Chihuahuas & Locomotive Deliver Beds to Families in time for the Holidays

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EL PASO, TEXAS – December 16, 2022 – Two weeks after building and assembling beds, the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal, both presented by Helen of Troy, are partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) El Paso Chapter to deliver beds to children of two El Paso families just in time for Christmas.

The team of volunteers will deliver beds to the Ramos and Lubreras families, respectively, tomorrow, Saturday, December 17 beginning at 10 a.m. Each of the families have three children and will receive bunk and single beds. The team will also set up the beds for the children. Each bed will take 15 minutes for set up.

The beds were built and assembled by Chihuahuas & Locomotive volunteers on December 3 at Southwest University Park. The build was the first of its kind in the El Paso area for SHP El Paso. As part of the volunteer event, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive Foundation donated $5,000 to purchase materials for beds.

SHP El Paso is currently taking bed request for families with children between the ages of three and 17 years of age. Families who wish to apply can visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-el-paso/. SHP is seeking bed requests for children living in the 79901, 79905, 79907, 79915, and 79930 El Paso area codes.

About Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace had its start like many other charities, in a garage. It was Christmas time, a time of joy and happiness, a time of giving and love, but also a time of bitter, cold weather and snowstorms. A project, that was started with the build of one bed for a single family developed into something a whole lot more. With wood left over from the first bunk, another idea was created. “Who else could benefit from this bunk”?

SHP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The federal ID is 46-4346568 in the United States.

NON-PROFIT GROUPS EARN IN EXCESS OF $400,000WORKING ISOTOPES PARK CONCESSIONS IN ‘22

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The Albuquerque Isotopes today announced that the 10 non-profit groups working concessions at Isotopes Park cumulatively raised 405,731 during the 2022 season.

Since the facility opened in 2003, stadium concessionaire Oak View Group has employed non-profit groups to operate many of the concessions stands at the ballpark, helping raise funds for their individual organizations. The cumulative amount raised by these non-profit groups since the Isotopes’ inaugural 2003 season is now in excess of $4 million.

“We are extremely proud to have such a positive impact working with these groups and to allow them to have such meaningful fund raising opportunities,” Isotopes General Manager John Traub said. “Our goal as an organization is to help the community in a multitude of ways, and we are very pleased with this initiative.”

“Non-profit groups are a big part of our operation and are a key to the success of the ballpark,” Oak View Group General Manager Brad Six said. “But the impact it has on the community and the charities the groups are working towards is very important to us.”

Groups must work a minimum number of games and will then split the net proceeds from their concession stand with the Isotopes. Any groups interested in learning how they can raise money working concessions at Isotopes Park in 2023 can contact Brad Six at (505) 222-4032 or [email protected].

Reno Aces Partners with JAKKS Pacific for Annual Toy Donations to Benefit Local Charities

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RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have been spreading joy with thousands of toys to local charities during its annual toy donation in partnership with JAKKS Pacific throughout the holiday season. This year, the Aces have partnered with the following eight local charities for its toy donation:

Ashlee’s Toy Closet

Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Reno Rodeo Foundation

Tahoe Truckee Toys for Tots

Washoe County Sherriff’s Office

Washoe County Toys for Tots

Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra

“Over the years, our partnership with JAKKS Pacific has been phenomenal. Thanks to the friendship between our owner Herb Simon and Stephen Berman, JAKKS CEO, the Aces ensure every toy donated brings a local child in need some joy,” said Reno Aces President Eric Edelstein. “We can’t thank the Northern Nevada community enough for the support they provide the Aces, and these toys are a chance for us to give back to those less fortunate in the region.”

JAKKS Pacific Co-Founder and CEO Stephan Berman and Aces owner Herb Simon have been longtime friends, partnering for over a decade to make toy donations. The partnership has led to thousands of toys being donated to various charities in Nevada and Central Indiana.

The Reno Aces are slated to open the 2023 season at Greater Nevada Field on Friday, March 31st, against the Las Vegas Aviators, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Season Memberships are available via RenoAces.com, texting “MEMBER” to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

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Chihuahuas & Locomotive to Build and Assemble Beds for Area Children and Families for the Holiday

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Volunteer Information

EL PASO, TEXAS – November 30, 2022 – The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal, presented by Helen of Troy, will help make a child’s holiday brighter as they partner with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) El Paso Chapter to build, assemble, and deliver bunk beds to children and families in need.

The build will take place Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Southwest University Park. The event marks the first of its kind for the SHP El Paso Chapter.

“It is a privilege to have our baseball and soccer staffs contribute their time and efforts to such a needed cause,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “We are proud to work alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace here in El Paso to help our community.”

Founded by Luke and Heidi Michelson in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a 501(c)(3) organization that builds and delivers beds to children who do not have beds to sleep in. What stared as one bed for a family during the holiday season turned into requests from other families along with volunteers willing to donate time and money. Since its inception, the organization has grown to more than 270 chapters in the United States and across Canada, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

“I am excited about El Paso’s first bed build and excited that we are going to be building them at such an iconic place and with an iconic organization that represents joy and hope in El Paso,” said Brian Carter, Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter founder and president. “I hope this is a day of momentum that sparks lots of interest in building and giving beds for El Paso children. No child sleeps on the floor in our town.”

As part of the volunteer event, the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive Foundation donated $5,000 to purchase materials for Saturday’s build.

SHP El Paso is currently taking bed request for families with children between the ages of three and 17 years of age. Families who wish to apply can visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-el-paso/. SHP is seeking bed requests for children living in the 79901, 79905, 79907, 79915, and 79930 El Paso area codes.

The Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack & Locomotive Heart of Goal, both presented by Helen of Troy, are an El Paso-wide volunteer force created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region. Joining together with non-profit organizations and community partners, they are made up of Chihuahuas & Locomotive fans, players, coaches and staff with the mission of making a positive impact in the community.

The Chihuahuas and Locomotive front offices contribute more than 200 hours annually in volunteer hours via their respective volunteer groups. They have each volunteered at the Animal Shelter walking dogs, Rebuilding Together El Paso repairing homes, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, to name a few.

For more information regarding the build at Southwest University Park or to volunteer, contact Andrea Mendez at (915) 235-GOAL, Andy Imfeld at (915) 533-BASE, or CLICK HERE.

Chihuahuas to Launch Paws for Presents Donation Drive, Presented by AT&T

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CLICK HERE TO DONATE

EL PASO, TEXAS – November 23, 2022 – The El Paso Chihuahuas and AT&T present “Paws for Presents”, a holiday donation drive to benefit the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. The online drive is live now and runs through Friday, December 9, 2022.

“We are honored to partner with AT&T to provide gifts and a smile to these children who deserve it,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor.

The Chihuahuas are asking fans to make a minimum donation of $5 by CLICKING HERE. With a minimum donation of $5, donors will be entered to win a Chihuahuas Grand Prize! The larger the donation a patron contributes, the more entries the respective donor will receive.

The Chihuahuas Grand Prize includes the following:
• Two Chihuahuas Home Jerseys
• Two Chihuahuas Caps
• Four Tickets to a mutually agreed upon 2023 Chihuahuas Home Game
• Opportunity to throw out a First Pitch at a mutually agreed upon Home Game
• AT&T Gift

“AT&T is committed to El Paso,” said Carlos Martinez, Director of External Affairs, AT&T – Texas. “Whether it’s investing in community organizations like The Child Crisis Center or providing the most reliable network for consumers, we are proud to be part of this community.”

Reno Aces Fans Raise Over $22,000 in Theme Jersey Auctions

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RENO, Nev. – From Doctor Strange to SpongeBob SquarePants, Margaritaville, and more, the players and coaching staff wore a wide range of jerseys beyond their standard red, white, and blues during their Pacific Coast League Championship run at Greater Nevada Field.

This season, the Aces partnered with six Reno-area charities, Reno Rodeo Foundation, JOIN Inc., Eddy House, Communities in Schools of Nevada, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Disabled American Veterans, with each theme jersey night that included a jersey auction.

After a final tally of each theme-jersey auction, the Reno Aces are proud to announce a total of $22,374.18, with each of the six beneficiary charities receiving $3,729.

“The sense of giving that the Aces fans showcased this year to our charitable partners was remarkable with every dollar raised,” said Reno Aces Community Relations Manager Mary Knezovich. “These jerseys allow the winner to have a one-of-a-kind Reno Aces piece of history, and every winning bid helps the Northern Nevada community.”

Eddy House –

“Eddy House is very grateful to the Reno Aces for donating the proceeds of their jersey auction! Eddy House is Northern Nevada’s only shelter serving youth 18 to 24. When youth come to us, they have full access to our wide range of services, including immediate needs such as shelter, food, and showers, as well as case management, workforce development, therapy, and more. This money will help us to continue to provide these services as the demand increases with the cold weather. Thank you!”

Reno Rodeo Foundation –

“What most people don’t realize about the Denim Drive is that 100% of all donations go directly to these children,” said Debby Herman, Reno Rodeo Foundation President. “The support from the Reno Aces will directly benefit our program and the amazing impact the proceeds from the Marvel Jersey auction with have for children who have experienced the unimaginable”

“The Denim Drive program has evolved to providing Reno Rodeo Foundation purchase cards to social works so the kids can pick out their new clothing and hygiene items” said Clara Andriola, Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation. “Social workers have shared this process gives them a sense of pride, calms their anxiety from the trauma, boosts their confidence and allows them to express their individual style while teaching them crucial life skills that help them feel normal, especially during a time when everything the children know and own has been ripped away from them.”. The Reno Aces generous donation sends a message that someone really cares about them.”

Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation –

“Northern Nevada is a beautiful place to live because of great community partners like the Reno Aces. Your donation is greatly appreciated, and more important than ever, it offers Help, Hope, and Courage to families from the moment their child is diagnosed through survivorship. The Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation can provide services to ensure local families can overcome the financial and emotional burdens of a childhood cancer diagnosis. In the last 20 years, our foundation has provided over $7 million in direct financial assistance to local children. Your support helps assist approximately 120 children with needs such as medical, household, educational, and travel expenses related to treatment. We can provide this support because of donors like you. We appreciate the Reno Aces and recognize the significant impact of their donation. Thank you for helping make a difference for our youngest cancer warriors and their families.”

Communities in Schools of Nevada –

“We’re grateful that the Reno Aces and the Aces fans help put the “Communities” in our name through the jersey auction event! With the funds raised through this generous donation, we are able to continue our work in helping the almost 9,000 students in 13 schools throughout Washoe County by eliminating barriers to staying in school and graduating. Thank you to everyone who bid and won!”

The Reno Aces theme-jersey auctions will return in 2023, with the first one set for May, and additional auctions will run on select Saturdays throughout the season.

Baseball returns to Greater Nevada Field on Friday, March 31st, as the Reno Aces 2023 Opening Day will include a battle against their Silver State rivals, the Las Vegas Aviators, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Reno Aces, visit www.renoaces.com.

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Local woman awaiting a life-saving lung transplant will be recognized during Sept. 26 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2022) — Diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2009, Reno local Dina Jennings is awaiting a life-saving lung transplant. She is one of the more than 600 Nevadans and 100,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplant waiting list.

Jennings will be honored at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Monday, Sept. 26, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

Before being placed on the national transplant waiting list in April 2022, Jennings had a strong connection to organ donation. Her father, Danny Turner, died in 2010 and, as an organ donor, he gave the gift of sight to a blind person. Now awaiting a lung transplant, Jennings relies on oxygen to live. She uses around three oxygen tanks each week. Despite her reliance on oxygen, she remains physically active as she wants to be as healthy as possible while waiting for a lung transplant match.

“Whenever I get a phone call, I think it may be the call that they’ve found a transplant match – my heart skips a beat every time I hear the phone ring,” said Jennings.

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories like Dina’s in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Awaiting a life-saving kidney donation, local woman will be recognized during Sept. 16 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2022) — In her 30s, Xochie Aranda was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list and within three years received a transplant. However, Aranda was placed on the national transplant waiting list again after experiencing transplant failure nearly 10 years ago.

Aranda’s 9-year-old granddaughter will run the bases on her grandmother’s behalf at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Sept. 16, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Sacramento River Cats.

As she awaits a new kidney, Aranda receives dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours per week. Using experience gained from her challenging health journey, she educates the community as a Donor Network West volunteer Donate Life Ambassador.

“When I went back on dialysis after my transplant failed, I was a working, single mom. I had to educate myself on my health issues – a lot,” said Aranda. “As a Donor Network West ambassador, and someone who is a part of the local Hispanic community, I try to listen to people’s questions and address any myths to help people understand why it’s important to register as an organ donor.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the national transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Xochie is one of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West as we help educate our communities and increase the number of people registered as organ donors,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

OKC Dodgers and ODMHSAS to Honor Edie Nayfa Saturday As She Works to #StrikeOutThe Stigma

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The third honoree of 2022 is Edie Nayfa, CEO of Catalyst Behavioral Services. Catalyst began as a nonprofit substance use clinic in 1973 and has now grown to one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Oklahoma thanks to Nayfa’s 23 years of dedication to the organization.

“If somebody is in need of treatment, we’re always here,” she said

Nayfa will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Nayfa understands that addiction and substance use can be daunting, but she also knows there’s always hope. Catalyst offers programs in both Oklahoma City and Enid and on any given day is helping up to 400 people as help is offered to all Oklahomans regardless of where they live in the state.

“We want people to know there are ample opportunities and different varieties of treatment we can do to help the individual,” she said. “We just want to give them hope.”

Catalyst is part of a statewide treatment system offering a variety of mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery options. The organization’s work to advance innovative approaches in treatment allows those they serve to receive advanced care and speed the process of recovery. In fact, Catalyst was an integral part in bringing medication assisted treatment services to Oklahoma and worked with other providers to expand availability.

Catalyst and other providers in the system receive funding from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) allowing persons to receive care regardless of ability to pay. Nayfa is beyond thankful for the relationship.

“We are beyond blessed to have them as support,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

She knows there’s long been a stigma associated with addiction and substance use and Catalyst focuses on trying to change that stigma, while also helping those struggling with addiction.

“We need to have compassion, mercy and tolerance,” she said.

She knows everyone is capable of transformation and it’s what she loves most about her job.

“To see them on the other side of that is truly a blessing,” she said.

To read Nayfa’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Nayfa are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).

The OKC Dodgers host ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! this week at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and their home series against the Tacoma Rainiers continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and the series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday with the Clubhouse Collectibles online auction, presented by The Oklahoman. The auction features game-worn, game-used and autographed Dodgers memorabilia that will be available for fans to bid on from 6-11 p.m. at milbauctions.com to benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases.

Dodgers players and coaches will wear Cielo Azul jerseys throughout the series and the gameday environment during ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! will feature Latin music, festive concourse decorations, unique entertainment, live performances and a Spanish-speaking public address announcer for select games. Specialty concession items and Cielo Azul merchandise will be available for purchase. In addition to the game action on the field, Clips N Hips will perform during Friday night’s game and Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Inc., are set to perform Saturday and Sunday.

Since 2018, the Dodgers have participated in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión, or Fun Cup, which is a season-long event series designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities, including creating unique on-field personas and gameday experiences. The name Cielo Azul translates to “Blue Sky.”

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. Tickets purchased here include a $5 donation to the Latino Community Development Agency. The LCDA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the Latino community through education, leadership, service and advocacy. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Space Cowboys to Present Check to Candlelighters on Sept. 2

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(SUGAR LAND, Texas) *– The *Sugar Land Space Cowboys today announced they will be presenting a $17,805 check to Candlelighters during their game on Sept. 2 at *Constellation Field, *raised from jersey auctions throughout the season.

The Space Cowboys raised their highest dollar amount and more than doubled their previous high through jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters. The Space Cowboys have held jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters with the help of Constellation since the franchise debuted in 2012.

“Constellation is proud to support the wonderful mission and work of Candlelighters, which has a tremendous impact on families providing support in times of great need,” said Kevin Klages, senior vice president of mass markets for Constellation. “Our employees have energetically rallied and raised funds, including through brisket sales and sheer ingenuity. Thank you Candlelighters for your tireless work to support families in our community.”

Board members from Candlelighters will be on hand to receive the check from a Space Cowboys representative during their Sept. 2 game vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes, with a first pitch of 7:05 p.m.

“We are incredibly honored to have the support of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Not only do they raise vital funding for Candlelighters programs and services through the jersey raffles, they also help spread awareness and provide fun experiences for children with cancer and their families! Our annual night at the ballfield serves hundreds of cancer family members, giving them the opportunity to make long-lasting memories and forget about cancer treatment for a day!” said Carly Bradshaw, Candlelighters Director of Programs and Communications. “The whole Space Cowboys organization goes above and beyond to make our Candlelighters kiddos feel extra special and appreciated – we are so grateful for such a meaningful community partnership.”

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer.

“We are thankful and proud to partner with an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many people and families,” said Space Cowboys General Manager, Tyler Stamm. “We look forward to continuing our Space Cowboys jersey auctions at Constellation Field to support Candlelighters for many years to come.”

2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament Announced

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Nolan Ryan Foundation announced the dates for the 2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament. The dinner will take place on October 23 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, while the golf tournament will be held on October 24. The location of the tournament will be provided upon registration.

Hall of Famers, Joe Torre and Nolan Ryan will be in attendance for this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Torre and Ryan will sit down with Round Rock Express CEO, Reid Ryan, for a short program as they discuss their Hall of Fame careers with the crowd. To register for a table or become a sponsor, click here.

“The Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament is a major driver for the scholarships and grants we award each year,” said Mary Conley Thompson, Manager of the Nolan Ryan Foundation. “With this year’s event at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, we are looking forward to our biggest year yet.”

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Nolan Ryan Foundation scholarship and community grant programs. The Nolan Ryan Foundation’s mission is to provide resources for youth, education, and community development in the Central Texas area. In the last year, the Nolan Ryan Foundation has given approximately $250,000 in scholarships and community grants.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation began in 1990 in Alvin, Texas and relocated to Round Rock in 2017. The foundation became the non-profit arm of the Round Rock Express. Nolan Ryan, Reid and Reese Ryan, along with Don, Bret and Brad Sanders make up the ownership group of the Express.

INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Provides Life-Saving Treatment for Enid Native in Two Oklahoma Cities

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Christian Brown received care at INTEGRIS Health in Enid and Oklahoma City to treat stage three colon cancer after diagnosis at young age

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series wraps up Saturday night as Christian Brown will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the El Paso Chihuahuas at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Brown was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at the age of 27. She had surgery at INTEGRIS Heath Cancer Institute in Enid, then traveled to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City twice every other week for treatment and chemotherapy.

She attended classes at Northern Oklahoma College between eight rounds of chemotherapy. She even carried her medicine pump with her around campus as she studied to become a registered nurse.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Brown, an Enid native, had been traveling for work and had been a licensed practical nurse for five years.

Suddenly, she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and ended up in the emergency room. What she thought were menstrual cramps turned out to be a mass obstructing her bowels and stage three colon cancer in June 2019.

The diagnosis caught Brown by surprise as she had no family history of cancer.

“It was emotional,” she said. “I’d always been healthy prior.”

Colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, but the reason why remains a mystery, said Sumbal Nabi, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Enid.

“When someone is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, people automatically suspect genetics, but experts still haven’t been able to use genetics to explain the surge,” Nabi said.

Angered but determined, Brown put her head down and got to work. She attended classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and made trips to OKC for treatment Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Going to school really helped me,” she said. “It gave me motivation to get out of bed.”

What made balancing class and treatment a bit easier for Brown was the care she received at INTEGRIS Health.

“The staff was amazing,” she said. “There’s nowhere else I would’ve rather gone for my treatment.”

To read Brown’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Series highlights include:

• Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell: Current and former local military personnel and their families will be honored Friday during Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell. Dodgers players and coaches will take the field for the 7:05 p.m. game in special commemorative camouflage jerseys that will be auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The evening’s festivities are scheduled to include a flyover featuring an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, static displays of military equipment from Fort Sill and performances from the 77th Army Band. Military personnel will be honored throughout the night and participate in other activities such as an oath of enlistment ceremony and in-game entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game presented by SpringHill Suites. A special $20 ticket offer that can be purchased here includes a $5 donation to the USO and an OKC Dodgers baseball cap.

• OKC 89ers Night: In addition to Brown being honored before the 7:05 p.m. game, Saturday is also OKC 89ers Night and Dodgers players and coaches will wear special retro OKC 89ers jerseys and hats in a nod to the franchise’s history. The evening’s entertainment will feature throwback themes and the team’s jerseys will auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998. Groups of 10 or more can take part in a special ticket offer featuring all-you-can-eat ballpark fare, a terrace-level game ticket and an OKC Dodgers hat for $25 per person.

• Kids Run the Bases: Following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases like the pros.

OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Honoring Two Grandchildren’s Legacies; a Local Grandfather will be Recognized at Aug. 19 Reno Aces Game

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

RENO, NV (Aug. 15, 2022) — Anthony Lyson was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction to tree nuts in 2017. His cousin, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old in 2012 after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing. Anthony saved five lives through organ donation and Frankie saved three. Both were the grandchildren of Reno local, David Lyson.

David will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Aug. 19, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Salt Lake Bees.

David has owned and operated a print shop for nearly 34 years in Reno and extends his passion as a community leader to organ donation advocacy, speaking with high school students and DMV groups about his grandchildren and their life-saving gifts.

“Frankie was an incredible little girl,” said David. “And Anthony was such a wonderful young man; a 4.0 student who loved numbers and wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. He was so excited when he got his driver’s license in the mail saying, ‘Look, I got my license and I got my red heart!’”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the organ transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. The partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the fifth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“David continues the legacies of Frankie and Anthony by sharing their stories – the Donor Network West team is immensely grateful to David and his family for their continued advocacy for organ donation,” Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces is just one of the many powerful ways we honor the gifts of donors and their families and give hope to those on the waiting list.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community are honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Honoring everyone who’s been impacted by organ donation at Greater Nevada Field has created incredibly powerful moments throughout our season,” Eric Edelstein, President of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “Seeing our community rally around organ donors and their families has been so special. We look forward to continuing our support of Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: If the media would like an interview with David Lyson ahead of the Friday, Aug. 19 Aces game, please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606. Photos of Lyson’s grandchildren, Frankie and Anthony, are available for download here.

Photo cutline: Donor Network West and the Reno Aces will honor the family of David Lyson at the Aug. 19 Home Run for Life game. David’s grandson, Anthony Lyson, was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction – he saved five lives through donation. David’s granddaughter, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing – she saved three lives.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

About the Reno Aces
Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

Dodgers “Pack the Park Pink;” Lose Sixth Straight Game

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Round Rock Express – 7

Oklahoma City Dodgers – 3

Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla.

Game Summary: The Round Rock Express scored seven straight runs as they sent the Oklahoma City Dodgers to a 7-3 loss Friday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Dodgers took the first lead of the game as Drew Avans led off with his 10th triple of the season and scored on a RBI groundout by Edwin Ríos in the first inning. Round Rock (59-50) took the lead in the fourth inning, scoring runs on a RBI ground-rule double by Josh Sale and a RBI double by Nick Tanielu. The Express added three more runs in the fifth inning with a RBI double by Andy Ibáñez and a two-run homer by Davis Wendzel for a 5-1 advantage. Wendzel hit his second home run of the night in the eighth inning, boosting the Express to a 7-1 lead with another two-run shot. In the bottom of the ninth inning, four straight Dodgers reached base with two outs, including a two-run single by Omar Estévez, but the Dodgers (62-47) fell to 0-4 in the series.

Of Note:

-The Dodgers have now lost six consecutive games for their longest losing streak of the season and have lost six games in a row for the first time since Aug. 20-26, 2019. They are 1-7 in the last eight games overall and have lost the first four games of their six-game series against the Express for their first 0-4 start to a series since May 6-9, 2021 in Round Rock.

-Drew Avans hit his PCL-leading 10th triple of the season in the first inning, which tied the OKC team record for triples in a season during the Bricktown era (since 1998), matching Joaquin Arias’ 10 triples during the 2006 season. Avans went 2-for-5 and scored a run as he extended his on-base streak to 48 games. He owns the longest active on-base streak in the Minors and the longest on-base streak by an OKC player during the MLBAM era (since 2005). He has reached base in 62 of his last 63 games and his 48-game on-base streak is the longest in the PCL since 2018.

-Edwin Ríos extended his hitting streak to nine games, going 1-for-4 with a RBI and a walk as he continued his Major League Rehab Assignment. During the nine-game streak he is 12-for-37 with four doubles and owns the longest active hitting streak by an OKC player. He was initially placed on the Los Angeles Dodgers Injured List June 3 with a right hamstring injury and was transferred to the 60-day IL June 22.

-Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol opened Major League Rehab Assignments Friday with OKC. Treinen pitched a scoreless sixth inning with a strikeout, flyout and groundout, throwing nine pitches (seven strikes). Graterol pitched a scoreless seventh inning with a walk, double play and strikeout, throwing 14 pitches (eight strikes). Treinen was placed on the LAD Injured List April 22 due to right shoulder inflammation and was transferred to the 60-day IL May 17. Graterol was placed on the LAD Injured List with right shoulder inflammation July 11.

-Over the last six losses, the Dodgers have allowed 48 runs, including seven or more runs four times. During the same span, the Dodgers have scored 16 runs, with three runs or fewer in five of the six games.

-The OKC Dodgers took the field in special edition pink jerseys to “Pack the Park Pink” with MidFirst Bank and promote breast cancer awareness. The game-worn jerseys were auctioned to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma.

What’s Next: The series between the Dodgers and Express continues at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Faith and Family Night. The evening includes a postgame concert by Tauren Wells, presented by Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association and Hobby Lobby. The ZOOperstars! are also set to perform throughout the evening as the fun, inflatable characters dance, perform acrobatics, tricks and comedy on the field between innings.

Tickets are available at okcdodgers.com/tickets. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.


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“BREAKING BAD/BETTER CALL SAUL” AUCTION RAISES $100,790 FOR CHARITY

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Albuquerque Isotopes “Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul” silent auction raised $100,790. All of the proceeds will be split between the New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers and Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico.

Top three selling items:

Salamanca Cousin Boots – $10,600

Walter White Life-Size Bust: $7,000

“Better Call Saul” Pilot Script: $6,500

Thirteen of the 37 packages sold for $4,000 or more.