FREE VACCINE CLINIC: During Thursday’s Game

 

The Fort Wayne TinCaps are partnering with Parkview Health to offer free COVID-19 vaccines during the TinCaps game on Thursday, July 1, at Parkview Field.

A pop-up vaccination clinic will be open from 6:05 to 8:30 p.m. inside the Lincoln Financial Event Center, located on the right-field concourse of Parkview Field. Two hundred doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available to ticketholders on a first-come, first-served basis. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is currently approved for individuals 18 and older.

Everyone who gets a vaccine during the game will receive a gift card from the TinCaps in appreciation.

“The health and well-being of our fans is our top priority,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps vice president of marketing. “After losing our 2020 season, we know that getting vaccination rates up and infection rates down in our community are the keys to a return to normalcy. We are excited to host Parkview Health’s pop-up vaccination clinic on Thursday, and we hope the 200 doses go fast!”

“As we continue our efforts to vaccinate and protect people against COVID-19, we’re taking vaccines directly into the community,” said Michelle Charles, vice president, nursing informatics, Parkview Health. “We’re grateful that the TinCaps are allowing us to bring vaccines directly to their fans – it’s a winning partnership for everyone.”

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit parkview.com/covidvaccine.

San Antonio Missions are Hiring for a Gameday Team Store Employee

 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions have immediate openings for gameday team store employees. The position requires the assistance of selling merchandise from inside the team store and at the Flying Chanclas Tent located on the third base concourse.

The gameday team store employee will be expected to work around 5 hours during Missions’ home games. On gamedays, the team store operates one hour prior to first pitch and closes 15 minutes after the final out.

Those interested in this position should email John Rebholz, the team store manager for the San Antonio Missions, at [email protected]. Please include a resume and contact info in your email.

San Antonio Missions Baseball Club

57 57 Hwy, 90 West | San Antonio, Texas 78227 | 210.675.7275 | Fax: 210.670.0001

samissions.com

HIRING: More Employees Needed As Capacity Increases

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are actively hiring seasonal, part-time employees as Parkview Field returns to full capacity for games later this month. Available positions include working concessions, VIP service areas, housekeeping (overnight third-shift), and more.

Those interested in working at the top-rated ballpark in Minor League Baseball can apply immediately at TinCapsJobs.com.

“For as excited as we are to have Parkview Field getting back to full capacity for the first time in nearly two years, we need more team members to ensure we continue serving our fans in a first-class way,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “We’ve been through a lot during this pandemic. Last year it was heart-breaking for us to have to furlough employees and not hire as many part-time workers due to losing our season. Now we’re back to actively hiring.”

The TinCaps have 36 games remaining on their schedule from June 29–Sept. 12. The team is flexibles with work-schedules. Employees don’t need to work every game. Games are at night Tuesday-Saturday, during the afternoon on Sundays (except July 4), and there are no Monday games. Click here for the team schedule.

In May, Parkview Field’s capacity was limited to about 30%, or 3,000 fans. Capacity increased to approximately 4,000 fans for games June 1-13. On Tuesday, tickets went on sale for all remaining home games, with all seats available to purchase.

“We’re proud of Parkview Field’s reputation as the No. 1 ballpark in the minors and are committed to maintaining our standards of service,” Nutter said. “There’s no better place to call your office than this beautiful venue. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or something in between, there are amazing opportunities for folks here. We also pride ourselves in having a positive work-culture for our employees. I got my start in the industry as a teenager cleaning up at a stadium after games. You never know what this may lead to.”

More than half of the team’s full-time staff of employees began working for the TinCaps in a seasonal position before earning a promotion.

Questions about employment can be directed to the team’s HR Administrator, Cathy Tinney: [email protected]. Candidates must meet age requirements and pass a background check. The TinCaps are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Missions and Circle K Announce Partnership with San Antonio Food Bank

 

Will Host Five Food Drives During 2021 Season

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions baseball club and Circle K are partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to host food drives at Nelson Wolff Stadium this summer to provide aid to the San Antonio community hit so hard during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There will be five different Circle K and San Antonio Missions food drives being held at Nelson Wolff Stadium with five different themes.

The first food drive will occur on Friday, June 18th. The theme will be “Most Important Meal” food drive. Featured items for this drive include breakfast items like cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, boxed juices, and cereal bars.

The second food drive will occur on Saturday, July 10th. The theme will be “Summer Staples” food drive. Featured items for this drive include Hamburger Helper, canned meats, rice and beans, and soups.

The third food drive will occur on Saturday, August 7th. The theme will be “Dog Days” food drive. Featured items for this drive will be pet food items and treats for dogs and cats.

The fourth food drive will occur on Thursday, August 26th. The theme will be “Back to School Lunch Box” food drive. Featured items for this drive include peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, Manwich, and boxed crackers.

The fifth food drive will occur on Saturday, September 18th. The theme for this drive will be “Oh Baby It’s A Food Drive.” Featured items for this drive include baby food, diapers, and wipes.

For each food drive, there will be a red San Antonio Food Bank donation bins at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Missions will be offering reserved seat tickets to a future Missions game for all donations.

Prior to the start of the pandemic, the San Antonio Food Bank was serving approximately 58,000 people per week in our 16 county service area. Due to the economic fall out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now serving 125,000 people per week. More than 1 in 4 children in San Antonio is at risk for hunger and 45,000 military members have received food assistance since the start of the pandemic. Today our community’s need is more than double what it was in February 2020. At the same time, our capacity to host volunteers has been cut in half from 1,000 per week to 500 per week, in order to allow for social distancing in our shifts.

The need for food, volunteers and cash donations has never been greater than this past year, but the San Antonio community has continued to rally together to support one another. Every $1 gifted to San Antonio Food Bank provides 7 meals to families facing hunger! On behalf of our staff and the many families we serve—thank you so much for your generous contributions. Our mission simply wouldn’t be possible with you. Please visit safoodbank.org for more information.

Missions and Chamberlain University Partner for Healthcare Heroes 

 

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions baseball club is proud to announce a partnership with Chamberlain University and the commencement of the Healthcare Heroes program.

The Missions will honor one Healthcare Hero during each home game during the 2021 season. Fans can nominate a Healthcare Hero through the Missions’ Facebook and Twitter accounts by mentioning that person in the comment sections. Individuals who are chosen as a Healthcare Hero will receive an instant message acknowledging their selection.

The Healthcare Hero and their guests will receive: 4 premium box seats, VIP parking, and $10 Diamond Dollars per person to spend throughout the ballpark. The Healthcare Hero will also be recognized on our video board during a designated inning break. Their outstanding service will be presented to the crowd during that inning break.

“We appreciate the opportunity to support the Mission’s efforts to salute Healthcare Heroes this season,” said Dr. Kelley Pennell, the President of Chamberlain University – San Antonio. “The recognition of personal sacrifices dedicated healthcare workers demonstrate on a daily basis is a positive outcome of the tough year experienced across the globe due to the pandemic. We salute all of you.”

The Missions first home game will be on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:05 p.m.

TinCaps Seek “Hero of the Game” Nominations

 

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc., are saluting our local heroes throughout the 2021 season and need your help!

The team is seeking nominations for military (active duty and veterans), first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers to be honored as our “Hero of the Game” at Parkview Field.

Selected nominees will receive VIP treatment. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, plus in-game recognition.

If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see recognized, then notify the team know by submitting a short essay that explains why the community should know about your hero’s story. Submissions, or any questions, should be emailed to TinCaps Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions Morgan Olson (**[email protected]**).

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2021 TINCAPS SCHEDULE

TinCaps Hiring for 2021 Season

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — With Opening Day on May 4 quickly approaching, the Fort Wayne TinCaps are hiring part-time employees for the 2021 season.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

CLICK HERE FOR THE TEAM’S 2021 SCHEDULE

Available positions range from working in The Orchard Team Store to the concessions crew, ballpark sanitation, and even specialty roles like video production. See below for a full list of positions to apply for.

The team is also currently in the process of hiring a limited number of interns.

Parkview Field has perennially been rated as Minor League Baseball’s No. 1 ballpark for fan experience, thanks in large part to the customer service provided by employees. More than half of the team’s full-time staff began working for the organization as either a part-time employee or intern before earning a promotion.

“We’re flexible with people’s schedules,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “So while if someone’s able to work all 60 of our home games, that’s fantastic, but not a requirement.”

The TinCaps, who were recently promoted as a franchise to be the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, open their season at Parkview Field on May 4 against the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate). That’s the first of 60 home games for the ’Caps, whose final game of the season at Parkview Field is scheduled for September 12. Game times will be released in the near future.

During this pandemic, the TinCaps lost their 2020 season.

Tickets for the 2021 season will be on sale soon. In the meantime, fans can purchase undated tickets, along with a cardboard cutout, through the team’s “First in Line” package.

Questions about employment can be directed to the team’s HR Administrator, Cathy Tinney: [email protected]. Candidates must meet age requirements and pass a background check. The TinCaps are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=N0C5ZCEenBg&feature=oembed

2021 Fort Wayne TinCaps Part-Time Positions Available to Apply For

· _ Food & Beverage_

o Back Counter

o Bartender (21+)

o Cashier (21+)

o Cook

o Dish Washer

o Food Cart

o Food Runner

o Group Party/VIP Areas

o Stocker

o Wait Staff (21+)

· General

o Kids Zone Attendant

o Parking Attendant

o Team Store

o Ticket Office

· Specialty Roles

o Ballpark Cleaning / Janitorial (Game Time / 3rd Shift)

o Special Events (Non-Game Day Events; Hourly, Year-Round)

o Video Production Crew

Notes:

• Must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Some positions require applicant to be 21 or older (21+).
• Applicants for positions that must be over 21 must be able to obtain a valid Indiana alcohol permit.
• Applicants under the age of 18 must have a valid work permit and completed parental permission form.

Southwest University Park to Hold Virtual Job Fair for 2021 Gameday and Event Staff

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

EL PASO – March 1, 2021 – Southwest University Park, home of the El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC, will host its 2021 job fair, virtually, via prescheduled individual in person appointments and web-based interviews.

Southwest University Park hiring managers are looking for qualified, hardworking candidates with great guest service skills who can work baseball and soccer home games as well as other sporting and non-sporting events in a variety of different positions.

Any interested candidates should go to SouthwestUniversityPark.com, or CLICK HERE. After submitting a resume, qualified applicants will then be able to select a time and date for a socially distant in-person or web-based interview, with the respective hiring manager.

Candidates must be 17 years of age to apply, must be able to pass a background check, and must be able to work all home games and additional events as needed.

Southwest University Park is looking to fill the following positions:

  • Guest Services
  • Cleaning Crew
  • Retail
  • Ushers
  • Ticket Takers
  • Cash Room Attendants
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Facilities and Grounds Crew
  • Security
  • Game Day Entertainment Staff
  • Bark Brigade
  • Kids Playground Attendants
  • 50/50 Raffle Sellers
  • Bat Boy/Clubhouse

The El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and Leg Up Entertainment are proud to be equal opportunity employers.

Professional Sports Catering, LLC, the official food and beverage provider of Southwest University Park, is not hiring at this time.

2021 TinCaps Internships

 

The TinCaps are currently accepting resumes, cover letters, and references from students that are interested in being considered for an internship position with the team in 2021. Interviews will be conducted starting in February and early March, and the expectation is to have the internship positions filled as soon as

The TinCaps are currently accepting resumes, cover letters, and references from students that are interested in being considered for an internship position with the team in 2021. Interviews will be conducted starting in February and early March, and the expectation is to have the internship positions filled as soon as possible.

(Please no phone calls in regards to the status of your resume. We will contact all interested candidates for either a phone interview or update with a letter for your status.)

The following positions are currently posted:

  • Video Production Intern
  • Merchandise Intern
  • Ticket Office & Group Sales Intern (2)
  • Marketing, Community Relations & Promotions Intern
  • Food & Beverage Intern
  • Grounds Crew Intern

Click here for position descriptions and to find out how to apply!

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

On Feb. 3, the TinCaps celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day!

Hear from the women on our full-time staff on what they enjoy about working in sports, what inspires them, and their message to girls and other women interested in joining the industry…

I enjoy working in sports because it gives me the opportunity to help people find an escape from everyday life, to make fun memories, and to find joy in the little things! Sports have been a huge part of my whole life ever since I was a kid! I love how it brings people together and builds such strong relationships in such a short period of time. I’m working my dream job and couldn’t be happier!

I encourage others to show up every day with a positive attitude, good work ethic, and the willingness to help others where and when it’s needed! My life motto has always been “I’m Just Happy To Be Here” whether I’m on or off the field. When you embrace everything that comes your way, both the good and the bad, it will always pay off in the end! Go after what you want and you’ll never fall short!

Melissa Harring (Director of Video Production)

I’ve absolutely loved sports my entire life and it’s been important to keep that as a big part of my life. I loved playing any sports growing up, but learned pretty quickly that being an athlete for a career wasn’t in the cards, and that’s okay! While going through school, I kept up with all things sports and also developed my passion for creativity and production. Building off of those things, I knew that I wanted to combine those two passions and work hard to turn it into a career… Video Production in Sports! I was blessed to have an opportunity to join the TinCaps part-time, fell in love with the organization and did what I could to continue being a part of such a great thing for our city. It’s fun to be a fan of a team and even better to play a role in helping it be all it can be!

For any girls/women who also love sports and want to have it be a part of their career, don’t hesitate and go for it! If you’re like me and enjoy playing, watching or talking sports, don’t shy away from that, embrace it. Yes, the sports career industry may still be predominantly male, and while it’s important to recognize that, it’s even more important to know that we belong there just as much as anyone else! If we encourage each other to pursue sports, we’ll contribute to the goal of helping it become the norm to have more women in the industry.

Jenn Sylvester (Ticket Account & Corporate Partnerships Manager)

Sports are powerful in the community. Working for a sports team allows me the opportunity to share my passion for sport and help bring the community together. I’ve developed great relationships with people in NE Indiana and NW Ohio thanks to my role with the team. Work should also be fun and working in sports makes that possible. The cliche, “you’ll never work a day in life, if you love your job” couldn’t be more true.

Sports have always been a passion of mine, especially baseball. I played college softball and all throughout my childhood so working for a sports team helps keep me around the game I love. I always knew I wanted to go into business and being able to combine my passion for sport with the business side of the game was my inspiration to work for a sports team.

Women are breaking barriers for leadership and coaching positions within the professional sport industry. In the last year, we’ve seen the first female GM and female coaches rise to top positions. The sport industry has been male dominated for so long, but that’s starting to change and we are fully capable of taking the sport industry to the next level! I’ve always said if you get more women in leadership positions, good things will happen. Let’s make it happen!

Holly Raney (Special Events Manager)

What I enjoy most here is that each day is different! Plus, we get to interact with many people, organizations and groups. It’s fun to know/learn a little piece about a lot of great things happening in Fort Wayne (for each event I gain a little more information about different people, groups and jobs in our area).

I also enjoy making Parkview Field into something “more than baseball.” Most all know about the TinCaps and are proud of our team and want to cheer them on. It is also a gorgeous and unique setting in downtown Fort Wayne for millions of other events. I love showing off the ballpark and making memories with this backdrop. Being an event planner, this is a unique and exciting place to work!

Rebekah Carr (VIP Services Manager)

I enjoy working for a sports team because every day is different. I love the busy atmosphere and the team-like mentality when it comes to getting a job done!

After high school I was fortunate to continue my sports career into college running track for Eastern Michigan. When it came to starting my future I thought it would only make sense to further my sports career but this time not as an athlete — as a professional.

My message to women or other girls working in sports is to always believe in yourself and know your worth.

Morgan Olson (Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions)

I enjoy working for the TinCaps because the sport world is my passion. From watching the pitch come in over the plate to the atmosphere of the fans cheering and enjoying time with friends and family. We are in the memory making business! My high school athletic director at Northrop inspired me to go into sports. He was someone that supported the athletes not only on the court but in the classroom. He wanted you to be a better person no matter what and was a great addition to your support system and he made me want to be able to be that for someone else.

To other women and girls, I say go for your dreams! It will be hard and it will be a grind but this industry is worth every step of the journey!

Paige Watson (Director of Ticketing)

It’s a great feeling to play a role in fans enjoying Parkview Field. It’s a fun way to be such a big part of the community. I encourage other women and girls to take advantage of every opportunity you can to gain experience. There are so many different jobs in sports that you can have – don’t be afraid to try something new to see if you’d like it!

Soddies Saturday Spooktacular To Bring Halloween To Downtown Amarillo

 

BUY TICKETS NOW

A Soddies’ “Saturday Spooktacular” outdoor family movie night presented by Sonic is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at HODGETOWN and is set to bring a socially-distanced and safe Halloween to downtown Amarillo. The event will feature the showing of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” along with pre-movie, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the concourse, adult, child and family costume contests, and more. Tickets for the event are limited and are on-sale now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, over the phone, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff during the event and masks are required upon entry, exit and while moving about the stadium but can be removed while seated. Entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates, which open at 5 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Additionally, only clear, plastic totes/bags and empty candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

From five to 6:30 p.m., event attendees and families may participate in outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the stadium concourse. Sponsors and partners from around the community will be safely distanced at individual tables for spaced groups to visit and grab pre-packaged goodie/candy bags. Additionally, there will be a costume contest held for best individual adult/child costume and best group/family costume. All costumes worn at the event must be family-friendly.

A variety of movie seating will be available for purchase, including on-field, reserved square spaces, hospitality suites, and individual bowl seats.

On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity). Four-person squares (10’x10’) are $32 and eight-person (10’x20’) squares are $64. Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited. Sod Poodles Blankets (54″x84″) can also be added to a reservation for $36 – various colors available and limited quantity available.

Private luxury suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are also available for purchase as group hospitality options.

Group hospitality options offered for 10 people are a Tailgate Meal suite, which includes hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, and canned sodas, for $320, or a Movie-Night Snack suite, which includes a choice of 10 candy-item mix and match – Cotton Candy, M&M’s Peanuts, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles, 10 Drinks – Sierra Mist, Mt Dew, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Water, Bottomless Popcorn, and Bottomless Peanuts for $200.

Individual bowl seats are $8 per seat. A Family Movie Meal Pack is available for purchase which includes two candy choices, two buckets of popcorn, and four drinks for $25. Standard concessions will also be open for individual-item ordering.

The Sod Poodles team store will be open from 5 p.m. (gates open) until all guests have left the park.

Fans can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available but ticket availability is not guaranteed.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

EVENT INFORMATION & GUIDELINES SUMMARY:

· All Guests MUST wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the stadium unless seated at assigned seat/pod.

· Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff.

· Only ONE entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates (across from City Hall building)

· Gates open at 5 p.m.

· Movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

· Outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating will be open for event attendees from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

· ONLY clear, plastic totes/bags and EMPTY candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

· Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited.

· All costumes worn at the event MUST BE family-friendly.

· On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity).

· Private luxury, upstairs suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are available for purchase

· Guests can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Johnny TinCap Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer, Teams with Rival

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne TinCaps mascot Johnny TinCap is joining the fight against breast cancer. As part of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink of Fort Wayne” campaign, Johnny is raising money and awareness to help save lives from breast cancer.

For an added incentive, Johnny is competing against the South Bend Cubs’ mascot, Stu, to see who can raise more money. Johnny and Stu have agreed that whoever comes up short in their challenge will have to wear the opposing team’s gear for a day with proof shared on social media.

Neither Johnny nor Stu could be reached for comment. However, through a team spokesperson, Johnny said, “Everyone knows my favorite colors are TinCaps green and red, but for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ll be rocking pink. That’s because breast cancer affects everyone, not just women. The American Cancer Society is helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it’s easier to treat. I’m glad my friend Stu is teaming up with me to support this important cause.”

Johnny TinCap is one of 11 Fort Wayne area community leaders fundraising for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Donations will be counted through Nov. 2.

The ACS says it’s in need of help now more than ever. Since February, mammograms have declined by 87%, which can delay an important diagnosis for women. COVID-19 will likely reduce the American Cancer Society’s ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 if current trends continue.

In addition to more than 240,000 women, the ACS notes that thousands of men also are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year.

Despite the 2020 Minor League Baseball season being lost, the TinCaps have remained committed to community service. Through “IN This Together” t-shirt sales, the team donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations in August as a way of expressing appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. In a similar fashion, the TinCaps have rallied their fans to donate meals to local healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Parkview Field has also served as a food distribution site for Community Harvest Food Bank and Aging & In-Home Services. The ballpark continues to host other events for non-profits as well.

Chihuahuas to Host Virtual 9-1-5K Presented by Texas Gas Service

 

EL PASO – September 15, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas announced today their first virtual race, the 9-1-5K presented by Texas Gas Service. Named after El Paso’s area code “915”, registration for the virtual 5K run/walk will begin today (9/15) and conclude on September 30 and will benefit the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.

Registration is $30 per person with proceeds benefiting the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. Included in the fee is a participation tee shirt and one $9 voucher for a future Monday-Wednesday 2021 Chihuahuas game. For each entry sold, one voucher will be also donated to a frontline worker who has been helping those affected by COVID-19.

Participants will have one week to complete the 5K starting on Thursday, October 1 and ending on Thursday, October 8. Each participant may choose to walk, jog, and/or run and the 5K may take place outdoors, indoors, on a treadmill, etc. Each participant’s distance must be logged using any step app on any device (not included in the entry fee and is at participant’s own cost) and a photo of the distance must be submitted to info@epchihuahuas.com with the headline “9-1-5K Completed.”

Participants are also encouraged to take photos and tag @epchihuahuas on social media with the hashtag “#EP915K” for a chance to be featured on the respective Chihuahuas accounts.

Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out. Fans may register HERE. Additional online fees may apply. Tee shirts will be mailed and/or available for pick up on a future date.

The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation was established in 2014 to create a positive financial and cultural impact on families and children in the community through creative programs and events.

For more information, visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE or email info@epchihuahuas.com.

Chihuahuas help local food bank achieve its mission 

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger among CommUNITY grant recipients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amarillo Symphony To Perform Outdoor Concert at HODGETOWN

 

The Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to bring great music to the community in a fun and safe way with “Hollywood at HODGETOWN” on Saturday, September 19. The open-air, socially-distanced concert at HODGETOWN, home of the Sod Poodles, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m.

The Amarillo Symphony, conducted by Jacomo Bairos, will perform a variety of patriotic and cinematic works, including “Stars and Stripes Forever_” and themes from _Harry Potter_, _The Magnificent Seven_, and _Star Wars_, among others. The concert will end with a fireworks finale set to Tchaikovsky’s _1812 Overture.

“Performing on the field at HODGETOWN will bring a new experience to audience and musicians alike,” said Andrew Hay, Executive Director of The Amarillo Symphony. “I’m excited to see Maestro Bairos and the orchestra play in the ballpark, and we are honored to be able to offer this experience to the community at this time.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Amarillo Symphony on this one-of-a-kind event,” said Tony Ensor, Sod Poodles President and General Manager. “We look forward to bringing this unique Hollywood concert to life in our ballpark setting for the entire community to enjoy and create memories this summer together in a safe and healthy outdoor environment.”

Advanced ticket pricing ranges from $10 to $18 depending on seat location. Guests can purchase tickets starting Thursday, September 3. Online tickets will be available at www.SodPoodles.com starting at 9 a.m. Guests can purchase by phone at 806-803-9547 or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office starting at 10 a.m. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available, but a $2 increase will be in effect and ticket availability is not guaranteed.

Hospitality options for groups are available as well including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, please call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

A pre-concert band, “The RagTown Chiefs,” will delight and entertain the crowd just after gates open to shortly before the symphony performance begins so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

This symphony performance is generously sponsored by Street Toyota, Amarillo National Bank, Underwood Law Firm PC, NCW Risk Management, Paul and Jo Tyler Engler and media partner NewsChannel10. The pre-concert band and finale fireworks are brought to you by FirstBank Southwest.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.