PaddleHeads to Host Donation Drive to Benefit Missoula Youth Homes

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PaddleHeads challenge community, local businesses to join the team and donate this holiday season

Wednesday, the PaddleHeads announced their Donation Drive to benefit Missoula Youth Homes, taking place on December 16th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

“The holiday season is truly about gratitude, giving, and community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing, Taylor Rush. “Supporting the youth and underserved in our community is a key aspect of our core values, and we are challenging the rest of Missoula to step up to the plate, and help us make the largest impact we can.”

Missoula Youth Homes is currently serving 254 kids, the majority which are between 12-17 years old. This includes group homes, emergency shelters, support programs for teens transitioning out of foster care and our family care program. During the holidays and throughout the year Missoula Youth Homes is in continual need of household, personal and toiletry items.

We invite the entire Missoula community to join us as we celebrate this Season of Giving and ask that you help with what they need, we’ll help with what they want. Missoula Youth Homes’ basic needs are: personal hygiene items for boys and girls, twin sheets and comforter sets, socks, household items and movie, bowling, skiing or swimming passes. The PaddleHeads also recognize the joy in receiving a gift. Because of this, in honor of their Season Ticket Holders, the PaddleHeads are kicking off the Donation Drive with $1,000 in gift cards and Christmas Presents to Missoula Youth Homes.

EVENT DETAILS:

DONATION DRIVE at Ogren Park Allegiance Field – December 16**th** – 4:00pm to 7:00pm

· The celebration will be a drive-thru-drop-off-photo-op party at Ogren Park Allegiance Field parking lot. There will be signs and special elves to direct you through each stop.

· STOP #1 – Donation Station for Missoula Youth Homes

· STOP #2 – Holiday Photo Booth Opportunity

o We have the perfect set up for you to take a couple Christmas Card worthy photos!

· DONATION NEEDS: personal hygiene items for boys and girls, twin sheets and comforter sets, socks, household items and movie, bowling, skiing or swimming passes. Missoula Youth Homes will gladly accept any donation, but these are their largest areas of need.

We hope you will join us in supporting the Missoula Youth Homes! Thank you in advance for helping us do our part this holiday season to help support our Missoula community.

Trail West Bank joins Yoga in the Ballpark to support Veterans

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The Missoula PaddleHeads have announced new partners for their monthly event, Yoga in the Ballpark, as non-profit partner Red Willow Learning Center, and headline sponsor Trail West Bank join the prana. Three installments are scheduled for Sunday August 23rd, Sunday September 13th, and Sunday October 4th at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Join the Missoula PaddleHeads and our Yogi Community as we embark on a morning of yoga, a light brunch, mimosas, and shared prana on the field. Tickets for all three dates are on sale now through gopaddleheads.com, or directly at https://bit.ly/3htTKwt.

Through the support of the new headline sponsor, Trail West Bank, the Red Willow Learning Center will be provided 50 tickets to each Yoga in the Park event. In addition, added to the standard $20 ticket option, each event will have an option for patrons to purchase a $25 ticket, with $5 donated directly back to the Red Willow Learning Center’s Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program.

The support of the Red Willow Learning Center’s Heroes Therapeutic Outreach program will help provide:

_The Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP) is designed to provide services that augment what is already being provided, filling a gap in available services for the veteran community. The Mind/Body modalities utilized in the HTOP programming help address the high incidence of depression, feelings of isolation, and the difficulties of readjustment to civilian life. _

As part of our Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program, the Learning Center at Red Willow is proud to make all of its courses available to all Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel, their Families and Caregivers, as well as our Community’s First Responders.

Launched in March of 2014, the Heroes Therapeutic Outreach Program (HTOP), serves over 500 registered participants through modalities like Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, Writing Therapies, Art Therapies, Equine-Assisted Therapy, Mindfulness, and Resilience. We work within a Venn Diagram consisting of Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, Depression, and Isolation.

Each yoga class will be led by a community of professionals and light, healthy fare to enjoy post workout. Stadium gates will open at 9:30am for a 10:00am class. Early registration and arrival are encouraged. Mimosas and other beverages will be available for purchase to enjoy with your meal and fellow yogis. All participants must bring their own yoga mat. Additional equipment such as a strap or block may be utilized but are not required.

Tickets available now at: https://bit.ly/3htTKwt

The safety of the Missoula community is our utmost priority. A full COVID-19 Readiness Plan has been created by the Missoula PaddleHeads for operating the venue cautiously, safely, and responsibly, and can be found at www.gopaddleheads.com. The execution of this plan includes: social distancing and crowd control measures, one-way concourse walkways, cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing practices, staff training, PPE guidelines, a full food and beverage plan, and wellness and symptom checks for all staff.

PaddleHeads + YWCA Campaign Raises $46,570

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As the PaddleHeads & YWCA ‘Strike Out Domestic Violence’ came to a close on Sunday, the support in this wonderful community has never been more prevalent. Surpassing the goal of $20,000 fundraised, YWCA Missoula received $21,570 in direct donations!

The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, received a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match on donations to YWCA, up to $20,000 – with an additional match from the PaddleHeads to YWCA on all merchandise sold online during this time period, bringing the two week fundraising total to $46,570!

“We are blown away by the success of this campaign.” Said, YWCA Communications Coordinator Becky Margolis. “It’s truly a reflection of how generous this community is, and how we continue to show up and support one another through challenging times. Thank you to the Missoula PaddleHeads and to every single one of people who donated.”

“Our franchise has committed to being the best steward we can be for our community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Merchandise & People Engagement Kim Klages Johns. “We are truly humbled by the response and support this campaign has brought about. This pandemic has turned everyone’s world upside down and we recognize some are more gravely affected than others. Because of COVID shutdown Missoula YWCA was seeing a growing gap between need and funding specifically for their Domestic Violence Program. We are incredibly proud to partner with the YWCA and can’t thank our fans and community enough for their unprecedented support of this campaign.”

Though the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign has come to a close, now more than ever it is important for us all to continue and create a positive impact in our community. If you are in a position to give, we urge you to visit https://ywcaofmissoula.org/donate/ and donate directly to any of the YWCA’s community programs. Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

PaddleHeads, YWCA Launch Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign

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The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to May 10th.

“Abuse happens behind closed doors. We often don’t notice that it’s happening, even when the victim is a friend or neighbor.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “Social isolation measures necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic make this an especially dangerous time for people trapped at home with an abuser. Now, more than ever, survivors and their children need access to safety and support.”

Supporters will have two ways to donate to the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign.

The first, donate directly to YWCA Missoula’s crowdfunding campaign here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=33)
Second, purchase any merchandise item from the Missoula PaddleHeads’ shop at: https://paddleheads.milbstore.com during this campaign. Every dollar spent, or donated during this campaign will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $20,000!

Your contribution helps meet critical needs at a critical time:

  • Operation of the YWCA’s secure domestic violence shelter
  • Crisis counseling and support to help survivors heal from abuse
  • Food, phone cards, diapers and other necessities for survivors and their children
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and other protective measures
  • Operation of our 24/7 crisis line: a lifeline that’s available anytime a survivor reaches out

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is everyone’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and we commend the work being done to support survivors of domestic violence who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.”

Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The Strike Out Domestic Violence campaign will only run from April 27th to May 10th. If you can, donate directly or purchase any item from the PaddleHeads’ store, double your impact, and support those in need.

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PaddleHeads Holding Fundraiser Efforts for Australia Fire Victims

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The Missoula PaddleHeads want to help generate community support to help those affected by the tragic wildfires in Australia. On Wednesday, in partnership with other members of the Pioneer League, they announced their “Help Support the Fire Efforts in Australia” campaign.

For every $10 donated to either the Australian Red Cross, the World Wildlife Foundation, or Country Fire Authority fans will receive one entry into a raffle with a chance to win phenomenal PaddleHeads & Osprey prizes, and VIP experiences. HOW TO ENTER: fans are asked to provide proof of donation by tagging the PaddleHeads on social media outlets, or sending direct messages. The raffle will run through Monday, January 13.

“As humans who share this earth, I feel as though it’s our duty to step up to the plate in times of need,” said PaddleHeads Director of Marketing Taylor Rush. “The sheer mass of people, animals, and nature that have been negatively affected by these fires is gut wrenching. Large or small, any level of contributions for this effort that we can help generate will help those affected…bottom line, it is the right thing to do.”

For fans who participate, raffle prizes include:

  • Game Worn Osprey Jersey
  • 2019 Team Autographed Baseball
  • Game Used Bat From Missoula Alum Liover Peguero (D-Backs #3 SS Prospect)
  • Touki Toussiant Autographed Baseball (Missoula Alum & Atlanta Braves SP)
  • 2020 Any Game Any Time Plan (10 Undated Game Tickets)
  • Jazz Chisholm Autographed Ball (Missoula Alum & Marlins #4 Overall Prospect)
  • Isan Diaz Autographed Ball (Missoula Alum & Marlins Second Baseman, 2019 MLB Debut)
  • PaddleHeads T-Shirt and Hat
  • Pre-Game VIP Batting Practice Experience & 4 Club Seats to 2020 Game of Choice
  • Paul Goldschmidt Star Wars Bobblehead + 2009 Osprey Team Auto Photo (includes 13 MLB players)

The 2020 PaddleHeads season will open their home season on Friday, June 19 when the PaddleHeads take on the Idaho Falls Chukars. Season tickets and other ticket packages are on sale now at the MSO Hub located at 140 N. Higgins, online at GoPaddleHeads.com, and by phone at (406) 543-3300.

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

Just Announced: Nightmare at the Ballpark

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In partnership with the Big Sky High School Drama Department, the Missoula Osprey have announced their first ever Nightmare at the Ballpark. The series of SPOOKTACULAR events will be held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on October 18, 19, 25, 26, 30 and 31.

For just $10 a ticket, guests will be invited to tour the transformed Ogren Park Allegiance Field Clubhouses and experience 10 scenes that will be sure to leave you feeling haunted!

Along side Missoula Osprey staff, the BSHS Drama Department will play an integral part in set design, creativity, and will participate as actors in the Haunted House’s scenes. Through this partnership, the Missoula Osprey will donate $5,000 to the BSHS Drama Department, so be sure to come early and often to support these kids and all of their hard work.

Tickets are available for pre-order now at missoulaosprey.com, at the MSO Hub Box Office, and will be available for purchase at the stadium each night the Haunted House is active. For more information, call 406-543-3300, visit missoulaosprey.com, or stop by the MSO Hub at 140 N. Higgins during regular business hours.

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

Krispy Kreme, Missoulian team up with Osprey on Dugout Team Program

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The Missoula Osprey, Krispy Kreme and the Missoulian announced their partnership today to bring youth sports teams to Ogren Park Allegiance Field as part of the Dugout Team program.

A Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team is any youth sports team in the Missoula area that wishes to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being on the field with the Missoula Osprey.

The players from the youth team are to be in uniform (if possible) to be recognized by the crowd prior to an Osprey home game. Each youngster will run with an Osprey player to their position during player introductions and stay on the field for the National Anthem.

Due to the popularity of the program and having only 38 home games, space is limited. Each Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team chosen will receive up to 20 complimentary reserved tickets to the assigned game. Those tickets can be used by the team’s players and coaches. Additional tickets for family and friends can be purchased as a group in advance, based on availability.

“Taking the field with a professional baseball player is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of Krispy Kreme and the Missoulian, we are pleased to continue another of our many community-based programs.”

Requests to be a Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team should come from the coach of each team by contacting Griffin at 406-543-3300 or via email at [email protected]

Coaches will need to provide the name of their team and contact information for either themselves or a team representative when making their request to become a Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team.

The Osprey also announced today that fans will have the opportunity to purchase the world-famous Krispy Kreme donuts in the ballpark this summer, an exciting addition to the already expansive concession options.

The Osprey will open their home season on Friday, June 23 against the Great Falls Voyagers.

Osprey to host Job Fairs at MSO Hub

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The Missoula Osprey announced today that their annual Job Fair will be over two days with the first set for Wednesday, April 26 and the second for Tuesday, May 23 both at the MSO Hub from 4 – 7 p.m.

The job fairs are open to the entire community that is 16 and older. Everyone who attends and fills out an application is guaranteed an interview for a seasonal position with the Osprey.

The Missoula Osprey announced today that their annual Job Fair will be over two days with the first set for Wednesday, April 26 and the second for Tuesday, May 23 both at the MSO Hub from 4 – 7 p.m.

The job fairs are open to the entire community that is 16 and older. Everyone who attends and fills out an application is guaranteed an interview for a seasonal position with the Osprey.

The Osprey are looking for quality individuals who are interested in working at the stadium on both game days and for non-baseball stadium events. Positions include ushers, food & beverage workers, ticket sellers, promotional team members, parking lot attendants, vendors, wait staff and much more.

The Osprey strive to hire employees that enhance the experience of our fans by providing excellent customer service and entertainment at the ballpark. These positions are ideal for someone looking for a fun summer job.

If a person wishes to work for the Osprey, but cannot attend the job fair, stop by the Osprey office, located on the second floor of the MSO Hub at 140 N. Higgins, to fill out an application and schedule an interview for a later date. Those interviews will be set on a need basis after the job fair.

The Osprey play 38 regular season home games each summer and host multiple non-baseball events at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. The 2017 home opener is slated for June 23 against the Great Falls Voyagers.

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

Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner Returns

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The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2017 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts.

The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2017 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis. “The Community Corner is one of the many programs we offer to non-profit organizations,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. These efforts are one of the many things that make Missoula such a special place.”

To reserve a Community Corner spot, non-profit organizations must make a request in writing on the organization’s letterhead. Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins, or e-mailed to [email protected]

The 2017 Osprey home opener is slated for Friday, June 23 against the Great Falls Voyagers.

Ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub, or on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com.

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

Hit the Books Underway in Area Elementary Schools

missoulaosprey_2015-03-19

Annual reading program assists children in setting & achieving goals

Missoula-OspreyThe Missoula Osprey with help of their partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Sylvan Learning, kicked off the club’s biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books, in nearly 30 area elementary schools.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and have seen participation grow over time. 4,777 students spanning 241 classrooms are participating in the 2015 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin said. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement and is entered to win a Kindle Reader. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot Ollie, and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2014.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” Griffin said. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

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

Ollie Kids’ Club Clinic is a Hit!

MissoulaOsprey_2014-07-07

Missoula-OspreyOllie Osprey Kids’ Club members attended the annual Kids’ Club Clinic at Ogren Park Allegiance Field before the game Sunday, July 7. These Ollie Kids’ Club members we able to receive specialized instruction and spend time with their favorite Osprey players.

The Kids’ Club Instructional Clinic ran from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and consisted of throwing, fielding and base running drills. Eight Missoula Osprey players helped run the clinic: Tyler Bolton, Brad Keller, Markus Solbach, Will Landsheft, Justin Williams, Damion Smith, and B.J. Lopez. After the drills, kids had the opportunity to ask players questions and get autographs from their favorite Osprey players.

To Join the Ollie Kids’ Club You will receive:

* Two Free General Admission tickets to every Sunday Osprey home game
* Free Ollie Osprey T-shirt
* Membership Card
* Invitations to Private Parties held only for Kids’ Club members

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE IS ONLY $15!
Cost is per child and for ages 3-12

Membership Sign-Up

If you need assistance or have any questions about your ticket order please contact the Osprey Office at 406-543-3300 or e-mail [email protected].

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

Help Paint the Park Purple on July 3

Great-Falls-VoyagersOn July 3, the Great Falls Voyagers will team again with the Cascade County Relay for Life when they play the Helena Brewers in the 2014 edition of Paint the Park Purple. Local Relay teams have helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the sale of tickets to the game as well as special T-shirts.

AmCancerSoc-Relay4LifeThe amount of money raised through the local teams will determine how “purple” Centene Stadium becomes. For example, $100 raised by teams will result in a banner being hung at the ballpark. For every hundred dollars raised after that, another form of on-field recognition will be triggered:

Fundraising levels:

$1-100 – Banner hung up at the ballpark
$101-200 – Pre-game parade for all teams
$201-300 – Pre-game balloon release
$301-400 – Players, coaches, staff, and Relay teams wear purple armbands
$401-500 – Purple banner painted on field
$501+ – Purple ribbons handed out to all fans in attendance

 

How the money is raised

Local Relay teams will be selling General Admission tickets for the July 3rd game against the Brewers. Each $8 ticket will result in $4 going back to the Relay. T-shirts to the event are $20 with $4 going back to the Relay team. Ticket and T-shirt packages are $25 with $7 going back to the Relay team. Ten packs of tickets for the game will be $80 with $44 going back to the Relay team. And the Ultimate Team Fight Pack of ten tickets and ten T-shirts is $250 with $75 going back to the Relay team.

For more information on how to contact a local team for tickets or shirts, you can call the Voyagers’ business office at 406-452-5311 or Cascade County Relay For Life Co-Chair Heidi Reiste at 406-781-1827.

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

Dinner on the Diamond to benefit local non-profits July 24

Fun-filled, unique & collaborative night of dinner, dancing & more planned

Missoula-OspreyThe Missoula Osprey in conjunction with the Hospice Care Foundation, Missoula Aging Services and Aspen Hospice of Montana announced their partnership on the second annual Dinner on the Diamond that will take place Thursday, July 24 at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

The unique evening will allow event-goers to have dinner on the Blackfoot Party Deck at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. A buffet-style traditional ballpark menu with sides, soda, water and dessert is on tap. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person. Tickets for a family of four to five may be purchased for $100. Call the Hospice Care Foundation for other ticket options.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for a social time, with dinner and games scheduled from 6-8 and music by DJ Aaron Traylor as well as dancing and other activities from 8 – 10 p.m.

The event will also feature a reverse raffle, silent auction and 50-50 raffle.

Aspen-Hospice“The Osprey are proud to help produce Dinner on the Diamond for a second year to benefit these local non-profit groups,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “It is great to use the facility on a non-baseball game day to improve the quality of life in the community.”

“We recognize the importance of collaborative efforts and using partnerships to raise funds,” said Hospice Care Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kevi Berger. “The Hospice Care Foundation is proud to collaborate with these other high achieving partners and the Missoula Osprey to carry out an event which will help to financially support all of the organizations, all while providing an interactive and fun event for the public.”

Tickets for the event are on sale at the MSO Hub Box Office and from the Hospice Care Foundation, Aspen Hospice of Montana and Missoula Aging Services.

The Osprey play 38 regular season home games each summer. The 2014 home opener is slated for June 19 versus Great Falls.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner Returns

Osprey recognize non-profit organizations in Western Montana

MISSOULA, MONT – The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2014 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis.

“The Community Corner is one of the many great programs we are able to offer to non-profits,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. The efforts of these groups are one of the many things that make Missoula such a special place to call home.”

Community Corner requests must be made in writing to Griffin on the non-profit organization’s letterhead by the director of each group. Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins, or e-mailed to [email protected].

The 2014 home opener for the Osprey is slated for Thursday, June 19 versus the Great Falls Voyagers.

Ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 N. Higgins and on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com.

 

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

Voyagers 9 Innings of Reading Program off to a Strong Start

(GREAT FALLS, Mont.) – The Voyagers “9 Innings of Reading Program” presented by the Great Falls Voyagers and sponsored by Noodle Express and Great Falls College, is off to a strong start in 2014. During the first three weeks of the program there has been close to 5,000 total prizes awarded to students who have reached their reading goals at Lewis and Clark, Mountain View, Whittier, Valley View, Roosevelt, Belt, Sunnyside, and Meadow Lark Elementary Schools.

“We are excited about the response that we have already received for the first three weeks of this program,” said Scott Lettre, Director of Sales, “We love to see the local elementary school students get excited about reading.”

The Voyagers look to award around 15,000 prizes to these local elementary school students by the end of the 9-week long reading program that will end on May 9th. Starting the week of May 12th, the Voyagers will be throwing a pizza party at each school. All students who completed all 9 innings of the program will receive an invitation to this pizza party, with special guest, Orbit.

Each week during the program, students from these schools have certain goals to reach based on what grade they are in. These goals are then divided by difficulty into four categories: single, double, triple, and home run. Each student is able to win a prize depending on what category they meet.

Prizes for the 2014 reading program include a pencil, bookmark, notebook, luggage tag, eraser bracelet, water bottle, and a free youth ticket to one of our four reading program days during the 2014 season. The reading program dates at the field are June 24th, July 12th, August 7th, and August 29th.

The reading program is currently in its second year. During the first year in 2013, there were five local elementary schools that participated.

“I really think the program was wonderful,” said Jennifer Crisman, Mountain View Elementary Librarian about the first year of the program, “Anytime we can get students excited about reading and continue to read solidly for nine straight weeks, we are definitely accomplishing a beautiful goal.”

The Voyagers are excited to partner with local school districts for this program, along with sponsors Noodle Express and Great Falls College.

The Voyagers will open their season June 16th against the Billings Mustangs on the road and will open at home on June 21st against the Billings Mustangs.

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