Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events

More than 35,000 Kids Taking Fisher Cats Reading Challenge

November 13, 2012

Students at Henry McLaughlin Middle School join Slider for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by CCSNH.

It’s only November, and already nearly 35,000 children have been introduced to the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire. Those kids represent almost 100 schools that are using the challenge to highlight the importance of reading in a fun way.

Fungo and Slider, the Fisher Cats’ mascots, are visiting schools and delivering bookmarks with a special challenge. Each student who reads at least five books outside their normal school curriculum will receive a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Night during the 2013 season, courtesy of CCSNH. On the night of their game, they’ll be honored during a pre-game parade highlighting their achievements.

These students are also representing their schools in a team competition. The school with the highest percentage of participation could win up to $3,000 from the Fisher Cats Foundation.

By the end of the school year, the challenge is expected to reach more than 55,000 students in over 150 schools throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. To get your school involved in the challenge, contact Meg Shea at (603) 641-2005 ext. 102 or mshea@nhfishercats.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders Plan Salute to Military

November 11, 2012

Searching for Area Foursomes to Honor Each Game

The team has honored our nation's armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013. — The team has honored our nation’s armed forces in the past, but it will become a nightly event at the reconstructed PNC Field in 2013.

MOOSIC, Pa. – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ community outreach continues. Today, the team announced a new initiative for the 2013 season that will pay tribute to those that serve in our nation’s armed forces and their loved ones in NEPA.

Each 2013 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game. The team is actively searching for a title sponsor of the program that will all the more solidify PNC Field as NEPA’s community ballpark.

“I could not be more thrilled to create a program like this that in some small way helps say thank you to those in uniform and their loved ones,” said Rob Crain, president and general manager of the club. “Many kids look up to our ballplayers, and we certainly appreciate that, but these are the true heroes living right next door to us.”

Area veterans, active military and families thereof are encouraged to submit their military story to the team’s community relations department. E-mails can be sent to SWB’s community relations manager, Rachel Mark, at rmark@swbyankees.com. Or fans may mail their tales to the address below:

SWB RailRiders
ATTN: Community Relations
50 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 101
Moosic, PA 18507

-All Aboard-

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Scrappers Receive HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award

October 25, 2012

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have been chosen to receive the HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award. The award recognizes a corporation that has demonstrated a commitment to the Mahoning Valley by promoting corporate responsibility through financial resources and extensions of service opportunities to its employees. The Corporate Partner in Service Award recipient has had measurable impact on local organizations by a commitment to service through corporate engagement programs and the philosophy of giving back to the Mahoning Valley.

Scrappers General Manager Jordan Taylor states, “The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are honored to have been chosen as the 2012 recipient of the HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award. One of the primary goals of the franchise is to play an active role in the community through donations and community involvement of our Front Office”.

HandsOn Volunteer Network awards will be presented during the HandsOn Volunteer Network Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 8, 2012 with a dinner and program at the Avalon Golf and Country Club, Squaw Creek, beginning at 5:30pm. Call the HOVN office at 330-782-5877 to make reservations. Tickets are $30 per person.

Season tickets for the 2013 Scrappers season are now on sale. Contact the front office at 330-505-0000 for more information.

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

Syracuse Chiefs help raise $1,600 to assist with pet overpopulation problem

October 17, 2012

Strikeouts by team’s bullpen lead to donation for SANS

For the fifth consecutive year Spay And Neuter Syracuse (SANS) has received a hefty check from Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, with help from the Syracuse Chiefs relief pitchers.

Earlier today at Alliance Bank Stadium, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital presented a $1,600 check to Spay And Neuter Syracuse (SANS).

Prior to the 2008 season Dr. Fitzpatrick approached the Syracuse Chiefs with an idea to raise money to help stop the pet overpopulation problem in the area and to raise awareness that it does exist.

Dr. Fitzpatrick pledged to donate $10.00 for every strike out of the visiting team recorded by a Syracuse Chiefs relief pitcher at Alliance Bank Stadium that season and has continued the program every year since. The Chiefs bullpen tallied 160 home strikeouts during the 2012 campaign.

“It is my pleasure to have teamed with the Syracuse Chiefs relief pitchers again this season to help strike out the overpopulation of pets,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity that the Syracuse Chiefs have provided to raise awareness for SANS and this very important topic.”

“The Syracuse Chiefs commend both Dr. Fitzpatrick and SANS for their efforts to make a positive impact on our community,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “We are very pleased that this program has continued for five seasons and we look forward to being a part of it for many years to come.”

Monies raised will go directly to Spay and Neuter Syracuse (SANS), a low cost spay and neuter clinic located in Syracuse and the only one of its kind in Onondaga County. The clinic has spayed and neutered over 10,000 animals since its inception November 2005.

SANS is a volunteer based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the pet overpopulation problem by spaying and neutering unowned cats and dogs and animals belonging to persons of low income. To donate to Spay And Neuter Syracuse, please call (315)422-7970. Visit their website at www.spayandneutersyracuse.com.

Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, a full service animal hospital, is located in Baldwinsville, New York. They can be reached by phone at (315)635-6241 or on the web at www.beaverlakeanimalhospital.net.

Syracuse SANS Donation — Scooch and Chiefs Assistant GM Mike Voutsinas helped Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital present a check to Christine Berry, President of SANS.

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

Barons and Dale’s Team Up For Kid One Promotion

September 29, 2012

The Birmingham Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have partnered together for the past seven years to help with the essential transportation needs of local area children with their “Pitch One for Kid One” fund-raising promotion. With their donation of $9,000 in 2012, the Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have donated a total of $52,500 over the past seven years.

Kid One Transport is an innovative program that has served the children of Alabama for over fifteen years, while being the only nonprofit transportation provider of its kind in Alabama. Since its inception in 1997, they have provided more than 220,000 transports, which ensure that children receive the medical care they need. Kid One serves expectant mothers and children with a wide variety of health care needs ranging from routine medical checkups, dental screenings and mental/emotional health services, to critical, specialized care such as radiation, chemotherapy and dialysis.

“The Barons are proud of our continued partnership with Dale’s Seasoning to benefit Kid One Transport,” said Jonathan Nelson, General Manager of the Birmingham Barons. “We feel it’s very important to give back to the community and the “Pitch One for Kid One” promotion raises essential funds for an extremely important cause. Reaching the $50,000 milestone this season was a tremendous achievement and we look forward to continued success in the future.”

Alan Seigel, Vice President of Dale’s Sauces, Inc. said, “Our Dale’s corporate family is proud to be able to help these children and families get transportation to medical appointments, therapies and treatments. Kid One Transport and their entire staff have inspired, motivated and helped us to organize this event over the years. Of course, we also want to give special thanks to the Barons’ fans for all of their very generous support. It’s a wonderful example of families helping families in need.”

Birmingham-Dales Seasoning — Pictured from left to right: John Cook, Director of Sales & Marketing, Birmingham Barons; Karen Peterlin, CEO & President, Kid One Transport; Alan Seigel, Vice President, Dale’s Sauces; Mary Anne King, Development Director, Kid One Transport

‘Cats recognized for community efforts

September 20, 2012

Receive Van Rensselaer Small Business Award

TROY, NY- The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Van Rensselaer Awards dinner to honor local businesses who have shown outstanding support to their community.The Tri-City ValleyCats were honored with the Van Rensselaer Small Business Award in recognition of their commitment to the Capital Region community. ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy graciously accepted the award on behalf of the ValleyCats organization.

‘Dads team with Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center to Keep Kids Safe

September 6, 2012

L.P. Frans Stadium was the recent site of a Yello Dyno Training session where children ages 4 through 10 learned strategies to keep themselves safe. Yello Dyno teaches children about tricky situations such as child abduction, molestation, bullying, and other forms of victimization by utilizing an active, but non-fearful format of instruction.

Children attending the training learned that a “tricky person” may come in the form of someone they don’t know or, more often, someone they do know. Kids were empowered by recognizing when someone, stranger or not, is trying to trick them into doing inappropriate things. The program taught the kids how to approach the appropriate people for help if they are lost, and learned the right questions to ask when faced with difficult situations.

Crawdad’s General Manager, Mark Seaman had this to say about their decision to sponsor the training, “We appreciate the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County allowing us to partner with them on this program. We feel like the ballpark is the perfect environment to educate our children on the potential dangers that unfortunately exist in our world. We feel every child should be exposed to this type of information and we challenge all groups that have involvement with kids to reach out to the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County and find out how they can get involved and get their kids access to these programs”.

CAPC Executive Director, Deborah Johnson agreed with Seaman saying, “I am excited about what happened at the event and look forward to next year’s training at the stadium and believe we will have the opportunity to train even more kids. Keeping kids safe is the job of all of us and I am especially thankful for folks like Mark and all of the Crawdads staff who are committed to giving back to the community.”

Deborah adds that none of the trainings would be possible without volunteers like Dr. Stacy Briggs, Pediatrician, Yello Dyno Trainer and CAPC Board Member, who introduced “Yello Dyno” to the community several years ago. Stacy, along with Josh Page, owner of Hickory Academy of Martial Arts, and volunteer Debbie Dunn are also big believers of how empowering this training is to our kids. The Crawdads look forward to holding another training session next season.

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

Fitness on the Field

August 13, 2012

(FISHKILL, NY) – The Hudson Valley Renegades will partner with celebrity personal trainer and fitness author Larysa DiDio on Sunday, August 26 to promote the health and well-being of families throughout the Hudson Valley. DiDio will conduct a 30-minute group “feel good” workout for moms, dads and families on the field following the 1 P.M. game at Dutchess Stadium.

“It was a natural partnership,” said Didio. “Baseball provides the perfect medium for helping families and kids get healthier, together.” During the post-game workout, the Renegades will also conduct an on-field kickball game led by Renegades mascot, Rascal.

“The Renegades are excited to partner with Larysa on this event,” expressed Renegades General Manager Eben Yager. “As a family driven organization, we understand the importance of health, fitness and family involvement and believe this a great opportunity to continue fitness education in the ballpark.”

DiDio will be available for a book signing as well as answering fans’ questions on fitness, diet and family. Book signing and meet and greet will begin at 12 P.M. and continuing throughout the game. DiDio will also take over the Renegades Facebook page on Monday, August 20 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M to expand fitness and health education.

“Fitness on the Field” will take place Sunday, August 26 as the Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Lowell Spinners at Dutchess Stadium. The first 1,000 kids will receive a Renegades backpack courtesy of New York 529 and K104.

Tickets are available by calling the Hudson Valley Renegades Ticket Office at 845-838-0094 or at hvrenegades.com.

–RENEGADES–

ABOUT LARYSA Larysa DiDio is a celebrity personal trainer and fitness author who inspires everyone to “Rock What They’ve Got!” Her fast, fun and efficient workouts with easy-to-follow nutrition advice have helped celebrities, Olympians, professional athletes as well as moms, dads and kids attain their health and fitness goals. She’s the author of Sneaky Fitness: How To Sneak Fitness Into Your Kids Everyday, fitness expert for SELF, FITNESS and Women’s Health magazines, was contributing editor for Parenting magazine and health ambassador for the government’s campaign to get kids fit, Best Bones Forever. Larysa has been featured in over 40 national magazines and TV showswww.larysadidio.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Click here to view the original story.

Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk Returns for 2012

July 24, 2012

SpokaneIndians_2012-07-24 — The 7th Annual Pitch for the Cure raises money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Spokane, WA – The Spokane Indians announced today that their annual Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk presented by Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade will return for 2012 on Saturday, August 25th at Avista Stadium. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the Indians and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation have collaborated on the event, with proceeds benefiting the Eastern Washington Chapter of the Komen Foundation.”The Eastern Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is excited about the Pitch for the Cure,” said Executive Director Claudia Bell. “We appreciate the on-going support of the Spokane Indians, who over the last seven years have raised nearly $20,000 for our mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever.”

Check in for the event is at 5:30 p.m. with the walk set to begin at 6:00 p.m. The one mile, flat walk circles around Avista Stadium before finishing on the field, where the participants will be recognized in a special pre-game ceremony. The game against Salem-Keizer begins at 6:30 p.m. as Spokane players will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to support the cause.

The cost for the walk is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Participants receive a technical t-shirt, a donation in their name to the Eastern WA affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and a ticket to the Spokane Indians baseball game that night against Salem-Keizer.

Deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 8th, with a late registration fee of $5. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, August 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Avista Stadium and the day of the walk starting at 5:00 p.m. at Avista Stadium.

In addition to Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade, supporting sponsors for this year’s Pitch for the Cure include Itron, Pepsi, and Ross Printing. Media sponsors include The Big 99.9 Coyote Country and KXLY 920 AM.

Registration is now open at active.com. For more information about the event, call the Indians at (509) 535-2992 or visit Pitch-For-The-Cure.com.

The Spokane Indians return to Avista Stadium on Friday, July 27th for Ian Kinsler Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Alaska Airlines, KREM-2 TV, 103.1 KCDA, and Out There Monthly. On this highly-anticipated night, the first 1,000 fans and all Banner Bank Diamond Club Members will receive a limited edition bobblehead of former Spokane Indian and current Texas Rangers All-Star Ian Kinsler. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.

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

Saturday is Prostate Cancer Awareness Night

June 29, 2012

All-Star Luis Gonzalez among honored guests

The Yakima Bears will host Prostate Cancer Awareness Night during a 7:05 game against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Yakima County Stadium on Saturday. The event is sponsored by Washington Hematology-Oncology and will feature some special appearances and a fireworks extravaganza.

The Bears parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be sending former Major League All-Star Luis Gonzalez to the game along with team President and CEO Derrick Hall. Gonzalez, whose 19-year Major League career was highlighted by a game-winning hit for the Diamondbacks in game seven of the 2001 World Series, will sign autographs on the concourse from 6:15 to 6:45 that evening. Hall, who has been team president since 2006, will speak to the audience before the game about his own battle with prostate cancer last year.

Following the game, there will be a fireworks show courtesy of the night’s sponsor, Dr. Al Brady of Washington Hematology-Oncology.

Single game tickets are available at the downtown Bears office at 17 N. 3rd Street, Suite 101, by calling (509) 457-5151, and online at yakimabears.com.

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

Legends David Barry awarded the Boy Scouts North Star Award

June 26, 2012

The award is given for distinguished service by a non-registered Boy Scouts supporter.

Lexington Legends Box Office Manager recently was presented the Boy Scouts of America North Star Award from the Blue Grass Council BSA.

LEXINGTON, KY – On Saturday, June 16 the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented David Barry, the Lexington Legends Box Office Manager, with the North Star Award. The North Star Award is a high-level award presented by councils on the behalf of the National Court of Honor for non-registered volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Scouting. This is the first time the North Star Award has been presented by the Blue Grass Council to a local citizen. David has been a member of the Lexington Legends Front Office staff since 2003 working in various positions within the Legends Box Office. David has been the main contact for the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America and has organized the highly popular Boy Scout Campouts at Whitaker Bank Ballpark since 2005. David has also helped raise funds for the Friends of Scouting campaign and coordinated various Big L appearances at camps and other events.

“David has been a valuable member of the Legends team for almost a decade now, and as evident by this award his great work extends far beyond Whitaker Bank Ballpark. All Legends staff members are encouraged to be active participants in our community and with causes that are important to them. No one exemplifies that any more than David, and we’re thrilled for him to receive the North Star Award.” Seth Poteat, General Manager of the Lexington Legends.

David is an avid outdoorsman and was with Troop 71 in Middletown, KY from 1990 to 1997, earning the Eagle Scout Award in 1997.

To learn more about the Blue Grass Council of the Boy Scouts of America, visit their website at www.bgbsa.org/.

To learn more about the North Star Award, visit the Boy Scouts of America website at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards_Central/NorthStar.aspx.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

BCBS to “Drive Out Colon Cancer” on Sunday

June 22, 2012

Fans can enjoy a post-game frisbee toss in the outfield at Fluor Field

The Drive will wear blue jerseys and wrist bands during the game.

Hey Drive fans – Loving your colon could save your life! Find out how at the “Drive Out Colon Cancer” game sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina on June 24 at 4:05 p.m. Hear live interviews with colon cancer experts, visit an “Ask-a-doctor” station, meet colon cancer survivors, sign a pledge card to get screened and register to win a great prize!

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in South Carolina and nationally. But it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through regular screening. Screening allows doctors to remove polyps – precancerous growths on the inside lining of the colon – before they become cancerous. Screening should begin at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

Stop by to learn how to prevent colon cancer and hit a home run for a healthy life! For more information on our statewide efforts to wipe out colon cancer, visit www.loveyourcolon.org.

To purchase tickets to Sunday’s game, simply call the Fluor Field Box Office at (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.

2012 Banner Bank Scholarship Winners Announced

June 4, 2012

Spokane, WA–For the seventh consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians have teamed up to reward talented high school seniors with college scholarships. The winners of the $500 awards were announced today and include: Marina DeFrates (North Central), Ben Goodwin (Joel E. Ferris), Marque Jones (Rogers) Emily Korotish (Central Valley), and James Volz (Mead).”Banner Bank is proud to reward these local students for their hard work,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President. “We enjoy having the chance to help these outstanding students further their education.”

The scholarships were open to any student who attended a high school in Spokane County and were based on achievement in four areas: scholarship, leadership, community involvement, and character.

“This was a phenomenal group of students and it was very difficult to select just five winners,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “The scholarship program illustrates the Spokane Indians and Banner Bank’s continued commitment to education in our community.”

During the seven-year partnership between Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians, 36 area students have received a total of $18,000 to help fund their college education.

The students and their families will be guests on Wednesday, July 11th for $100 Strikeout Night presented by Banner Bank and Rock 94.5 FM, and will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Spokane Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Honor U.S. Military Personnel on Saturday, May 26

May 24, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake Bees will honor men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by University of Phoenix, on Saturday, May 26 as the Bees take on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. The team will wear camouflage jerseys during the event.

The Bees are offering half-priced tickets for Saturday’s game, available to all military personnel and their families who provide military identification at the Spring Mobile Ballpark box office.

The pregame ceremony will include an on-field parachute jump by the Compulsive Flyers, a giant outfield flag display, the presentation of the colors by the United States Marine Corps and the performance of the national anthem by the 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir from Hill Air Force Base.

A concourse booth will be open throughout the game to allow fans an opportunity to send a message via postcard to active military personnel. The 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir will also perform “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch and a postgame fireworks show will begin at the conclusion of the game.

The Salt Lake Bees return home for an eight-game homestand beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 25 against the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. 2012 Bees season tickets are on sale now with prices starting at just $432 per person. For more information, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.

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

The 66ers Welcome the Arrowhead United Way on May 21st

May 17, 2012

The Inland Empire 66ers welcome the Arrowhead United Way to the game on Monday, May 21st @ 7pm. This baseball game night event is to celebrate all high school students who attended the Teens Make a Difference Annual Awards ceremony held at the Inland Center Mall on May 10th, 2012. This ceremony recognizes local high school students for their outstanding volunteer service throughout the community.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate the POWER OF YOUTH! Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at the box office on the night of the event.

Arrowhead United Way is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health. These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change. The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country. Arrowhead United Way encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Arrowhead United Way is working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on education, income, and health, we strive to bring about lasting changes that address community problems. We all win when people emerge from crisis, achieve their potential and live independent lives.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate in the POWER OF YOUTH!

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media) Please contact:
Sheika Hurd, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
Sheikah@ahuw.org
(909) 884-9441 ext. 227
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.