Military & Veterans

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

November 19, 2014

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

BlueClaws Charities has completed its 6^th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15^th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

Living World War II Veterans to be Celebrated in 2015

November 11, 2014

Fightins’ Ceremonial Flag Service to now include WWII vets

Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker made the announcement regarding the Ceremonial Flag Service now honoring World War II veterans at the Veterans Day Ceremony.

Starting with the 2015 season, the Reading Fightins, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will now be honoring living World War II veterans at each home game during the Savage61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ceremonial Flag Service, the club announced at the Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony on Tuesday.

The World War II veterans will be honored, in addition to fallen veterans of all wars, nightly during a pre-game ceremony beside their family and friends. During the ceremony, the Fightins will tell each veteran’s story and present the veteran with a Ceremonial Flag as a token of appreciation for all that they have done in protection of the United States of America.

“When we announced the Ceremonial Flag Service last season, we had no idea how well our fans and the community would receive the nightly program and because of this, we wanted to allow living veterans of World War II to be celebrated alongside their families during the 2015 season,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “This is the least we could do to give them proper respect and admiration for risking their lives in the line of battle. We thank Tim Profit and Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for stepping up and underwriting this important program as well as all of our military programs.”

Last season, the Fightins honored fallen veterans of all wars during a pre-game ceremony by flying a Ceremonial Flag near the giant dog tags at the main entrance to honor a specific veteran each home game. Before each home game, the Fightins raised a ceremonial flag to tribute to their memory and welcomed their family to the game. The flag was then lowered and given to the family following the game.

Reservations for the Savage61 Ceremonial Flag Service will be taken for the 2015 season. Those interested can call 610-370-BALL ext. 293 to reserve a date. Anyone interested in paying tribute or honor to a veteran is asked to call that number with their preference of a game date. Available game dates are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Over the years, the Fightins have continued to discover new ways to honor Berks County’s veterans. Originally named Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. 48 years later in 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of FirstEnergy Stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

CT Tigers To Honor Veterans Day With A Special Offer

November 10, 2014

The Connecticut Tigers are proud to honor our military heroes once again this Veterans Day by offering a special “thank you” offer.

For the second straight year, any current or former military member who comes to the Dodd Stadium box office on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 between 9 am and 5 pm will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers redeemable for a premium box seat to any 2015 regular season Connecticut Tigers game. The offer is only valid in person at the Dodd Stadium box office and some form of military identification must be shown.

“We feel strongly as an organization that those that have served or are currently serving our country should be recognized and honored. That’s why we have a military discount on tickets for each and every one of our games and have a night dedicated to honoring these heroes each season,” said CT Tigers Vice President and General Manager Eric Knighton. “A pair of free tickets is just another small way that we can express our gratitude for all of the sacrifices they’ve made for us all.”

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game schedule that runs from mid June through early September. 2015 season tickets, and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

San Jose Giants 2015 Military Trading Card Set Nominations Now Open

November 10, 2014

Operation: Care and Comfort will again sponsor giveaway based on fan submissions

Today the San Jose Giants announced and opened nominations for their second Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. The trading card set will again be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 19. All submissions must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to info@sjgiants.com. The sets will be given to the first 1,000 fans in attendance at the San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on Saturday, April 18.

Last year’s 36 member set included honorees from every branch of the military as well as a number of notable honorees: local icon, turned national news story Joe Bell and courageous war hero Pat Tillman. Click here to submit your nomination for the 2015 Military Trading Card Set.

“The Military Trading Card Set was an extraordinary addition to our 2014 Salute to the Military Day. We are incredibly excited to again offer our fans and the community the chance to share their wonderful stories of the heroes among us,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “After receiving nearly 100 submissions last year, we hope that opening this year’s nomination process months in advance will allow even more people the opportunity to honor the brave men and women that serve our country.”

“Operation: Care and Comfort is proud to continue their partnership with the San Jose Giants and thrilled for our troops, veterans and their families to be honored through the second year of this set,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The first Salute to the Military Trading Card Set was made up of a remarkable group of heroes. I hope that current military and veterans alike, throughout the Bay Area, will again be nominated and have the opportunity to be recognized.”

The San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on April 18 will be part of the team’s 2015 opening homestand. The Giants will also host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 10), Memorial Day (May 25), Father’s Day (June 21) and Independence Day (July 4). For more information on the 2015 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com or call (408) 297-1435.

Submit Nomination for the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

VETERANS HONORED WITH SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGE

November 5, 2014

Includes 5 military-themed games

In honor of Veterans Day, the Sacramento River Cats are offering a special Veterans Day Ticket Package available only on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 at Raley Field.

The package will include five military-themed River Cats games during the 2015 season including: Salute to Armed Forces (May 9), a Memorial Day matinee (May 25), Independence Eve Celebration (July 3), a doubleheader with the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game (July 11), and a Labor Day matinee (September 7).

“The military presence around Sacramento including Beale and Travis Air Force Bases, the California National Guard units, and all the reservists, retired service members, and dependents shows the Sacramento region’s immense military presence” said River Cats General Manager, Chip Maxson. “We want to do our part to offer these exemplary citizens a unique and fun River Cats experience.”

Active, retired, and reserve military members can purchase this special package available only on November 10 and 11 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two seating options are available: Senate seats at $75, and Assembly seats at $50 for the 5-game package. Please be prepared to show a military ID upon purchase.

The River Cats will have a media area set up both days to interview local military personnel about their service history. Footage will be used throughout the season to honor our troops’ service at home and abroad.

For more information, please call the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or email tickets@rivercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Sacramento River Cats. Click here to view the original story.

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

October 9, 2014

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

HR for Heroes Raises $34,000 In 2014

September 17, 2014

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

OceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

In six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief	First	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council	Second	6	$6,000
ARMS	Third	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund	Fourth	2	$2,000
American Red Cross	Fifth	1	$1,000
Navy Marine Corp Relief Society	Sixth	5	$5,000
Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME!	Seventh	6	$6,000
Vetwork	Eighth	0	$1,000
Catholic Charities	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

For more information on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

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

Gwinnett Braves Announce July Grant Recipient

August 22, 2014

HOOAH, Inc. receives $1,000 “Red, White and Blue” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of July. HOOAH, Inc. has been awarded July’s “Red, White and Blue” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support military and military families.

HOOAH, Inc. began with a group of friends trying to do something for servicemen and women around the world. On May 18, 2011, the chapter became an official non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. The organization is not bound to one geographical area, as its outreach is worldwide.

The goal of HOOAH, Inc. is to lend support to deployed special operations servicemen and women. The Georgia chapter of HOOAH will use the grant to fund youth sports scholarships for children who have one or more parents that are currently deployed. The scholarships help those families cover the cost of program fees and uniforms for their youth athletes.

“We are honored that the Gwinnett Braves have selected our organization to be the recipient of this charitable donation,” said Bill Winans, Vice President of the National Board of Directors for HOOAH, Inc. “HOOAH is dedicated to increasing the quality of life of service members and their families through the various services we can provide to them. This donation is designated to provide funds to a youth sports related team whose youth member(s) is currently experiencing or has been affected through the sacrifice of a deployed parent. We thank you for trusting us with the charge of making that appropriation through our affiliation within the military community. The $1,000 grant will go a long way towards making participation a reality, or perhaps by providing first rate sponsorship shirts and ball caps for the chosen team(s).”

About HOOAH, Inc.: The organization has been around for over three years and is based in Elk River, Minnesota. There are five supporting chapters, located in Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas and Wisconsin. The vision of the organization is to give volunteers and the public an opportunity to help our servicemen and women with customized support and services.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins at 678-277-0313 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series event, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

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

Paint Night at the Park: Saturday, September 13

August 1, 2014

Join us for a special “Paint ‘n Sip” event

The Lowell Spinners, Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced Monday they have partnered with Tutto Bene of Lowell for a unique painting event to be held at LeLacheur Park the evening of Saturday, September 13.

The event will feature painting and wine tasting on the concourse overlooking the ballpark, with instruction from professional artist Juliana on the Spinners’ brand new high-definition video board.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tutto Bene and bring this really unique event to the ballpark setting,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “What better setting to create your own masterpiece while enjoying a beautiful night out.”

Admission to the event is limited to the first 125 guests to register for the event to ensure an optimal experience for all involved. Tickets, available now through www.tuttobenecellars.com/theartofwine or by phone at (978) 459-9463, are $65. That price includes the painting materials, a souvenir wine glass, two tickets to a 2015 Lowell Spinners game and a $5 discount coupon for Tutto Bene.

“I cannot wait to see the creations by our artists at the event,” said Bawmann. “From those who have never picked up a brush to returning painters, the final results should be amazing!”

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Spinners Heroes Among Us program, which honors members of the Armed Forces.

The event will take place from 5-7:30pm, with the painting starting shortly after the gates open. A cash bar will be available at the first time event.

For more information or to order tickets, contact Tutto Bene at (978) 459-9463 or the Spinners Box Office at (978) 459-1702.

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

SALUTE TO VETERANS: AUGUST 1st

August 1, 2014

Join the Cyclones on August 1st as we pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country in the battle to keep us free and safe on Salute to Veterans night at the ballpark.

In honor of Veterans Appreciation Night on August 1st we are giving away 100 pairs of tickets to those who have served our country courtesy of our friends at Carvel, Forest Electric, Manhattan Beer and Fortress Investments. Just show proof of service at the MCU Park box office to receive a pair of bleacher seats.

In addition, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Cyclones Salute to Veterans T-Shirt courtesy of CUNY.

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

Sand Gnats to Honor Military on Thursday with Free Admission to JCB Military Appreciation Night

July 30, 2014

The Savannah Sand Gnats will hold JCB Military Appreciation Night at Historic Grayson Stadium this Thursday, July 31. The Gnats will honor the service off Savannah’s military community by offering free general admission tickets to any military, both veteran and active duty, with a valid military I.D.

Sand Gnats players and coaches will wear special military camouflaged jerseys as they take on the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate. The jerseys will be auctioned off for charity during the game, with winners receiving their autographed jerseys from players and coaches on-field after the game.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude for the brave men and women serving stateside and abroad, and we hope to see plenty of military families from across the Coastal Empire for a great night of baseball and a tribute to their service,” said Sand Gnats president John Katz. “Thanks to JCB, we were able to coordinate this great camouflaged jersey auction in an effort to raise funds for military charities,” continued Katz.

Fans will also be treated to half-priced draft beer and soda thanks to Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Connect Savannah, E93, and I-95 FM.

The Third Infantry Division’s Third CAB Color Guard will present the colors, while Third CAB Commander Colonel John Kline will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Sergeant First Class Dana Fischl, also of the Third Infantry Division, will sing the National Anthem as part of the pre-game ceremonies.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information please call (912) 351- 9150 or visit SandGnats.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal Financial Dreams Tour

July 25, 2014

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour

Come to the ballpark August 7 for a Night to Remember

The Principal Financial Group and the Salt Lake Bees will honor members of the military and the outstanding contributions they make to our country and communities during the 2014 Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour. The Tour will make 18 stops from coast-to-coast and will provide attendees with information to help them plan for a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

The first 2,000 fans through the gate on event day will receive a Replica Bees Batting Helmet souvenir.

Since 2004, The Principal^® has brought more than 450 events to minor league ballparks, attracting nearly two million fans. Past tours have given fans the chance to meet some of baseball’s biggest stars, including Steve Garvey, Dave Stewart, Tommy John, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, among others.

Additionally, at the Dreams Tour event, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project veteran’s charity supporting veterans employment programs.

“We’re thrilled to support hometown heroes.” said Steve Whitty, vice president of corporate marketing at The Principal. “We know these brave men and women are strong pillars of the community, and we’re honored to be able to give back to them through The Principal Dreams Tour, since they’ve already given us so much.”

“We are excited to be partnering with Principal Financial. Over the years we have seen a lot of success with the Principal Financial event and we are happy to continue that relationship,” Salt Lake Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “We appreciate their commitment to hiring our Veterans and helping give back to such a vital piece of our country.”

This year’s Tour will feature MLB All Star Aaron Boone as the Tour’s Social Media Ambassador. During his career Boone played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. He is best known for his walk-off home run in the 11th inning during Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, which gave the New York Yankees a 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. He is currently employed by ESPN as a game analyst and contributor to Baseball Tonight. Aaron will share Tour activities, media interviews and messages with his social media following throughout the tour to keep fans in the loop and part of the action.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons and Ford Present Honor Them Program

July 24, 2014

All season long, the Dayton Area Ford Dealers will be honoring Miami Valley veterans and telling their service stories at Dayton Dragons games. Please join us on Sunday, July 27 as they recognize local veteran Shawn Brunello.

Veteran Shawn Brunello’s Story

Dayton native Shawn Brunello has spent nearly half of his life in the U.S. Marines. From mapping convoy routes between bases and criminal investigation to escorting entertainers, Brunello, now a Chief Warrant Officer, has served in many ways while deployed.

Brunello joined the Marines after high school, following his twin brother into the service. He was first deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. In 2011, Brunello was deployed to Afghanistan and worked as a convoy commander. He facilitated the transport of food and equipment from a primary base to outlying bases. Every couple weeks, he would map out the routes for convoys which could include from 20 up to 270 vehicles. The destinations never changed, but the road they traveled always had to be different to avoid enemy detection and ensure as safe of a passage as possible.

One of the biggest changes Brunello found across his earlier deployments was communication, both with his family and with the vehicles in the convoys. During his early deployments in Iraq, his convoys had to rely on maps and two-way radio to communicate as they drove across the Iraqi deserts. While from a personal standpoint, he was only able to call home every couple of weeks.

By his 2011 deployment to Afghanistan, technology had progressed enough where he was able to talk to his family every day and could track vehicle convoys, as well as enemy locations through satellites.

Brunello currently lives in Washington Township with his family and is a system engineer for LexisNexis. He is still part of the Marine Reserves, and commits one weekend a month to his service, training and teach other Marines.

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