Scrappers Announce Colorburst 5K for 2017

ColorBurst 5K, producers of paint run events across America, in conjunction with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are delighted to announce that the Second Annual ColorBurst 5K run will take place within the grounds of Eastwood Field on Saturday August 5, 2017. This family friendly 5K fun run will be staged in partnership with the Scrappers and will be held the same day as the team’s home game against the State College Spikes.

The CB5K experience brings people from all walks of life together in a technicolor burst of energy and excitement blending color, music and ‘good vibes’ against the backdrop of a 5K fun-run suitable for the entire family.

Tweet from @mvscrappers: Check out the 2016 Colorburst 5K

Where this event differs from the traditional 5Ks you may have experienced previously is in the two key elements of fun: amazing music and gallons of gloriously colored paint At each interval along the course, CB5K crew blast each participant with non-toxic, hypoallergenic, washable, water-based paint from the sidelines. Aside from this amazing twist on the typical 5K guests will be treated to an interactive pre-party and post-party at the fully branded CB5K stage with DJs, MCs, giveaways and family-focused fun.

The MV Scrappers will be working alongside main sponsors Fizek, Chevy All Stars & Braking Point Recovery Center to welcome ColorBurst 5K to Niles and a portion of the race ticket sale proceeds will go to the team’s charitable partner Akron Children’s Hospital-Mahoning Valley.

Tickets go on sale today here and there are a limited number of earlybird tickets available starting at $22.99.  Each ticket includes a voucher for entry to a Scrappers Game this season! Create your own team name & register with friends, or as an individual. As part of its commitment to making their event a family-friendly choice ColorBurst 5K include one child (12&under) registration free with every registered adult.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup Event

As part of the Great American Cleanup, the Dayton Dragons, Montgomery County Environmental Services, and Dayton Inspires will host a cleanup event on May 20th from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at 42 N. Orchard Ave. in Dayton.

The Dragons will be there from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. to get the event started with hats, raffle prizes, Dragons players, members of the Dragons Green Team, and a mascot. The cleanup of the area will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 2:00 p.m.

Individual participants as well as groups like boy scouts, girls scouts, church groups, and others are invited to participate in the event. The Great American Cleanup is a terrific way to give back to the community. All registered volunteers at the cleanup will be entered into a drawing for a variety of great Dragons prizes.

About the Great American Cleanup

The Great American Cleanup is the largest organized volunteer litter cleanup and community improvement program in the country. This long standing Keep America Beautiful event, which runs annually from March 1 until May 31, is sponsored locally by the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) program. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful provides volunteers with cleanup supplies and can assist with litter disposal. KMCB can also help coordinate cleanup events and provide other resources for large scale community projects. For more information on KMCB programs, please visit www.kmcbohio.org or call (937) 225-4999.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

CAPTAINS ANNOUNCE 13TH ANNUAL CAPTAINS CHARITIES BASEBALL CLASSIC

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, have announced the line-up for the 13TH Annual Captains Charities High School Baseball for 2017. Ten local high school teams will compete in five featured games over two days at Classic Park. Ticket proceeds from the event will be shared between the participating schools and Captains Charities, the non-profit charitable arm of the Lake County Captains organization.

The Captains have expanded the event from eight teams to 10 this year. The 2017 edition will allow two additional schools to raise money and will allow more kids to enjoy playing at Classic Park.

The Captains Charities Baseball Classic is scheduled for Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. On May 5, the Chagrin Falls Tigers will play the Kenston Bombers, beginning at 4 PM, followed by the nightcap featuring the Twinsburg Tigers and the Mayfield Wildcats at 7 PM.

On May 6, the St. John Fighting Heralds will take on the Fairport Harbor Skippers at 11AM. Later on, the Kirtland Hornets will play the Beachwood Bison at 2PM, followed by the Eastlake North Rangers against the Willoughby South Rebels at 5 PM.

Tickets for the event will be just $6 each and will be available for purchase at each of the participating schools. Each school will receive 100 tickets to sell on their own for their specific day. Tickets to the games will also be available online at CaptainsBaseball.com and in person at the Captains Ticket Office during normal business hours, or by calling 440-954-WINS (9467). Daily tickets are good for all games that day.

The Captains open the 2017 season on April 8 at Classic Park against Dayton. Affordable ticket packages are available for purchase now and more information may be found at www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dragons Announce Little Big Leagues Program presented by IGS

DAYTON, OHIO – It doesn’t get much better than baseball being played by kids. The love affair with our nation’s pastime began on little league fields across the country for so many of us. In that spirit, the Dayton Dragons and IGS are announcing a multi-year partnership to shine a spotlight on little leaguers all across our region.

The Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS, is a season-long program filled with amazing experiences for little leaguers and a chance for all fans to celebrate youth baseball.

  • Thousands of little leaguers will have the ability to participate in one of the IGS Little League Parades before a sold-out Dragons game this summer. Leagues that come to a Dragons game as part of a group outing will be escorted for a lap around the warning track at Fifth Third Field during pre-game warmups and have the ability to take a league-wide photo on the field.
  • The Dragons and IGS are also teaming up to offer two skills clinics where little leaguers age 7-14 can register to get two days’ worth of training directly from Dragons players and coaching staff at Fifth Third Field.
  • The Dragons and IGS will also take the fun of a Dragons game on the road this summer. They will bring mascots, Heater and Gem, as well as members of the Dragons Green Team entertainment staff for surprise visits to area little league fields during their games and practices.

In addition to these activations, the season will culminate with a Grand Prize later this summer. Two little league teams will have the ability to square off under the lights at Fifth Third Field in a full game experience, including PA announcers, video board graphics, Dragons in-game entertainment and more.

“It doesn’t get any more American than little leaguers playing the game of baseball,” Dragons Team President Robert Murphy said. “This partnership is going to shine the spotlight on youth baseball in our region and give these kids some amazing memories they’ll keep with them for the rest of their lives.”

“We’re glad to support the Dayton Dragons, and the many ways they give back to the next generation of baseball players in the community. IGS has been proud to supply natural gas and electricity to area businesses and homeowners for over 25 years, along with home protection services, and we’re honored to give back to the community through this partnership, as well,” said Brandon Childers, chief marketing and technology officer.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287 or visit www.daytondragons.com.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power, and compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Have a ball at Future Mud Hen Baseball Camps

Play ball where the Mud Hens play! Have fun in the sun and improve on your skills at our Future Mud Hen Baseball Camps. All camps and clinics will be held at Fifth Third Field and camp instructors will be current Mud Hens players and coaches.

For all camp registrations, contact CJ O’Leary at 419-720-6543 or email coleary@mudhens.com.

FIELD OF DREAMS CLINIC: SATURDAY, MAY 27 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

The Future Mud Hen Special Needs Field of Dreams Clinic is open to any child between the ages of 5 and 18 with special needs. This two-hour camp will take place on the field prior to the Mud Hens game at Fifth Third Field. The camp will feature three simultaneous games on the field with Mud Hens players, including an opportunity for each child to get at least one at bat at home plate at Fifth Third Field, complete with an introduction on the public address system and a live shot on the video board!

One adult chaperone is required to be in attendance with each child attending the clinic.

Field of Dreams Clinic registration is $25.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Camp T-shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • May 27 Mud Hens game ticket (Additional tickets are $12 each)

THREE-DAY SKILLS CAMP: TUESDAY, JUNE 13 – THURSDAY, JUNE 15 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. EACH DAY

The Future Mud Hen Three Day Skills Camp is for kids ages 7 to 14 and will feature in-depth instruction on all aspects of the game of baseball. The first two days of the camp feature stations around the field where Mud Hens players teach the campers baseball fundamentals. Stations will include instruction on fielding (infield & outfield), hitting, base running, pitching, strength & conditioning and more. The final day of the camp will feature several competitions (Speed Pitch, Gold Glove and Speed Running) and an on field game!

Each Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp concludes with an awards ceremony at Fifth Third Field with a special appearance by MUDDY! The awards ceremony is open to anyone wishing to attend. Certificates will be awarded to the competition winners and prizes will be drawn randomly! Mud Hens players will be available for a post-camp autograph session at this time.

Three-Day Skills Camp registration is $140.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Skills Camp T-Shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • Lunch on all three days (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Pizza with chips and pop)
  • Mud Hens game ticket for either June 13, June 14, or June 15. (Additional tickets are $12 each)

ADULT/CHILD CAMP: SATURDAY, JULY 15 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

The Future Mud Hen Adult & Child Baseball Camp is a chance for children and adults to learn baseball and teaching skills from Mud Hens coaches and players. In turn, we hope the adults will continue to practice those same skills with the children when they go home. Adults should bring their baseball mitt so they can join in on the drills and lessons! The Adult & Child Baseball Camp is open to children ages 5 through 14 along with a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or any other adult (18 or older) who would like to accompany them.

The Adult & Child Baseball Camp registration is $80 for one adult and one child and $40 for each additional camper.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen T-Shirt for adult and child
  • Souvenir baseball for child
  • July 15 Mud Hens game ticket for adult and child (Additional tickets are $12 each)

THREE-DAY CAMP: WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – FRIDAY, JULY 28 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. EACH DAY

The Future Mud Hen Three Day Skills Camp is for kids ages 7 to 14 and will feature in-depth instruction on all aspects of the game of baseball. The first two days of the camp feature stations around the field where Mud Hens players teach the campers baseball fundamentals. Stations will include instruction on fielding (infield & outfield), hitting, base running, pitching, strength & conditioning and more. The final day of the camp will feature several competitions (Speed Pitch, Gold Glove and Speed Running) and an on field game!

Each Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp concludes with an awards ceremony at Fifth Third Field with a special appearance by MUDDY! The awards ceremony is open to anyone wishing to attend. Certificates will be awarded to the competition winners and prizes will be drawn randomly! Mud Hens players will be available for a post-camp autograph session at this time.

Three-Day Skills Camp registration is $140.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Skills Camp T-Shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • Lunch on all three days (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Pizza with chips and pop)
  • Mud Hens game ticket for either July 26, July 27, or July 28. (Additional tickets are $12 each)

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dragons Green Team Performing at Area Schools

Opening night for the 2017 baseball season is 10 weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the fifth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Click here for more information on the Dragons School Assembly program.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Fifth Third Field. Each assembly focuses on the benefits of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 18th Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field against the Lake County Captains. On April 1 at Fifth Third Field, the Dragons will host the Cincinnati Reds Futures Game, when the Reds battle a team of their top minor league prospects.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Discover great times with Mud Hens Scout Experience

Calling all scout troops: you’re invited to join us for the Mud Hens Scout Experience, a custom learning program created just for you, presented by Camping World. It’s a great way to meet other scouts while having fun at Fifth Third Field.

  • Hands-on pregame activities
  • Meet the mascots
  • Fireworks
  • Run the bases
  • Family-friendly movie
  • Sleepover at the ballpark

2017 MUD HENS SCOUT EXPERIENCE DATES

Boy Scout Sleepover Schedule

  • Friday, June 16
  • Saturday, June 17
  • Saturday, July 15
  • Friday, July 28
  • Friday. August 11

Girl Scout Sleepover Schedule

  • Friday, July 14
  • Saturday, August 12

For more information, click here, or call the Mud Hens Scout line at 419-725-9292 or email scouts@mudhens.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Have fun raising money for your group with the Mud Hens

The Toledo Mud Hens are once again offering a fun and exciting opportunity for organizations to raise money during games at Fifth Third Field. We are putting out a call for groups with friendly, hard-working volunteers to work the concessions stands and portable food and beverage carts during the 2017 season.

In 2016, local non-profit organizations raised more than $167,000, and since 2002, groups have earned more than $2.4 million!

The Mud Hens want to share in our success and help local groups earn additional funds for their cause. Groups will be given the tools needed to be successful, such as training, supervision and a percentage of the sales.

To get start started, click here, or call Liz Lauffer at 419-725-4396 or email fundraising@mudhens.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Free to Breathe Run/Walk at Fifth Third Field Sat., Oct. 22

Dayton, Ohio- Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, October 22 at the Fifth Third Field. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. – Registration & check-in
9:30 a.m. – Opening rally
9:45 a.m. – 5K run/walk & 1-mile walk
11:15 a.m. – Closing rally

REGISTRATION FEES/DEADLINES

ONLINE (CLOSES OCT. 19)

$25/$15*

EVENT DAY (BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M.)

$30/$20*

*youth ages 12 & under

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Entry into the 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk, 2016 branded Free to Breathe event t-shirt, refreshments and entertainment. All online registrants who participate are guaranteed an event t-shirt. A limited quantity of t-shirts in limited sizes will be available for those registering on event day.

It’s easy to join the ranks of these lung cancer heroes. Simply register, raise funds, and run or walk. “By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those touched by the disease,” said volunteer event chair Kathy Fennig of Dayton. “More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance.”

The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $14 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. This year the organization will be funding two new lung cancer research grants totaling over $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk by raising over $33,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2016, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. In Ohio alone, an estimated 10,550 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

This year’s event will feature a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. The day will also include a silent auction, a variety of kids activities, the chance to meet Gem, the Dayton Dragons mascot and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/dayton.

Free to Breathe

Free to Breathe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 15. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday at Fifth Third Field

The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will start following the opening ceremonies.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information and to register for the Walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 8?

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Dragons Website Going Pink in October

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, will remain pink to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 15 at 9:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Miracle League Baseball Field and Inclusive Playground Initiative Planned in Eastlake near Classic Park

(Eastlake, OH) – A collaboration of leaders in Lake County have put together a fundraising task force and campaign to create an exciting project geared toward children and adults with developmental disabilities. The project is planned at the corner of Route 91 and Vine Street in Eastlake, adjacent to Classic Park, and will include construction of a Miracle League baseball playing field and a large, inclusive playground which will provide play opportunities for individuals with all abilities. An official press conference will be held with members of the community and media at Classic Park on Thursday, September 29 at 1 PM.

There are over 2,000 residents in Lake County alone who will be able to utilize these new facilities which will be open year-round to residents across northeast Ohio. The project will cost approximately $1.2 million to develop and build the Miracle League field and playground. This initiative will be 100% financed through private contributions and donations. The group spearheading this project has already received support from the Lubrizol Foundation, CT Consultants, members of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, the Lake County Captains, Captains Charities, and the Deepwood Foundation.

The Miracle League is a nationwide program with over 270 fields across the country. Their goal is to provide opportunities for children with physical and intellectual disabilities to play baseball and be part of a team. The Miracle League’s website is www.miracleleague.com for more detailed information on the league.

The team of leaders initially putting together this initiative includes the Lake County Commissioners, City of Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley, Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority Executive Director Mark Rantala, Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood Superintendent Elfie Roman, Deepwood Foundation Executive Director Rikke Coach, Lake County Educational Service Center Superintendent Brian Bontempo and Lake County Captains General Manager Neil Stein.

Commissioner Judy Moran, in announcing the creation of the task force said, “I am proud to be a part of the group that has been assembled for this very special Miracle League project. The field and playground will be a place for kids and young adults to come from all over the county and the City of Eastlake to enjoy the things we all do every day. It is a heart-warming project that will put a smile on the faces of everyone involved. The Miracle League Field and Playground will enhance this County as a wonderful place for special needs individuals and their families.”

Lake County residents with special needs already recognize the high quality of community support through Deepwood and the Lake County school systems. Elfie Roman from Deepwood said, “This project epitomizes the inclusive spirit of our Lake County community, and reinforces that all our citizens, of differing abilities, can live, work, and play together!” Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley commented, “I believe this is a great project for our community. This is not just for Eastlake but for all of Lake County and the surrounding area. I am honored to work with everyone on this task force to bring this project together for the very special group of kids and adults. This will be a special place for everyone to enjoy.”

The funds will be collected by the Deepwood Foundation and Executive Director, Rikke Coach, and will be tax deductible. The fundraising campaign will be led by fundraising Campaign Chairman Morris Beverage III and will begin in September with a goal of having the funds raised by the end of March in 2017. LCOPEDA Director, Mark Rantala said, “This is a very special project and we look forward to making this happen. Community resources like this enhance the County’s ability to attract a quality workforce. The Commissioners’ commitment recognizes that quality of life items are important to the attractiveness of the community. I am confident we can raise the funds.”

For more information on how to get involved with the project contact Mark Rantala at 440-357-2290 x232 or via e-mail at MRantala@lcport.org. Organizations interested in making a financial contribution to the project can contact Rikke Coach with the Deepwood Foundation at 440-350-5208 or Rikke.Coach@lakebdd.org.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

JDRF One Walk Dayton at Fifth Third Field Saturday

Dayton, OH – JDRF Southwest Ohio will host its annual JDRF One Walk Dayton on Saturday, October 1 at Fifth Third Field, where more than 2,500 participants are expected.

The event is one of more than 200 community Walks nationwide that bring together thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s mission to create a world without T1D.

Walk check-in begins at 8:00 am. The 4k walk, which begins at 9:00 a.m., starts and ends at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton.

The Walk’s Corporate Co-Chairs this year are Steve Petitjean, Market Manager at Fifth Third Bank and Liz Heitner, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Synchrony Financial. There is also a committee of lead volunteers and walk coaches driving the Walk to success.

“Our mission at JDRF is to turn type one into type none, and participating in the JDRF One Walk Dayton is a great way for individuals to support the Dayton community and experience a fun event. This year’s Walk features the One Walk Model, which focuses on JDRF’s mission to fund research for a cure for type one diabetes. We hope attendees will enjoy returning to Fifth Third Field as we’ve add some extra fun surprises for this year.” said Samantha Redden, Dayton Development Coordinator for JDRF Southwest Ohio.

JDRF One Walk is the most powerful peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world for T1D, raising more than $75 million annually. As JDRF’s flagship fundraising event and the largest T1D event in the world, JDRF One Walk provides the perfect opportunity to get more involved in your local JDRF community and show your commitment to creating a world without T1D.

Since 1992, the event has raised more than $1 billion dollars for life-changing T1D research-research that has led to breakthrough discoveries, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real-world testing. Although there has been considerable progress, there is plenty more we have yet to accomplish. View past JDRF One Walk Dayton event photos at their Flickr page.

JDRF gratefully acknowledges its national corporate partners who support its efforts to create a world without T1D. The JDRF One Walk Elite Partners include Advance Auto Parts, Ford Motor Company, Lilly Diabetes, Marshalls, Novo Nordisk and Walgreens. Local corporate partners for Southwest Ohio’s Walk include Fifth Third Bank, Synchrony Financial, Messer Construction, Dayton Childrens, Heidelberg Distributing, Ford Lima Engine Plant, RSM and Fifth Third Field. Event day emcees are John Seibel from WDTN with and Frye Guy from K99.1 FM.

Interested participants can find more information and register at walk.jdrf.org/dayton or by contacting the Southwest Ohio office at (937) 690-9176.

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About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. For more information, please visit swo.jdrf.org or connect with us on Facebook (JDRFSWOhio) or Twitter (JDRFSWOhio).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fifth Third Field to Host AHA Walk/Run on Saturday

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton 5K Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 24th from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. A signature event of the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk/Run promotes physical activity and healthy living in an environment that’s fun for the whole family. All proceeds will go toward funding research and education involving the reduction of heart disease and stroke. Individuals or teams can register online at heart.org/daytonwalk or by calling Kim Doherty at (937) 853-3110.

The Walk/Run is specifically designed for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m., which is also when the gates open at Fifth Third Field. Before the event begins, families can roam the concourse or enjoy a fun and interactive health and wellness fair on the plaza. Sponsors will give out a heart-healthy snack and allow attendees to check blood pressure and help figure out body mass index (BMI). There will be inflatable games for children to enjoy, and Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance.

Heart disease and stroke survivors are also encouraged to visit the survivor area, created especially for the “honored guests” of the Heart Walk. Special gifts will be available to survivors at the walk.

The third annual Kids Fun Run/Walk will begin shortly after 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The 5K Race and Heart Walk is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is quick and easy if you visit heart.org/daytonwalk. Once you click “Register,” you can join a team, join as an individual, or start your own team. After you complete registration, you can personalize your site and invite friends and family to participate or sponsor your efforts.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OF GREATER DAYTON

Located in Kettering, the American Heart Association of Greater Dayton covers 12 counties in the area and is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke throughout Ohio. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Currently, the American Heart Association is funding $660,000 of experimental research at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.