Crawdads to Host Taste of Hickory

‘Dads partner with Hickory Elks for May 18th event

Hickory-CrawdadsAre you a self-professed foodie? Do you enjoy tasting new and local beers and wines? What if you could come to one event and taste all the food, wine and beer from area restaurants, breweries and wineries, and support community outreach programs and children’s charities at the same time?

Welcome to the Taste of Hickory! Taste. Well Crafted. The Hickory Elks Lodge is excited to announce their new partnership with the Hickory Crawdads offering the much needed space to accommodate the growth of this year’s Taste of Hickory while presenting the beautifully renovated L.P. Frans Stadium. The Hickory area is alive with talented chefs, bakers, brew masters, wine makers, and more, and the Hickory Elks in partnership with the Hickory Crawdads are thrilled to host the 3rd Annual Taste of Hickory on Sunday, May 18th.

Elks-USAThe Taste of Hickory is sponsored this year by James Oxygen & Supply Company, Ashley’s Heating & Air, Holbrook Landscaping, Republic Services, Colin Brady, Community One Bank, Prime Benefits Insurance, United Beverage, Hickory Convention & Visitors Bureau, and City of Hickory’s “Life. Well Crafted.” brand. The event will showcase locally owned restaurants, Carolina breweries and wineries, and other local vendors. Stroll through the stadium tasting and sipping while enjoying familiar tunes by Hickory’s own “America’s Got Talent” star Ulysses Long.

There will be competition for the “Best of Hickory” in several categories with raffles and door prizes during the event. Proceeds from the event will go to the many community outreach programs that the Elks sponsor including Veterans Programs, Youth Activities and Scholarships, Catawba Valley Backpack Program, the Helping Hands Program, and the many Children’s Charities supported by the Lady Elks.

The event will be held at the Hickory Crawdads Stadium, Clement Blvd, on Sunday May 18, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be indoors and outdoors. Tickets are limited to 500 and will be available for sale on Friday April 4th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. No one under 21 will be admitted and proper ID must be presented. For more information, to sponsor the event, to become a vendor, and to purchase tickets visit the Taste of Hickory Facebook page and call The Hickory Elks Lodge at (828) 322-2527.

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

Drillers to Honor Local Military with Card Set

Submissions for set now being accepted

Tulsa-DrillersThe Tulsa Drillers are proud to announce the creation of the Here’s to the Heroes Military Card Set presented by River Spirit Casino and the Folds of Honor Foundation. On Monday, June 30 the Tulsa Drillers will give away 1,000 Here’s to the Heroes Military Card Sets prior to their Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza.

The Drillers are asking fans to submit nominations of family members or friends who are actively serving or retired from the military for possible inclusion in this great promotion.

Folds-of-Honor2Submissions can be made through the Tulsa Drillers Facebook page and should include:

–          Name with Rank

–          Military Branch

–          Years of Service

–          Date of Birth

–          Home Town

–          Bio of His/Her Military Service (75 or less words)

–          Photo (head shot or full body in uniform)

 

Please submit your nominations by clicking HERE or visiting Facebook.com/TulsaDrillers and select the ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ tile underneath the Drillers cover photo.

Submissions will be accepted through May 15 at which time the Drillers will randomly select 15 entries for inclusion in this year’s Military Card Set. The final five (5) cards will be chosen via a fan vote from 10 randomly selected finalists. The last five cards will be chosen from a vote by Drillers Facebook followers between May 19-22.

For each submission included in this year’s card set, the person who submitted their family member or friend will receive four (4) tickets to the Drillers Monday, June 30 Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza as well as 50 cards of their military family member or friend courtesy of River Spirit Casino.

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

San Jose Giants’ Unveil Military Trading Card Set

All branches of United States Military represented in 36 card set

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants unveiled today their 2014 Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. All branches of the United States Military are represented in the set. In addition, the trading cards include current military personnel, men who have been killed in action as well as veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Included in the set are local San Jose heroes Joe Bell and Pat Tillman. The following is a complete list of all selections for the 2014 San Jose Giants Military Trading Card Set:

Joe Bell, Abeytia Brothers, Lloyd C. Anderson, Edward Balli, Jerome J. Bleeg, Aaron R. Boyles, Don F. Bushard, Jaclyn Abbott Caselli, Charles Deane Cavit, Joseph Coggins, David Del Real, Jack DeMartini, William J Difu, Mickey Ganitch, Eduardo O. Garcia Jr., John Giudici, Joseph A. Graves, Robert N. Grewohl, Trevor Hanrion, Raymond D. Hill II, Richard K.H. Lum, John G. Mathrusse, Vlado Mrdutt, Phillip Olavarri, Dale S. Parsley, Manuel Pereira, Fred Poritz, Gary Wayne Rangel, Anthony Saso, Gregory Scott, John Stone, John S. Urzi, Vanessa Verbica, Joseph Viola, Denny Weisgerber and Pat Tillman.

“It is truly an honor to have these 36 brave men and women make up our first-ever Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “We received nearly 100 nominations for the trading cards and want to thank everyone who shared stories of their heroes among us. This set is not only meant to recognize the individuals selected, but also all of the brave men and women who have protected and are still protecting our country.”

The sets will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Salute to the Military Day on April 13. The day will be an entire afternoon dedicated to honoring the brave men and women defending our country as the pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and on-field recognition of the individuals chosen for the Military Trading Card Set. The team will also wear special military themed jerseys. The team will don these jerseys again on Memorial Day, May 26 against the Visalia Rawhide, where they will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefiting Operation: Care and Comfort. On May 26, each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.

“It is a privilege for Operation: Care and Comfort to be a part of this promotion, honoring the men and women who have served our country,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The individuals who make up this set span generations and are a tremendous representation of the heroes in our community.”

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10 against the Bakersfield Blaze. San Jose’s 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3. The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 11), Memorial Day (May 26), and Independence Day (July 4).For information on the 2014 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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

Reno Aces Foundation Announces “Dream Week”

Reno, Nev.- For the fourth-straight year, the Reno Aces Baseball Club will present the Reno Aces Foundation Dream Week, which will serve to highlight members of the community with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The objective of the initiative is to reward outstanding and exceptional groups and fans throughout northern Nevada who have made a positive impact on the community.

“Our hope for Dream Week is to acknowledge some of the incredible people right here in northern Nevada that have made our community a better place to live,” manager of promotions and community relations Audrey Hill said.

On Wednesday, April 2, Reno Aces players will visit Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to visit children who are being treated at the hospital. On Friday, children of Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen will have a meet and greet with the players, and they will have the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field.

Saturday will feature a player meet and greet with Children’s Specialty Center and on Sunday fans will have the chance to play catch on the field and take a photo with their favorite Aces players before the game.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

“We Salute You” Wednesdays to Honor Military

Individuals or businesses can make tax-deductible donations

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws are pleased to bring back the Military Partners Program and We Salute You Wednesdays for the 2014 season. Through the program, companies can donate tickets to a series of Wednesday games for exclusive use by both veterans and active military members.

The five We Salute You Wednesday dates are April 16th, May 7th, June 11th, July 2nd, and August 27th.

At these We Salute You Wednesday games, the BlueClaws will have an extensive military presence including an assortment of the following:

  • Special Military-Themed Jerseys Worn By Players and Coaches
  • Rendition of God Bless America
  • Pre-Game Military Ceremonies (such as honoring a soldier returning from active duty or a re-enlistment ceremony)
  • Prize Raffles Exclusively for Military Personnel

Each participating donor (individual or business) will receive exposure through various BlueClaws outlets as well as the potential for tax deductbility.

There are six levels of donations: 10 tickets, 25 tickets, 50 tickets, 100 tickets, 250 tickets, and 500 tickets. Each donated ticket is $7 and the donation levels range from $70 to $3,500. Additional bonuses for participating donors, in the form of BlueClaws tickets and outings, are available depending on donation levels.

With any questions or for more information, please call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115 or email kfenstermacher@blueclaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all 2014 BlueClaws home games are currently available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. 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.

Salem Red Sox Eager to Salute Local Heroes

“Military Appreciation Baseball Card Giveaway” Scheduled for August 9

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Salem Red Sox are proud to announce an unprecedented promotion that will offer well-deserved recognition to some of the bravest men and women of the Roanoke Valley. In addition to creating a baseball card set of the Carolina League Champions in 2014, the team will also generate a pack of cards featuring many of the region’s dedicated servicemen and women for a “Military Appreciation Baseball Card Giveaway,” scheduled for Saturday, August 9 at LewisGale Field.

Starting immediately, fans can log onto the Salem Red Sox Facebook page and submit nominations of family members and/or friends who are worthy of inclusion in this one-of-kind creation. Each submission should include the following information:

  • Name with rank
  • Military Branch
  • Height
  • Weight (if wanted)
  • Years of service
  • DOB (if wanted)
  • Hometown
  • A bio about his or her history in the military (preferably 75-100 words)
  • A photo (headshot or full body in dress uniform)

Fans are asked to submit their candidates by March 31. After receiving nominees, all photos will be placed in an album where the “likes” will be tallied, and the 30 photos with the most “likes” will be chosen for this special card set. In the event of a tie, the earlier photo submitted will have the honor of being included as part of this collection. Voting via “likes” will continue through the first half of the season.

The final product will be a collector’s item of 30 cards, with 1,000 decks to be distributed to the first 1,000 fans through the gate on “Military Appreciation Night” on August 9, when the Salem Red Sox host the Potomac Nationals at 6:05. In addition to the hero recognition, that night at the ballpark will also include a free player poster giveaway along with the weekly Saturday spectacle “Nine Innings of Winning.”

The defending Carolina League champs open the 2014 season in Myrtle Beach on April 3, while the home opener at LewisGale Field, featuring the Mills Cup Trophy and championship banner unveiling, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:05 against Winston-Salem. For tickets or more information, please contact the Salem Red Sox Front Office at (540)-389-3333.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

WWII Veteran Joe Bell Named First Military Trading Card

95 year-old local hero to take part in Salute to the Military Day

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants are excited to announce that 95 year-old, World War II veteran Joe Bell has been named the first trading card in their Salute to the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. Bell has become an instant star over the past few days after video was taken of him in military uniform spontaneously shaking runners’ hands in front of his house Sunday morning as part of a run to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. The video of Bell and the runners has since been viewed and shared on the Internet over one million times.

“Joe Bell represents the true essence and spirit of what it means to be an American hero,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “We are honored to have Joe as the first card for our Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. We want to continue to encourage the community to nominate their loved ones and be part of the festivities on April 13 as we Salute the Military at Municipal Stadium.”

The San Jose Giants Military Trading Card Set will be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Winners will be selected in mid-March and be unveiled during the season preview press conference at San Jose Giants FanFest on Monday, March 31. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 12 and all submissions must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to info@sjgiants.com. Click here to submit your nomination.

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10 against the Bakersfield Blaze. San Jose’s 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3. The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 11), Memorial Day (May 26), and Independence Day (July 4).For information on the 2014 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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

Quilting to honor local Veterans

Saturday, March 8th

CedarRapidsKernels_2014-03-03

 

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.

Embrace Hospice to Title Sponsor Military Appreciation Program

Florence-based Hospice Center to be featured during 11 Pelicans Games

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (FEBRUARY 27, 2014) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are pleased to announce that Embrace Hospice has signed on as the title sponsor for the Pelicans inaugural Military Appreciation program titled “Embrace Veterans.” Military Appreciation Night headlines the program on Friday, June 6, 2014 when the Pelicans host the Frederick Keys at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

Over 11 game dates during the season, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans will feature stories of WWII veterans as a part of a new program called Embrace Veterans, culminating in Military Appreciation Night, presented by Embrace Hospice, which falls on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The program is working with several different veteran-related non-profit organizations in the Grand Strand to honor veterans who served during WWII.

In addition to their involvement in Military Appreciation Night, Embrace Hospice will be a partner for an additional ten game dates throughout the 2014 season. On each of these nights, the Pelicans will highlight veterans during the game at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This will include a video tribute of select veterans, produced by The Center for Military and Veterans Studies at CCU and presented by Embrace Hospice. A representative from Embrace Hospice will throw out the first pitch alongside a local Grand Strand veteran as well. Information on Embrace Hospice will be available in the concourse for each of these games. The game dates for the Embrace Veterans program are as follows: April 19; May 3, 17, 31; June 6, 7, 21; July 12, 19; August 2, 30.

On Military Appreciation Night, the Pelicans will give away a Veteran Card Set, presented by Embrace Hospice, featuring a variety of veterans from the Grand Strand. The Embrace Hospice name and Embrace Veterans logo will appear on all promotional materials and event details for the night and will also be featured throughout TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Embrace Hospice will receive recognition on the Pelicans Radio Network, which can be heard locally on ESPN Myrtle Beach 1450 WRNN AM and globally on ESPNMyrtleBeach.com and TuneIn Radio, including an on-air, in-game interview highlighting their mission.

“We at Embrace Hospice are very proud to be partnering with the Pelicans in celebrating and honoring our veterans this year. [Many of us here are] veterans ourselves, so this has an extra special meaning to us and the many veterans we employ,” said Kevin McHugh, the CEO of Embrace Hospice. “Our veterans are one of this country’s greatest accomplishments. What they have done for our freedom makes going to a ballgame an everyday thing for Americans. We hope the community joins us this year at Pelicans ballgames to say thank you and to ‘Embrace a Veteran’.”

The Pelicans are currently accepting nominations of veterans to be featured on the video board and/or in the card set. To be highlighted on a particular game night with video board feature, the veteran must be a currently living veteran of WWII. Veterans of all U.S. conflicts, whether deceased or living, are eligible for the card set. The Pelicans will make selections for both the video tributes and the card set from the nominees; all decisions on these matters are final. To nominate a veteran, applications must be filled out and submitted to the Pelicans by e-mail to Katelyn Guild at KGuild@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, by mail to the Pelicans Front Office located at 1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, or in person at the same address, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com or in person at the Pelicans Front Office.

The Pelicans begin their season on April 3rd when the Salem Red Sox visit TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Season Seats, Mini Plans, Flex Books, and single game tickets for the 2014 season are on sale now. For more information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2014, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants’ Announce Military Trading Card Set

Operation: Care and Comfort will sponsor giveaway based on fan nominations

San Jose, CA– On Sunday, April 13, the San Jose Giants will once again bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium with Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. This season the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a special Military Trading Card Set, courtesy of Operation: Care and Comfort. The trading card set will be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Winners will be selected in mid-March and be unveiled during the season preview press conference at San Jose Giants FanFest on Monday, March 31. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 12 and all submission must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to info@sjgiants.com. Click here to submit your nomination. In addition, all fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Bakersfield Blaze.

“The Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort, is truly an extraordinary addition to our third annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and the trading card set gives people a unique opportunity to honor the brave men and women that serve our country. We want to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to share with our fans and the community the stories of the amazing heroes among us.”

Salute to the Military Day will be an entire afternoon dedicated to honoring the brave men and women defending our country as the pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and on-field recognition of individuals chosen for the Military Trading Card Set. The team will also wear special military themed jerseys. The team will don these jerseys again on Memorial Day, May 26 against the Visalia Rawhide, where they will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefiting Operation: Care and Comfort. On May 26, each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to add a new and exciting element to our partnership with the San Jose Giants and honor troops, veterans and their families with this Military Trading Card Set,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “Our first two Salute to the Military ballgames received a tremendous response and I hope that current military and veterans alike, throughout the Bay Area, will not only be nominated for the trading card set, but be able to join us on April 13.”

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10 against the Bakersfield Blaze. San Jose’s 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3. The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 11), Memorial Day (May 26), and Independence Day (July 4).For information on the 2014 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Download the 2014 Schedule online at sjgiants.com

Click Here to nominate 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.

BlueClaws Pitch In; Green Sustainability for Veterans

Team to sponsor solar array on roof of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-02-18

 

Lakewood, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws, a minor league baseball team that plays at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, has recently become the nation’s first sports team to join SolarCure’s “Adopt-a-Solar Panel” Program.

As part of the program, they sponsor a solar panel that will be installed as part of a complete solar array on the roof of a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post thus truly making a lasting difference in the lives of Veterans. This solar panel installation will provide extra income through SRECs and generate free and clean energy for at least 25 years. The reduced or eliminated electricity bills will allow the VFW to allocate more funds towards their organization’s mission and re-invested back to Veterans.

This innovative program produces multiple beneficiaries: the environment, our economy, and military veterans.

The “Adopt-a-Solar-Panel” Program
Program participants demonstrate their patriotism and sustainability regarding economic and environmental issues by sponsoring part of a solar panel installation destined for a veteran based nonprofit organization.

The “Adopt-a-Solar-Panel” program reduces U.S. carbon emissions through the use of renewable solar energy by providing Veteran nonprofits with 100% free Solar Panel installations sponsored by private and public companies.

In addition to the bonus that non-profits can generate additional income through SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits), each solar installation also helps create new jobs for civilians and veterans in our country.

When asked what they found most interesting about the Adopt-a-Solar Panel program, Brandon Marano, BlueClaws General Manager said “We’re able to help the environment and the veterans at the same time with this great program. It was a unique situation for us and one that we are excited to be a part of.”

BlueClaws & The Military
The BlueClaws have made a choice to support America’s veteran organizations as a way of giving back to those that have served. In addition to their solar panel sponsorship, which is consistent with their dedicated support of military veterans, the BlueClaws also host a “Military Partners Program” and “We Salute You Wednesdays” through which the military is honored at Wednesday home games and companies donate tickets to local active and retired military members.

The BlueClaws have also partnered with OceanFirst Foundation on Home Runs For Heroes, and every time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, a donation is made to a local military-based non-profit. Over $100,000 has been raised since 2009.

Other military initiatives include military discounts, appreciation nights that collect supplies and cell phones for our active troops, special nights dedicated to Veteran non-profits such as the Disabled American Veterans, VFW, and Joint-Base nights.

The BlueClaws are a member of 18 local Chambers of Commerce and staff members sit on boards of directors or event committees for over 75 different Chambers and non-profit organizations.

About SolarCure
SolarCure specializes in helping clients combine powerful messaging and promotion with legitimate, sustainable, renewable green energy practices – all while helping veterans. For more information on career opportunities or how your company can grow its business while helping veterans and the environment, please visit www.solarcure.us or email your questions to adopt@solarcure.us

– SolarCure / BlueClaws –

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

Walmart, Naturals Introduce Welcome Home Military Program

Nominate military members or veterans for public recognition at a Naturals game

Walmart and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to introduce our Welcome Home Military program, which was created to honor members of the men and women that have served in the United States Military at Naturals games throughout the spring and summer.

The program will take place at all twelve (12) Sunday home games on the Naturals’ 2014 schedule. For those interested in nominating a military member or veteran for a game, you can visit our website nwanaturals.com and find our Welcome Home Military Page under the Community tab. Once the form included is completely filled out, you may either fax it or email it to the Naturals at the contact information listed on the form or drop it off at our Administrative Offices at Arvest Ballpark.

Nominees that are selected for this inaugural program will receive on-field, and/or Videoboard, recognition during a pre-game ceremony at a Sunday Naturals game, four (4) complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a special certificate of recognition.

“The Naturals are proud to team up with Walmart to help honor those that serve to protect the freedoms of our great nation,” said Naturals General Manager Justin Cole.

On Memorial Day 2013, Walmart demonstrated its continuing support of veterans with the launch of its Welcome Home Commitment. Walmart promised to offer a job to any honorably discharged U.S. veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. Walmart projected it would hire more than 100,000 veterans over five years and it’s well ahead of that, having hired 26,000 veterans within the first six months of the commitment. Veterans interested in learning more can visit www.WalmartCareersWithAMission.com.

If an honoree wants to attend the game accompanied by a large group, the Naturals will make group rates available for advance purchase for groups of 20 or more in addition to the four (4) complimentary tickets provided. A military identification card, when shown at the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office, is also valid for a $1 discount on tickets at all Naturals home games, no matter the day of week.

The Seventh Season of Naturals Baseball begins Thursday, April 3, 2014 in Frisco, TX. The team opens at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday April 10, 2014 against the same Frisco RoughRiders.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Centennial Bank, Naturals honor our Community Heroes

Nominate a local hero for public recognition at a Naturals game this season

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Centennial Bank are proud to announce the return of our Centennial Bank Community Heroes program, which will seek to honor individuals who have done something excellent for their hometown or organization.

Centennial Bank Community Heroes are individuals who have gone above and beyond in terms of community service and helping others. Those that are selected during the season will receive on-field recognition during a pre-game ceremony at a TBD Naturals’ home game, four (4) complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a “Community Heroes” award courtesy of Centennial Bank. Winners from previous seasons include students, teachers, military members, first responders, clergy members, and businesses that have served their community in a positive manner.

“The Naturals are proud for the third year to honor those that are making a difference in our community,” said Naturals General Manager Justin Cole. “We are excited to continue this partnership with Centennial Bank and look forward to welcoming this year’s recipients and their guests.”

Youth baseball volunteers whom have gone above and beyond are being sought to help get the program started this year. For the first night of the Centennial Bank Community Heroes – on Opening Night on Thursday, April 10th, a hero will be selected to take the field and receive pre-game recognition as the Naturals’ starting lineup is introduced to the crowd. For Opening Night nominations of someone that has impacted your life, please submit your form by no later than April 3rd. Centennial Bank Community Heroes will accept nominations throughout the season and be awarded at each home game. All those selected will receive four (4) super premium tickets.

If an honoree wants to attend the game accompanied by a large group, the Naturals will make group rates available for advance purchase for groups of 20 or more in addition to the four complimentary tickets.

For those interested in nominating a member of their community, a printable form is available at nwanaturals.com.   Once the form is completely filled out, you may either fax or email it to the Naturals at the numbers listed on the form or drop it off at any Centennial Bank location in Northwest Arkansas.

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Season of Naturals Baseball begins Thursday, April 3, 2014 in Frisco, TX. The team opens at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday April 10, 2014 against the same Frisco RoughRiders.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

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This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Legends reserve seat for POW/MIA

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends celebrated Veterans Day by permanently reserving a seat at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in honor of military personnel who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

Seat one in row 14 of section 201, located on the first base side near the top of the seating bowl, will never be sold or occupied.  The seat has been painted black.  An attached plaque reads “Reserved for a MIA/POW.  We will never forget you.”

Rolling-Thunder-KY5-logoA ceremony to dedicate the seat was held at the ballpark today (Monday).  Members of Rolling Thunder, an organization of motorcycle-riding veterans, made their entrance through the outfield gates and rode their motorcycles around the warning track before coming to the seating bowl for the ceremony.  The national anthem was sung by Sgt. Shawn McCall.  Students from Forest Hill Military Academy, including a color guard, also took part.

“The Legends are proud to take this step as a way to remember those who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.

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Lex-POW-MIA seat dedication 2013