Patriots Tropical Storm Ida Relief Fundraising Reaches $35,000

 

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that recent fundraising efforts by the team have raised $35,000 for Tropical Storm Ida relief in Central New Jersey.

The team collected $17,500 through an online auction and 50/50 raffles at the ballpark. That amount was then matched by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“Patriots fans once again demonstrated why they are truly the best,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer. “When our community needed them most, our fans showed up to support their neighbors and friends. Their generosity has inspired our family and our dealerships to do our part and match the fundraising total to assist in the recovery efforts.”

The online fundraising was done in partnership with MiLB Auctions and featured memorabilia, as well as experiences donated to the team. The top selling items included four tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway with a pre-show dinner at Bond 45 (donated by The Actors Fund), a Derek Jeter signed bat inscribed “HOF 2020” (donated by MLB), and a foursome at Trump National Golf Course Bedminster (donated by the Kalafer family).

Donations included items from the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and the New York Mets. Teams throughout the Double-A Northeast League sent autographed baseballs of their top prospects and recent alumni to help the cause.

“We want to thank everyone that donated items, and of course all the bidders, that made the auction such a success,” said Somerset’s President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Each of the teams and organizations that donated items did so on short notice with the understanding of the pressing need to get help to those affected by the floods. We would not have been able to raise these funds without them.”

The Patriots hosted 50/50 raffles at the final three home games of the season and collected money at the ballpark and online to add to the fundraising totals.

“The next steps will be to get the money to the non-profits that will do the most good for those affected in Central New Jersey,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer. “It was important to our team, our family, and the dealerships, that the fundraising would be distributed locally and in a timely manner. Our community needed help, and we wanted to show that we are here for them.”

The Patriots are planning additional fundraising efforts to continue raising money for Tropical Storm Ida relief. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

Homers That Help: Final Stretch to benefit Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball 

 

MOOSIC, PA (September 21, 2021) – Minor League Baseball™ has announced the creation of a charitable component to Triple-A Baseball’s Final Stretch, the 10-game close of the 2021 season, that will benefit a 501(c)3 charity in each Triple-A city. For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team.

Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball has been tabbed as the benefactor of each home run that the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders hit during the final 10 games of 2021.

In addition to the $50 per home run donation, the Triple-A team that hits the most home runs over the upcoming 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

“The yearly support we have received from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders has been remarkable and such a huge boost for our organization,” said Larry Wills, President of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball. “I would really like to thank the front office staff and players for the continued support and all that they do for these incredible kids. Now… Let’s swing for the fences!”

The RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets from September 22 through 26 before traveling to Rochester from September 29 through October 3 for their Final Stretch. Tickets are available at swbrailriders.com.

Online Auction To Benefit Tropical Storm Ida Relief

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will host an online fundraiser through MiLB Auctions to benefit those affected by Tropical Storm Ida in Central New Jersey. THE AUCTION CAN BE FOUND HERE! and will run through 10:00 pm on Sunday, September 26th.

Net proceeds from the auction will benefit the Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation, which will then donate to multiple Somerset County based non-profits that are working to help residents and businesses were hit hardest by the flooding caused by the remnants of the hurricane.

The Patriots collected donations of memorabilia, experiences, and items from sports clubs, team partners, and organizations looking to help in the efforts. Highlights of the auction include a Derek Jeter autographed bat inscribed “HOF 2020,” a game-used base from the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, and four tickets to Hamilton on Broadway with a pre-show dinner at Bond 45.

In addition to autographed items from Patriots, top Yankees prospects, and players from Northeast League teams, the auction will include items signed by Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Julius Randle (New York Knicks), Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), Greg Schiano (Rutgers Football), as well as baseball greats Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly, and Joe Torre.

Experiences also include a foursome at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, tickets to three Rutgers Football games, and a shotgun or rifle lesson at Hudson Farm.

“We’d like to thank everyone that took the time to help our fundraising efforts for the community,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We got some really nice items donated from a lot of organizations that understood that time was of the essence to help those struggling to get their lives back together in our area. We are hoping that people will be generous and bid on these great items to allow us to make a difference for those in need.”

More items may be added to the auction in the coming days as more donations are still coming in to the team.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: __www.somersetpatriots.com.

Helpful Home Runs: Highmark partnering with SWB to benefit local food bank

 

MOOSIC, PA (September 9, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are proud to partner with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to raise money for National Hunger Awareness Month. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will donate $10 for every home run that the RailRiders hit during the 2021 season to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has hit 120 home runs so far this season, putting the current donation total at $1,200. The RailRiders have 21 games remaining this season, including the remainder of the regular season and The Final Stretch.

“We are proud to partner with our friends at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on this important initiative,” said Brian Rinker, Market President at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Now more than ever, we want to support local organizations that address hunger and food insecurity in our community. We wish the RailRiders the best of luck for a successful finish to the season!”

In our region, one in six children and one in eight adults face hunger each day. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank is a Feeding America partner and works to reduce hunger and promote proper nutrition in addition to preventing food waste. The Food Bank serves four counties in Northeast Pennsylvania: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming.

“Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a great partner over the years and we appreciate their support of the Northeast Regional Food Bank,” said Katie Beekman, the RailRiders’ General Manager. “We have all seen the disheartening statistics and truly hope that this program can benefit those in need in NEPA. Now it’s time for the RailRiders to finish strong.”

For more information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.

First Responders & Military Appreciation Night on September 11

 

MOOSIC, PA (September 6, 2021) – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host First Responders & Military Appreciation Night on September 11 when the RailRiders take on the Rochester Red Wings at PNC Field. In appreciation of those men and women who support and sacrifice daily for our nation, the RailRiders are offering two free tickets to all first responders as well as active duty and veterans of our Armed Forces.

Gates open at 5:00 P.M. on September 11 and the first pitch against the Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate is set for 6:05.

First responders and active duty/veteran Armed Forces members can claim their two free field reserved tickets by presenting a valid ID at the PNC Field Box Office this week. The box office will be open at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday through Friday prior to the RailRiders games against the Red Wings. On Saturday, September 11, the box office will open at 3:00 P.M.

For more information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.

Statement: New Jersey’s MiLB Teams to Host Vaccination Clinics at Ballparks This Summer

 

The BlueClaws, Trenton Thunder, and Somerset Patriots will partner with RWJBarnabas Health on vaccination clinics this summer at each team’s respective ballparks. The teams released this joint statement.

New Jersey’s three Minor League Baseball teams are honored to partner with RWJBarnabas Health on vaccination clinics at our ballparks this summer. Part of being at the front porch of our respective communities is working closely with those in position to best keep our communities safe.

“We are delighted to work with our Minor League Baseball partners to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at their ballparks,” said Margie Heller, Vice President, Strategic Global Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health. “These community-based vaccination clinics are great way for us to offer these lifesaving vaccines in a fun environment to those who are interested.”

Our three vaccination clinics will help lessen the impact of COVID-19, and additionally provide another benefit – an enjoyable night out at the ballpark with families and friends.

Additional details will be announced shortly.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Safe Addition: SWB adds Sensory Safe Suite

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 5, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at PNC Field. Suite 6 on the Geisinger Champions Club Level will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to help better enjoy the game.

The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a comforting, relaxing and less stimulating space for guests to experience RailRiders games while still being fun and functional. This allows guests in the suite to decompress and enjoy baseball with their family away from the louder, hectic and often over-stimulating environment in other areas of the ballpark.

“We are happy to sponsor this great initiative with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate SWB RailRiders” states Dr. Joan Fallon the CEO of Curemark. “Bringing baseball with the creation of this space affords individuals with autism and special needs and their families a day or night at the ballpark. At Curemark, we feel that these families should have a sensory safe space so that our National Pastime is accessible and enjoyable for all”.

For the 2021 season, one family will be chosen to use the room per game at no charge. In accordance with PNC Field capacity restrictions, the Sensory Safe Suite can have a party of up to 12 people on any given game night. Families can request use of the room by filling out the request form on the Sensory Safe Suite page under the Community tab.

Fun and Function designed the look and furniture for the Sensory Safe Suite. Fun and Function is a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are thrilled to work with Curemark to create this new suite at PNC Field,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “This is a truly important space to add to our great ballpark and we anticipate expanding the features and capacity as time goes on. With Curemark’s help, we look forward to making a difference in how children can experience RailRiders games.”

The RailRiders will be working with local non-profit groups such as Brighter Journey’s, Abilities 21 and SAFE to promote awareness of the Sensory Safe Suite and have the opportunity to request access.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

Now Hiring: 2021 Game Day Staff

 

MOOSIC, PA (March 17, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are partnering with 1st Alert Security to hire select seasonal staff for the 2021 season. 1st Alert Security handles local staffing needs for Pocono Raceway and Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

RailRiders – 1st Alert Security Employment Application

The RailRiders are seeking energetic individuals to fill a variety of game day roles, including suite attendants, guest services, ushers, ticket takers and greeters. The team also utilizes game day staff to work parking, bag checks and security. Applicants must be 16 or older and individuals under the age of 18 will need to provide the proper documentation to be eligible for work.

Interested individuals can print the application and email it to [email protected]. All emails can be sent to the attention of Brian Fisher.

Additional questions regarding RailRiders staffing can be directed to Nick Bolka via email. He can be reached at [email protected].

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, is also hiring. Legends is seeking retail associates, concession stand managers and workers, cashiers, prep and grill cooks, general kitchen help, roving vendors and suite attendants and servers. All Legends employees must be 18 years of age and willing to work nights, weekends and holidays. Interested applicants can fill out the Legends application and return it to Rich Kloss via email at [email protected].

Legends Application

The 2021 season begins on the road May 4 at Syracuse and at PNC Field one week later, May 11, against Lehigh Valley. For more information on the 2021 season, call (570) 969-2255.

Calfee Park to host free Halloween Bash on October 23 and 24

 

PULASKI, Va. – Calfee Park will host two nights of Halloween fun on Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 with a free Halloween Bash presented by Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future, Tru Harvest Farms, and Calfee Park Baseball. Both events are open to the public and free.

Gates open at 4:30pm each night for trick or treating with local businesses, games, costume contests, and pumpkin painting. Friday night’s activities will conclude with a 6:30pm screening of the Wizard of Oz on the videoboard, and Saturday evening will feature a showing of Hocus Pocus. Free popcorn will be provided during each movie.

The first 250 kids each night will receive a free pumpkin presented by Shelor Motor Mile. The event will cap at 1,000 people each night, and attendees will be asked to comply with social distancing requirements. Calf-E’s Kitchen will be open with full concessions for purchase each night.

If you have any questions about the Calfee Park Halloween Bash or are a local business looking to set up a booth for trick or treating, please contact Melissa Epperly at (540) 250-1732 or [email protected].

 

Second annual Pulaski Yankees 5K to take place August 29

 

PULASKI, Va. – The second annual Pulaski Yankees 5K presented by Shelor Toyota will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 8:30am. The run/walk will begin at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park, wind towards downtown Pulaski and hit town running trails before ending with a lap on the warning track at the ballpark.

The Pulaski Yankees 5K is presented by Shelor Toyota, Gay and Neel, Inc., LewisGale Pulaski, First United Methodist Church and Run About Sports. Proceeds from the event will benefit the United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Registration for the Pulaski Yankees 5K is $25 and includes a race t-shirt. Registration is now open online: click here. Participants must register by August 15 in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The registration fee will increase $5 on the day of the event.

RiverDogs release expanded summer camp offerings, starting June 16, with capacity restrictions and new protocols 

 

With the start of the 2020 baseball season still delayed, the RiverDogs today announced the expansion of its Youth Summer Camps, presented by Fins Car Wash, along with new restrictions and protocols to keep campers safe in light of COVID-19 precautions.

The team will begin a six-week slate of summer camps on Tuesday, June 16, with Week 1 of its youth baseball camp, which takes place on the green grass of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton and his team will lead five weeks of baseball camp in June and July, and the RiverDogs have added a one-week, limited-time culinary camp in July with chef and VP of food and beverage Josh Shea. Singleton is a former standout outfielder at Goose Creek High School, Charleston Southern University and in the Chicago Cub’’ minor league system.

All RiverDogs summer camps are sponsored by Fins Car Wash, which has open locations in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and North Charleston.

“We’re thrilled to be launching our 2020 summer camps,” said RiverDogs president Dave Echols. “This has been an abnormal year for everyone, and it’ll be great to see kids on the field at The Joe again before long.”

Both versions of the camp will be different than past years in order to keep campers safe. The baseball camps will be limited to just 40 campers, which will be split into four groups of 10, which will each remain separate from the others. The culinary camp is limited to 15 campers. In addition, new drop-off procedures and counselor interaction guidelines are in place to limit exposure and spread of COVID-19. The RiverDogs’ policies have been adapted from the City of Charleston Recreation Department’s guidelines for its own summer camps.

The baseball camps include stations in hitting, pitching, base running, speed and agility, warm-up and stretching, and fundamentals. The camp takes place in weekly sessions from 8:30am-12:30pm Tuesday-Friday. The camp is open to campers aged 6-13. Weekly registration is $250 per camper; individual day sessions can also be purchased for $70 each.

The new culinary camp taps into the RiverDogs’ strong food and beverage history with Shea, who will conduct the camp out of the Segra Club at Riley Park. The one-week camp will go from 8:30am to 12::30pm each day from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17. Each day will start with proper station set-up, include basic cooking skills, and conclude with a new lunch dish, which the campers will dine on. Culinary camp is $300 per camper for the week.

“I’m excited to share my passion for cooking with kids in the Lowcountry,” Shea said. “Our culinary operation at the ballpark goes way beyond hot dogs and soda, and I’m excited to pull back the curtains.”

Registration is now live at RiverDogs.com for the following sessions, each running 8:30am to 12:30pm:

  • Baseball Camp – Week 1 (June 16-19)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 2 (June 23-26)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 3 (July 7-10)
  • Culinary Camp – Week 1 (July 13-17)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 4 (July 21-24)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 5 (July 28-31)

RailRiders hosting Family to Family emergency food drive-thru May 27

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 21, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will serve as the hosts for the Family to Family Emergency Drive-Thru Food Giveaway on May 27. The event is run by the Friends of the Poor in response to the global health pandemic and will take place in the parking lot at PNC Field from 2:30 to 5:30 PM Wednesday.

The Family to Family Food Basket Program and the Friends of the Poor have partnered with the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank for COVID-19 emergency food drive-thrus since late March. These drive-thrus have taken place each Wednesday in different locations around the Scranton area. The emergency drive-thru on May 27 at PNC Field, however, will be the first one located between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and expectations are for over 1,000 vehicles to attend.

All attendees must remain in their vehicles for the safety and well-being of all guests and volunteers. Food bags will be placed directly into each vehicle.

This event is open to the public. Attendees will be asked what their zip code is as well as how many adults, children and elderly live in each household.

For more information, find the Friends of the Poor on Facebook.

RiverDogs, Boeing Introduce ‘Hall of Honor’ to memorialize military families in Lowcountry

 

On the eve of Armed Forces Day and the first scheduled RiverDogs Military Appreciation Night at The Joe, the ballclub is announcing the creation of the Hall of Honor, in partnership with Boeing, and asking for the public to nominate outstanding military veterans with Lowcountry ties.

The new recognition, which will feature new inductions at each Boeing Military Appreciation Night – starting June 15 whether or not there will be a live game at The Joe –, is meant to create a way for military veterans in the Lowcountry to be permanently recognized.

The Hall of Honor is the newest of Boeing and the RiverDogs’ joint military appreciation platform, which aims to honor and celebrate military families in the Lowcountry through various recognition programs. The team planned to roll out this program live in person at its Boeing Military Appreciation Night on May 16; however, although the season has begun in a delay due to COVID-19, the team decided not to postpone honoring our area’s military families.

“We at the RiverDogs think we can’t do enough to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our country’s military heroes,” said RiverDogs president and general manager Dave Echols. “Adding a Hall of Honor allows us to immortalize Lowcountry military heroes to help ensure their stories are not forgotten.”

At each Boeing Military Appreciation Night moving forward, a minimum of two inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Honor. A community committee will choose one nominee from a pool of high-profile local military heroes. The other inductee will be selected from open-to-the-public nominations, which can be submitted at https://forms.gle/fQJ5kicLxo8jpUbL7.

Inductees will be recognized on the field on a Military Appreciation Night, and will have their story told on the RiverDogs’ brand new Hall of Honor web site: https://www.milb.com/charleston/community/boeing-hall-of-honor​​​​​​​

“Boeing’s commitment to veterans and their families goes beyond the products we make, it includes our investments that highlight the vital role veterans play in our community,” said Boeing’s Lindsay Leonard, Senior Director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs to showcase our military heroes and forever recognize their service and sacrifice through the Hall of Honor.”

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. You can view the RiverDogs’ COVID-19 Readiness Plan at RiverDogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Tampa Tarpons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tarpons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tampa Tarpons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tampa Bay community. For every $10 donated, the Tarpons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Tarpons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Tampa Tarpons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

CommUNITY First: SWB partners with MiLB

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local benefactor is the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

RailRiders fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the NEPA community. For every $10 donated, the RailRiders will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“In these trying times, we should do what we can to help those in need around us,” said John Adams, the RailRiders Team President. “Minor League Baseball, as an industry, has always done a great job in community-driven events and focused efforts like this. Donations to this cause will help benefit our region immensely. While we are certainly aware that times are tough financially, this is a tremendous way for those who can donate to make an impact.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from RailRiders fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times.

Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.