“Yes we Can”-ned Food Drive

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In conjunction with the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville the Snappers are proud to announce our “Yes We Can” food drive. The Snappers invite fans to bring canned or non-perishable food items to the ballpark for any of the games April 14th -18th and fans will receive a ticket voucher for the Snappers game on Wednesday May 14th! All food donated will be split between the food pantries at the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville.

“We are so excited to have this new promotion at the ballpark this season. The work done at the Salvation Army in both Beloit and Janesville is a vital part of our community and we are happy to be a part of it” said Snappers President Dennis Conerton.

Tami Prochazka of the Salvation Army in Janesville said, “The Salvation Army appreciates this partnership with the Beloit Snappers and the community in ensuring food pantry shelves are stocked and ready to assist families in need during difficult times. The Yes We Can food drive is a win-win for The Salvation Army, food pantry families and avid baseball fans.”

The Snappers will be taking on the Great Lakes Loons Monday April 14th-16th all games starting at 6:30 pm with gates opening at 5:30 pm. April 17th-18th the Snappers will take on the Lansing Lugnuts with both games starting at 6:30 pm gates opening at 5:30 pm. For tickets visit the Snappers Box Office or call 608-362-2272.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Beloit Snappers. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2014 Grant Recipients

The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class.

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2014 grant class, which includes 25 organizations from six counties in Mid-Michigan. The 2014 class received a total of $98,555, bringing the grant program’s total to $721,014 since its inception seven years ago.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 209 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties.

The Foundation began its seventh annual grant process in April 2013, 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

This year’s Michigan Baseball Foundation grant committee was chaired by Jenee Velasquez. Committee members included Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau, Ann Craig, Mike Hayes, Susan Kaltenbach, Scott Litle, Dom Monastiere, Abbe Mulders, and Jerry O’Donnell – a combination of members of the Michigan Baseball Foundation board of directors and the Great Lakes Loons management team.

Grant applications for the 2015 grant session are currently available and will be accepted until February 13, 2015. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

Note: Please see attached documents for a complete listing of organizations receiving MBF grants and a 2015 grant application.

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.

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

2014 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Golf Outing set for June 3

Charity golf outing to benefit The Miracle League of the Fox Valley

Fang T. Rattler is ready for the 2014 Charity Golf Outing for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley at Shamrock Heights on June 3.
Fang T. Rattler is ready for the 2014 Charity Golf Outing for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley at Shamrock Heights on June 3.

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Make your plans to golf with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and help The Miracle League of the Fox Valley. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers will hold their annual golf outing on Tuesday, June 3 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in New London.

A foursome may register for $350. Foursomes have the opportunity to play with a Timber Rattlers player, but that chance is based on a first come, first serve RSVP. Individuals may register for $100.

The outing tees off with registration beginning at 8:00am and a shotgun start at 9:00am. Lunch is included with registration and will be served at the turn. Snacks will be available after the round of golf from 2-4pm. A raffle drawing and awards presentation will conclude the event.

If you wish to participate in the 2014 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Golf Outing, please contact Hilary Bauer at (920) 733-4152 or hbauer@timberrattlers.com by Monday, May 26. Registration forms are also available at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium and online at timberrattlers.com.

Persons unable to golf, but looking for a way to contribute may consider a hole sponsorship package at $100 or an in-kind donation toward raffle/hole prizes.

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organized baseball league for children aged 4-19 with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, was formed in 2008 by Fox Valley parents Lisa and Mark Robbins. Registration is open now through March 28 for players and volunteers for the 2014 Miracle League of the Fox Valley season, which starts on June 9. The league plays their games at the John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field in Appleton’s Memorial Park.

The Timber Rattlers begin their 2014 season on Thursday, April 3 against the Peoria Chiefs at 6:35pm.

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. Individual game tickets for the 2014 Timber Rattlers season are on sale now.   Fans may purchase their tickets in person, by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152 or online through timberrattlers.com. Tickets for groups of 20 or more may be ordered in person or over the phone.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Community Organization of the Night returns to Dow Diamond for 2014 season

Loons, SVSU will spotlight local organizations at Dow Diamond

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons and Saginaw Valley State University are pleased to present the “Community Organization of the Night” promotion for the 2014 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 also are 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 aferris@loons.com, or 989-837-6140, or James Cahilellis at jcahillellis@loons.com, or 989-837-6173.

The Great Lakes Loons are an eighth-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 2014 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.

Kernels partner with Goodwill to serve Goodwill Great Cookies™

Made by Veterans here in the Heartland

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Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Goodwill have partnered to bring our fans a delicious new product being made right here in the Heartland. Goodwill Great Cookies™ will be sold at all remaining Cedar Rapids Roughriders games (starting March 15th) and all Cedar Rapids Kernels games this season.

These huge, monster cookies are baked fresh from scratch by veterans in the Heartland and delivered by veterans. This program allows homeless and disadvantaged veterans job training and skill development to help them overcome barriers to independence. So when you buy a cookie at the Roughriders and Kernels, you will truly “Eat a Cookie, Save a Life.”

Visit www.kernels.com for game times or pick up a Kernels Pocket Schedule found at various locations around eastern Iowa.

Individual game tickets, 2014 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Ticket Office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

The 2014 Kernels arrive in Cedar Rapids on Monday, March 31st and the first chance to meet the new team is on Tuesday, April 1st as part of ‘Meet the Kernels Night’ from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. The Kernels open the 2014 MWL season on Thursday, April 3rd when they host the Clinton LumberKings at 6:35 pm.

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.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Quilting to honor local Veterans

Saturday, March 8th

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Cedar Rapids, IA – Quilts are being made on Saturday, March 8th to honor Eastern Iowa Veterans and will be presented to local Veterans during a Cedar Rapids Kernels game this summer.

The quilting event will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, March 8th from 9 am until 4:30 pm. All interested quilters are welcome to come to the stadium to create a quilt that will be given away to veterans on July 5th. Kits and fabric are available for purchase at Connie’s Quilt Shop, or use up some of your red/white/and blue “stash”.

To register for the quilting event on March 8th, call Connie’s Quilt Shop at (319) 373-9455 by Wednesday, March 5th. Those sewing during the quilting event will receive a free ticket to attend the Kernels game on July 5th and those donating a completed quilt for a Veteran by June 2, 2014, will receive a 20% off coupon from Connie’s Quilt Shop (one coupon per person).

In addition to making the quilts, Connie’s Quilt Shop and machine quilter Jennifer McRae, are providing a quilt to be raffled off with the drawing to be held during the game on July 5th. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Linn County Veterans Affairs.

For more information or to register for the quilting event on March 8th, call Connie’s Quilt Shop at (319) 373-9455.

The 2014 Kernels arrive in Cedar Rapids on Monday, March 31st and the first chance to meet the new team is on Tuesday, April 1st as part of “Meet the Kernels Night’ from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. The Kernels open the 2014 MWL season on Thursday, April 3rd when they host the Clinton LumberKings at 6:35 pm.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Bandit Scholars Program expands, partners with Community Foundation of the Great River Bend

Applicants from eight counties to be included; donors can make tax-deductible, online contributions

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The Quad Cities River Bandits and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend are new partners in supporting the expanding Bandit Scholars Program that awards two scholarships annually to Quad Cities-area high school seniors. River Bandits owner Dave Heller and Susan Skora, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, announced the partnership at a press conference Thursday morning at Modern Woodmen Park.

Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also click on the team’s website, www.riverbandits.com, and be taken directly to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation’s website. The application deadline for 2014 has already passed, but beginning with the next scholarship application cycle in 2015, students will be able to submit their applications online through the Community Foundation’s website. Furthermore, students from eight Quad Cities-area counties – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties of Illinois, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties of Iowa – are eligible for the two scholarships.

“We are delighted to be able to partner with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend to enhance and expand our Bandit Scholars Program,” Heller said. “It will now be easier than ever for fans and organizations to make tax-deductible donations to the program, easier than ever for talented students to apply, and easier for us to continue growing this unique scholarship program, which is one-of-a-kind in minor league baseball. The Community Foundation has an unmatched track record in supporting great causes throughout the region, and we are excited to continue making the dream of free college tuition real for more Quad Cities families!”

The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend has been active in the Quad Cities region for the past 50 years and helps donors support hundreds of local causes, including scholarship opportunities on both sides of the Mississippi River. The Community Foundation’s mission is simply stated: To better our community by connecting people who care with causes that matter. In 1994, the Davenport Area Foundation became the “The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend,” reflecting the growth as a regional resource for both charitable giving and civic engagement. As CFGRB celebrates its 50th anniversary, there is no longer one pooled fund. Instead, there are more than 900 distinct charitable funds, totaling more than $100 million in assets located in 13 affiliate community foundations that serve 17 counties in two states.

“The River Bandits are a vital part of this community. They bring excitement and family fun to the Quad Cities,” stated Susan Skora, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The Community Foundation is pleased to partner with them as they bring education and internship opportunities to area students.”

The Bandit Scholars Program annually awards two scholarships to deserving area high school seniors. Each scholarship pays for the winner’s entire first year of tuition and includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner’s first year of college.

River Bandits owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt founded the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009. The scholarships benefit a Quad Cities-area high school senior entering the University of Iowa and has been awarded annually to one Quad Cities-area high school senior since its inception. The Bandit Scholars Program expanded in 2012 with the addition of a second scholarship for an incoming freshman on the Illinois side at either Western Illinois University or Black Hawk College. The two 2014 scholarship winners will be announced and honored at the River Bandits’ June 15 home game at Modern Woodmen Park.

The River Bandits are the only team in minor league baseball to give away two college scholarships each year paying a student’s entire first-year tuition. To help fund the scholarships, the River Bandits hold promotional events, including the annual Frost Fest and the Bandits Race to Home 5K, set for April 12. Race and Fun Run participants receive a registration discount through March 19 by visiting www.riverbandits.com/5k. Fans can also send donations for the scholarship fund to Modern Woodmen Park.

UP NEXT: Opening Day is April 3, so lock in your seats now to see the defending Midwest League Champions in 2014! To order any of the ticket plans – with new lower prices – call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest’s winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a “Drop and Twist,” an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team’s major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs – the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Modern Woodmen Park to host 2014 Davenport Little League Registration Feb. 8

River Bandits will also offer exclusive deal on 2014 Kids Club memberships for youth 14 and under

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For the sixth consecutive year, the Quad Cities River Bandits will host Davenport Little League baseball and softball registration indoors at Modern Woodmen Park. On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Little Leaguers from throughout the Davenport area will visit the ballpark to register for their upcoming season.

By centralizing the registration at Modern Woodmen Park, this event incorporates all the Davenport Little Leagues, regardless of age or level, into one central location and has greatly assisted organizers in streamlining the registration process the last five years.

“We welcome these young athletes and their families to the Modern Woodmen Park experience, which is all about families creating memories that last a lifetime,” said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. “Kids and parents alike love incorporating Modern Woodmen Park and professional baseball into the Davenport Little Leagues, and we are thrilled to continue our support of the Little League programs and youth sports in the Quad Cities.”

All the local leagues – including the North, Northwest, East, Southeast, West Softball, Emeis, East Softball, Pony, Colt and Challenger Leagues – will hold registration on Feb. 8. Registration is required even if the child has previously played. At least one parent or legal guardian must be present with proof of residence and an original or state-certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, which will be returned at the registration. Also, the leagues require a completed registration form, medical release form, and the fee for registration.

For children ages 14 and under attending the Little League registration, the River Bandits will also offer an exclusive, one-day special on 2014 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a Kids Club membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Feb. 8, only. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2014 regular season home games, a membership card, a T-shirt, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.

The River Bandits will also have select merchandise available for purchase, as well as information about ticket plans and group outings at the ballpark this season. Families and individuals may also purchase or renew their season ticket packages for the 2014 season.

“As a community-based venue, Modern Woodmen Park is ideal for kicking off the little league year,” said Genearal Manager Andrew Chesser. “As added fun, kids will register at a professional ballpark within the same week the pros are reporting for spring training!”

Questions about the Feb. 8 registration can be directed to Brittany Carter in the River Bandits front office at 563-324-3000.

UP NEXT: Call today to reserve a Valentine’s Day dinner at Modern Woodmen Park for Friday, Feb. 14, or Saturday, Feb. 15. Couples can enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner in a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular views of the ballpark, Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Sky Deck. Reservations are due Thursday, Feb. 6, by calling 563-324-3000. To order ticket plans – with new lower prices – for next season, call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest’s winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a “Drop and Twist,” an expanded zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team’s major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs – the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs aid tornado relief efforts

Peoria hosts auction, donation drive to help community

Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)
Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)

When disaster strikes, a game of baseball becomes meaningless, but the players and coaches have the ability to come together and impact those in need.

In an effort to help tornado victims, the Peoria Chiefs are hosting an online auction and a donation drive. All of the proceeds will go to residents of the central Illinois towns who were affected by the recent storms.

“The response on the auction front has been outstanding,” said Chiefs director of media relations and baseball operations Nathan Baliva.

Items up for auction range from a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Stan Musial to an unopened American Girl Doll. Players from the Cardinals, Cubs and other Illinois professional teams, along with former Chiefs players, continue to donate more items to the auction, as it will stay open indefinitely. Local businesses and Minor League teams are also contributing to the auctions.

The Chiefs are the Class A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They previously served as the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate in the Midwest League.

“Every former player I’ve contacted has just said, ‘What do you need and where do I send it?’ It has been remarkable; they all want to help any way they can,” Baliva said. “The response from other teams both in the Midwest League and across Cardinals and Cubs affiliations has been overwhelming and we are very appreciative.”

The Chiefs had asked for donations of bottled water, toiletries and other necessities for those who have been affected by the storms. However, with limited space at shelters and storage facilities and overwhelming efforts by the community, the Chiefs are no longer asking for those items.

Anyone interested in making auction or monetary donations can call Baliva at (309) 680-4018 or nathanb@chiefsnet.com.

 

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

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game to be held Sunday, June 8, 2014

Kwik Trip presents the game at Fox Cities Stadium

Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.
Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 8. The offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers face each other starting at 1:05pm. Nelson is currently tied for 3rd in the NFC in touchdowns and 5th in the NFC for total yards for wide receivers.

Nelson has played numerous times in this Charity Softball Game, and he is excited to host the game this year. “It will be an honor to host the annual Charity Softball Game this year. I hope that the fans, my teammates and the Packers organization will continue to support this amazing community event that helps so many charitable causes. Everyone will see a great show this year, and of course, a victory for the offense!”

“We are extremely happy to have Jordy on board for this event and, at the same time, want to thank Donald for all of his time and support over the past six years,” Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said. “This charity softball event is great for our community and we look forward to another sold out game.”

A record crowd of 9,010 were in attendance for the 2013 game – hosted by Donald Driver – that featured a 24-20 victory by the defense.

“Jordy Nelson is a great player and friend,” said Driver. “I am excited that he will be hosting the game this year. I want to thank all of the fans for their amazing support during the six years I hosted the game. Thank you to the Timber Rattlers and Packers organizations for supporting the game.”

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a package starting Monday, November 18 at 10:00am. The ticket package includes three Timber Rattlers games and the Jordy Nelson game:

Sunday, June 8 – Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game
Sunday, June 29 – vs. Burlington Bees
Sunday, July 13 – vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
Sunday, August 24 – vs. Beloit Snappers

Prices for the packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $86
Box Seat: $70
Reserved Seat: $50

The first two rows of the seating bowl are the premium box seat option in this ticket package.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Thursday, November 21 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $50 for a premium box seat, $34 for a box seat, $23 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $200. 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, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 21.

Tickets to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways: Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the Fox Cities Stadium Box Office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com. The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Loons Release Third-Quarter Sustainability Update

Organization announces results from composting and recycling programs

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MIDLAND, Mich. – In October 2012, the Great Lakes Loons and Dow Diamond announced a corporate partnership with the Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning to enhance sustainability practices across all aspects of the organization. Today, the Loons released their third quarter report detailing efforts made to reach the ambitious goal of reducing total energy used, water used and waste generated at Dow Diamond by 50 percent by 2020.

Highlights from the third quarter report include results from the new composting program for Dow Diamond’s food waste, recycling statistics from the 2013 season, as well as water, waste and energy usage reduction numbers through the first three quarters of 2013.

The composting program was launched in April in conjunction with Morgan Composting, located in Sears, Mich., to deposit food waste generated from Loons home games and events at Dow Diamond. Once fully composted, the material will be used to fertilize Dow Diamond’s grounds and flower beds. Through September, the composting program has reduced landfill waste by generating 37,000 pounds of compost material.

The organization also refined its recycling program for the 2013 season, resulting in 24,675 pounds of recyclable material avoiding landfill, 12,600 pounds of cardboard being recycled, and 961 pounds of unused food from Loons games being donated to the Hidden Harvest Food Bank.

Phase one of Dow Diamond’s LED light and occupancy sensor conversion was completed in April 2013. The first phase cost $6,800 and is anticipated to generate a kilowatt-hour savings per year of $15,303. The LED lighting project was funded by a $33,670 grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN), a collaborative community-driven quality of life initiative created by a variety of environmental, business and community interest in 1996.

“We are very proud of the results generated from the composting and recycling programs our operations staff implemented in 2013,” said Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau. “These programs are paying dividends and we will continue to work closely with our sustainability partners in the Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning to find innovative ways to reach our 2020 sustainability goals.”

Click here to view the Great Lakes Loons Third Quarter Sustainability Report for 2013.

The Great Lakes Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For more information about the Loons, 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.

Fifth Third Field to Host MVDSA Buddy Walk

11th Annual Event Takes Place on Saturday, September 7th

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Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the 11th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk on Saturday, September 7th from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. The Buddy Walk, which raises awareness and promotes inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome, will take place at Fifth Third Field for the second-consecutive year. Registration is open to the public and costs $10 for anyone aged nine or older, with every dollar benefitting the MVDSA.

Fifth Third Field will open its gates for day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 7th, but pre-registration is available at http://mvdsa.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=500. Donations will also be accepted online or at the registration table.

Activities around the ballpark begin at 9 a.m. The Entertainment Fun Zone will be open with face painters and games. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. The one-mile walk around Fifth Third Field begins at 10 a.m., with the post-walk fun continuing until noon when raffle prize winners will be announced.

ABOUT THE MVDSA

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association is a network of parents, health care providers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters providing help and support to people throughout the Miami Valley with Down Syndrome. Through the generous support of the community, the MVDSA is able to develop programs and services that will help to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mvdsa.org/

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

LumberKings to Shave Heads in Support of St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Players and staff step up to the plate to raise funds for childhood cancer

CLINTON, IA- Members of the Clinton LumberKings’ will go bald on Friday, August 23 to support St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising funds for research for childhood cancer.

As part of the LumberKings’ ongoing support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, players Tyler Pike, Brock Hebert and Steven Ewing along with Hitting Coach Mike Kinkade, Performance Specialist Ryan White and Clubhouse Manager Chipper Cripps are hoping to raise at least $2,500 this week by game time on Friday, August 23. The fundraiser is in anticipation of National Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September which follows the team’s last game of the 2013 season. If the LumberKings meet the $2,500 fundraising goal the manager and players will be sporting freshly bald heads for a great cause during Friday’s game.

These shaved heads are nothing new to the minor league baseball team, who has actively participated in St. Baldrick’s efforts in the past.

“This is the third time the LumberKings have participated in a St. Baldrick’s event,” said Ted Tornow, General Manager for the LumberKings. “Cancer is something that affects the lives of thousands of children each year. As a team, we want to show solidarity and support of those youth fighting cancer and raise awareness in our community for such an important cause.”

To support the team’s St. Baldrick’s fundraising endeavor this week, donations can be made directly on their St. Baldrick’s event page at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/LumberKings.

Support the team at the ballpark Friday, August 23 when the Clinton LumberKings host the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Ashford University Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. for season tickets, group outings, merchandise and more, call the LumberKings at 563-242-0727 or visit www.lumberkings.com.

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

Dow Diamond and Michigan Blood to Host Blood Drive

Loons and Midland Center for the Arts partner for Blood Drive Challenge

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons have partnered with Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) to see who can donate more blood to Michigan Blood from July 22 through August 16. Donations can be made at Michigan Blood’s Dow Diamond facility and its MidMichigan Medical Center donation facility, along with a one-time blood drive at Midland Center for the Arts.

“We are ready for the blood drive challenge with Midland Center for the Arts,” said Loons President & General Manager Paul Barbeau. “I have already donated and I hope that other Loons employees and fans will as well. MI Blood and those in need of blood will be the real winners of this competition.”

Michigan Blood’s Dow Diamond donation center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its MidMichigan Medical Center donation facility is open Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, MCFTA will also host an on-site blood drive on Tuesday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When signing in, donors must mention they are donating for the Great Lakes Loons or Midland Center for the Arts. Each participating donor will be included in a drawing to win a prize package of Loons and MCFTA items, including four Loons vouchers, a first pitch opportunity, four tickets to see “Dracula: the Musical” on October 5, an autographed poster from the cast, four drink vouchers for the Saints & Sinners Lounge, and a private dinner for four at Dow Diamond prior to the show.

Results of the contest will be announced at Dow Diamond during MCFTA’ s Salute to the Arts Night on August 20, with the President of the organization that tallies less donors participating in an on-field contest.

Midland Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation formed under the laws of the State of Michigan incorporating six groups: Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, Center Stage Choirs, Center Stage Theatre, MATRIX:MIDLAND, Midland County Historical Society, and Midland Symphony Orchestra. Activities at Midland Center for the Arts are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For the latest Center news, visit our web site at www.mcfta.org.

The Great Lakes Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, 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.

LumberKings to Host Food Drive Night

Two perishable food items get fans free admission

Clinton, IA – The Clinton LumberKings are teaming with the community and area youth baseball/softball teams to help local food pantries. On Tuesday, June 25th, fans who bring in two perishable food items will receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game against Wisconsin at 7:00.

Teams that choose to participate will turn in their donations at Ashford University Field on Tuesday, prior to the game. Each participating team member will get in free to that night’s game for their efforts. Participating teams will also be recognized on the field starting at 6:30 with the game starting at 7:00.

For more information contact the LumberKings business office at (563)242-0727 or via email at lumberkings@lumberkings.com.

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