PaddleHeads + YWCA Campaign Raises $46,570

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

 

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.

Read More:

PaddleHeads Holding Fundraiser Efforts for Australia Fire Victims

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

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

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

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.

Hit The Books underway in 31 area Elementary Schools

Annual reading program assists children in achieving goals

MissoulaOsprey_2014-03-10

MISSOULA, MONT. – The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners United Way of Missoula County & Sylvan Learning kicked off the clubs biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books in 31 area elementary schools on Monday.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and has seen participation grow over time. 5,276 students spanning 246 classrooms are participating in the 2014 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,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

“Learning should be fun and reading should be a joy for all kids,” said longtime supporter and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Missoula County Susan Hay Patrick. “We are happy to partner with the Missoula Osprey on Hit the Books to help give over 5,000 Missoula County kids not only baseball tickets, but a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

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, a free ride at the Carousel of Missoula and is entered to win a Kindle Reader and a summer of tutoring at Sylvan Learning. 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 2013.

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.

“Sylvan Learning is excited to partner with the Missoula Osprey to encourage young children in our community to develop a love for reading,” said Michael Hoag, Director at Sylvan Learning.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” said Griffin. “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.

Hit the Books underway in schools

Reading program helps children set and achieve goals

MissoulaOsprey_2013-03-18

The Missoula Osprey’s biggest and most successful community program is the Hit the Books Reading Program, which is underway in nearly 30 Missoula-area elementary schools.  The 2012 Osprey Hit the Books Reading Program encouraged nearly 5,000 area students to read over 50,000 books.  There are over 240 classrooms and almost 5,000 students signed up to participate in Hit the Books this year.

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

The Osprey started the program during their inaugural 1999 season and participation has grown each year.  At the time, no one knew how big the program would become and the impact it would make on the community.  The program has grown to become one of the best reading programs in all of minor league baseball.

“The program is great for the community and we are very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success,” said Griffin.  “Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), and students receive a different prize for each inning completed.  Each classroom is given Osprey reading charts, so students can track their progress.  Every student that participates also gets a certificate of achievement from the Osprey and the opportunity to win a Kindle reader.  Other prizes include pencils, erasers, pencil pouches, rulers, pencil sharpeners, Ollie Osprey magnets, an exclusive dessert party and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game.  Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2012.

Hit the Books is made possible in part by the United Way of Missoula County, who has been a strong supporter of the program over the years. The Hit the Books campaign gives students the opportunity to achieve goals and develop their reading and comprehension skills. The United Way’s “Live United” campaign’s current initiatives focus on helping children and youth fulfill their potential through education, improving financial stability for individuals and families, and improved health for all citizens.

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

For more information on becoming part of the program, contact Griffin at [email protected].

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