Round Rock Express Announce Skills & Drills Baseball Camp Series

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce a series of half-day Skills & Drills Baseball Camps coming to Dell Diamond this fall. Each camp will run approximately three hours and focus on the fundamentals of the game. The inaugural Skills & Drills Baseball Camp is set for Sunday, September 20 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration for each camp is $125, includes a Round Rock Express gift, and is available now via ExpressCamps.com. Additional Skills & Drills Baseball Camp dates will be announced in the near future.

“We are thrilled to add a series of Skills & Drills Baseball Camps to our robust lineup of Round Rock Express Camps. With school back in session throughout much of Central Texas, either virtually or in-person, we are honored to be able to provide the next generation of athletes with an outlet to experience Express Camps on select weekends this fall,” Express Camps Director Chase Almendarez said. “Although these camps are only half-day, as compared to our longer summer camps, each participant will receive the same high-level baseball instruction from our experienced and knowledgeable coaches.”

Express Camps offer big league quality instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Express Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels and provide high-level instruction from knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches. Every Express Camp aims to develop the complete ballplayer by emphasizing physical, mental and leadership skill sets.

The safety of participants and staff at Express Camps is the top priority. As mandated by the State of Texas, the Express will be implementing a series of expanded protocols and procedures. Each camp will be limited in numbers to follow health and safety protocols from local and state officials with campers split into small groups based on age that will remain consistent for the duration of each camp. Each group will have two dedicated coaches that will stay with that group for the duration of camp. Campers will not participate in games or scrimmages with other groups.

Additionally, parents and guardians will not be allowed to attend camps, except to drop off and pick up campers at designated curbside areas. Assigned coaches and staff will check campers in and out of camp at designated curbside areas. Water stations, which are regularly monitored and sanitized, will be available to campers only. Campers are required to bring their own bats, gloves and refillable water bottles. For more on the enhanced safety procedures being implemented, please visit ExpressCamps.com.

To view the full lineup of a variety of special events coming to Dell Diamond in 2020, visit RRExpress.com/Events. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Chihuahuas help local food bank achieve its mission 

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger among CommUNITY grant recipients

The El Paso Chihuahuas have partnered with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for as long as the team has been an existence, establishing ties with the nearby food bank during the team’s inaugural season of 2014. From hosting staff volunteer events to conducting food drives at the ballpark, the Chihuahuas have seen EPFH’s important work in the community up close.

Given that longstanding relationship, the Chihuahuas’ front office didn’t have to look far when deciding which organization to nominate for one of Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grants.

“We are proud to see our friends at EPFH benefit from the generosity of MILB Charities,” said Brad Taylor, the Chihuahuas’ senior vice president and general manager. “Their work in El Paso and the surrounding areas is never ending and this will surely help their mission.”

That mission, according to EPFH, is to “combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically procuring and distributing nutritious food through community partners,” crucial work with a need that has grown significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The El Paso community has been impacted so severely by the pandemic that EPFH has already surpassed its 2019 food distribution numbers. Last year the food bank distributed more than 32.5 million pounds of food in the Borderland area; this year through May, EPFH has already distributed more than 50 million pounds, with 15 million pounds distributed in May alone.

What does all that mean for the children, single-parent households, veterans, senior citizens and working class families the organization serves? Simply stated, quite a lot.

EPFH has been providing food to 8,000 families daily via their drive thru program since the beginning of the pandemic — numbers are on par with what food banks in much larger markets like Detroit and Chicago but with a fraction the staff. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network, the organization also recently launched a home delivery service for families impacted by COVID-19 as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Of course, getting that much food into the community requires a lot of volunteers, and EPFH does its best to keep everyone safe in the age of social distancing. The $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities will help toward the purchase of food boxes, of course, but also personal protective equipment for volunteers to give them peace of mind to continue their efforts.

“We are thankful for this generous gift, which will provide 3,500 meals to El Pasoans who are struggling with food insecurity,” said EPFH chief executive officer Susan Goodell, who added that the total will actually be 7,000 meals when you add a matching gift from the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. “These food boxes will not only provide individuals and families with the nourishment needed to sustain themselves, but will allow households to redistribute their expenditures as necessary – on housing, utilities, medical care or education needs. As a result, parents of food insecure households will begin to create a path for financial and longer-term sustainability.”

In addition to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the other winning organizations of a CommUNITY grant were Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs) and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (Birmingham Barons).

“A program like this one shows that even without games, Minor League Baseball can deeply enhance and improve their communities,” said Taylor.

Chihuahuas and Locomotive Front Office Staffs to Offer Support to Area Non-Profit Organizations 

The El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC announced today a plan to assist area non-profit organizations (NPOs).

NPOs interested in having a Chihuahuas and/or Locomotive staff member assist their organization, CLICK HERE!

EL PASO – July 8, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC announced today a plan to assist area non-profit organizations (NPOs). This program will provide Chihuahuas and Locomotive staff with expertise in marketing, promotion, development, operations, and general administration to serve the non-profit community which has been so negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“One of our greatest strengths and most significant assets are the people who comprise the staffs of the Chihuahuas and Locomotive,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “We are in the live event business and during this window when those events are severely limited, we cannot provide the level of service and memorable experiences we strive to deliver at Southwest University Park. This is also a period filled with extraordinary challenges for our local non-profit organizations. While their traditional functions are impacted by the pandemic, we are proud to offer our staff to help these NPOs continue to fulfill their respective missions.”

The staffs of both teams will be working as part of the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal programs, both of which are presented by Helen of Troy. “The Pack” and Heart of Goal are El Paso-wide volunteer forces created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region.

Joining with non-profit organizations and community partners, the two volunteer groups are made up of Chihuahuas and Locomotive staff, fans, players, and coaches with the mission of making a positive impact in our community. From building homes to sorting food, both teams have put in more than 750 community service hours annually.

“We said from the beginning that this would be about more than baseball,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “With a little more bandwidth than usual for the baseball staff, we have the chance to truly be effective and even more helpful in our community.”

While Minor League Baseball announced last week that the 2020 season will not be played, the United Soccer League (USL) Championship will return to play on July 11. The competition format and revised schedule for the USL was recently announced.

Non-profit organizations interested in having a Chihuahuas or Locomotive staff member assist your non-profit organization, CLICK HERE. Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3).

For more information, contact Angela Olivas at aolivas@epchihuahuas.com, visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE, or email info@epchihuahuas.com.

McCombs Ford West’s High School Baseball Seniors Celebration Rosters Announced 

 

San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Missions, along with the San Antonio Area Baseball Coaches Association, are excited to announce today the rosters for the High School Baseball Seniors Celebration on Thursday, July 2 at Wolff Stadium.

The doubleheader will begin at 4 PM with a matchup of players from San Antonio area Sub-6A and private schools. The nightcap at 7 PM will feature players from San Antonio area 6A schools. Following the doubleheader, fans will be treated to a Wolff Stadium fireworks spectacular.

The Sub-6A/private school contest will pit Team Liberty against Team Freedom. Devine High School Head Coach George Villa will manage Team Liberty and will be joined on staff by head coaches Bob Herb of Medina Valley High School and Amaro Villarreal of Hondo High School. Team Freedom will be led by McCollum High School’s Geoffrey Curtin. Assisting Curtin will be Matt Gomez of Southwest High School and Adrian Juarez of Highlands High School.

The 6A tilt features Team Stars against Team Stripes. Head Coach Tim Goins (Taft) heads Team Stars along with a staff of Eric Jupe (Brandeis), Ty White (Marshall) and Weston Heiligman (O’Connor). MacArthur High School head coach Tom Alfieri will guide Team Stripes. Assisting Alfieri will be David Smith (Steele), Eric Vasquez (East Central) and Dennis Schlueter (Churchill).

Team Liberty Roster

Team Freedom Roster

Team Stripes Roster

Team Stars Roster

Team Liberty will the home team in the opener and Team Stars will be the home team in the nightcap.

Tickets for the McCombs Ford West Seniors Celebration are $12 for adults and $8 for any student or school personnel. Fans can purchase tickets at www.samissions.com. For additional questions or more information, please call 210-675-7275.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect during all games at The Wolff. For more information on Wolff Stadium’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click https://bit.ly/2BRnd40.

Reno Aces to Host Blood Drive with Vitalant

 

The Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC are partnering with Vitalant to host a blood drive at Greater Nevada Field. Donations will also include testing for COVID-19 antibodies. Aces and 1868 fans, along with all members of the Northern Nevada community, can join the club in saving lives at Greater Nevada Field through Vitalant over the course of June 22-23 from 9am-2pm both days.

“We are proud to host a blood drive at Greater Nevada Field and do our part to serve the community during this challenging time for all of Northern Nevada,” said Aces general manager Emily Jaenson. “This two-day blood drive delivers double the good when you save lives and learn your COVID-19 antibody status, which is especially important given the critical shortage of blood as hospitals have increased surgeries and other procedures. Register online to reserve your time slot to donate at the ballpark.”

For those who have fallen ill with symptoms from COVID-19, but were unable to be tested, antibody tests can prove useful moving forward. Antibody tests are used to determine if someone had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Testing for antibodies does not indicate whether the antibodies neutralize the virus and protect from reinfection.

Beyond identifying whether a donor has antibodies or not, the donation can save lives in a time where blood donations can be scarce.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, so these blood drives are a big part of our efforts to meet patient needs,” said Scott Edward, Donor Marketing and Communications Director for Vitalant. “The summer is a very challenging time to collect blood … we are thankful for the tremendous support from the Reno Aces to help boost our community’s blood supply together.”

Everyone who donates blood will also receive a 20 percent discount for the Aces and 1868 FC team shop.

Walk-ins are welcome, but donation appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call (775) 785-6644 or go online to BloodHero.com to make appointments for Monday, June 22, or Tuesday, June 23. Additionally, COVID FAQs are available here, and antibody test FAQs can be found here.

Dell Diamond to Host Donation Drive Benefiting The Salvation Army

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are teaming up to host a donation drive at Dell Diamond to benefit The Salvation Army. The drive is set for Wednesday, June 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Suite Parking Lot on the South side of Dell Diamond.

The Salvation Army’s biggest needs are household items, including pots, pans and kitchen appliances, as well as good standing furniture and lightly worn clothes. For more information on items that The Salvation Army can and cannot accept, please click here.

“Like most places in our community, we have taken a financial hit when it comes to serving vulnerable people in our community,” Austin Area Commander of The Salvation Army Major Lewis Reckline said. “Our family stores help people provide rehabilitation services to those who are struggling with addiction in our community. We accept clothes, furniture, cars, boats, household items and much more. Shop local and donate local to help our struggling neighbors.”

The Express and Brown Distributing recently joined forces to host a blood donation drive at Dell Diamond. With both organizations sharing resources to host the event, over 70 units of blood were donated to benefit We Are Blood. The Express and Brown Distributing are aiming to make a similarly impactful donation to The Salvation Army on June 3.

“We are honored to partner with the Round Rock Express on community events that give back to organizations like We Are Blood and The Salvation Army,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Brown Distributing has been serving the Austin area since 1962 and supporting our community, especially in times of need, has been a company priority since our inception.”

Both The Salvation Army and Brown Distributing will have trucks on hand at Dell Diamond to accept donations. Those wishing to bring donations are asked to please wear a mask or protective face covering while at the stadium.

“We take pride in the fact that Dell Diamond continues to be a community pillar in Central Texas, and it is our honor to use our facility to host a donation drive to benefit the great work that The Salvation Army is doing,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “By sharing resources with our great partners at Brown Distributing, we have proven just what an impact we all can make if we work together to assist the most vulnerable members of our community.”

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 

Cat Osterman to Coach Round Rock Express Softball Camp

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce that two-time Olympian Cat Osterman will be joining the Express Camps team as a coach for the upcoming softball camp at Dell Diamond from August 3-6, 2020. The four-day camp runs from 9:00 a.m. each morning until 12:00 p.m. and is available to kids ages 6-14. Registration is now open by clicking here.

“Summer camps play such an instrumental role in growing the game of softball and I am honored to be able to share my experiences with kids right here in Central Texas,” Osterman said. “I am so thankful for the Round Rock Express and their commitment to teaching baseball and softball to our next generation through summer camps.”

The first three days of the softball camp will feature drills that touch on hitting, throwing and fielding to develop campers both mentally and physically. The final day will focus on applying those skills to game situations. There will also be a private awards ceremony for the campers prior to the conclusion of the camp.

“We are so excited to welcome Cat to our group of knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches this summer,” Express Camps Director Chase Almendarez said. “We pride ourselves on providing big league caliber instruction in our baseball and softball camps and having someone with Cat’s unparalleled resume join our team further enhances that mission.”

In accordance with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to open Texas, the Express are hosting nine different half-day and full-day baseball and softball camps at Dell Diamond, beginning on June 1. Express Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels. A full list of Express Camps available can be found at ExpressCamps.com.

The safety of participants and staff at Express Camps is the top priority. As mandated by the State of Texas, the Express will be implementing a series of expanded protocols and procedures. Each camp will be limited to 40 total campers, split into five groups of eight, based on age, that will remain consistent for the duration of camp. Each group will have two dedicated coaches that will stay with that group for the duration of camp. Campers will not participate in games or scrimmages with other groups.

Additionally, parents and guardians will not be allowed to attend camps, except to drop off and pick up campers at designated curbside areas. Assigned coaches and staff will check campers in and out of camp at designated curbside areas. Water stations, which are regularly monitored and sanitized, will be available to campers only. Campers are required to bring their own bats, gloves and refillable water bottles. For more on the enhanced safety procedures being implemented, please visit ExpressCamps.com.

Osterman was a four-time All-American and three-time National Player of the Year at the University of Texas before embarking on a professional career that included six National Pro Fastpitch All-Star selections and four NPF Championships with the Rockford Thunder and USSSA Pride. She also starred on the USA Women’s Softball Team that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Osterman was recently named to Team USA for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

A member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012, Osterman coached at Texas State University for six seasons from 2015 through 2020. Prior to that, she was an assistant coach at St. Edward’s University for three seasons. Her coaching career has also included time with the University of Texas and DePaul University in Chicago.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Round Rock Express to Honor Class of 2020 on Dell Diamond Marquee

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Dell Technologies want to tip their caps to the Class of 2020 through personalized messages on the outdoor marquee along Highway 79 at Dell Diamond. Fans are encouraged to submit names and photos of local high school graduates in the Class of 2020 to be featured by clicking here.

“Dell Diamond has been the home of countless milestone events for high school seniors over the years, including proms, graduation ceremonies, graduation parties and sports banquets. Our hearts go out to the seniors in the Class of 2020 that cannot experience these memories in the traditional sense, so with the help of Dell Technologies, we wanted to do something special for them,” Round Rock Express President Chris Almendarez said. “We look forward to sharing these messages not only with friends and family of the graduates, but with the thousands of people who pass by Dell Diamond along Highway 79 each day.”

The Round Rock Express graphic design team will create a personalized message of congratulations for each submission to be displayed on the Dell Diamond marquee on a date of the graduates’ choosing, free of charge. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, messages will be displayed in alphabetical order by last name and will run for a minimum of 10 seconds each. The entire collection of messages for each day will run on a loop until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. A maximum of 100 messages can be displayed each day from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29. Additional days to honor more students will be added if demand allows.

Fans are encouraged to safely capture these moments from their vehicles in the Suite Lot at Dell Diamond and to tag the Round Rock Express when sharing on social media. The Express are asking for fans to submit the graduates’ name, high school and photo by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 through this link. Please note, solo photos of the graduate only are preferred.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Participating in MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America, is participating in the new CommUNITY First campaign, aimed at helping fight hunger while also recognizing frontline workers battling against the COVID-19 pandemic.

From now through May 31, fans can visit milb.com/CommUNITYFirst to donate and select the community they want to support. All proceeds pledged to Oklahoma City will be given to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

For every $10 donated, the Oklahoma City Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation will provide one ticket to a local first responder and/or frontline worker during the 2020 or 2021 baseball season through the team’s Community Night Out program. Between 2018-19, approximately $60,000 was raised through Community Night Out to provide 6,000 tickets to families and individuals in need.

Fans are encouraged to donate on Giving Tuesday, May 5, and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst and tag the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation (@OKCDBFoundation) on social media to show support.

“At this time it’s especially important to recognize community victories, and we see this as a true win-win situation,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Executive Director Carol Herrick. “Not only does this program allow us to provide for those in need, but we can also say ‘thank you’ to those who are doing their best to fight this pandemic.”

Per Feeding America, an estimated additional 17.1 million people will experience food insecurity within the next six months. As a result, Feeding America is projecting a $1.4 billion shortfall during that time.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue to fight hunger across America during this pandemic. When it is possible to hold games once again, our teams will provide local heroes across the country with unforgettable experiences in our ballparks.”

For more information about the CommUNITY First campaign or the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2104.

Round Rock Express to Donate Weekly Meal Kits to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are teaming up with RS3 Strategic Hospitality, Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation to donate weekly meal kits to doctors, nurses and hospital administrators at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center who are fighting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic on the front lines.

The Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality previously teamed up to provide family meal kits for purchase by the community through the Bullpen Bar by Dripping Springs Vodka at Dell Diamond. With the help of Nolan Ryan Beef and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the program has expanded to include the donation of a minimum of five to ten meal kits per week to healthcare professionals through a partnership with St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“We are proud to be able to assist some of our local heroes fighting the Coronavirus pandemic right here in Round Rock,” Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Our goal is to grow this program through additional community support so that we can help alleviate some of the stress of grocery shopping and meal preparation for our doctors, nurses and hospital administration staff.”

Donations are currently being accepted to help expand the meal kit program to even more frontline heroes. Through the help of the Nolan Ryan Foundation, businesses and individuals can purchase meal kits to be designated for donation to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center personnel when ordering online. Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. The Express will work with St. David’s to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Dell Diamond, each meal kit comes complete with five unique meals with four servings each as well as several grocery staples, which may include paper towels, toilet paper, milk, bread, butter and more. Cooking and reheating instructions are also included in each kit.

Following the success of the family meal kit initiative in Round Rock, RS3 Strategic Hospitality teamed up with their partners at the Comerica Center in Frisco to offer meal kits to the North Texas community. RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Beef are proud to extend the program to include the donation of meal kits to doctors, nurses and staff at Medical City Healthcare in Frisco.

Public donations are also being accepted to assist healthcare heroes in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. More information on the meal kit program at Comerica Center and can be found by clicking here.

“Like so many of us throughout Texas, Nolan Ryan Beef wanted to give back to our local frontline heroes during this pandemic. We are honored to be able to assist in these donations,” Nolan Ryan Beef President and CEO Perry Coughlin said. “We hope that these donations can help ease some of the burdens faced by our healthcare professionals during this difficult time, and we encourage those in Central and North Texas with the means to donate to help us reach even more of these heroes.”

Just like in Round Rock, the meal kits in Frisco are prepared by RS3 Strategic Hospitality’s executive chefs at Comerica Center and include four servings of five unique meals as well as general groceries. The Comerica Center is home to the practice facility and executive offices for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars business and hockey operations, as well as a 6,000 seat arena that hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), concerts, family shows, corporate conferences and other sporting events. Dallas Stars staff will work in conjunction with Medical City Healthcare to identify healthcare professionals most in need of meal kits each week.

Led by Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan and Don, Bret and Brad Sanders, Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment is the parent company of the Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and Nolan Ryan Foundation as well as RS3 Events & Entertainment and RS3 Turf. For more information about the Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment family of companies, visit RS3Sports.com.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Round Rock Express Hosting Blood Donation Drive on May 14

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing, Central Texas’ local Anheuser-Busch distributor, are joining forces to host a blood drive to benefit We Are Blood on Thursday, May 14 inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. The drive will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is by appointment only. Those wishing to donate can sign up by clicking here.

“We are grateful to the Round Rock Express and Brown Distributing for partnering with We Are Blood to host a mobile blood drive to collect critical donations at Dell Diamond,” We Are Blood Vice President of Community Engagement Nick Canedo said. “Blood donations collected at Dell Diamond are critical for patients in need at Central Texas hospitals. We are thrilled to see community partners like these joining together with generous blood donors to protect vulnerable Central Texans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser’s initiative to host temporary blood donation drives at prominent sports venues across the country, the Express teamed up with Brown Distributing at the local level to share resources and benefit We Are Blood’s mission in Central Texas.

“Budweiser has been a part of American culture for generations and Brown Distributing wanted to do our part to help the people of Central Texas in a time when it’s needed most,” Brown Distributing Vice President Laurie Brown said. “Together with our many partners, we have worked as one team to extend our resources to support the surrounding areas that have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, like blood supply.”

Additional safety measures have been implemented to protect both donors and staff. Scheduling an appointment in advance is mandatory and no walk-ins will be allowed. Donors must wait to arrive until their specified appointment time and wear a protective face covering. Donors must also agree to have their temperature checked at registration and again during their standard health pre-screen. We Are Blood staff will be providing hand sanitizer and enforcing social distancing policies during the blood drive at Dell Diamond.

“Dell Diamond has been a local landmark in Central Texas since 2000 and we are honored to be able to use our resources to help our community, especially during these difficult times. With the additional safety measures that We Are Blood has in place, we encourage those who are willing and able to donate on May 14,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “We want to thank Brown Distributing for helping us organize this donation drive to benefit the lifesaving work that We Are Blood is doing throughout our community.”

Please note, We Are Blood is unable to test for COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies. Diagnostic tests are unavailable to We Are Blood as they are currently administered by health officials and physicians. Antibody tests are also not available to We Are Blood at this time.

Anyone who is feeling unwell or has experienced any symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or has cared for, lived with or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to attempt to donate. Those who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 must refrain from donating for 28 days since their last symptom or potential exposure date.

We Are Blood is a nonprofit blood center that has been serving Central Texas since 1951. We Are Blood is the sole provider of blood donations to over 40 hospitals and clinics in Central Texas, including all St. David’s HealthCare locations. For more information on We Are Blood and to sign up for the May 14 blood drive at Dell Diamond, click here.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Round Rock Express Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to join MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Express fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and select the Round Rock Express as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Central Texas Food Bank, the local affiliate of Feeding America. For every $10 donated, the Express will also donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“A core pillar of the Round Rock Express and Minor League Baseball is giving back to the community. Through MiLB’s CommUNITY First initiative, we look forward to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region with donations to the Central Texas Food Bank,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Especially during these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for all of us to come together as a community and support those in need.”

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

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner said. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue the fight against hunger across America during this pandemic.”

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

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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Nashville Sounds Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced today its participation in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First initiative. The campaign is geared to raise funds for local Feeding America food banks while also honoring local heroes risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feeding America is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to fighting domestic hunger through a network of food banks. The local Feeding America food bank the Sounds and its fans will raise money for is Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

For every $10 donated through the campaign by a Nashville Sounds fan, the Sounds organization will donate one ticket (up to 500 maximum) to a future 2020 or 2021 game to a local hero. The ticket donations will be made to heroes supporting Middle Tennessee such as local nonprofits, hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees, and many others.

Feed“We’re proud to continue to support Feeding America and specifically Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee,” said Sounds General Manager Adam Nuse. “The Sounds will continue to do everything possible to lend a helping hand in the community. We are asking for our dedicated fan base to be great teammates during this heartfelt Minor League Baseball initiative.”

Nashville Sounds fans interested in donating can follow these instructions:

1) Fan visits dedicated donation page at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst

2) Fan selects Nashville Sounds from the drop-down menu of participating teams.

3) Fan selects the amount he or she wants to donate ($10 minimum) to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

4) Payment is processed and fan receives a thank you confirmation e-mail.

To kick off the campaign, MiLB Charities has made a significant donation to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at First Horizon Park. The 2020 season will begin at a date yet to be determined by Minor League Baseball.

 

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

 

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

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

“Through these unprecedented times, we want to give back to the community that has supported us for over 50 years,” said Iowa Cubs President and General Manager, Sam Bernabe. “This program is a way to make an immediate impact at our local food banks, while also saying ‘thank you’ to those on the front lines.”

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

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

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About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

 

Chihuahuas, Bravos, Locomotive to Unify Borderplex

 

EL PASO – April 28, 2020 – The region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and FC Juarez Bravos – announced today a plan to further unify the Borderplex community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The teams will turn on their respective stadium lights and videoboards as a symbolic gesture and to display messages to the binational region on Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

The messages of strength, courage, and unity will be displayed on the videoboards at Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in both English and Spanish. The same will also be broadcast live on each teams’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

“Sports has a unique way of bringing people from different backgrounds together under one banner to cheer for their team,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “In this case, and in our roles as the symbolic town squares for El Paso and Juarez, we are proud to use our status and work with the Bravos to provide this gesture of support during a challenging and unique time in our history. We all look forward to the time when we’re together again in our respective stadiums, but until then we appreciate the opportunity to do our part to bring the region together in a virtual manner.”

“Together, with strength and courage, we are united as one,” said FC Juarez President Guillermo Cantu. “By bringing the Bravos, Chihuahuas and Locomotive together, we can show the community we are united, and we look forward to the day we see our fans in our stadiums.”

Coupled with the unified messaging, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive and Bravos are asking fans to donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. The Foster Family Foundation & Hunt Family Foundation, via the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, will match each dollar donated up to $1 million to assist the Food Bank. Every dollar donated feeds up to seven families.

While the region continues to practice social distancing, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive, and Bravos want the community to feel connected while in a time of isolation and show solidarity between the two cities. All three organizations encourage fans to wear their respective teams’ jerseys to show support for the effort and to hashtag: #StaySafeAtHome and #UnitedWeAreOne.

WHO: El Paso Chihuahuas, FC Juarez Bravos, El Paso Locomotive
WHAT: Series of messages to connect the Borderplex region in a time of COVID-19 crisis. Encourage support for and donations to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
WHEN: April 29 and May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Locomotive Social Media: @eplocomotivefc
WHERE TO DONATE: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (CLICK HERE)
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EL PASO – 28 de abril de 2020 – Los tres equipos deportivos profesionales de la región – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC y FC Juarez Bravos – anunciaron hoy un plan para unificar aún más a la comunidad Borderplex durante la crisis COVID-19.

Los equipos encenderán sus respectivas luces de estadio y pantallas LED gigantes como un gesto simbólico y mostrarán mensajes a la región binacional el miércoles 29 de abril y el miércoles 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.

Los mensajes de fortaleza, coraje y unidad se mostrarán en los tableros de video del Southwest University Park y el Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez en inglés y español. También se transmitirá en vivo en los sitios de Facebook, Twitter e Instagram de cada equipo.

“El deporte tiene una forma única de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes bajo una sola bandera para animar a su equipo,” dijo el presidente de MountainStar Sports Group, Alan Ledford. “En este caso, y en nuestro papel de plazas simbólicas para El Paso y Juárez, estamos orgullosos de utilizar nuestro estatus y trabajar con los Bravos para proporcionar este gesto de apoyo durante un momento desafiante y único en nuestra historia. Todos esperamos con ansias el momento en que volvamos a estar juntos en nuestros respectivos estadios, pero hasta que esto suceda apreciamos la oportunidad de hacer nuestra parte para unir a la región de manera virtual.”

“Juntos, con fuerza y coraje, estamos unidos como uno solo,” dijo el presidente del FC Juárez, Guillermo Cantú. “Al reunir a los Bravos, Chihuahuas y Locomotive, podemos mostrar a nuestra comunidad que estamos unidos y esperamos con ansias el día en que veamos a nuestros fanáticos de regreso a nuestros estadios.”

Junto con el mensaje unificado, Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos están pidiendo a los fanáticos que donen al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger para ayudar a aquellos directamente afectados por COVID-19. Foster Family Foundation y Hunt Family Foundation, a través de MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, igualarán cada dólar donado hasta $ 1 millón para ayudar al Banco de Alimentos. Cada dólar donado alimenta hasta siete familias.

Mientras la región continúa practicando el distanciamiento social, los equipos deportivos Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos quieren que la comunidad se sienta conectada en un momento de aislamiento y muestren solidaridad entre las dos ciudades. Las tres organizaciones alientan a los fanáticos a usar las camisetas de sus respectivos equipos para mostrar su apoyo al esfuerzo y para etiquetar: #StaySafeAtHome y #UnitedWeAreOne.

QUIEN: Chihuahuas de El Paso, FC Juárez Bravos, Locomotive de El Paso
QUÉ: Serie de mensajes para conectar la región de Borderplex en un momento de crisis por el COVID-19. Fomentar el apoyo y donaciones al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
CUANDO: 29 de abril y 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.
DONDE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Redes sociales de locomotoras: @eplocomotivefc
DONDE DONAR: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (HAGA CLIC AQUÍ)