BlueClaws, Horizon Open Healthy Plate Concession Stand

Puts Good Nutrition Right in Baseball Fans’ Strike Zone

LakewoodBlueClaws_2013-03-31

 

LAKEWOOD, NJ – As a nutrition-conscious America looks for more healthy menu options when dining out, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up to bring smarter eating choices to America’s pastime.

Just in time for the BlueClaws 2013 baseball season, Horizon BCBSNJ is opening a new “Horizon Healthy Plate” concession stand at FirstEnergy Park, where fans at every game will be able to find nutritious alternatives to the traditional ball park fare.

“Good food and family fun are the great staples of a professional baseball game at any of New Jersey’s Minor League ballparks,” said Jonathan Pearson, Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ.  “Healthy eating should be a part of the ballpark experience, too. That’s why Horizon BCBSNJ’s pitch to fans is to bring their appetites to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession, where menu options are both nutritious and delicious,” Pearson said.

“Enhancing our ballpark menu to offer a more healthy variety of food is something that we are excited to do this summer,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We thank Horizon BCBSNJ for their support and we think our fans will enjoy these new options.”

The Horizon Healthy Plate concession has received the support of the New Jersey Department of Health, which administers ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention.

“The New Jersey Department of Health and the ShapingNJ  Partnership are pleased to collaborate with Horizon BCBSNJ to bring healthy concessions to places where our residents enjoy leisure-time activities,” said Peri L. Nearon, MPA,  Director of the Office of Nutrition & Fitness, NJ Department of Health. “It is so important to give families and individuals healthy choices, and to make healthy choices easier  for people to make not only for themselves, but for their children.”

The BlueClaws and Horizon BCBSNJ will officially open the Horizon Healthy Plate concession stand on Thursday night with a ceremony at 5:45 pm, before the 6:35 pm game.

The Horizon Healthy Plate menu was designed by certified dieticians under the direction of Glenn D. Pomerantz, MD, JD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  The menu includes a long list of popular heart-healthy dining choices, such as a grilled vegetable sandwich, a turkey burger, and frozen yogurt topped with fruit. The  Horizon Healthy Plate menu also includes nutritional alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare, such as a veggie burger, a veggie hot dog and pop chips.  From entrees to appetizers; from side dishes to beverages; each affordably-priced item includes calorie and other nutritional information.

Click here to see a full menu.

“Making the right nutrition choices in every meal, including those enjoyed at leisure-time, is key to maintaining health and wellness,” Pearson said. “We encourage fans to take their smart eating habits out to the ball game this season by stepping up to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession at FirstEnergy Park.”

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About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services.  Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.  Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws, Stop & Shop to Help Strike Out Hunger

Stop & Shop to make donation to Food Bank for each strikeout by a BlueClaws pitcher at FirstEnergy Park this summer

Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.
Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws, in conjunction with Stop & Shop, will help Strike Out Hunger this summer at the Jersey Shore.

Each time a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park, Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as part of this new Strike Out Hunger initiative.

“Providing food for the less fortunate in Ocean and Monmouth Counties is a cause we are thrilled to aid,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We are very grateful to Stop & Shop for their support and look forward to a summer of strikeouts from BlueClaws pitchers.”

“Stop & Shop focuses on improving the lives of children and fighting hunger in the markets it serves.  We are proud to partner with the BlueClaws on this initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.  It is our way of giving back to the community and helping support those in need,” said Arlene Putterman, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New York Metro Division.

BlueClaws.com will keep a running tally throughout the season. Further, on August 31st, Stop & Shop will sponsor a BlueClaws Lunch Bag giveaway for the first 2,000 fans 17 & under. There will be a presentation on the field before the game as part of the Strike Out Hunger program.

The Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties serves over 260 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with almost 7 million pounds of food distributed annually. With the help of roughly 1,000 volunteers each year, the FoodBank’s programs are truly a community effort, working to eliminate hunger by providing emergency food, skills training, outreach programs and advocacy for families in need. For more, visit www.FoodBankMOC.org.

Stop & Shop is proud to have donated over $29 million in 2012 through donations and in-kind support to help local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children’s educational and support programs.  Stop & Shop operates 184 stores in the New York Metro Division with 62 stores in the state of New Jersey.

Opening Day at FirstEnergy Park is Thursday, April 4th, as the BlueClaws kick off the season against the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox). Tickets for Opening Day and every regular season game, plus the 2013 South Atlantic League All-Star Game and Celebrity Hitting Challenge, are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

$33,000 Raised In Home Runs for Heroes

Nine military-based, local non-profit organizations received a total of $33,000 from OceanFirst Foundation as part of the 2012 Home Runs for Heroes program in conjunction with the BlueClaws and WOBM.

Through the program, which just concluded its fourth season, each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, $1,000 is donated from OceanFirst Foundation to one of nine organizations. Each organization is tied into one particular inning. This year’s leaders were Army Emergency Relief of Fort Dix and Fort Monmouth (first inning) and National Guard State Family Readiness Council (second inning), which each received $7,000 for seven home runs hit in their respective innings.

The four-year total for the program is now $108,000. Checks were presented to the organizations at a FirstEnergy Park ceremony on September 18th.

“Ocean First Foundation is proud to partner with the Lakewood BlueClaws and WOBM to honor and support local veterans and the servicemen and women who protect and serve our country here at home and abroad. We had another great year of home runs and OceanFirst Foundation is proud to support these great organizations,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

BlueClaws 1B Chris Duffy and 3B Maikel Franco each hit seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park to account for $14,000 of the $33,000 donated this season. 1B Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

“This program has been enormously successful over the last four years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re very grateful to OceanFirst Foundation for their generosity in this program and we are thrilled we can help these wonderful organizations.”

2012 Home Run / Fundraising Totals:

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief (Ft Dix/Monmouth) First 7 $7,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council Second 7 $7,000
Navy/Marine Relief Third 5 $5,000
VETGROUP Fourth 0 $1,000
American Recreational Military Services Fifth 1 $1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund Sixth 3 $3,000
Catholic Charities Seventh 3 $3,000
American National Red Cross, Jersey Coast Chapter Eighth 4 $4,000
Chariot Riders Ninth/Extra 2 $2,000

 

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

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.

Rutgers Against Hunger Food Drive – April 25th

Hosted by BlueClaws Charities and benefits Lunch Break of Red Bank

Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.
Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are partnering with the Rutgers Against Hunger program and hosting a joint food drive on Wednesday, April 25th. Fans are asked to kindly donate non-perishable food items at this game and all donors will receive two complimentary tickets to a BlueClaws game in April or May.

All food collected will be donated to Lunch Break of Red Bank, a BlueClaws Charities Community Partner.

“There has been an increase among those who need food assistance in the last year and the BlueClaws are pleased to be able to continue to help fight hunger in New Jersey,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We are grateful to Rutgers Against Hunger for their support as we raise food donations for a worthy cause, Lunch Break of Red Bank.”

The April 25th game begins at 6:35 pm and serves as Community Partner Night at FirstEnergy Park. There will be a large representation at the game among the 45 BlueClaws Charities Community Partners who will have tables on the concourse. Many volunteers from these organizations will be present as well.

In addition, the first 2,000 fans will receive a BlueClaws magnetic schedule courtesy of Investors Bank.

Rutgers Against Hunger works to increase awareness of hunger, encourage activism and service to tackle hunger, stimulate research to assist those in need, and provide immediate relief through food drives and other events to raise money and collect food.

Rutgers Against Hunger partners with the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks which includes The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, and NORWESCAP Food Bank as well as several other community food banks and pantries throughout the state. Visit RAH.Rutgers.edu for more information.

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, rasies money throughout the year and returns the money to the community in the form of grants to the 45 Community Partners and donations to other non-profit organizations.

While the program is sold out for 2012, with any questions about the program, to be added to a waiting list for 2013, or for other ways your organization can raise money with the BlueClaws, please call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

– BlueClaws –

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

Scout Patch Design Contest Returns

Submissions being accepted from local boy and girl scouts until March 23rd

Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year's winner.
Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year’s winner.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are once again looking for area boy and girl scouts to design the patch given out by the BlueClaws to scouts at BlueClaws scout nights this year.

Submissions will be accepted until March 23rd. The BlueClaws will choose the finalists and voting will occur on the BlueClaws official Facebook page or via email at scouts@blueclaws.com until March 30th at noon.

The winning scout will receive a ceremonial first pitch at their scout night in 2012, a meet and greet with a BlueClaws player, and, of course, have their patch be given out to the approximately 5,000 scouts that come out to the park this summer.

Interested scouts can download this form (click here) and fill in the circle, using 10 colors or less. The BlueClaws will adjust the patches with the proper logos.

All forms must be returned to:

Pete Walsifer
Scout Patch Contest
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701

Forms must include the name of their scout pack or troop as well as the name of the scout.

Scouts that enter must be a member of a pack or troop that has booked their 2012 BlueClaws outing. The BlueClaws will host five Scout Nights in 2012, two of which (July 28th and August 11th) are Scout Night Sleepovers, where scouts camp out on the field after the game.

Last year’s winner, shown above, was Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170.

For information on bringing a scout group to FirstEnergy Park, call Pete Walsifer at 732-901-7000 ext 171 or visit BlueClaws.com/scouts.

The BlueClaws have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 11 years of existence and this year will become the fastest team in New Jersey and SAL history to reach 5-million fans.

Ticket packages and group outings for the upcoming season are available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws Charities Donates Over $150,000 In 2010

BlueClaws Charities, the non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, contributed over $150,000 to area organizations and fundraising events in 2010, the BlueClaws announced.

Charitable donations totaled $157,721 through a variety of different categories.

“Being a strong and active part of the community has been a priority for us since day one,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re grateful to those that have supported all of our charitable events and fundraising efforts to make this possible.”

Various BlueClaws fundraising events included the first Nine and Dine Golf Outing, the first Manager’s Luncheon, and the ALS Celebrity Waiter event in May (which has raised over $110,000 in 10 years).

BlueClaws Charities donated thousands of dollars to the Susan G. Komen Fund, American Cancer Society, and other Community Partners through BlueClaws jersey auctions last year and will again do the same in 2011.

More than $50,000 was raised by local organizations through the BlueClaws concession fundraising program, which enables groups to raise money by volunteering in the team’s concession stands.

Over $45,000 was donated through ticket requests and sponsorships of charitable golf outings.

Organizations received an extra $18,000 from BlueClaws Charities through 50-cent donations for each ticket used as part of a BlueClaws ticket fundraiser. Local organizations also bought discounted BlueClaws tickets and re-sold them for face value to raise an additional $130,000 during the 2010 season.

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.

THUNDER FANS DO “GOOD DEEDS”

On Saturday, August 14, the Trenton Thunder hosted the first ever “Good Deed Game” with over 200 fans participating by making at least one donation to the four drives held outside the stadium.

The event featured a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey, a school supplies drive to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-perishable food drive to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and a toiletries drive to support HomeFront.

Of the over 200 fans who made donations, 25% supported one organization, 40% made two donations, 31% supported three drives and 4% donated to all four.

“We always say we have the best fans in baseball and their giving nature really backed up that statement,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations Patience Purdy. “It was a lot of fun to see families with little kids getting excited about making a donation to help others.”

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey Blood Mobile collected 20 pints of blood, enough blood to potentially save 60 lives.  The 20 pints collected is the highest of the three drives held at Waterfront Park this year.

The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank collected 814 pounds of nonperishable food.  Mercer Street Friends notes that the amount is enough to supply a family of four with food for two months.  In the last two years, Thunder fans have donated over 1,700 pounds of food for the food bank through Trenton Thunder drives.

While quantifying the amount of school supplies collected is difficult, Patty Hughes, the Development Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area said, “The Habitat volunteers were overwhelmed with the response from the game attendees.  They mentioned that the bags of school supplies filled their car.  Please know how much the HFH-TA staff and the community appreciates the generosity of the Trenton Thunder and the fans.  The work and the commitment of all of the non-profits in Mercer County is amazing in these tough economic times. ”

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, collected over 250 personal care items – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

“Trenton Thunder fans are fun people with great big hearts!  The personal items that were collected cannot be bought with food stamps and provide a lot of comfort to people in genuine need,” said Anita Hanft, Director of Mission Advancement for HomeFront.

The Thunder provided incentives to fans who supported these local non-profit organizations.  Fans who donated to any one of the causes received a ticket to the Thunder’s Fan Appreciation Night vs. Akron on Thursday, September 2 at 7:05 pm.  People who donated to any two of the drives received the game ticket and a Thunder hat.  Individuals who supported three causes got the ticket, hat and on September 2nd they will be recognized on the field and throw a ceremonial pitch before the game. Those who support all four drives got everything plus a food voucher.

BlueClaws Raise Over $5,500 in Pink Jersey Auction

Sunday’s Lakewood BlueClaws post-game pink jersey auction raised $5,535 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central and South Jersey, the American Cancer Society’s “Strides Against Breast Cancer” and BlueClaws Charities.

The auction was originally scheduled for Mother’s Day (May 9th), but was pushed back two weeks when the May 9th game went 15 innings.

“We’re very happy to raise so much money to help these outstanding causes,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “The BlueClaws, the Komen Foundation, and the American Cancer Society are all very appreciative of the fans that bid and donated their money to help fight breast cancer.”

BlueClaws pitcher Nick Hernandez’s jersey went for $800, the highest bid of the day.

The team’s next jersey auction will be held on June 17th, when the BlueClaws host a BlueClaws World Cup jersey auction on Soccer Night.

The team will also host jersey auctions on July 10th (BruceClaws on Bruce Springsteen Appreciation Night) and July 29th (Goonies jerseys on 25th Anniversary of the Goonies Appreciation Night).

Charities can receive a portion of the proceeds from a BlueClaws jersey auction through the team’s Community Partners Program. Interested area non-profits that take part in a BlueClaws fundraiser receive exposure through the team’s game program plus stadium signage. Community Partners can then apply to receive additional money through the program.

Interested charities can contact Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114 or email jdeangelis@blueclaws.com.

BlueClaws Charities contributed over $150,000 to area non-profits and fundraising events in 2009.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are in their 10th season of providing family fun and entertainment at the Jersey Shore. The BlueClaws, who won the South Atlantic League title in 2009, have led the league and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence.

Trenton Thunder Players Help Build A Home

Seven players for the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity home build in East Trenton this morning.

The players who took part in the event were: RHP Grant Duff, RHP Eric Wordekemper, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP David Phelps, RHP D.J. Mitchell, OF Austin Krum and IF Justin Snyder.

The players worked on a duplex that has been under construction since March 2009.  They helped put  the “finishing touches” on the home including the installation of lattace to the back porch and working on the ceiling of the front porch.  One of the homes is expected to be completed and turned over to the new owners on Friday, April 30.  The Thunder front office staff spent December 2, 2009 at the same location installing sheet rock and siding.

Thunder pitcher Eric Wordekemper works on a home in East Trenton
Thunder players Eric Wordekemper (left) and Austin Krum (right) put the finishing touches on a home in East Trenton

“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.