick to be displayed at the main entrance of the ballpark, selecting the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. as your favorite charity on AmazonSmiles as well as registering for the 7th Annual Cougars 5K on May 19 with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

“Kane County is proud to be represented by the Cougars as they embark on this awesome charitable campaign,” said Chris Lauzen, Chairman of the Kane County Board. “The community has benefitted greatly from having a team that is passionate about reaching families beyond just the baseball field.

Additional charitable opportunities will be announced throughout the year including collection of donation items for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Movers for Mom® program, the annual Winter Coat Drive and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan charitable jersey auction to benefit a local Hispanic organization.

“The City of Geneva could not ask for a better representative of what this town stands for than the Kane County Cougars,” said Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva. “This incredible charitable initiative will benefit our community in so many positive ways. We look forward to seeing the impact the Cougars will make this season.”

The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. Follow the Cougars onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on all charitable initiatives as well as tickets and promotions.

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.

Cougars Announce Charitable Partners for 2018 Season

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the four local organizations that will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. including Mutual Ground (April-May), CASA Kane County (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and BraveHearts for Kids (August-September). In addition, through a partnership with Acres Group, the Cougars have announced that Loaves and Fishes Community Services will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this year’s Pitch-In for Charity promotion in which fans purchase and toss numbered tennis balls at a target on the field to win a prize following select games.

Mutual Ground (mutualground.org) – Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground is a safe place where people can come together to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual abuse while providing education, awareness and life-changing services that empower individuals, families and communities.

CASA Kane County (casakanecounty.org) – CASA is a non-profit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system since 1988.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) – Each week, Northern Illinois Food Bank provides more than 71,000 people with nutritious food and hope through their innovative feeding programs and partnerships across Northern Illinois.

BraveHearts for Kids (braveheartsforkids.org) – BraveHearts for Kids provide one-on-one mentoring, information and emotional support for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer as well as their families.

Loaves and Fishes CARES (loaves-fishes.org) – Located in Naperville, Loaves and Fishes Community Services provides groceries and essential support services to more than 2,000 families each month. Additional programs include job search support, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance to assist and empower clients towards a life of self-sufficiency.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

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.

South Bend Cubs to Offer Peanut-Free Suite on June 3

SOUTH BEND, IN – On Sunday, June 3, the South Bend Cubs will once again provide a peanut-free area located in the Owner’s Suite for fans and guests who experience peanut related allergies.

An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Additionally, 1 in 13 children experience a food allergy. Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies and, according to studies funded by FARE, the number of U.S. children with peanut allergies more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.

“I am excited that we are able to give fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to come out to Four Winds Field for a game this summer,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “The last few years were a huge hit and we were able to provide a fun day at the ballpark that many people were not able to experience in the past. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience a South Bend Cubs game, so we will do whatever we can to make it a reality.”

The peanut-free suite costs $19 per person. Space is limited to the first 40 fans. Price includes a game ticket, South Bend Cubs hat, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. Guests interested in purchasing tickets can call the South Bend Cubs at (574)-235-9988 or stop by the Box Office at Four Winds Field, located at 501 W. South Street.

“We always have strong attendance from fans at the peanut-free suite. I expect the tickets to sell out quickly,” Hart said.

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 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest‘s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

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.

2018 Meijer Baseball Academy Registration Now Open

SOUTH BEND, IN – With Major League Baseball Spring Training right on the horizon, the South Bend Cubs are excited to open registration for the annual Meijer Baseball Academy. The South Bend Cubs will welcome young baseball players to Four Winds Field to participate in the Academy for two three-day sessions that run from July 11 through July 13, and again from July 25 until July 27.

The two academy training sessions are to help keep the camp sizes smaller and to allow more interaction with the South Bend Cubs players and coaches. Registration is open to children from 6 to 12 years of age. Instruction from players and coaches will be based on the age and skill level of each participant. Throughout the three-day experience, participants will learn about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running.

“The Meijer Baseball Academy is an event we look forward to every year,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “It’s a chance for young boys and girls who are just getting into the sport to learn proper baseball fundamentals and for the more advanced players to improve their game with the help from the players and coaches in the Chicago Cubs organization. ”

The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child. All attendees will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four (4) tickets to a South Bend Cubs game where all academy campers will participate in a pre-game recognition on the field.

Check-in for the first day of each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m. Do not wait to register, there is a limit of 85 players per session with the registration deadline set for June 11. To sign up, download the application form at www.SouthBendCubs.com/BaseballAcademy and email it to Marketing@SouthBendCubs.com. Payments can be mailed or dropped off at the South Bend Cubs main office at Four Winds Field. Registration is not complete until payment has been received.

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 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

Kernels seeking nominations for Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI) to release a Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set, sponsored by McDonald’s. The card set will spotlight kids who have used RMHC-EIWI services and showcase some of the incredible kids they meet and serve every day.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 15th. Those kids selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field prior to the June 15th game, and will receive four tickets to the game.

The Kernels will begin taking nominations for the Kids Heroes Card Set on Thursday, February 1st. The first 20 submissions will make it into the card set, so we urge people to turn in nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Friday, March 30th OR until 20 submissions are received.

Nomination forms can be accessed by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday) or online by clicking here. A PDF version of the nomination form can be accessed by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online, or mailed directly to the Kernels offices. Please include a photo of the Kid Hero that will be used on the baseball card, along with the completed nomination form.

For more information on the Kids Heroes Baseball Card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Jessica Fergesen at (319) 896-7608 or by email at jessica@kernels.com.

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Military Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a military hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage active duty personnel, veterans and their families to attend our Military Heroes Night on Wednesday, July 4th at 5:05 PM. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the ALS Association – Iowa Chapter and we will be honoring all veterans and active duty personnel during the game.

With the strong interest in each of our Military Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a sixth Military Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2018.

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.

2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship applications now being accepted

Cedar Rapids, IA – Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family and the Kernels Foundation would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarship on behalf of Nick’s family.

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 13, 2018. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded from the Kernels website by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

2018 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 19th at 10 AM. The Kernels open the 2018 Midwest League season at Quad Cities on Thursday, April 5th. The home season begins on Saturday, April 7th vs. Quad Cities at 5:05 PM.

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.

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2017 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their second annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2017.

The eleven page report features new community programs “Catch with a Cop” and “Home Run for Hunger” while also breaking down the $256,000 in charitable donations contributed by the Kernels organization. Other highlights include a recap on the thriving “Kernels Summer Reading Program” and a page dedicated to The Kernels Foundation in their efforts in supporting recreational activities for the youth in Eastern Iowa.

“The work we do in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities is something we are very proud of.” says Ryne George, Kernels Director of Community Relations. “Back in 2016 we started the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative to help brand our efforts and today it has really grown into a way of thinking here at the ballpark and pushes us to do more.”

The 2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by clicking here.

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.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cougars Holding Winter Coat Drive Through December 15

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced their annual Winter Coat Drive. Now through December 15, fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars administrative office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) on week days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to donate winter coats for those in need this holiday season

Donations of new or gently-used winter coats for infants, children and adults are all encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2018 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, all donated coats will be given to local families and individuals in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The Cougars are requesting that all new or gently-used winter coats be donated by Friday, December 15 at 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Ticket packages for the 2018 season are now on sale including the Cougars Christmas Pack. From now until December 31, purchase the Christmas Pack for just $89 and you’ll receive four (4) box seat ticket vouchers valid for any game during the 2018< season, one (1) general lot parking pass, $60 in Cougars cash plus two (2) reserved seat ticket vouchers for Opening Night on Thursday, April 5. That’s a savings of over 40% which makes it the perfect gift for the baseball fan on your shopping list this holiday season. Visit kccougars.com for more information or to purchase your Christmas Pack today.

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

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game Scheduled for June 2, 2018

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The 2018 Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game will be held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium at 12:05pm on Saturday, June 2. Individual tickets for the game will go on sale Tuesday, November 21 at 10:00am. Fans can get tickets a week ahead of that date by purchasing a special four-game ticket package that includes tickets to the softball game and vouchers good for any three Wisconsin Timber Rattlers home games (except Opening Day) during the 2018 regular season.

“My charity softball game will be better than ever because we are going to mix up the teams,” said Nelson. “It’s possible that Randall Cobb and I could be going head-to-head! The only guarantee is that my team will win on the field and Young Life will win most of all!”

In the 2017 game, the offense jumped out to a huge 18-3 lead before switching scores with the defense. The offense rallied from their own deficit for a 27-25 win in front of 8,228 fans.

The four-game ticket package will be available to fans on Wednesday, November 15 at 10:00am through the Timber Rattlers Ticket Office by calling (800) WI-TIMBER, (920) 733-4152, or in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office. These ticket packages will also be available online through TimberRattlers.com.
Prices for the four-game packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $108
Box Seat: $87
Reserved Seat: $59

The first two rows of the seating bowl at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are the premium box seat option in this ticket package. Vouchers for the Timber Rattlers games must be redeemed at the box office and are based on availability.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game, which includes the sponsor game at 10:00am and the Home Run Derby at 11:00am, go on sale Tuesday, November 21 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $69 for a premium box seat, $48 for a box seat, $29 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $14 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $255. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium and include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can-eat picnic.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball game benefits Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship. The 2017 game raised $130,000 for Young Life. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually.

The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.

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