Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events

Home Show, Breast Cancer Awareness on Wednesday

May 2, 2014

BlueClaws open series with Kannapolis (White Sox)

Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park includes both a Home Show and Breast Cancer Awareness Night as the BlueClaws open up a three-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) at 6:35 pm.

The annual Home Show at FirstEnergy Park includes vendors that specialize in home improvements and decor will be located all around the concourse. Fans can visit their tables and learn how they can improve their homes over the summer! Over 20 vendors will be present at the game at tables around the ballpark.

It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Night, which will include a pre-game ceremony and set-ups from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, Monmouth Medical Center, and Kimball Medical Center. The tables will have information on screenings, treatments, and more.

Plus, there will be a large pink ribbon autographed by the BlueClaws team which will be raffled off to one lucky fan at the information tables.

For tickets to the game, call 732-901-7000 optoin 2 or click here.

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

‘Dads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend

April 30, 2014

Weekend highlighted by pink jersey auction on Sunday

The Hickory Crawdads have announced the details for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, May 9^th – Sunday, May 11^th.

The 3-day promotion, presented by KICKS 103.3, will focus on the color pink with the team hoping to raise both awareness and financial support in the battle against breast cancer. The festivities begin on Friday, with the Crawdads looking to “Paint the Park Pink.” The ‘Dads players will debut special pink game jerseys that they will wear throughout the weekend, and any fan who wears pink to the ballpark will receive a $5 ticket to the game.

Saturday will feature replica pink Crawdads uniforms for the first 1,000 fans with paid admittance, courtesy of Pepsi.

The weekend promotion will wrap up with a big day on Sunday. In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation at the front gate. The Crawdads will also finish the auction of their game-worn, pink jerseys, with a live silent auction at L.P. Frans Stadium. The online portion of the jersey auction is available now, with fans able to bid on the uniform of any 2014 Hickory Crawdad. The online auction will end at 12:00 pm on May 11^th, with the auction concluding live at the ballpark during the game

A portion of the proceeds from the jersey auction will go towards a local breast cancer support organization. You can find the online auction page on the Crawdads website here.

For more information regarding any of the activities during the Crawdads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, call the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Safe Kids Upstate Night is Wednesday, May 7th

April 29, 2014

First 300 kids through the gate will receive a bike helmet

The Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Night on Wednesday, May 7^th at Fluor Field. Safe Kids Upstate is an organization whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under.

Led by the Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System, Safe Kids Upstate and its Safety Patrol members will be celebrated at Fluor Field. Prior to the game members of Safety Patrol from across the Upstate will participate in a “Parade of Champions” around the Fluor Field warning track.

Safe Kids Upstate will also be providing complimentary bike helmets to the first 300 children through the gates at the ballpark. Each child receiving a helmet will be properly fitted for one their size.

First pitch for Wednesday is at 7:05 PM, with gates to Fluor Field opening at 6:00. To purchase tickets visit the Main Street box office, call (864) 240-4528, or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

City Stadium Will See Purple on May 2nd!

April 28, 2014

The Lynchburg Hillcats are teaming up with Relay for Life of Lynchburg and the American Cancer Society on Friday, May 2nd at 6:05pm for the 3rd Annual Paint the Park Purple Night and T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia!

Gates will open at 5pm and general Admission Tickets for the game will be $10 with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life of Lynchburg will be held on May 30, 2014 at Heritage High School and is an overnight relay style walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society, as well as honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer. Local participants have been able to sell tickets to Paint the Park Purple Night as a part of their fundraising for their relay team. Fans will also be able to participate in a 50/50 raffle during the game, proceeds of which will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

Approximately 1,596,000 people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States last year and it is estimated that over 41,000 new cancer cases will be reported in 2013 for the state of Virginia alone. The American Cancer Society raises funds worldwide for research programs to find cures for all forms of cancer, and helps those diagnosed to find treatments and support. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about staying healthy and preventing cancer, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

The Hillcats thank the following Paint the Park Purple sponsors: Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA (Title Sponsor); Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg; Cintas; Merrill Lynch; 97.9 FM The Planet; Scott Insurance; STEVE FM; Star Country/Q99/K92/WLNI; Virginia Foam Insulators; Westover Dairy; WIQO/ESPN Radio.

To purchase tickets for the Paint the Park Purple Night, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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

RiverDogs Team with MiLB, Big Brothers Big Sisters for Special Night at Riley Park

April 25, 2014

Club Joins MiLB’s “Winning with Doubles” Fundraising Campaign for BBBS on May 16

General Manager Dave Echols has announced that the Charleston RiverDogs will be participating in Minor League Baseball’s “Winning with Doubles” fundraising campaign to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center.

Fans can participate by visiting the “Winning with Doubles” site (www.MiLB.com/give), select the Charleston RiverDogs as their team, and pledge the amount they would like to donate for each double hit by a RiverDogs player in April and May.

Bigs and Littles will be attending the RiverDogs game on Friday, May 16, against the Hickory Crawdads. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.

The RiverDogs plan to have the Bigs and Littles stand on the field with players and coaches before the game and will donate items for a BBBS raffle. One lucky Little will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Another opportunity for fan participation will be at the May 16 game when fans can purchase tickets for the BBBS raffle.

“We hope that by creating further awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center and the need for more caring adult mentors here in the Lowcountry, we will encourage people to become involved in the program by applying to volunteer as a Big,” said Echols, who is a longtime member of their board of directors.

For more information about BBBS, please contact Program Director Mandy Scherer at 843/266-5232 or at mtscherer@cydc.org or Louis Kines, AmeriCorps Vista at 843/266-5239 or at lkines@cydc.org.

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

Smokies & Remote Area Medical Join Forces

April 23, 2014

RAM Announced As Smokies’ “Charity Of Choice” For 2014 Season

The Tennessee Smokies announced today the Remote Area Medical® (RAM®) as the team’s “charity of choice” for the 2014 season. Proceeds from jersey auctions and additional activities at Smokies games this year will benefit the non-profit organization financially and provide a platform for RAM® to make its mission better known in the community.

Remote Area Medicial® was founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, who developed the idea for the organization after a medical ordeal in South America while being isolated from urgent care. After returning, it was Brock’s mission to establish the non-profit in order to help bring medical aid to those living in the isolated and underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.

“We could not be more supportive of Remote Area Medical® and Stan Brock’s cause,” said Smokies President Doug Kirchhofer. “With this partnership we are focusing our efforts to help them achieve their vision.”

Brock starred on the popular television show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, with the program winning four Emmy Awards, and went on to create, direct and star in Stan Brock’s Expedition Danger for eight years. He has written three books on his experiences, scribed articles for Reader’s Digest and Outdoor Life, and featured in TIME Magazine.

“We are honored to team up with The Smokies to help restore hope and improve lives for underserved communities in our region,” said Brock. “The Smokies really care about their fans and want to take active steps to help children and their families in need of basic medical care.”

“Our partnership with the Smokies means more people can be helped who cannot afford healthcare and we thank them for their compassion for our community, state and region,” Brock continued. “We look forward to sharing life with the Smokies on this journey of a shared mission, and together we can make a real impact and footprint in our communities that will literally change the lives of thousands of people.”

According to the organization’s website, over 80,000 volunteers and healthcare professionals have helped deliver more than $75 million dollars of free quality medical services since RAM®’s founding in 1985.

Along with the focus on Remote Area Medical®, the Smokies will continue to be involved with other non-profit organizations and causes in the East Tennessee Community.

For more information on Remote Area Medical®, or to learn how to volunteer or donate to the organization, whose headquarters are located in Rockford, Tennessee, please visit them on the web at www.ramusa.org, or contact them by phone at (865) 579-1530.

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

Silver Hawks to provide a Peanut Free Suite

April 22, 2014

Your South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday, May 18th will provide a peanut free area located in the Home Plate Suite in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week. Food Allergy Awareness Week helps educate the public about food allergies, a potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise in children; more than 3.5 million Americans suffer from it. There are 8 types of food that are responsible for more than 90% of allergic reactions, peanuts being one of those 8 foods.

“I am excited that we are able to do this again in 2014. Last year’s event was a huge hit and we were able to provide a fun day at the ballpark that many people were not able to experience in the past. We had one family in which their son had never been to a professional baseball game before because of his peanut allergies. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience a Silver Hawks game, so we will do whatever we can to make it a reality. Because of last year’s success I expect the tickets to sell out quickly and as result, we have already started looking at dates for an additional night.” states Joe Hart, Team President.

Tickets can be purchased through the Silver Hawks’ Box Office for $17.00; space is limited to the first 50 people. Price includes a game ticket, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. Call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by the Box Office, located on W. South Street to purchase tickets for the peanut free suite.

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL. To purchase tickets to a game visit www.SilverHawks.com , call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by between 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

Drive to Celebrate Reading All-Stars on Tuesday

April 17, 2014

Accomplishments to be celebrated with entertainment and pregame parade

The Greenville Drive and Michelin, N.A. are thrilled to celebrate the Reading All-Stars of Greenville County elementary schools and all Pickens County schools before and during Tuesday night’s game against the Asheville Tourists at 7:05.

The Drive’s seventh annual reading incentive program is designed to encourage learning and education success through reading, and the program reaches over 75,000 students year-round. To honor these Reading All-Stars for their hard work this school year, they will take part in a pre-game “Parade of Champions” around Fluor Field at 6:30 that celebrates their success in the program, and will be recognized with a Drive/ Michelin Reading All-Stars t-shirt. During the game, five schools with continued success in the program will be inducted into the inaugural Reading All-Star Hall of Fame, and top performers for the school year will be recognized. In addition, students will participate in the in-game entertainment, including a tug-of-war, shoe scramble, sack race and more!

“We are extremely pleased with the continued success of the Reading All-Stars program,” commented Eric Jarinko, Drive General Manager. “Reading skills are extremely critical to a student’s ability to succeed and stay in school, and the Upstate community has really embraced this program as a way for students to stay engaged both during the school year and the summer. With three dates on tap this season, we are excited to celebrate the success of these Reading All-Stars at Fluor Field.”

For more information about the celebration game on Tuesday, click here.

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

Drillers to Honor Local Military with Card Set

April 17, 2014

Submissions for set now being accepted

The Tulsa Drillers are proud to announce the creation of the Here’s to the Heroes Military Card Set presented by River Spirit Casino and the Folds of Honor Foundation. On Monday, June 30 the Tulsa Drillers will give away 1,000 Here’s to the Heroes Military Card Sets prior to their Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza.

The Drillers are asking fans to submit nominations of family members or friends who are actively serving or retired from the military for possible inclusion in this great promotion.

Submissions can be made through the Tulsa Drillers Facebook page and should include:

– Name with Rank

– Military Branch

– Years of Service

– Date of Birth

– Home Town

– Bio of His/Her Military Service (75 or less words)

– Photo (head shot or full body in uniform)

Please submit your nominations by clicking HERE or visiting Facebook.com/TulsaDrillers and select the ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ tile underneath the Drillers cover photo.

Submissions will be accepted through May 15 at which time the Drillers will randomly select 15 entries for inclusion in this year’s Military Card Set. The final five (5) cards will be chosen via a fan vote from 10 randomly selected finalists. The last five cards will be chosen from a vote by Drillers Facebook followers between May 19-22.

For each submission included in this year’s card set, the person who submitted their family member or friend will receive four (4) tickets to the Drillers Monday, June 30 Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza as well as 50 cards of their military family member or friend courtesy of River Spirit Casino.

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

IronPigs to Host Allentown Police vs Firefighter Softball Contest

April 17, 2014

90-minute Softball Game to Be Followed by IronPigs Game at 6:35 p.m.

The Allentown Police and Fire Departments will square off in a 90-minute softball game at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, as the IronPigs pay tribute to local police, fire and EMS personnel with a very special, promotion-stuffed Heroes Night at Coca-Cola Park. Both the IronPigs and Pawtucket Red Sox will join in on the festivities during their 6:35 p.m. game that night by donning unique specialty jerseys that promote local Police and Fire Departments.

All gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, but fans are reminded that they must have a ticket to the IronPigs-Red Sox game to gain admittance to Coca-Cola Park for the earlier softball contest.

“We truly hope that this becomes an annual tradition at Coca-Cola Park,” exclaimed IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to local police, fire, EMS and emergency personnel in the Lehigh Valley that keep our community safe.”

The specialty jerseys will be auctioned off during that night’s game with proceeds benefitting the Allentown Police Athletic League, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley and IronPigs Charities.

Heroes Night will also allow fans the opportunity to honor the local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and military members who serve and protect the Lehigh Valley and the entire nation, in a pre-game on-field ceremony. As part of the Heroes Night activities, the Color Guard ceremony will be performed prior to the game by the Allentown Police.

As an added bonus to all fans in attendance on Heroes Night, there will be a special post-game fireworks show featuring patriotic music presented by Lehigh Carbon Community College.

IronPigs and Red Sox fans can bid on their favorite player’s jerseys from anywhere with the easy-to-use Qtego service that allows fans to place bids, receive notifications when outbid and check the status of their item via text messages on their mobile phones. Fans without texting access can even call in their bid after registering their phone at Coca-Cola Park.

Register your phone from anywhere in the U.S. by texting “Pigs” to 79230. Detailed instructions on how to place your bid will be made available at ironpigsbaseball.com on April 25.

Winning bidders of the IronPigs home jerseys will have the opportunity to go on the field immediately following the game to have their jersey autographed. Please note that the on-field jersey signing will only occur with the home team jerseys. Bidders not in attendance at Coca-Cola Park can either pick up their signed jersey at a later date or have it mailed directly to them.

Great seats are still available for this game and all upcoming games and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Make sure to inquire about some of our newest seating areas, including the “Hot Corner” and the “Bacon Strip”, which offer IronPigs fans the most unique and distinctive seating and hospitality areas in all of Minor League Baseball.

Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The cost of parking in Coca-Cola Park’s “Pig Tail Porking Spaces” is $3 per vehicle for all IronPigs home games.

Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

Don’t forget to ask about the four-person “islands” in the Red Robin Oasis located directly above the left field bullpens. Each island is covered underneath a thatched roof and includes a circular half-table, cocktail-style seating for the four fans in the party and wait service.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

RoughRiders announce Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark

April 15, 2014

FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 15, 2014) – The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, announced a promotion worthy of rock star status today as they unveiled Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark in conjunction with Women Rock, Inc. The two organizations will rock out together on Saturday, May 10 as the RoughRiders battle the Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 p.m.

The event will mark the third time the RoughRiders have teamed up with the not-for-profit Breast Cancer awareness group. As in the past, Women Rock Day will amp up the game day experience at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

For just $25, fans receive a limited edition RoughRiders hat, a prime seat behind the ‘Riders dugout and a souvenir PlayBall! game program. For two hours, fans with an appetite can enjoy unlimited hot dogs, brats and nachos, and quench their thirst with unlimited Dr Pepper products.

Five dollars from every ticket purchased will be donated to Women Rock, Inc. In turn, Women Rock, Inc. plans to use a portion of the night’s proceeds to fund medicals costs for breast cancer warrior, A.J. Atherton. Ms. Atherton will be present at the game to throw out the first pitch.

Women Rock Day also coincides with the Pink in the Park jersey auction at Dr Pepper Ballpark on May 9 and 10. A portion of all proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Women Rock, Inc.

For more information on Pink in the Park, contact LaShawn Moore at 972-334-1978 or lmoore@ridersbaseball.com

Women Rock Day occurs at the end of an eight-game RoughRiders homestand that begins on May 3 at 7:05 p.m. against the Midland Rock Hounds.

For information on tickets to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.

For additional information on Women Rock, Inc., visit http://www.womenrockinc.org/. Women Rock, Inc. can also be found on:

Twitter: @womenrockinc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenRockInc

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WomenRockInc

About Women Rock, Inc.

Women Rock, Inc, is a not for profit organization that is on a mission to save lives through increasing awareness and the early detection of breast cancer in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We will Leave No Stone Unturned!

Women Rock Inc.’s vision is to spread breast cancer awareness and education, and increase early detection procedures and participants, in order to maximize breast cancer detection while focusing on women who suffer disproportionately due to socioeconomic circumstances. We will take education to people in the communities of Northeast Texas with a mobile teaching setup. Our government funds programs that provide screening exams for women that qualify, but for every five women that qualify, only one is being assisted! Many women are getting left out! Every woman should have the opportunity to have a screening mammogram, and a chance at early detection. It’s that simple. Early detection saves lives! Women Rock wants to close the gap and provide mammograms to those women that are slipping through the proverbial cracks.

About Frisco RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team has finished first among all Double-A minor league teams in attendance each season from 2005 – 2013, drawing more than half-a-million fans each year since the team was founded in 2003. More than 100 former RoughRiders have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including All-Stars Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Chris Davis, C.J. Wilson, Adrian Gonzalez, Neftali Feliz and Matt Harrison The RoughRiders are owned by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, winners of the “Baseball Organization of the Year” in 2008 by Ballpark Digest.

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

Help the Senators Paint the Park Pink

April 15, 2014

Special night is Saturday, August 9th

Harrisburg, PA – The Harrisburg Senators, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, are proud to announce details for their annual Paint the Park Pink night presented by Pennsy Supply. On Saturday, August 9th the Senators will Paint the Park Pink with balloons, jerseys, t-shirts and more, with all the proceeds from this special night going to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

The players will once again be wearing pink jerseys but this year 200 names of cancer survivors will be on the jersey. These jerseys, which the players will wear during the game, will be auctioned off after the game that night.

“On behalf of the cancer patients the American Cancer Society serves, I want to thank the Harrisburg Senators for this wonderful and unique opportunity to raise funds for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” said Darlene Blantz, 2014 Volunteer Event Chair. “The American Cancer Society provides emotional support, day to day help and information to 1 in 2 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients that call us for help. Because of generous organizations like the Harrisburg Senators, the American Cancer Society is making a difference every day in the lives of those touched by cancer.”

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Pennsy Supply and the American Cancer Society on our Paint the Park Pink Night this season on Saturday, Aug 9th,” said Senators’ President Kevin Kulp. “We hope to raise a lot of money as well as honor those that have battled breast cancer. It should really be one of the most special nights of our season.”

Starting today, and extending through April 28th, fans will be able to submit an entry with the names of anyone who has battled breast cancer. Following the submission period, 200 names will be randomly chosen and will be printed onto the Senators pink jerseys, which will be worn by the team for the annual Paint the Park Pink Night.

That evening the Senators will also invite all women in attendance that are survivors and are currently fighting onto the field to take part in a pregame ceremony. The women on the field will create a human ribbon in the outfield during the National Anthem. There will also be a banner on display that evening with every name of every survivor from the submissions.

For more information about Paint the Park Pink Night, please visit the Senators website or click here.

The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com..

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

Bandits fans can put names on jerseys for Breast Cancer Awareness Night

April 10, 2014

Deadline April 23 to submit signatures; pink jersey auction proceeds will go to Genesis Center for Breast Health

Quad Cities River Bandits fans were the first in the country to be able to purchase photos on the back of player jerseys for professional sports jersey auction for charity, and this season they will have another unique opportunity to support a cause while honoring loved ones. Through April 23, fans can purchase space for a signature or name to appear on pink jerseys the team will wear for its first-ever pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times on Friday, June 13.

“The entire region has made River Bandits jersey auctions hugely successful events to benefit Quad Cities-area charities, and this summer’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night and jersey auction is another fantastic opportunity for Quad Citians to make a big impact right here in our community,” said team owner Dave Heller. “With the support of our great fans, the pink jerseys will be a memorable tribute to all the women and their families who have bravely battled breast cancer, as well as a strong sign of unwavering support for those who continue to battle breast cancer.”

Fans can purchase space for the signature or name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the River Bandits players’ pink jerseys that will be worn Friday, June 13, for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting the Genesis Center for Breast Health. Each signature or name space is available for purchase at $25 each, with every single dollar raised going to the Genesis Center for Breast Health. More information is available by calling Alexandria Sheffler at (563) 333-2741. The deadline to purchase the signature spaces is April 23.

“We are grateful to the Quad Cities community that makes all of these local charity events possible, and we are thrilled to partner with Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times for Breast Cancer Awareness Night,” said General Manager Andrew Chesser. “The pink jersey auction will benefit a great cause and raise awareness for women and their families whom we are humbled to support with this night at Modern Woodmen Park.”

This year will also mark the fourth annual Camo Jersey Auction presented by the Iowa Army National Guard on May 24, as well as the third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8, on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC and the Quad Cities Autism Center. The River Bandits were the first U.S. professional sports team to auction photo jerseys for local cancer charities in 2012, and the 2013 Autism Awareness Photo Jersey Auction earned a Golden Bobblehead Award from Minor League Baseball for the Best Charity Promotion in the nation.

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 2014 ticket plans – with new lower prices – call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest’s winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a “Drop and Twist,” an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team’s major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs – the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Autism Awareness Day Returns to Hadlock April 13th

April 7, 2014

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Sea Dogs are pleased to announce the return of Autism Awareness Day at Hadlock Field on April 13, 2014 at 1:00 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats.

The event will be held with the support of Karleen Frost of Embracing the World of Autism, and the University of New England Occupational Therapy program. It will run from 11:00 AM (two hours prior to the start of the game) until the end of the game.

The UNE students will create and facilitate activities for children and families in a special “Sensory Room” that will allow children with autism to self-regulate using movement, calming sensory input and fidget items.

In addition to the “Sensory Room” the students will also make sensory kits including tactile items, chewy food, and fidget items to help people with autism self-modulate their nervous system during the game.

The goal of the event is to raise autism awareness and to help people with autism perform the occupations of everyday life.

Tickets to the game are being offered at a discounted rate for those that use the special offer code “EmbraceAutism” at www.seadogs.com. Those in attendance are asked to wear the color orange to show support for Autism Acceptance.

For more information visit www.seadogs.com or contact Lindsey Oliver by calling 207-874-9300.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

West, Senior Services honored at Coaches Luncheon

April 1, 2014

2014 Dash make first public appearance at annual event

Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 1, 2014) – The Winston-Salem Dash presented longtime high school boys basketball coach Howard West with their Service Through Sports Award and announced Senior Services as their 2014 Charity Partner in front of a record crowd of almost 200 attendees during the club’s annual Coaches Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently the head boys basketball coach at Forsyth Country Day High School, West boasts a 736-313 (.702) record in his coaching career. Almost 600 of those victories have come in the state of North Carolina, where West has coached at four different schools. He trails only the late Harvey Reid for the most victories in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history.

West spent the first 15 years of his coaching career in Virginia before coming to North Carolina and joining Eden Morehead High School in 1984. Five years later, the Lynchburg, Va., native took over the head coaching position at Reynolds High School, where he won three straight state championships from 2000-02. In 2005, West moved to Reagan High School as its coach and Athletic Director. He stayed there until last season when he left for FCD.

“I’m humbled and honored to win this award,” West said at Tuesday’s event. “Looking at this list of past winners is incredible. I’m very happy to be involved with that group of local sports figures.”

The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized in 2012. Last year, the organization honored late FOX8 sportscaster Rich Brenner.

Senior Services of Winston-Salem helps older adults remain at home as long as possible while living with dignity. The organization also helps caregivers through services and education that will benefit them. Since its inception in 1962, its “Meals on Wheels” program has distributed nearly five million meals, while its Home Care program has been providing in-home nursing and healthcare services for Forsyth County seniors since 1978.

“We are absolutely thrilled and so appreciative to be the Dash’s 2014 Charity Partner,” Richard Gottlieb, President and CEO of Senior Services, said Tuesday. “It’s great to be a part of the Dash’s organization this year.”

Over the last four years, the Dash have worked with Brenner Children’s Hospital, the Centers for Exceptional Children, the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem and, most recently, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County as the club’s charity partner. As the team’s 2014 Charity Partner, Senior Services will benefit from the proceeds of the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase an engraved brick that is installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates beyond right-center field.

In addition to these two special announcements, Dash manager Tommy Thompson spoke about the 2014 Dash, who kick off their season on Thursday night at BB&T Ballpark. Dash players and coaches mingled with all of the attendees, and the club held their annual Media Day immediately following the luncheon.

BB&T Ballpark’s fifth season begins Thursday at 7 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City). For tickets or more information on the team, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.