Bulls Partner With BASF, Cree|Wolfspeed to Create Pollinator Garden at DBAP

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Today the Durham Bulls announced a partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, a leading supplier in the agriculture industry creating sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers, and Cree|Wolfspeed, a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on silicon carbide and GaN technologies, to create a pollinator garden at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The collaboration, sponsored by BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed, will contribute to the Durham Bulls commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change in the Triangle. The garden, which will be planted in mid-November, will feature both annual and perennial pollinator plants including Goldenrods, Stoke’s Aster, and New Jersey Tea and reflect the Bulls colors – blue, white and orange.

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed to provide the Triangle with another interactive space to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the food chain,” said Mike Birling, Durham Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations. “We know the importance of building these spaces in urban settings and are delighted to play a role in the sustainability of our local environment and in the education of the community.”

Approximately 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, making pollinators vital to both the ecosystem and the food supply chain. In addition to supporting our food supply, there are many other environmental benefits of wild flowering plants including producing oxygen to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, purifying water and returning the moisture to the atmosphere after it rains.

Downtown Durham is host to several beehives, making the DBAP an ideal location to help sustain the pollinator population native to the area. The goal of the pollinator garden is to expand the availability of food sources to surrounding pollinators. While the honeybee and monarch butterfly are some of the most iconic pollinators, patrons of the DBAP will see beetles, moths, birds, and many other insects.

“At BASF, one of our goals is to educate the public on various ways to improve and impact sustainability, which is why we are partnering with the Durham Bulls and Cree|Wolfspeed to establish a pollinator garden,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions North America. “We hope partnerships like these can continue to shed light on the vital role pollinators play in our food supply chain and ecosystem.”

“At Cree|Wolfspeed, we believe every individual should have a home, enough to eat and an opportunity to excel. Partnering with BASF to help the Durham Bulls create a teaching pollinator garden adds an educational and fun science-based activity for our neighbors,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe. “We cannot wait for the community to be able to learn more about the pollination process and its importance to the food supply, while watching the garden grow in the heart of downtown Durham.”

Video from the kickoff event can be found here.

Inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race Announced

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The Durham Bulls announced today plans for the inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race, a virtual race featuring a One-Mile Fun Run and 5K, presented by PNC Bank. Two race distances allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate, while the virtual format means individuals anywhere can join the greatest mascot in the world for a fun-filled Thanksgiving race they’ll never forget.

Registration for the Thanksgiving-themed virtual race is now open and runs through Sat., Oct. 31. Participants will have one week — Nov. 23 to Nov. 29 — to complete the race. They will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded.

“As we prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday that will be unlike any other, PNC looks forward to helping the Durham Bulls bring this virtual event to friends and fans everywhere,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “We are pleased to join Wool E. Bull for this race, which celebrates community, family togetherness and good health.”

Participants may select from one of two distances for their virtual race:

  • One-Mile Fun Run: For $25, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. The One-Mile Fun Run is the perfect distance for children wishing to participate in Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race.
  • 5K: For $40, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. For an additional $10, runners can add a ticket voucher that may be redeemed for a 2021 Durham Bulls home game.

Registration is open through Oct. 31. Packet pick-up for local participants will be available at the Ballpark Corner Store beginning Nov. 16. Race packets will be shipped to those who select a shipping option beginning Nov. 16. Click here for more information or to register.

CANNON BALLERS HONOR HEROES THROUGH FIELD OF HONOR®

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(KANNAPOLIS, NC) – In a tribute of those whose actions made them heroes in our lives, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers bring their inaugural Field of Honor® display to Atrium Health Ballpark.

It is appropriate to honor our heroes with a display of the flag that they honored through their service and sacrifice. The Field of Honor® display of United States flags bring volunteers, residents, and visitors together as hundreds of flags are posted. This inspiring and memorable panorama of red, white, and blue is hard to describe, but once experienced it is not to be forgotten.

Each 3-foot by 5-foot flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the flag honoree and the person who sponsored the flag. Flags may be purchased to honor the memory of a veteran or current service member from any branch of service. The purchaser will be permitted to take home the flag following the conclusion of the event. This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all those who are serving, have served, and have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

The Field of Honor® will fly starting November 2nd thru November 11th. The Cannon Ballers will host an Opening Ceremony for the placing of the first flag on November 2nd at 12:00pm at Gate #1 (West Ave). The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day for viewing and observation. Each evening, “Taps” will be played at sunset. A Closing Ceremony will be held on November 11th at 11:00AM inside of Atrium Health Ballpark with guest speakers, musical tributes, and the reading of the names of the veterans honored on the field. All ceremonies pending social distancing standards and the mandates from the Office of the Governor.

Flags are available for purchase for $40 at the Cannon Baller team store or online at www.kcballers.com. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are available.

For more information on the Field of Honor®, visit www.kcballers.com or call 704-932-3267. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Ryan Pegarsch at 704-935-1529 or [email protected].

About Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are a Minor League Baseball team of the South Atlantic League and the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Currently located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the team was established in 1995 as the Piedmont Phillies until 1996 when they changed their name to the Piedmont Boll Weevils.

What is Field of Honor®?
The Field of Honor® program is part of a national movement that started out as a way to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and was founded by the Colonial Flag Foundation.

In just a short amount of time, the concept has grown and communities like ours across America are turning to Field of Honor® tributes to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes. The Field of Honor® is a community project of remembrance, and an expression of humanity and patriotism.

Segra Stadium to Host 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 2nd Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 12th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the climb will start at approximately 9:15 a.m.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters, police, and EMS who selflessly gave their lives on that tragic day. Each participant will pay tribute to those brave souls by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS are never forgotten.

Registration fees are $30/per person and include your entry to the climb and a t-shirt. Anyone interested in climbing MUST REGISTER ONLINE by September 10th. We will not have walk-up registration this year to limit touch points at the entrance. Check-in for the event will begin at 7:45 a.m. All proceeds from the stair climb will benefit programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit.

To register, please visit the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Facebook page HERE.

Knights help Charlotte youth lead the way

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Nonprofit selected as one of five CommUNITY grant recipients

For Charlotte’s Megan Smithers, nominating an organization for Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grant program was a no-brainer, given the team’s relationship with and appreciation for the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Knights’ director of community relations selected YBLA for its involvement with Black youth in the Charlotte area. Founded in 2006, YBLA works to “educate and develop young black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond.” Through its flagship Ambassador program, YBLA identifies student leaders in high school, helps get them ready for college and their early professional years while also training them to mentor students of all grade levels.

Recently, in light of social justice issues that have come to the forefront, YBLA launched another campaign called Community Conversations — a three-tier program aiming to educate, collaborate and solve disparities affecting the Black community in Charlotte.

“Community Conversations has been a great way to create positive communication,” Smithers said. “They’ve been able to create a platform where people can come join and talk openly and really either educate themselves or listen to other people.

“I think the leaders and founders of YBLA realized the opportunity to create positive conversation. This also showed these young Black youth that they are helping to further their careers and further their education. It allowed them to get involved.”

Members of the Young Black Leadership Alliance enjoy a Knights game. Charlotte Knights

Eager to recognize the important work of nonprofit organizations in 2020, Minor League Baseball came up with the idea of awarding five $500 grants to organizations spanning the country that are supporting their local and diverse community in an impactful, relevant way. YBLA joins Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs), El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas) and ¡HICA! (Birmingham Barons) as recipients receiving that grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

“YBLA is doing some really great things in our community,” Smithers said. “They make sure (their ambassadors) succeed, go to college and become good community advocates.”

This is not the first time the Knights have helped recognize the efforts of YBLA. In 2017, Charlotte awarded the organization a $3,500 grant as part of its Safe at Home campaign. The Knights also work closely with YBLA for education opportunities in the sports industry, serving as a community liaison.

“If they have kids in their program that have sports-tracked minds or want to go into sports, we are a good advocate for them,” Smithers said.

COVID-19 has forced YBLA’s in-person sessions for the 2020-21 school year to be conducted online. However, that hasn’t hindered the organization’s ability to impact and inspire the Charlotte community. Community Conversations still take place online every Tuesday, and the sessions are open to the public.

“This allowed the youth to get involved, which was a different aspect hearing how things are affecting them,” Smithers said. “It’s definitely a cool way that they were able to engage with all the demographics during this kind of unrest.”

Katie Woo is an editorial producer for Minor League Baseball. Follow her on twitter at @katiejwoo.

DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS TO HOST YOUTH SOFTBALL CAMP

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Kinston, North Carolina – The Down East Wood Ducks will host a Youth Softball Camp, Presented by Stallings Plumbing, Heating and A/C, on Monday, August 31st through Wednesday, September 2nd.

The Youth Softball Camp will offer daily sessions from 9am-1pm. The three day camp is $50 per participant for all three days. This camp will include instructions on infield, outfield, pitching, catching and hitting.

The instructors will include current and former team members from the Shockers travel softball team along with Head Coach Jody Turner. The Shockers teams have produced 104 D1 college athletes over the years and the current team will be sending one hundred percent of its senior class to play collegiate softball. “The Shockers are both honored and thrilled to partner with the DEWDS to bring fast pitch softball to historic Grainger Stadium. We cherish every opportunity to cultivate a young girl’s dream of playing a game that promotes integrity in all aspects of life” says head coach Jody Turner

As part of our COVID19 event protocol, each child is responsible for bringing their own equipment to the camp (i.e bat, glove, cap, catching equipment if applicable) as well as water or Gatorade. Limited concessions will be available daily. Each session will be limited in space to not only help with one on one instruction time but also for social distancing. Parents will be required to sign a waiver for the participant and themselves prior to entering the Grainger Stadium.

Parents may register their children by calling Jackson Cook at 252-686-5142 or email Jackson at [email protected].There is limited space so don’t delay, contact Jackson and register today as we expect the camps to fill up in advance.

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

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2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.

Bulls & WGU North Carolina Announce Military Appreciation Event

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of a recognition program in partnership with WGU North Carolina and the USO of North Carolina, to provide a unique, special experience for active military and their families.

Beginning Monday, the Bulls will host pre-registered military families at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and provide the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch in the outfield, enjoy yard games or just breathe in the fresh air for a 45-minute session, underneath the stadium lights.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer these military families a special experience at the ballpark,” said Nick Bavin, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Durham Bulls. “We are always grateful for the sacrifice these individuals and their families make for us, so we’re excited to be able to play a part in putting a smile on their faces during these trying times.”

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand that opportunities like these are greatly appreciated,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We look forward to hosting these families for a memorable experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the on-field experience, the event will also serve as a ‘Back to School’ kickoff with WGU North Carolina providing school supplies to the children in attendance.

WGU North Carolina is a One Star Patriot Circle Partner of the USO of North Carolina and was recently named the number one military school in the nation in the category of online/vocational in an announcement that can be found here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2020/02/wgu-named-number-one-by-military-friendly.html.

About WGU North Carolina

WGU North Carolina is an online competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in post-secondary education. WGU has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at nc.wgu.edu.

“Knights Care 4 CLT” Raised Over $125,000 

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(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities..

For more information, or how fans, partners, and other interested parties can continue to help those in need, please visit the link here —> KNIGHTS CARE 4 CLT

The Rick Herrema Foundation To Receive $10,000 Donation for Summer Camps

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Playing, learning, and growing: that’s what summer camp is all about at The Rick Herrema Foundation’s 50 acre green space called ‘Rick’s Place,’ located just minutes from Fort Bragg. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are proud to give a donation of $10,000 to The Rick Herrema Foundation for camp participants to enjoy three weeks of activities, without the extra worry or burden of expenses and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Woodpeckers presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to The Rick Herrema Foundation from their primary outreach program of the club’s official team charity, The Community Leaders Program, which focuses on military and youth sports causes. This donation will sponsor the supplies and activities budget for the upcoming three weeks of summer camps. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Rick Herrema Foundation is elevating safety and sanitation measures to protect the campers and their well-being, while having fun in an outdoor, safety-conscious environment. The summer camps are specifically designed for children with military connections, ages 8 to 14 years old. This summer, campers will learn survival skills, land navigation, ax throwing, and wood working, as well as other fun, socially distant activities during their time at Rick’s Place. Additionally, The Community Leaders Program has sponsored scholarships to cover the cost for camp participants whose families may be financially challenged.

The Community Leaders Program is made possible through the generosity of our corporate partners: SEGRA, AEVEX, ASUS, The Walsingham Group, CarolinasDentist, and Blanton’s Air, Plumbing, and Electric.

For more information about Rick’s Place and The Rick Herrema Foundation, click HERE. You can find more information on The Community Leaders Program HERE.

2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist

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(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the 2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist will take place on Thursday, July 9 at Truist Field. First pitch of the game is set for 4:30 PM. Gates will be closed to the general public.

“We are pleased to be able to host this great game,” stated Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “This will be a special day for all of these athletes, their families, and the Charlotte community. We look forward to a memorable day at the ballpark on Thursday.”

The Charlotte High School Varsity League, which features about 100 players from a dozen area local high schools, was formed last month after the high school baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league, which fielded six teams, played games in Matthews and Huntersville in June and early July. The All-Star Classic will give the seniors in the league the chance to play their last prep game at one of the premier baseball venues in the country, Truist Field.

Bulls Announce Safe at Home Fund for Seasonal Employees

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of the Safe at Home Fund, a relief program designed to provide financial aid to the seasonal employees who are currently unable to work with the Bulls due to the postponement of the Minor League Baseball season. The relief funds, established together with parent Capitol Broadcasting Company, will be made available to more than 200 employees who worked the 2019 season and were scheduled to work during the 2020 season.

“In times of such economic uncertainty, the Bulls want to make sure that all members of our family are taken care,” said Bulls VP Mike Birling. “Our game day staff are the face of our organization to so many of our fans and play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of events hosted at the DBAP that we have all come to expect. We hope that this fund is able to provide some form of relief as we navigate through the current health situation and we can’t wait to welcome our staff back to work.”

With the start of the Minor League Baseball season postponed indefinitely, the Bulls are proud to be able to use their platform to support our team in this time of need. Fans are encouraged to follow the Bulls’ website and social channels for regular updates on the team, the 2020 season and how the team is responding to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

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The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

$2,790 Raised For Second Harvest Food Bank Through CommUNITY First Initiative

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are pleased to announce the results of their month-long participation in the MiLB CommUNITY First campaign. The national initiative, developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, encouraged participating teams and their fans to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a grand total of $2,790 raised, the Woodpeckers placed first in fundraising in the Carolina League and second nationally out of more than 100 participating teams throughout Minor League Baseball. Fans donated $1,145 from April 28th through May 31st. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund, the team’s official charity, matched the total amount raised. As one of the top five teams in fundraising through this initiative, MiLB Charities added an additional $500 donation.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Woodpeckers’ local food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, located in Fayetteville. In southeast North Carolina, 1 in 6 people face hunger; 1 in 4 of these are children. Second Harvest Food Bank is the leading hunger relief oganization in the southeastern region of the Tar Heel state; serving Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson counties.

CommUNITY First not only addressed food insecurity, the initiative also aimed to honor those on the front lines fighting COVID-19. For every $10 raised, the Woodpeckers pledged to donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic. The Woodpeckers will work with local partners to distribute 279 tickets to front-line workers in our community.
Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First campaign collectively raised $54,070 for Feeding America food banks around the country. As a result, participating teams will donate over 5,400 tickets to heroes fighting COVID-19.