Donate to hurricane relief efforts this weekend

Let’s pitch in Toledo! To help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Toledo Mud Hens will host a donation drive at Fifth Third Field during our final homestand of the season, from Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4.

Fans are encouraged to bring donations of canned food and other needed items and drop them off at Guest Services located on the Main Concourse. All items will be given to Impact with Hope to assist with that organization’s relief efforts.

Canned food, diapers and garbage bags top the list of items being collected. For the full list of items being collected by Impact with Hope, click here.

Other ways you can help:

Donate to the Red Cross – here.

Donate to the Salvation Army – here.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

BlueClaws, Bush’s Best to Hold Food Drive at July 28th Game

LAKEWOOD, NJ – In honor of National Baked Beans Month, the BlueClaws and Bush’s Best will be hosting a Food Drive on Friday, July 28th at the 7:05 pm game.

The BlueClaws will be collecting Bush’s Baked Beans and other non-perishable food at the game. Fans are instructed to bring their donations to the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth on the concourse behind home plate.

Anyone that donates will receive two tickets to the BlueClaws game on August 30th.

All donations will benefit The Salvation Army of Ocean County for their Hearty Helpings Food Pantry.

July 28th is a Friday, and that means the BlueClaws will have post-game fireworks thanks to Carl’s Fencing. It’s also Italian Heritage Night, with food specials and a pre-game performance from Frank James.

For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s stop stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

Donations accepted at Trustmark Park in Pearl

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

01/24/2017 3:38 PM ET

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with partners of The Connection, have teamed with The Salvation Army to spearhead a Central-Mississippi drive to aid in tornado relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating storms in the Hattiesburg area over the weekend.

In conjunction with The Connection, which is the area surrounding Trustmark Park including The Outlets of Mississippi, Bass Pro Shops, The Holiday Inn at Trustmark Park and Sam’s Club alongside the M-Braves, donations will be accepted near the main entrance at Trustmark Park starting Wednesday, January 25 at 9:00 AM.

“The Mississippi Braves strive to continue to be great supporters of our communities in Mississippi and feel we have the responsibility to assist wherever and whenever we can when our friends and neighbors in Mississippi are in need,” said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. “However, our feeling of responsibility aside, most importantly, we have the sincere desire to help any way we can.”

The M-Braves will have a truck parked in front of Trustmark Park to collect relief items January 25 through February 3, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Items will later be transported to Hattiesburg by members of the Mississippi Braves staff.

For relief efforts in Hattiesburg, The Salvation Army is in need of the items listed below. At this time, due to storage space in the area, clothing cannot be accepted. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.

  • Monetary Donations (cash/checks made out to The Salvation Army)
  • Non-Perishable Food (canned goods)
  • Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries

“The M-Braves will make a substantial donation of goods ourselves, and we challenge our season ticket holders, sponsors, fans and fellow members of the community to assist,” DeSalvo added. “If we fill up a truckload, that will be fantastic, but we’re not afraid to fill up and deliver 10 truckloads if we can.”

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 115 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cougars Announce Annual Winter Coat Drive Begins December 1

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the kick off for the organization’s annual winter coat drive. Beginning Thursday, December 1 fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars administrative office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to donate winter coats for those in need this holiday season.

Donations of new or gently-used winter coats for infants, children and adults are all encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2017 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, all donated coats will be given to area families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The Cougars are requesting that all gently-used winter coats be donated by Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m.

For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions for the 2017 season

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cougars To Host Christmas Event with Santa and Mascots, December 17

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars will host a special Christmas holiday event on Saturday, December 17 from 9-11 a.m. inside the Super Suite at the newly-minted Northwestern Medicine Field.

Children and their families are invited to meet with Santa Claus as well as team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar. Ozzie, Annie and Santa will all be available for photo opportunities while children can also participate in numerous activities including a Christmas stocking decorating station and holiday themed coloring station.

Admission to the event is free while there is a $5 cost per child to participate in the Christmas stocking decorating station. Fans are also encouraged to bring a gently used winter coat as a donation towards the Cougars winter coat drive. The Cougars organization, in partnership with the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, will be donating the coats to area families who are in need this winter. Fans who donate a coat will receive one undated reserved seat ticket voucher, valid for a 2017 regular season game. Click HERE for more information about the Cougars Winter Coat Drive.

Additional information about the Christmas holiday event is available on our Facebook event page at facebook.com/kanecountycougars.

For updates on tickets and promotions for the 2017 season, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

10th Annual Canadians Thanksgiving Delivers Again

Save-On-Foods Store Manager Kevin Smith delivers a family-sized turkey in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in co-operation with Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army spent Wednesday afternoon helping 100 local families in need with some holiday cheer in advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend.

Save-On-Foods generously donated 100 family-sized turkeys with serving trays and instructions on how to properly cook the meal to a number of local families that had been put forth by The Salvation Army.

“We are so fortunate to have organizations like the Vancouver Canadians and Save-On-Foods come forward and make a difference with many of our families who will be able to enjoy a warm meal this upcoming weekend,” stated Salvation Army Major James Hagglund who along with his staff, the C’s and Save-On-Foods were on-hand in Vancouver to personally hand out the turkeys.

“Canadians Thanksgiving” was the first annual community initiative to be put in place by owners Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney as this year marked the 10th anniversary of this impactful community partnership. Since 2007, the Canadians have provided more than 1,000 local families with family-sized turkeys and ways to come together to enjoy the holiday season.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club wishes to thank both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army for both their generosity and effort to bring these families together and make a difference in our community.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Legends celebrate 15th year with ’15 Days of Service’

Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends "15 Days of Service" program. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends “15 Days of Service” program. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are celebrating their 15th year of operation of 2015, and part of that celebration includes a special campaign to continue giving back to the community.

The Legends’ “15 Days of Service” campaign will include volunteer work with 15 different organizations in the Lexington area. Legends players as well as front office staff will be involved.

The first of the 15 stops was made April 20 at Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency in Lexington committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families and the community.   Legends players Alfredo Escalera, Kyle Pollock, and Michael Hill, along with Big L and front office staffers Rebecca Barnes, Anne Brenner, Ty Cobb, April Dietrich, Tim Vieira and Corie Roberts spent time with children at Greenhouse 17 and also helped out with some gardening chores.

Other agencies that will be part of “15 Days of Service” include the Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Blessings, Hope Center, Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Salvation Army, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, United Way, God’s Pantry, the Nest, GLEAN and Habitat for Humanity. More will be added as the 2015 season continues.

“Community service has always played a very important part of who we are as an organization here at the Lexington Legends,” said Barnes, the Legends’ director of community relations. “Being able to give back to the community that has supported us for the last 15 years is a great way to celebrate our 15th anniversary season.”

“Fifteen days of service really brings our community service efforts into focus,” added Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We’ll never lose sight of the importance of giving back, but the celebration of the 15th season of Legends baseball provides a special incentive for all of us.”

For more information, contact Barnes at 859-422-7855.

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

Staten Island Yankees lend a helping hand at Salvation Army toy drive

Scooter joins New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain in handing out toys

Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army's Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive
Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army’s Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive

Staten-Island-YankeesOn Tuesday, December 16, the Staten Island Yankees beloved mascot Scooter the Holy Cow joined the Salvation Army at the organization’s toy drive in nearby Stapleton in Staten Island. In the spirit of the holiday season, each member of the Staten Island Yankees front office fulfilled a child’s wishlist, making sure as many kids have a present to open on Christmas as possible.

Salvation-ArmyClick here to view more pictures

Scooter, along with current New York Giants linebacker and former Syracuse Orange Jameel McClain, helped the Salvation Army hand out toys to more than 200 children and parents in need from Staten Island. The Salvation Army is an organization especially close to McClain, as the seven-year NFL veteran lived at a Salvation Army shelter in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, with his mother and three siblings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Staten Island Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

El-Paso-Chihuahuas-2014With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:Alzheimers-Association

       STARS  – Tuesday, Dec. 16

        Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17YMCA-blue-&-purple

        YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

        El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

        Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

        Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22El-Paso-BYAA

        Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.Salvation-Army

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

CharlestonRiverDogs_2014-12-03

 

Charleston-RiverDogsDuring this holiday season, the Charleston RiverDogs invite kids of all ages to The Joe to have their photo taken with the club’s popular mascot Charlie T. RiverDog AND Santa Claus on December 13.

The RiverDogs will interrupt Santa’s busy season and will have him from approximately 11am – 1 pm at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Santa and Charlie will be spending time with fans to help them enjoy the holiday season, RiverDogs style!

Salvation-ArmyIn order to have the free picture taken with Santa and Charlie, one must donate a new and unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Giving Tree or a cash donation, which will be donated to the Salvation Army through one of their recognizable kettles.

As Christmas music will be played over the Riley Park sound system, fans may enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate. There will be a station for kids to write their letters to Santa so that he can take them back to the North Pole with him that evening. There will be holiday themed crafts, including an ornament making area where kids can bring their creations home with them. Fans will be given the chance to tour the clubhouse and other parts of The Joe. Those shopping in the RiverDogs Souvenir Shop will receive 25% off all clothing.

While the photo opportunities with Charlie and Santa will cost a toy or a donation to the Salvation Army, entry into Riley Park for this event is free.

For more information, please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647).

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

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-11-19

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities has completed its 6th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

RiverDogs Begin the Holiday Season with Three Community Initiatives

Club partners with Palmetto Goodwill, Lowcountry Food Bank and Salvation Army to help others

CharlestonRiverDogs_2014-11-12

 

Charleston-RiverDogsThe holidays are right around the corner and the Charleston RiverDogs, the Lowcountry’s professional sports leader, has orchestrated three community-involved programs to help those in need.

“The holiday season will be upon us very soon, and the RiverDogs will once again continue with our commitment to be good citizens and neighbors,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “Our staff is excited to start the holiday season, and part of the season is giving back. And we’ll do it with our ‘Fun Is Good’ approach.”

Goodwill2Beginning on Tuesday, November 18 from 9 am – 6:30 pm, the club will host at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park a clothing donation drive for Palmetto Goodwill. While the RiverDogs will make a significant clothing donation, the club’s staffers will also clean out their own closets and donate items to Goodwill. Fans are invited to stop by Riley Park and donate some of their clothing to Goodwill, and we’ll treat you to a cup of free hot chocolate and a voucher for a game in 2015. The RiverDogs’ popular mascot, Charlie T. RiverDog, will be on hand and will donate a bag of his clothing. Charlie also encourages other local mascots to join in the activities.

Lowcountry Food BankThen on Friday, Nov. 21, beginning at 12 noon, the club will host its annual staff/ RiverDogs Potluck Lunch. This year the Potluck Lunch will also be a food drive in conjunction with the Lowcountry Food Bank. In this, the RiverDogs invite their season ticket holders and many loyal fans to The Joe to spend “Thanksgiving” with us as we collect food. Those who come are encouraged to bring a food dish and canned food for the drive. A RSVP is requested to haley@riverdogs.com.

Salvation-ArmyAnd finally on Saturday, December 13 beginning at 11 am, the RiverDogs will offer the opportunity kids and fans to have pictures taken with “Charlie Claus” and Santa as the team hosts a toy drive in conjunction with the Salvation Army. Here, families may come to The Joe and have their kids get a free picture with Charlie and Santa Claus. In order to get a picture taken, one must donate a child’s new toy to the Salvation Army.

At the event, Christmas music will be played over the park’s public address system, vendors will be on hand with their goods set up on tables. There will also be a special Christmas-themed craft section and the popular bounce house will be open. Light snacks and hot cocoa will also be available. And as a bonus, the RiverDogs will donate $1 for every Kids Club Member who attends the event. Santa will only be at The Joe for a limited time.

For more information on these events, please contact Haley Kirchner at 843/577-DOGS (3647).

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

Chasers in the Community – November 2014

 Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 21

­Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Friday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the 4th consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Salvation-ArmyStaff Volunteering for November

  • Drumsticks on Wheels – On Saturday, November 22 starting at 9:30 a.m., members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the fourth consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

Mascot Appearances for November

  • Bellevue Bruins Baseball Spaghetti Feed – Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout in Bellevue.
  • Stormy and Vortex’s Birthday Party – Thursday, November 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Storm Front Team Store hosts the annual party with refreshments and party games, where attendees are asked to bring wrapped, unopened toys to donate to “Toys for Tots.”
  • Westroads Mall Santa Arrival Event – Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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