Staten Islanders Take the Plunge

The 5th Annual Staten Island Polar Bear Plunge was held on December 4th 2011 at the Great Kills Beach.  While the sun was shining and the temperature sat at a brisk 53 degrees, the water in the Atlantic Ocean still ran shivers down your spine.

This event was a fundraiser to raise money for the Special Olympics of New York that serves more than 30,000 athletes across all 5 New York boroughs. While the crowd varied from the youngest plunger of 11 years old, to high school participants, adults, athletes, college students and community volunteers, more than 700 people took the plunge at noon into the icy ocean.  Some participants dipped their toes in while others fully submerged and continued to splash around in the water after the initial plunge was over.

Among the participants were Jill Wright of the Staten Island Yankees who did not wear a wetsuit for fear of cheating and made sure to dive into the ocean like a true sport and supporter of the Special Olympics. While Jill was the only brave heart of the Staten Island Yankees to take the plunge, other volunteers helped take pictures, run registration, and set up and break down the event. Volunteers included: Michael Kitlas, John DeLuca, Heidi Silber, Matt Magnani, Ryan Woodley, Chris Anderson, Kerry Haley and of course, Scooter the Holy Cow.

The event was expected to raise over $100,000 and fun was had by all.

Taking the plunge, in action!
Local high schools participants along with Scooter, Plunge Bear and Chicken

Mahoning Valley Scrappers join the Spread the Red to Feed Hungry Families Campaign

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The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have teamed up with YSU Football and First Place Bank to help feed the hungry families of our Valley. Together these three organizations will use this partnership to help Valley families who are struggling to keep food on the table.

On Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Scrappers are hosting their Annual Trick or Treat Event at Eastwood Field. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. That evening, the Scrappers and First Place Bank are asking families to drop off canned or boxed food donations to help feed the hungry families in our Valley. The first 500 people that bring in a perishable food item and drop it off at the First Place Bank table will receive a free First Place Bank cinch bag.

“We are happy to partner with YSU football and First Place Bank at this event to make sure that we continue the effort to fight hunger in the Valley”, stated Jordan Taylor, General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

“The First Place Bank team will continue to find ways to help put food on the tables of hungry families right here in the Mahoning Valley”, stated Steve Lewis CEO First Place Bank. “We hope that Valley residents will join us the week of October 31st through November 4th and stop by one of our branches to make a donation,” he concluded.

About First Place Financial Corp.: First Place Financial Corp. is a $3.1 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio, with two wholly-owned subsidiaries: First Place Bank and First Place Holdings, Inc. Through First Place Bank, the Company operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 24 loan production offices. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Place Holdings, Inc. include First Place Insurance and Title Works Agency, LLC. Additional information about First Place Financial Corp. may be found on the Company’s web site: www.firstplacebank.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Thirteenth Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field

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The Scrappers and Buckeye Online School for Success present the thirteenth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ, WBCB, and Mix 98.9. The event will take place Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Companies that are involved will receive a free table and banner space on our concourse. The participating businesses may pass out information and decorate their table however they choose. We are allowing distribution of items and flyers, however we ask that no registration sign-ups or contests be held. You are welcome to invite employees from your company to represent your business. If this is not possible, volunteers are available that can assist you. In addition to your materials, we ask that your company provide candy for an estimated 2,000 children. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Please contact Heather Sahli at the Scrappers office by Friday, October 21st if interested. Space is limited and is available to the first 30 companies who reply.

For further information, contact the Scrappers team office at 330-505-0000.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Local Girl wins NYPL Scholarship

NYPL Charitable Foundation awarded over $10,000 in scholarships

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The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League, its member clubs and the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, once again awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

The 2011 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball has had on their lives.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation initiated the scholarship program in 2009 as a way to assist high school seniors from within our league’s footprint who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but have also demonstrated the positive benefits their local NYPL club has had on their life,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “The Foundation is pleased to have this scholarship program in place and to support our 14 member clubs in their year-round community outreach efforts.”

The Scholarship Program consisted of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students applied directly with their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional round. The 14 finalists were separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) received the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists received a $250 book award.

Andrea Moore, of Staten Island, took home the $2,500 scholarship from the McNamara Division. Andrea’s academic accomplishments, leadership experience, exceptional community service efforts and extra-curricular activities made her stand out above the rest. The Staten Island Yankees wish to congratulate Andrea and applaud her charitable contributions.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Staten Island Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Mystery Ball Sale Fundraiser Sunday August 28

Proceeds benefit Luke Holko

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Niles, Ohio – The Scrappers are hosting a Mystery Ball Sale Fundraiser for Luke Holko on Sunday, August 28. The sale begins once the gates open and is first come first served.

The Mystery Ball Sale includes baseballs autographed by:

  • Fausto Carmona of the Cleveland Indians
  • The Columbus Clippers and Akron Aeros
  • John Grabow of the Chicago Cubs
  • Brandon Wood of the Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Plus many more!

Additionally, the Scrappers are donating half of the proceeds from ticket purchased with this flyer to the Luke Holko Fund.

Sunday, August 28 is also Wrestling Night featuring a post-game wrestling event featuring the Necro Butcher, Al Snow, “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, and Mick Foley.

For more information, call the Scrappers front office at (330) 505-0000 or email info@mvscrappers.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Lake Monsters Partner With NY Life

Insurance Company Promoting Child Safety At Home Games

BURLINGTON, VT — In an effort to promote child safety within the Burlington community and the state of Vermont, the Vermont Lake Monsters and New York Life have teamed up to provide Child Identification services at Lake Monsters home games this season, both the New York-Penn League team and New York Life announced today.
Agents from New York Life’s local office will be at historic Centennial Field during approximately 20 home games over the summer to create and distribute personalized child identification cards for no cost. The Child ID card includes the child’s fingerprints, photo and other pertinent information to be helpful in case of an emergency.”New York Life and its Vermont General Office are excited to team up with the Lake Monsters this summer to bring their Child ID services to the people of Vermont,” the Insurance Company said in a statement. “Both New York Life and the Lake Monsters care about children and families and this is a natural partnership-as stewards of the community we want families to be healthy, safe and successful.””We are a team and venue that focuses children, families and the community and when New York Life approached us about this partnership, it was an easy decision,” Lake Monsters General Manager Nate Cloutier. “This free service will help keep children safe, and that is what its all about.”So come out to the ballpark, take in a game, and while there, stop by the New York Life tent and learn about how you can keep your children and family safe, both now and in the future.This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Strike Out ALS!

For several years, the Staten Island Yankees have partnered with the ALS Foundation Greater New York Chapter to raise awareness and money for the battle against ALS.

Along with promoting nearby Walks to Defeat ALS, Staten Island Yankees employees participated in a 2011 Walk to Defeat ALS along the West Side Highway in Manhattan. An appearance by Scooter the Holy Cow added to the pre-walk entertainment.

On July 4th, the Staten Island Yankees partnered with Primary Care Ambulance to help Strike Out ALS. For the game on July 4, Primary Care Ambulance donated $50 to the ALS Foundation for every strikeout pitched by a Staten Island Yankees pitcher. The eight strikeouts and $400 were great, but Primary Care Ambulance decided to pitch in an additional $100. The partnership between PCA and the ALS Foundation was expanded when PCA contributed another $250 to the Staten Island Yankees Kids’ Night Out program to further benefit the ALS Foundation.

For the Baby Bombers’ ongoing support, the ALS Foundation presented the Staten Island Yankees with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Baby Bombers are proud to continue supporting the fight against ALS, a disease very close to the Yankee family.

Representatives from the ALS Association present the Staten Island Yankees with a certificate of appreciation at Richmond County Bank Ballpark on July 4, 2011.

Ed Randall’s Bat For the Cure and SI Yankees Team Up to Strike Out Prostate Cancer

On Thursday, June 30th, Ed Randall visited the Richmond County Bank Ballpark for his Bat for the Cure Program. This program was founded in 2002 to increase the public’s awareness of prostate cancer and to educate the American people about cutting edge techniques in treatment, prevention and detection. Prostate cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was. There is a 96-97% cure rate if it is caught early. Ed’s mission is to encourage men over the age of 40 to take simple blood tests that could save their lives.

On this day, the Staten Island Yankees players wore blue wristbands during the game to support of program. Staten Island Yankees fans also had a chance to visit the Bat for the Cure table on the concourse to enter in a raffle to win a team signed blue bat. The Staten Island Yankees have supported Ed Randall and his program for the last several years and we look forward to a continuing our relationship to strike out prostate cancer together!

The Staten Island Yankees players wore the blue wristbands throughout the game to show their support for Bat for the Cure.

The Staten Island Yankees Host the First Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

The Staten Island Yankees helped support the Staten Island Children’s Campaign by hosting a fundraising event on May 22, 2011. The fundraiser was held both inside and outside of Richmond County Bank Ballpark, gathering the community together in an effort to support the local non-profit organizations of Staten Island.

Touch-A-Truck events take place throughout the country and allow children to participate in a fun-filled day of exploring and learning about their favorite trucks and other vehicles. Guests were allowed to climb inside, honk the horns, sit in the passenger seat, and take pictures with the twenty plus trucks that were located in the parking lot. While the trucks and majority of the event took place in the parking lot, other events such as face painting, tattoos, coloring, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, and the excitement of inflatable’s were held on the field and were enjoyed by kids of all ages.

The Staten Island Children’s Campaign is a charitable trust sponsored by the Staten Island Advance to raise funds for 17 non-profit organizations that provide educational, health, recreational, and counseling services to 60,000 underprivileged children on Staten Island.

Every dollar raised by the campaign is equally distributed among the following groups: American Cancer Society of Staten Island, Catholic Youth Organization, Camelot Counseling Center, Children’s Aid Society-Goodhue Center, Community Resources, Geller House-Jewish Board of Family & Children Services, Grace Foundation, Have a Heart Foundation, Jewish Community Center, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mt. Loretto, Project Hospitality; Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island Mental Health Society, the YMCA, United Activities Unlimited, and the Universal Temple of the Arts.

Over 2,300 tickets were sold for the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event, raising over $17,000 for the Staten Island Children’s Campaign. The Staten Island Yankees would like to thank the following companies for their support: The Staten Island Advance, AFL-CIO, Spectra Energy, Manfredi Auto Group, Verizon, Atlantic Express, Scaran Heating, Staten Island Towing and all of the non-profit organizations that are part of the Staten Island Children’s campaign. We are looking forward to next year’s event!

Kids of all ages enjoyed the trucks and activities at the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event.

Earth Day Clean-Up

On April 29th, in recognition of Earth Day 2011, National Grid along with 50 members of the Staten Island Yankees and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce spent the day restoring the Alice Austen House in Rosebank. The Staten Island Yankees staff and mascot Scooter – The Holy Cow painted fences, while other volunteers cleaned up the beach area and removed trash and weeds from the area around one of Staten Island’s historic landmarks.

This year, National Grid participated in the “Billion Acts of Green” movement by sponsoring 12 community events that will display the Power of Action by helping restore and conserve the environment in their local communities. Staten Island was fortunate enough to be one of the company-wide community Earth Day events that took place throughout New York and New England.

All the volunteers wore Power of Action T-shirts, which were designed by elementary school students who participated in an Earth Day art contest sponsored by National Grid and the Green Education Foundation.

Scooter – The Holy Cow, Joe Rende of National Grid and Joe Riccutti of the Staten Island Yankees roll up there sleeves to get some painting done.

SI Yanks Help Major League Umpires Make ‘An Easy Call for Kids’!

Club Participates in 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction

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New York, NY- The Staten Island Yankees are among the more than seventy Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs participating in the 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. Fans can win luxury suites and blocks of 24 tickets at an incredible savings from 66% to 85% off of the retail value or gate price.

The 12-day online auction, with more than 200 items, is currently underway and closes Sunday, March 20. Sports fans can visit and win items at: www.biddingforgood.com/UmpsCare.

Proceeds from the online auction help to provide Major League Baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption, Build-A-Bear Workshop® experiences for children with cancer, and college scholarships for young adults who were adopted as children.

“Bidding is a win-win for everyone involved and we are overwhelmed by the support offered by Minor League Baseball and its member clubs”, said Tim Timmons, MLB umpire and UMPS CARE Charities Board Director. “Baseball fans win luxury suites and tickets at a discount, ball clubs showcase community involvement, and children awaiting adoption are treated to a special day at the ballpark as they wait for a forever home to call their own.”

In addition to MiLB suites and tickets, the auction also includes 2011 MLB All-Star Game tickets, the chance to watch batting practice from the field at a variety of MLB stadiums, Green Monster seats for a Red Sox-Yankees game, the chance to go behind-the-scenes at ESPN Baseball Tonight or play golf with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, 2-night hotel with ticket packages, dinner with financial guru Guy Adami after a taping of CNBC’s hit show Fast Money, a Pinehurst Resort Golf Experience with PGA Teaching Pro Dan Kochevar, memorabilia signed by President Obama and both Presidents Bush, and a selection of signed golf and football memorabilia.

Special “Bid for a Buck” auctions, contests, and giveaways will be announced via Twitter and Facebook throughout the 12-day event. Items starting at one dollar and available for a day or less will include game tickets, sportswear, memorabilia, and gift certificates. Follow UMPS CARE Charities on Twitter and Facebook for “Bid for a Buck” details.

Of course the real winners are the children served by the men in blue of UMPS CARE Charities. UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established by MLB umpires to provide financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. Since 2006, umpires have provided memorable baseball experiences for more than 4,000 children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. They have also hosted more than 50 children’s hospital events to provide Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Learn more at UmpsCare.com.

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

Spinners Behind-the-Scenes Wine Tasting a Hit for CVB

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, held a special fundraising event at LeLacheur park Thursday, February 18 to benefit the Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, who have seen a 70 percent slash in their funding and 90 percent of their staff cut in the previous months.

The Spinners opened their gates on a cold February night allowing patrons an all-access behind the scenes pass rarely given to the general public. Fans were granted access to the Spinners front offices, clubhouse and locker room for a night of wine, food and beer tasting not soon to be forgotten.

Wine vendors organized by Tutto Bene of Lowell sampled their product in the clubhouse once called home by everyone from Jonathan Papelbon to Kevin Youkilis, with jerseys hung in each stall.

Beer samples were provided by Merrimack Valley Distributors, allowing fans to sample the newest products from Sam Adams, Ipswich Ale and Longtrail Ale, with additional wine provided by Celebrity Wines, including pinots represented by Red Sox stars including David Ortiz and Youkilis.

The office typically manned by Spinners manager Gary DiSarcina was turned into a relaxation hotspot as the ladies from Body Destinations in Tewksbury offered complimentary chair massages.

In the Spinners conference room were the stars of the night: the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series trophies, ripe for photographs.

With tickets sold for $50 each and a silent auction of sports memrobilia, the event raised over $6,000 for the CVB in their time of need.

Kelly Larosa from Samuel Adams posing with beer samples and the Red Sox 2004 World Series trophy. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)
Curtis Lemay and Jeffrey Cohen sampling food and wine from Cobblestones/Moonstones in the Spinners clubhouse. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)

Monsters/Local Patrons “Share The Experience”

For the last three months, the Vermont Lake Monsters have reached out to their community partners inviting donations that have, in turn, brought thousands of children to historic Centennial Field to enjoy a Lake Monsters game and the family fun environment.

The “Share the Experience” program represents yet another way the Lake Monsters strive to place a focus on the Burlington community, as well the State of Vermont. Joining the “Hit the Books,” “Outstanding Students,” and countless other programs, this collaborative effort can be a powerful step in touching lives throughout the area.

Thus far in 2009, the LakeMonsters have allocated over $6,000 in donated tickets to various youth groups throughout the state and have hosted over 1,200 children at Centennial Field.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” activities coordinator for Essex CHIPS and TeenCenter, Diana Neidecker, said. “Our kids had a great time!”

Lake Monster’s director of community relations and promotions, Denny Madigan, added: “It’s great that a professional sports organization can do so much for the community, especially helping out kids who may not have ever had an opportunity to enjoy the LakeMonsters experience.”

Spinners, Saints Partner on Valet Parking for Handicapped

Lowell-Spinners-LogoThe Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced today a partnership with Saints Medical to provide complimentary handicapped parking for each Sunday home game at LeLacheur Park during the 2009 season, beginning August 9, and continuing Aug. 23 and 30.

With the increasing level of heat and the challenges associated with handicap parking in the facilities around the park, the program was a logical step for the organization, which prides itself on customer service.

“We recognize the challenges fSaints-Medical-Logoaced by some of our fans on a daily basis,” said Spinners Vice President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “We want to make everyone’s visit to LeLacheur Park as enjoyable as possible and this is just one added piece of that concept.”

The program is possible through the Spinners partnership with Saints Medical, with Valet Parking handled by Valet Park of America.

Fans wishing to take part in the program will be taken care of on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 50 fans with registered handicap tags can pull up in front of the main entrance to LeLacheur Park, just forward of the Giant Spinners T-Shirt, where a representative will meet you to take your car, which will be parked in the IPI lot directly across the street.

When you are ready to leave, your car will be brought again to the front of the stadium to complete your Spinners game experience.