Pacific Coast League

Over 12,000 Students to Fill Smith’s Ballpark for Prevention Dimensions Day

May 16, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees, in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education, will host Prevention Dimensions Kids’ Day at the Bees vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game on Tuesday, May 20 at 10:35 a.m. The Bees will welcome more than 12,000 students to this 11th annual event at Smith’s Ballpark which promotes drug and alcohol prevention. Preventions Dimensions Day is sponsored Questar and MedOne.

The fifth and sixth grade students in attendance will be treated to an opening ceremony on the field before State of Utah First Lady Jeanette Herbert presents State of Utah Superintendent Martell Menlove with a declaration declaring the day as Prevention Dimensions Day in Utah. The National Anthem will be performed pregame by the One Voice Children’s Choir, a non-profit organization that provides children with the opportunity to cultivate an appreciation for music and share their talents while delivering a positive message.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities lesson set, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program strives to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah State PTA, and has been revised several times since.

Prevention Dimensions Kids’ Day is part of the Bees organization’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, health and wellness and youth development. The next eight-game homestand at Smith’s Ballpark begins on Monday, May 19 when the Bees take on the Albuquerque Isotopes at 6:35 p.m. Monday is Smith’s Family Night where four tickets and four hot dogs can be purchased for just $20 at all Smith’sTix locations.

Bees tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Read Today with the Bees

May 15, 2014

The Deseret News’ Newspapers in Education program enlisted the help of the Salt Lake Bees to publish “Read Today with the Bees”, a special edition of Classroom Connections that encourages boys and girls to read over the summer months.

The publication highlights Bees players and how they make time for reading and offers helpful tips for parents, book recommendations and games complete with prizes awarded to the children for logging reading minutes.

The 12-page spread was distributed to nearly 300 local schools on May 13, including Midas Creek Elementary. The students of Larisa Nageli, a fifth grade teacher at Midas Creek, have already logged 14,523 minutes reading this year.

“I am very proud my readers,” said Nageli. “Every traditional student increased their SRI score and Guided Reading Level through reading outside of the classroom.”

This marks the second consecutive year that the Bees and the Deseret News have collaborated on the Newspapers in Education program as part of a shared commitment to education. Bees tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bees Partner with Deseret News on Special Educational Section in Print on May 13

May 12, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees and the Deseret News’ Newspapers in Education program are once again teaming up on a Classroom Connections publication to encourage local youth to spend time reading this summer. The special section, titled “Read Today with the Bees,” will be distributed to nearly 300 local schools and will run online and within the Deseret News print edition tomorrow, May 13.

The 12-page spread features an inside look at how Bees players make time for reading, helpful tips for parents, great book recommendations and games complete with prizes in an effort to encourage boys and girls to log minutes reading this summer. Participating schools will also have access to an interactive electronic version of the section, enabling students to learn more about each Bees player.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Salt Lake Bees to promote a love of reading among the youth in our community,” said Paul Edwards, editor of the Deseret News. “Bees games are a fun, family-friendly summer pastime and we appreciate how much the team gives back to our community.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Pack the Park Pink – May 3, 2014

May 3, 2014

Pack the Park Pink returns to Smith’s Ballpark on May 3rd as the Salt Lake Bees take on the Reno Aces at 6:35 pm with a post-game fireworks show to follow. The Bees will wear commemorative jerseys that will be auctioned off throughout the night with all proceeds going to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. To purchase $9 tickets ($15 value) with $1 of the proceeds going to support this great cause, please click link below.

Purchase Online >>

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Support Health and Education During Eight-Game Homestand May 2-9

April 30, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees will host their eighth annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 3 in collaboration with Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) and Swing for Life. On Tuesday, May 6, the eight-game homestand will continue with the team honoring local educators during “Teacher Appreciation Night.”

When the Bees take on the Reno Aces on May 3, players will wear commemorative caps and jerseys featuring pink ribbons in support of breast cancer awareness and fans will encouraged to help “Pack the Park Pink” by wearing the color of the night. A highlight of the evening will be a blind auction of the player-worn jerseys and caps with all proceeds benefiting HCF. Following the game, jersey buyers will have the opportunity to meet Bees players on the field for photograph opportunities while collecting their player-autographed jerseys. In partnership with the Bees, Swing for Life will also have pink t-shirts available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting HCF. Gates open at 5:35 p.m. and fans will be treated to a fireworks show following the conclusion of the game.

As part of an ongoing effort to honor and thank local educators, the Bees will host “Teacher Appreciation Night” on Tuesday, May 6 when the team takes on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. Admission to the game is free for all teachers when they show their school I.D. at the box office. Teachers may also purchase discounted tickets for family members for just $8.

“Pack the Park Pink Night” and “Teacher Appreciation Night” are part of the Bees organization’s year-round community outreach initiatives to support health and wellness, education and youth development.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Z’s hosting peanut allergy-friendly game

April 28, 2014

Stadium will not have peanuts for May 6th game against Iowa

In an effort to accommodate baseball fans whose peanut allergies prevent them from attending games, the New Orleans Zephyrs are hosting a peanut-free night on Tuesday, May 6.

Though the song says “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,” Zephyr Field will be peanut-free when the Z’s open a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs, sponsored by AllerGease. Fans with peanut allergies are often prevented from attending games due to high risk of exposure in stadiums.

“Many teams across the country have made an effort to reach out to baseball fans with peanut allergies,” said Brandon Puls, Zephyrs Promotions Director. “The Zephyrs are proud to welcome a group of fans who otherwise would not be able to see a game in person and allow them to experience a carefree night at the ballpark.”

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, roughly 3.3 million Americans suffer from peanut allergies. Studies have shown the number of children living with peanut allergies has tripled since 1997.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Orleans Zephyrs. Click here to view the original story.

Express Teams Up with Donate Life Texas on Opening Day

March 31, 2014

Mother of Organ Donor Honored During Ceremonial First Pitch

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is proud to announce they have partnered with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to host “Donate Life Texas” Night on Opening Day, Thursday, April 3 at Dell Diamond, to promote awareness of the need for organ donors.

The non-profit organization will have a strong presence in the ballpark during Opening Day festivities. Pam Porter, whose son passed away and saved many lives through his organ donations, will be recognized and honored during the ceremonial first pitch. Donate Life Texas will also have a kiosk on the home plate concourse and take part in a pre-game, on-field interview.

“We’re proud to be able to use the platform of Express games to raise awareness for local non-profits all season long,” said Tim Jackson, Express director of community relations. “We’re delighted to host ‘Donate Life Texas’ Night on Opening Day again this season, and we hope that our Express fans can help make a difference.”

TOSA will be giving away reusable grocery bags, courtesy of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, to the first 300 people who either sign up on the state registry at the game or show their driver’s license with a DONOR heart in the lower right-hand corner.

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance is one of 58 federally designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) in the United States. Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit corporation, TOSA covers 56 counties in Central and South Texas. TOSA is committed to providing organ donation and recovery services to families wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. For more information, visit www.DonateLifeTexas.org.

The Express kick off its 15th season with a four-game series against the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Houston Astros affiliate) followed by a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Colorado Rockies affiliate). For tickets and more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Reno Aces Foundation Announces “Dream Week”

March 25, 2014

Reno, Nev.- For the fourth-straight year, the Reno Aces Baseball Club will present the Reno Aces Foundation Dream Week, which will serve to highlight members of the community with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The objective of the initiative is to reward outstanding and exceptional groups and fans throughout northern Nevada who have made a positive impact on the community.

“Our hope for Dream Week is to acknowledge some of the incredible people right here in northern Nevada that have made our community a better place to live,” manager of promotions and community relations Audrey Hill said.

On Wednesday, April 2, Reno Aces players will visit Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to visit children who are being treated at the hospital. On Friday, children of Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen will have a meet and greet with the players, and they will have the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field.

Saturday will feature a player meet and greet with Children’s Specialty Center and on Sunday fans will have the chance to play catch on the field and take a photo with their favorite Aces players before the game.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Sky Sox and Domino’s Pizza Announce 2nd Year of Charity Spotlight

March 5, 2014

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce today that they will once again be partnering with Domino’s pizza to showcase local charities. The joint venture, named the “Charity Spotlight”, is designed to help charities in the Colorado Springs area and after tremendous success last season the two organizations are excited to bring the program back for another year. In the current economic environment, many charities are working harder than ever to meet budgets to support the ever increasing demand for their services. Domino’s wants to once again provide these charities with an opportunity to market themselves and raise awareness for their causes at Security Service Field during the Sky Sox 2014 season free of charge.

Shop Sky Sox Ticket Packages Starting at just $60

Through their continued partnership with the Sky Sox, Domino’s will provide the “Charity Spotlight” the following marketing package at one of 30 Sky Sox home games:

A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
Four tickets to the game, VIP Parking & two medium Domino’s pizzas
Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
A ceremonial first pitch
On-air charity recognition during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

Download the 2014 Charity Spotlight Nomination Form

Any charity wishing to be considered for the “Charity Spotlight” can apply online at www.skysox.com where a nomination form will be posted. Members of the community can nominate their own charity or someone else’s.

“We understand that times continue to be extremely tough and many charities are dealing with diminished budgets”, said Domino’s Franchisee Craig Williams. “At Domino’s, we recognize the importance of the many charities here in Colorado Springs and we are exceptionally proud to once again team up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox to spotlight local non-profits while providing them with a night of fun they will never forget.”

“The Sky Sox are honored to partner with Domino’s to provide this excellent program”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “These charities and the services they provide are an integral part of Colorado Springs and we are proud to lend a helping hand in this effort.”

For information on applying for the Charity Spotlight please contact Alyce Bofferding at (719) 304-5625 or at abofferding@skysox.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Sky Sox around the Community in February

February 6, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Spring Training is right around the corner and as baseball season approaches, you can find the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at several events throughout the community. At each event you will be able to pick up your 2014 pocket schedule and speak to a representative in person about the variety of events going on throughout the preseason and into the season. 2014 ticket packages also will be available to purchase.

Here’s a quick list of where you can find your hometown team:

Friday, Feb. 7 – Downtown Olympic Celebration – As the Winter Olympics in Sochi kick off, Sox the Fox will join some of the Sky Sox staff to celebrate with the rest of Colorado Springs at the Downtown Celebration. We will be located just north of Orchard Oven’s Bakery near the Bijou intersection.

Friday, Feb. 7 – American Heart Association Fashion Show at Chapel Hills Mall – The Sky Sox will also be at the Chapel Hills Mall on Friday supporting the AHA as they raise awareness for heart health during Heart Month.

Saturday, Feb. 8 – Bourbon Brothers Grand Opening with Goose Gossage – Along with baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, you can find the Sky Sox at the Grand Opening of Bourbon Brothers located at 13021 Bass Pro Drive.

Friday, Feb. 14 – Sunday, Feb. 16 – Sports and RV show at Penrose Event Center – Sox the Fox will be out of his den once again as he visits the Sports and RV Show on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Colorado College Hockey Game – The Sky Sox are fans of all local sports teams, join us for a great night of hockey and have a chance to win prizes by spinning our prize wheel. The Tigers will take on Western Michigan at 7:07 p.m. at World Arena.

Saturday, Feb. 22 – Galaxy Fest – Colorado Springs’ Premier Multimedia Multi Genre Convention will run from Jan. 21-Jan. 23 at Antlers Hilton, 4 S. Cascade Ave., but you can also visit with Sky Sox baseball about all your needs on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Saturday, March 1 – Mascot Race 5k for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Here’s your chance to cheer on your favorite mascot to help out a great cause for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Saturday, March 1 – Air Force Basketball – Join us when the Air Force Academy takes on UNLV at 2 p.m. at Clune Arena.

Friday, March 7 – Colorado College Hockey Game – We will be back at Colorado College to support the Tigers when they take on St. Cloud State University at 7:07 p.m. at World Arena.

Saturday, March 8 – National Anthem Tryouts at Chapel Hills Mall – If you would like a chance to show off your talent in front of thousands of Sky Sox fans, join us on March 8 for 2014 National Anthem tryouts.

Saturday, March 8 – Air Force Basketball – We’ll be back supporting Air Force basketball in the season finale against Boise State at noon at Clune Arena.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Agriculture Zone to be built inside Chukchansi Park

January 30, 2014

Fresno Grizzlies and Gar Tootelian, Inc. enter into new partnership

FRESNO, Calif – Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation and Gar Tootelian, Inc. have partnered with the Fresno Grizzlies to become the official sponsor of a new Agriculture Zone at Chukchansi Park. The zone, which will be completed by 2014 Opening Day, will be named the Gar Tootelian Agriculture Zone and will promote the Grizzlies Community Fund’s (GCF) Farm Grown program that supports Central San Joaquin Valley agriculture, education, sustainability, and health and wellness. The sponsorship agreement includes the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 baseball seasons.

“Baseball and Farming are true Americana traditions and have shared many fields – so, it is only natural that Gar Tootelian, Inc. and their Charitable Foundation partner with the Grizzlies to cultivate agricultural awareness and educate fans and consumers of all ages on the value and importance of agriculture,” stated Karen Musson of GAR.

The Gar Tootelian Agriculture Zone will feature a farm-themed setting on the outfield concourse behind left field. The Ag Zone will include displays and signage boards that will highlight the Central Valley’s agriculture business, as well as partners of the Farm Grown program. The larger-than-life interactive zone will also feature an oversized baseball and bat, making it one of the more unique stadium elements in the United States.

“We believe Central Valley farmers and the Ag industry as a whole should be recognized for their commitment in feeding the nation and being a major contributor to the world economy,” said Grizzlies Director of Corporate Partnerships and Community Fund Jerry James. “The dedication GAR and their foundation have shown to raise awareness for agriculture and sustainability is precisely what our Farm Grown program has been established for. We’re excited to break ground on a signature feature inside Chukchansi Park that educates and highlights our area’s past, present, and future.”

GAR joins the growing list of Farm Grown partners and supporters working to promote agriculture in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

ABOUT FARM GROWN

Established in 2012, the Grizzlies Community Fund’s (GCF) Farm Grown program promotes the agricultural heritage and philanthropic vitality of the Central San Joaquin Valley through the building of meaningful partnerships in support of education and healthy living. Farm Grown has been a central component to the GCF’s Wild About Reading program, in which 100,000 students annually receive a Farm Grown magazine that serves as a call to action for reading outside of the classroom.

ABOUT GAR AND ESTHER TOOTELIAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Founded in 2003, the Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation was established to recognize the achievement of their founders and as a tribute to the vast contribution Central Valley Agriculture makes to the health and freedom of our communities and nation. Over the last 10 years, the Foundation, with the assistance of Gar Tootelian, Inc., has given $1 Million in gifts. The Foundation’s gifts are focused on scholarships, promoting Agricultural literacy, and showing appreciation and respect for the value of agriculture.

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

Sky Sox Announce UCCS Sports Management Scholarship

January 28, 2014

New Scholarship Will Support Future Sports Professionals

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce the creation of a new scholarship designated for students in the Sport Management Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ (UCCS) College of Business. The “Sky Sox Sports Management Scholarship” is the first of its kind within the Sport Management Program at UCCS and will be awarded to a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior at the University.

“For the past six years the Sky Sox have provided UCCS Sport Management students with outstanding internship opportunities,” Eric Olson, director, Sport Management Program, said. “With this scholarship they have taken that support to a new level. It is a distinct privilege to work with organizations like the Sky Sox whose executives and managers take the time and effort to help prepare our students to become the next generation of sports business leaders.”

Eligible undergraduate students at UCCS will be able to apply for the $2,500 yearly scholarship beginning with the Fall Semester of 2014. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and submit a resume (or similar list of accomplishments), statement of future goals and an essay.

Sport Management students interested in applying for this scholarship should visit the UCCS Financial Aid & Scholarships website at www.uccs.edu/finaid/types/scholarships.html to find the criteria and application details. Students can access the application by using the scholarship search tool and inputting “Sky Sox Sport Mgmt.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with UCCS in creating this new scholarship for future sports professionals,” said Sky Sox President & General Manager Tony Ensor. “The sports industry is full of passionate people and we’re proud to be involved with our local students who are looking to follow their passion for sports.”

The UCCS Sport Management Program is a selective degree program designed for serious students who share a passion for sports and a desire to build careers in this face-paced industry. For more information visit www.uccs.edu/spm/.

The UCCS College of Business was established in 1965 and has more than 1,000 undergraduates and 350 MBA and distance MBA students. The College of Business and Administration awards the Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Innovation degrees. The Graduate School of Business Administration awards the Master of Business Administration degree. More than 8,000 alumni of the College of Business live and work around the world. For more information, visit www.uccs.edu/business.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The University offers 36 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s and five doctoral degrees. UCCS enrolls about 9,800 students on campus annually and another 2,000 in online programs. For more information, visit www.uccs.edu.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Aces Hold Auction to Benefit Local Woman

January 20, 2014

For Immediate Release
Jan. 20, 2014

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces are holding an online auction to benefit Elisa Storke, a University of Nevada English professor who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in November, the club announced today.

The auction begins today and ends Monday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive a package that includes a ceremonial first pitch, four infield reserved tickets and a signed Brett Butler 2013 game-worn hat featuring the Triple-A All-Star logo. The ceremonial first pitch and game tickets are valid for any Aces regular season home game, with the exception of Opening Day and July 4.

Bids can be placed online here.

Storke, a new mother who welcomed her first child last May, has cancer of the bones, blood, spine, liver, adrenal glands, lungs and brain. The money raised through the auction will be donated directly to the fund set up to benefit the family, and will be used for medical costs and transportation costs.

Donations can also be made through the You Caring site set up in Elisa’s name, or through Wells Fargo account #1459741110.

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Present 12th Annual Essay Contest

January 10, 2014

Students in 7th and 8th grade write about “Why I Want to Go to College”

OMAHA, Neb. – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially kicked off the 12th-annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Storm Chasers announced this week.

Full Contest Rules Here

Students in 7th and 8th grade both in and outside the state of Nebraska may send their entries until the March 28 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each entry must be accompanied with the required cover sheet found at http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/2014writingContestCoverSheet.pdf.

Judging will be conducted by faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The essay contest awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, with winners earning prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 toward a NEST College Savings Plan.

All winners from Nebraska, which will be notified in early May, will receive four box seat tickets and earn recognition prior to the Storm Chasers game on May 11 against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Each winning student will get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during their visit to Werner Park.

For complete rules and information on the Essay Contest, check http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/. Entries must be postmarked by March 28 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Stava

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

2013 Winners

1^st Congressional District – Nebraska

Sophie Anne Glaubius, Wisner-Pilger Junior-Senior High, Wisner, Neb.
Treslyn Hubbard, Norfolk Junior High, Norfolk, Neb.
Adam Zastrow, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Lincoln, Neb.

2^nd Congressional District – Nebraska

Samantha Moulton, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, Elkhorn, Neb.
Mallory Bretsen, Alice Buffett Middle School, Omaha, Neb.
Claire Scanlan, Platteview Central Junior High, Springfield, Neb.

3^rd Congressional District – Nebraska

Marisa Hutchinson, Valentine Middle School, Valentine, Neb.
Britley Schlueter, Wood Lake School, Wood Lake, Neb.
Mitchell Leininger, Moving Mountains Home School, Auburn, Neb.

Out-of-State

Micki Miller, Family of Christ Christian School, Lutz, Fla.
Zoe Jee, Harry C. Fulton Middle School, Fountain Valley, Calif.
Mary Elizabeth Hartness, North Habersham Middle School, Clarkesville, Georgia

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Express CEO Reese Ryan to Host HeartGift Patient

January 6, 2014

Belize Child to arrive in Austin January 6 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

AUSTIN, Texas (January 3, 2013) -The HeartGift Foundation, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children from developing countries, is preparing for the arrival of the nonprofit organization’s 200th patient.

Courtney, an almost two-year-old girl from Belize, will arrive January 6 in Austin, TX and will undergo life-saving surgery January 14 at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Her medical care team will be led by HeartGift physicians, Drs. Stuart Rowe and Kenneth Fox.

“Without surgery Courtney would develop difficulty exercising, then difficulty breathing, and then would ultimately die. But with the help and generosity of HeartGift, Courtney will receive a second chance of living a full life,” explained Fox.

Courtney will stay with Reese Ryan, CEO of the Round Rock Express baseball team and son of famed baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The Ryan family has been very involved with HeartGift patients in both Austin and the Dallas Fort Worth area, but this is their first time to host a patient in their home. “We appreciate the opportunity to introduce our daughters to families in need from around the world. It will be a blessing for us to be able to open our home and share in this life changing experience for this family” said Ryan.

“When the HeartGift Foundation was incorporated in 2000, it was hard to envision that we could save the lives of 200 children with heart problems,” said Dr. John “Chip” Oswalt, co-founder and chairman of HeartGift. “As we approach this milestone, it gives me pause to look back on the 200 precious lives saved. As the years pass we will reach more milestones, enlist many more volunteers, and save many more children-one heartgift at a time.”

About HeartGift

HeartGift brings children from around the world to the United States for surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects.

Founded in Austin, the HeartGift Foundation has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and New Orleans. All medical services are provided for free. Patients’ families do not pay a penny.

Since its inception, HeartGift has helped children from 28 countries: Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, the Republic of Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Syria and Uganda.

These children come to the states because their home countries lack adequate health care; they leave with repaired hearts and a new sense of hope for the future.

To learn more about HeartGift, visit www.heartgift.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.