Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Phanatic appearance thanks to OceanFirst Bank

LakewoodBlueClaws_2012-05-19
The Phillie Phanatic will be here for Military Appreciation Night on June 14th.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Troop Supply Drive on Military Appreciation Night at their June 14th game (7:05), a night that also features an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, thanks to OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

JERSEY AUCTION: The BlueClaws will be wearing camouflage jerseys. These will be auctioned off (silent auction) on the concourse during the game.

This supply drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, Troop Clothing Drive, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Further, fans are also encouraged to bring gently used clothes to also be shipped to the Troops by A.R.M.S & JDK Wholesale.

In addition, the BlueClaws encourage fans are also to bring items for the K9 Sgt. Denny Project, sponsored by the Dennis W. Zilinski Foundation. Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native. Suggested items include: tennis balls used as training rewards, one-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver), KongR toys, NylaboneR chews and toys, unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin, collapsible water bowls, and leather leashes.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last seven years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJR Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

There will also be a Black Hawk helicopter provided by the New Jersey Army National Guard. Fans are encouraged to go inside the helicopter and take pictures from 5 pm until the 7th inning stretch.

In addition, the Phillie Phanatic will be making his first of two visits, thanks to OceanFirst Bank. The popular Phillies mascot will be entertaining fans throughout the game like only he can. He has been the Phillies mascot since 1978 and has been at FirstEnergy Park since the BlueClaws began play in 2001.

Now the dean of all professional sports mascots, the Phanatic has entertained millions of fans all over the world. He has traveled to Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and made numerous national television appearances appearances on shows like the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” He has also starred in commercials on ESPN and the Fox Network.

Finally, the night is a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 66MVP, with $1 beer and soda plus 50-cent wings from Ivy League Restaurant, in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

To order tickets to this or any BlueClaws game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 .

– BlueClaws –

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

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 19th

Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.
Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.

The Drive’s Let’s Hit 350 campaign shows its patriotic commitment Saturday as the team joins the City of Greenville to celebrate all of our Armed Forces and what they mean for our Country and our Community.

Fluor Field will host the evening portion of Greenville’s Armed Forces Day celebration in conjunction with the Drive’s 7 o’clock game.

The Greenville Armed Forces Day Parade will begin in Downtown Greenville at 5:15 p.m. and will conclude at Fluor Field just before 6 o’clock. Following the parade, visit Field Street to check out many of the vehicles participating in the parade.

During Saturday’s game, visit the military tables on the concourse to learn about the history of the American forces stationed here in South Carolina.

On the field, help us honor all of the troops in many fun and interesting ways as we’ll see which military branch takes the cake in tug-o-war, frisbee tic-tac-toe, and other competitions!

Plenty of great seats still remain for Saturday’s game, and can be purchased by calling the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528, or logging onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Chiefs to honor troops on Armed Forces Day Saturday

Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division to be on hand

Syracuse, NY- The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, will honor our nation’s military with an Armed Forces Celebration on Saturday, May 12 before and during the team’s 2:00 PM game at Alliance Bank Stadium against the Rochester Red Wings.

The event will begin in the stadium parking lot at 12-noon with static displays of military vehicles and equipment including high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV’s) and an MQ-9 Reaper, an aircraft which has a wing span of 66-feet by 36-feet in length. In combat, the MQ-9 Reaper is an armed multi-mission, medium-altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. In addition, the Fort Drum rock band, “Avalanche,” is slated to perform in the parking lot for a pregame concert starting at 12:30 PM.

Pre-game activities will continue inside the ballpark with on-field recognitions of several military award winners, a performance by national recording artist Chris Taylor, and flag presentations.

Chiefs players and coaches will wear special Stars & Stripes themed jerseys for the game in honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces.

For more information, contact Chiefs Operations Assistant Brandon Massey at 315-474-7833. Tickets for Saturday’s game, and all Chiefs home games, can be purchased in person at the Chiefs Ticket Office at Alliance Bank Stadium, by calling 315-474-7833, or online at SyracuseChiefs.com.

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

Liberty Bank, Naturals honor Community Heroes

Nominate your heroes for public recognition at a game

Nominate your Community Heroes to be honored at a Naturals game.
Nominate your Community Heroes to be honored at a Naturals game.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Liberty Bank of Arkansas are proud to introduce a new program for the 2012 season – Community Heroes – which will seek to honor individuals who have done something excellent for their hometown or organization.

Community Heroes are individuals who have gone above and beyond in terms of community service and helping others. Those that are selected will receive on-field recognition at a 2012 Naturals’ home game, four complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a “Community Heroes” award courtesy of Liberty Bank.

“We believe this will be a great program to honor members of the communities of our region who are doing something great,” said Naturals’ General Manager Eric Edelstein. “We’re happy to partner with Liberty Bank for this effort and look forward to hosting these extraordinary people and their guests at a game.”

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.

“Liberty Bank is honored to be a partner in this program. It is consistent with our Community Banking Starts with My Community profile which illustrates how we encourage our employees to volunteer and give back to the communities and cities we serve,” stated Howard Hamilton, Liberty Bank’s NWA Regional President. As a community bank, we are especially proud to be able to recognize individuals in our region who have worked hard to improve the quality of life in the community and the people who live in it.”

Veterans are being sought to help get this program off the ground. For the first night of Community Heroes – on Opening Night on Thursday, April 12th, nine veterans will be selected to take the field along the line as the Naturals’ starting lineup is introduced. To nominate your favorite Veteran, submit your form by no later than April 2nd. All nine of the Veterans selected will receive the four Super Premium tickets and certificate.

A printable form is available at nwanaturals.com for people wishing to make nominations to the Community Heroes program. You may either fax or email it to the Naturals at the numbers listed on the form or drop it off at any of the Northwest Arkansas Liberty Bank locations.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2012 home opener is Thursday, April 12th against the Corpus Christi Hooks. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Farrell/Monsters Team To Give Back

Two $5,000 Scholarships Through Folds of Honor Foundation

BURLINGTON, VT — Farrell Distributing and the Vermont Lake Monsters teamed up to raise money during the 2011 season to give back to those who gave so much for us. Now through Budweiser’s Folds of Honor Foundation, Farrell Distributing and the Lake Monsters will be giving away two (2) $5,000 scholarships to eligible applicants.

The mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation includes “giving back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country through scholarships and other programs”, according to the Foundation’s website.

The website also states that “the unique scholarships awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation are intended to offset the rising costs of post-secondary tuition and fees, textbooks, room and board, course-required tools, approved tutoring, and other school-related expenses. Scholarships can be used immediately, or can be held with the Foundation on behalf of young children until their time of enrollment.”

“Once we learned of the Folds of Honor Foundation it was clear we wanted to do more to support our nation’s heroes and establish a scholarship” said David J Farrell, President of Farrell Distributing. ” Our partnership with the Vermont Lake Monsters provided a perfect vehicle to build awareness and raise money for these honorable families.”

“It is an honor to team up with Farrell Distributing and the Folds of Honor Foundation to say thank you to those who have risked so much for us,” said Lake Monsters General Manager, Nate Cloutier. “It is a nice feeling knowing that there are organizations out there that can help these families realize their dreams and put a smile on their face.”

Interested individuals should complete and submit either an immediate or future-use application as appropriate, as well as satisfactory evidence that they qualify according to the existing eligibility requirements.

For more information and eligibility information, please visit the Folds of Honor Foundation website at www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.

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

Celebrating a Centennial of Naval Aviation

On July 9 we celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation at Harbor Park. Wings Over America is a non-profit scholarship foundation that raises money for children of pilots, the crew, and mechanics of air wings to apply for scholarships for there children to attend college. They raised over $1800 for the foundation that night by selling tickets.

Two helicopters also participated in the event. The first one was a helo that hovered at about 30 feet above centerfield and dropped six Navy Seals out of it with the game ball being brought in to Rear Admiral Ted Branch. The second helicopter flew over with the American Flag for the National Anthem and one of the navy gentleman sang the National Anthem.

During the seventh inning stretch we had all the crew and seals back to the field to be honored for volunteering there time that night.It was a great night all around and also helped a worthy cause raise money and awareness at Harbor Park.

HSC-26 & Navy Seals wow the crowd while repelling out of the plane! (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. Ted Branch throws the Ceremonial First Pitch. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Honoring the crew from the helicopter squadrons at the 7th inning stretch!

Naturals to Salute Armed Forces

Jun. 3 game will feature expanded discount, pre-game ceremony

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will honor the commitment of those who have served and continue to serve this country when the team holds Salute to Armed Forces Night on Friday, Jun. 3 when the team takes on the Frisco RoughRiders at Arvest Ballpark.

For this game, the Naturals will expand their military discount to provide buy one, get one free tickets to anyone who presents a valid Military I.D. at the ballpark’s ticket office. This discount is based on availability and cannot be combined with any other ticket offer.

Leading up to the start of the game, the Naturals will recognize the efforts of military members with an on-field ceremony. As is the case on each Friday night, post-game fireworks will follow the evening’s 7:00 contest.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.

 

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

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

OceanFirst Donates $30k Through HRs for Heroes

OceanFirst Foundation donated $30,000 to local military-based charities in 2010 as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program with the BlueClaws.

Home Runs for Heroes, presented by OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM, pairs nine military-based charities with positions on the field (including designated hitter, not including pitcher).

Every time a BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, one of the nine charities received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

“When our young men and women leave to serve their country, they leave families behind here in the States. We support those organizations that help those families and we support those organizations that help our soldiers when they come home,” said OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardelli.

Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix led the way with $8,000, $7,000 of which came courtesy of home runs by BlueClaws first baseman Jonathan Singleton.

VETGROUP, which benefitted from five home runs by BlueClaws catcher Sebastian Valle, earned $6,000.

Below are the 2010 standings in full:

Organization Position Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix 1B 8 $8,000
VETGROUP C 6 $6,000
American Red Cross RF 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities CF 3 $3,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Lakehurst LF 3 $3,000
NJ National Guard Family Readiness SS 2 $2,000
A.R.M.S DH 2 $2,000
Navy/Marine Relief-Earle 2B 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Monmouth 3B 0 $1,000

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.

OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardell (center, with trophy) presents checks to recipients.

Gwinnett Braves Announce Grant Program

The Gwinnett Braves Division of the Atlanta Braves Foundation will begin awarding monthly grants to local non-profits in August. The winner of each month will receive a $1,000 grant, 50 tickets to a Gwinnett Braves game, a concourse table at a Gwinnett Braves game and a check presentation. Each non-profit that submits an application will receive 20 tickets to a Gwinnett Braves game.

“We are pleased to present the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program to the community as it is a multi-faceted program that gives all organizations an opportunity to apply and win one of our monthly grants,” said Gwinnett Braves GM North Johnson. “Gwinnett and our surrounding counties have been extremely good to our organization and we are excited to give back to this wonderful community. I look forward to reviewing the applications and awarding our first winner in August.”

Each month features a different theme and organizations may apply for more than one month and area of giving. Below is a list of the monthly themes:

January: I Have a Dream – Organizations that grant wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick.
February: Heart Month – Organizations that bring awareness and/or raise funds for heart related diseases and illnesses or that promotes a healthy diet and fitness programs for children.
March: Salute to the Arts – Organizations that support art programs or education.
April: Take Me Out to the Ballgame – Organizations that promote youth athletics or activities.
May: Cancer Awareness – Organizations that bring awareness to cancer prevention/detection or that raise funds for cancer research.
June: Summer Safety – Organizations that fund or run safety programs for children.
July: Red, White and Blue – Organizations that support the military or military families.
August: Back to School – Organizations that support education or after school/mentoring programs.
September: All About Kids – Organizations that benefit children.
October: Four Legged Friends – Organizations that benefit animals.
November: Thanksgiving – Organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness, that support children and families that are homeless or that run and maintain a food bank.
December: Season of Giving – Any organization that benefits youth, education or sports programming may apply.

Non-profits that wish to apply can download the Gwinnett Braves Grant Application at gwinnettbraves.com.

The Gwinnett Braves operate under the Atlanta Braves Foundation and specifically focus on those organizations in Gwinnett and its surrounding counties. Through the foundation, the team is dedicated to providing social, educational and scholarship opportunities for the youth in our surrounding communities in connection with the activities of the Gwinnett Braves baseball club. Gwinnett Daily Post Editor, Todd Cline, and Gwinnett Braves front office members North Johnson and Courtney Lawson, General Manager and Community and Public Affairs Manager, respectively, make up the grant selection board.

Squirrels Salute the Troops!

On Saturday, June 19, the Flying Squirrels partnered with Budweiser to honor the troops for Military Appreciation Night. Hundreds of soldiers and military personnel enjoyed a game at The Diamond.

Support US Armed forces collected donations by offering acorn cut outs to fans to show their support of the troops and raised over $1200 dollars that was used to make care packages for the troops overseas!

The Squirrels also held a “Camo Jersey off the Back” Auction raising over $1,390 with all proceeds benefiting the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) that supports soldiers at Fort Lee and throughout central VA.

Fans were entertained by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and were given a camouflage baseball cap as they entered the gates, courtesy of Budweiser.

SGT. Slaughter leading the crowd in Take me out to the Ballgame!

ONEOK Field Adds Computerized Recycling Kiosks

The Tulsa Drillers announced today that they have partnered with PepsiCo and Waste Management, Inc. to locate two Dream Machine recycling kiosks within ONEOK Field. Dream Machines are computerized receptacles that include a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each plastic bottle or can they recycle in the kiosks.

At ONEOK Field, one kiosk will be located on the main concourse behind home plate, while another will be placed in the outfield plaza in centerfield.

As part of the program, each item that is placed for recycling will help to provide funding to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), a national program offering free, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post 9/11 veterans with disabilities.

In addition, fans that recycle through the computerized kiosks will receive coupons for valuable discounts and offers.

The Dream Machines are provided by GreenOps, LLC, a subsidiary of Waste Management , and operated by Greenopolis, the first interactive recycling system that brings together online and on street technologies and rewards people for recycling their beverage containers in kiosks by allowing them to receive awards when they visit Greenopolis.com.

PepsiCo and Waste Management are placing Dream Machines in high-traffic public venues such as stadiums, gas stations and public parks to capture the maximum amount of beverage containers from consumers. The goal is to increase the U.S. beverage container recycling rate from 34% to 50% by the year 2018.

At ONEOK Field, one kiosk will be located on the main concourse behind home plate, while another will be placed in the outfield plaza in centerfield.

“Home Runs for Heroes” Recipients Announced

The BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM are happy to announce the 2010 recipient charities for this season’s “Home Runs for Heroes” program. This will be the program’s second season. Last year, OceanFirst donated $24,000 to local charities that provide essential support to veterans and active members of the United States military after every BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park.

This season’s recipients are the American Red Cross, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Monmouth), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Earle), Navy-Marine Corps Relief (Lakehurst), Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, National Guard State Family Readiness Council and Vetgroup.

Like last year, the program will tie each position on the field (not including pitcher, but including designated hitter) with one of the randomly selected participant charities. Each home run by the BlueClaws at home this year will bring a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity courtesy of OceanFirst Foundation. In addition to the grant money received, each organization will receive publicity at the ballpark and on WOBM AM and FM.

“Last year’s program was a smashing success and we’re looking forward to an even bigger season in 2010,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation. “Our servicemen and women give the ultimate sacrifice and this is a great way to support soldiers and their families here at home.”

“WOBM-AM and FM is proud to play a part in Home Runs for Heroes this year,” said Kevin Williams, Vice President of Millennium Radio New Jersey. “This is a very significant cause that is close to all of our hearts. We hope that the BlueClaws hit a lot of home runs.”

Results will be updated throughout the year on BlueClaws.com, OceanFirstFdn.org, Wobm.com, BlueClaws radio broadcasts and during all BlueClaws home games at FirstEnergy Park. All charities will have a representative interviewed on the Ocean County Breakfast Show by Shawn Michaels and Sue Moll on 92.7 WOBM.

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development.

Cookies with Claus–Over 100 Toys Collected for Toys for Tots!

The Delmarva Shorebirds would like to announce that at the Cookies with Claus event with the help of Santa and Sherman, Toys for Tots was able to collect over 100 toys which will be distributed to needy children around the Delmarva Peninsula this holiday season.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goal is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Blue Rocks Donate Nearly Half a Million for Local Causes

The Wilmington Blue Rocks proudly announce that the 2009 season saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, donate and raise $424,000 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum represents a collective of many different types of contributions with the majority coming from monetary and ticket donations.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2009 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Blue Rocks concessionaire, Centerplate, allows community organizations the opportunity to volunteer at the concession stands during home games in return for a percentage of the money received at each stand. Thanks to this program almost $74,000 was given back to community organizations.

The Blue Rocks continue to support local youth baseball and donated over $1,600 as well as used baseball equipment to local Little League organizations.

Game-worn memorabilia auctions saw an increase in frequency and dollar amounts, helping to raise over $6,300. On April 19, the Blue Rocks wore purple hats to raise money for the Bernadette Farrell Memorial Fund as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Night. The Rocks sported pink jerseys on May 29 to benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Rocks wore camouflage hats on May 30 and August 1 to raise money for Delaware Boots on the Ground and USO Delaware. On July 3, Wilmington donned patriotic jerseys to support United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware (UCP). The Rocks wore Red hats on June 25 to raise funds for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. The Rocks also sported gold jerseys on Aug. 13 for Elvis Night to benefit the local chapter of the American Lung Association. Blue Rocks players went beyond the laundry too, donating game-worn cleats and batting gloves that were auctioned off for charity.

Almost 60,000 tickets were distributed to area schools over the course of the season. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle led the charge to promote literacy with

his Reading Challenge, presented by the Delaware State Education Association. The Blue Rocks worked with local schools to reward kids who met their reading goal. In 2009, over 150 area schools were awarded a total of 57,000 tickets. Along with Rocky’s Reading Challenge the Blue Rocks donated over 2,500 tickets through programs like the IFS Outstanding Students Program, which allows teachers to reward students who display excellence in behavior and performance in the classroom.

The team also donated over 8,000 tickets to community organizations throughout the 2009 campaign with 6,000 going to local fundraisers, 1,000 donated to the USO Delaware to use for their soldiers and staff, and the remainder finding a number of other local non-profit organizations in need. Those same non-profit groups received another $2,000 worth of free/discounted video board advertising and concourse tables to promote themselves and their worthy events.

The Blue Rocks organized special events to collect money and goods for those less fortunate. Before the season, the team held a gift drive for kids at the Mary Campbell Center. The team also offered ticket discounts to fans that donated items to the Food Bank of Delaware. The Blue Rocks Charity Golf Classic, held at Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club on Aug. 17, raised over $1,500 for UCP and CHILD, Inc. in one day.

Community appearances proved a regular item on the team’s calendar. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle and numerous Blue Rocks players visited A.I. duPont Hospital for Children at least once a month throughout the season in addition to other appearances. Rocky logged over 60 community service hours at schools and charitable events as well. Rocks’ players put in over 20 hours despite their grueling 140-game schedule over five-plus months time. The Blue Rocks visited schools and community organizations throughout the Delaware Valley, tallying over 40 hours of their time throughout the season.

The K’s for Kids Program presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSDE) completed its fourth season with great success. BCBSDE donated $10 to a local charity for every home game strikeout the Blue Rocks pitching staff recorded. Thanks to this program, BCBSDE presented Girls on the Run a check for $5,000 before the Blue Rocks game on Sept. 2.

Challenger Little League returned for its annual day of baseball on May 12. Teams from the league were able to play their games on Judy Johnson Field before the Rocks’ contest later that night in a tradition that has spanned over a decade.

During the last homestand of the regular season, the Wilmington police department collected donations for the daughter of a slain Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer. The generosity of Blue Rocks fans contributed over $5,000 to Aubrey Spicer’s trust fund.

Blue Rocks players (left to right) Clint Robinson, Adrian Ortiz and Ryan Eigsti joined with Rocky Bluewinkle for a visit at A.I. duPont Hospital during the season. (Brad Glazier)