2020 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship Deadline Approaching

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Cedar Rapids, IA – The application deadline for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 10th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the recent closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium and area high schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
C/O Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the Kernels website at www.kernels.com under the ‘COMMUNITY’ tab.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at [email protected].

 

2020 CT Military All-Star Nominations Now Open

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NORWICH, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut are proud to announce that the nomination process for the 2020 CT Military All-Stars promotion is now open and will run through July 10th! The seventh annual promotion will honor nine current or former military personnel prior to Military Appreciation Night at Dodd Stadium on Friday, August 14th.

2020 will be the eighth consecutive season that the annual Military Appreciation Night will be presented by the Better Business Bureau Military Line which provides free services, consumer education and other resources for military families, to assist them during and after deployment. The nine honorees will be selected from the pool of nominations by a panel of community judges and will be honored on the field prior to the game. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on August 14th will receive a baseball card set featuring these heroes.

Nominations representing all branches of the military are welcome. The submission form can be found online by visiting goseaunicorns.com/military. Fans can also pick up a nomination form and submit their nomination in person at Dodd Stadium at the Dime Bank Information Booth during Tigers games or in the front office during regular business hours through July 10th.

In addition to the CT Military All-Stars ceremonies, the Sea Unicorns will be wearing specially designed and military themed jerseys during the game on August 14th. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. The proceeds will go towards a scholarship for a military family through the BBB Military Line.

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2020 season memberships for “The Captains Club”, mini plans, and team merchandise are now on sale! The 2020 season at Dodd Stadium kicks off on Sunday, June 21st at 7:05 pm with fireworks after the game. The front office and box office are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

Knights Announce 2020 Scholarships with Founding Partners

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(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights will once again provide educational funding through two unique scholarships for high school students with help from two of their founding partners. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented by Atrium Health, along with the Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, each represent the team’s focus on community initiatives.

The Knights and Atrium Health began their partnership in 2013 with the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program. Over the course of seven years, a total of 21 high school students have each been honored with a $1,000 scholarship. In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, the Charlotte Knights and Atrium Health will provide three more $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors in 2020. The upcoming season will mark the eighth consecutive year of this partnership.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Charlotte Knights to provide academic scholarships to deserving students with an interest in healthcare,” said Rasu Shrestha, MD, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Atrium Health. “By empowering and supporting the next generation, we’re able to be a small part of these students having a meaningful impact on communities in the future as they provide health, hope and healing to countless lives.”

The Knights and Piedmont Natural Gas will also continue to award three $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to attend college and pursue studies in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering or math. Launched in 2014, Piedmont Natural Gas and the Knights have awarded a total of 18 scholarships to students attending college within Piedmont’s service territories in North and South Carolina. The 2020 season will mark the seventh consecutive year of this partnership.

“Piedmont Natural Gas is committed to promoting education and careers in STEM, which is why we’re honored to partner with the Knights on this scholarship for the seventh year,” said Barbara Ashford, director of community relations for Piedmont Natural Gas. “Supporting and providing opportunities to bright young minds in our community through the STEM Scholarship Program is something we take pride in each year.”

The Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony on Tuesday, June 16. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented Atrium Health, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony at BB&T Ballpark on Wednesday, June 17. All applications must be completed by Sunday, May 3, 2020.

APPLICATIONS

About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives. http://atriumhealth.org

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company also supplies natural gas to power plants. Piedmont is routinely recognized by J.D. Power for excellent customer satisfaction, and has been named by Cogent Reports as one of the most trusted utility brands in the U.S.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental topics. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Opening Knight of the 2020 season is set for Thursday, April 16 at 7:04 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark. Single-game tickets for all home games this season are available now by phone at 704-274-8282, online at www.CharlotteKnights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

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

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

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The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle.

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle. Last year’s winners were:

Elodie Deneassembaye from Chapel Hill High
Jillian Janssen from Cary Academy
Olivia King from Durham School of the Arts
Frankie Reed from Fuquay Varina High
Maggie Shealy from East Chapel Hill High
Rob Treadway from Cardinal Gibbons High

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cars Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application, and submit no late than June 5, 2020.

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

Beyond The Nat 2020

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By Rob Fai / Vancouver Canadians | January 24, 2020 5:30 PM

There is a saying that “just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost,” referring to the many twists and turns that life can present over the course of time that can somehow end exactly where we need it to. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, thanks to the generosity of co-owner Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne, created a post-secondary scholarship program to help those on their path in life find a way to have it include education.

Valued at up to $15,000 per year, per recipient, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in cooperation with The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC has identified seven new scholarship recipients for the upcoming year from all walks of life and with completely different aspirations.

The prerequisite for applying for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Scholarship Program was simple. Show that you had a passion for continuing education beyond high school and show a commitment to your community and its betterment.

This year’s recipients of the Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarships are all extremely deserving. Here is a look at just two of the many we helped open the door for this year.

Ludee Plaw came to Canada as a child along with her family when she was just seven years old after spending more than a year in a refugee camp in her native Thailand. Her parents hoped for a better future for their children by simply waiting for their turn to be processed by the Thai government. Not knowing where they would be sent – the Plaw family who eventually find out that Canada would be their destination and upon arriving months later had little to show for their life back home.

“We came here not knowing English, not knowing anything,” says Plaw just steps away from a local Boys & Girls Club much like the one she frequents in the Fraser Valley.

“It was new for my parents, but I think it was worth it as they watched us grow up learning a second language, going to school and graduating high school which was a big thing for them because they didn’t graduate high school. I am the first one to now attend university which is the biggest thing for them, and they are really proud because I never would have gotten this type of education back home.”

A few summers ago, Plaw found her calling in life that unfortunately came at a cost.

“A few years back my aunt got sick and as I spent time with her at the hospital, I realized I wanted to become a nurse. Watching the nurses, they were so caring to my aunt and my entire family. Even though my aunt didn’t make it – I wanted to do this for her, and I want to take care of my family. That moment made me realize that I wanted to make a difference.”

Ludee will begin her university studies in September with her costs covered by the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation.

Megan Wong is halfway home when it comes to her degree but as she admits sometimes ‘life’ can get in the way. Ready to step away from her studies the Boys & Girls Clubs Fraserview let her know of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation scholarship program and after sending in a heartfelt application became a finalist and eventually a recipient of enough funding to continue her education.

“When I was writing the letter, it was actually really difficult. I didn’t think it was going to be as difficult as it was because I don’t really like to talk about things but I knew I wanted to make it as true and as accurate as I could,” said Megan who admitted it took her about ten tries to feel ready to send the letter off to the selection committee.

Weeks later, Megan was summoned to her Boys & Girls Club for a meeting not realizing what was about to be shared with her but once she received the news – the weight of the world felt as if it had been lifted from her shoulders.

“I was ecstatic, and it was amazing. I could tell how much it meant to both of us and it was just so special to realize that there are people here to support me and believe in me even when those times come along when I don’t believe in myself. I can finish what I started now.”

About the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Scholarship Program:

Created in 2018, Vancouver Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne Bolton generously donated $75,000 dollars toward funding for up to five (5) recipients. The goal was to provide up to $15,000 per scholarship winner to help them achieve their post-secondary dreams while also supporting them within their communities. Last year Jeff and Suzanne increased their donation to $100,000 to provide even more assistance.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members including the donor of the scholarship Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness both to attend a post-secondary institution as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a program benefitting local youth.

More than a dozen students have been able to begin and/or continue their post-secondary education thanks to this program.

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

Chiefs Scholarship Applications Open

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PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs, in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, have announced that applications are now open for two available scholarships in the 2020 Peoria Chiefs Scholarship Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. This year the college scholarships awarded will both be for $2000 and eligible students can apply through the scholarships tab at www.communityfoundationci.org with a deadline of March 4.

     Again this year, two scholarships will be awarded for the 2020 Fall Academic Year with students in District 150 and the Tri-County area eligible to be selected. The District 150 scholarship will focus on assisting students with financial need to excel in their higher education while allowing them to pursue any academic field they are passionate about. The Tri-County area scholarship will focus on assisting students who are pursuing degrees in athletic areas such as Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, and more. The Peoria Chiefs Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 and seven scholarships have been awarded over the first three years

The Chiefs have raised money for the Scholarship Fund over the last three seasons through mystery ball auctions and sales plus tennis ball tosses and jersey auctions. Fans who want to make a donation to the Peoria Chiefs Scholarship Fund can make donations directly to the fund by sending a check to Community Foundation of Central Illinois, with a memo to the Peoria Chiefs Scholarship Fund. The address is 3625 North Sheridan Road Peoria, IL 61604.

About CFCI

The CFCI was established in 1985 by a group of community-minded citizens to meet a wide variety of social, cultural, education, and other charitable needs throughout central Illinois. CFCI carries out its mission by working with donors to establish permanent endowment funds to be used as charitable capital for enhancing the quality of life in the central Illinois Community. CFCI maintains high professional standards in the investment and management of the funds entrusted to the CFCI and promotes effective and efficient grant making to serve current and future needs of central Illinois. For more information, please visit www.communityfoundationci.org.

Chiefs Season & Group Tickets

      Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2020 season are currently on sale by calling 309-680-4000. The 2020 season kicks off April 9 in Davenport, Iowa with the home opener against the Beloit Snappers set for Monday, April 13 at 6:35 p.m. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early March. Fans can keep up with all Chiefs news during the offseason online at www.peoriachiefs.com and on twitter or instagram: @PeoriaChiefs.

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

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PAPILLION, NE (January 21, 2020) – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 18th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay sweepstakes, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante announced Tuesday.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the March 27 sweepstakes deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the value of a college education and the student’s educational goals for the future. Entries are to be typed, double-spaced, on 8½-by-11-inch paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must be accompanied with the required cover sheet.

Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three others will be selected from outside Nebraska. Winners will receive contributions to the NEST college savings accounts equaling $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

All winners from Nebraska will be notified in April. Winners also receive four tickets to the Storm Chasers game on May 3 and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Complete rules and information on the essay contest can be attained by contacting Andrea Bedore at [email protected]

Entries must be postmarked by March 29 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Storm Chasers begin the 2020 regular-season Pacific Coast League play at Memphis on April 9. Their first home game at Werner Park is set for April 14 against Round Rock at 6:35 p.m.

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

Grizzlies Give Back More Than $1M in 2019

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Chukchansi Park thrived in 2019, playing home to more than 135 non-profit events, with a total of nearly 25,000 attendees. The Grizzlies also gave more than $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations, which was the most in Minor League Baseball’s Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

The Fresno Grizzlies take pride in assisting, rewarding and supporting worthwhile causes throughout the Central Valley. In 2019, the Grizzlies and Chukchansi Park were grateful to help out so many individuals and organizations.

“Giving back to the community is in our DNA at the Fresno Grizzlies, and these efforts extend far beyond the baseball diamond,” said Madeline Hamada, Community Engagement Manager. “Grizzlies’ programs and community initiatives are helping fulfill our vision of giving back and making the Central Valley a better place to live.”

Non-profit events held at the ballpark included the Cen Cal Fury softball clinic, the Downtown Academy graduation, the Valley Children’s water safety presentation and the Exceptional Needs Formal. Also, the Fresno American Indian Health Project company retreat, Valley PBS end-of-year awards and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk held their events in the friendly confines of Chukchansi Park.

“The Grizzlies are an integral part of Downtown Fresno and we are so thankful for the team’s exceptional community contributions,” stated Lee Brand, Fresno mayor. “The array of events that Chukchansi Park hosted last year clearly demonstrate the organization’s dedication to the City and its residents.”

Besides these non-profit events, the Grizzlies continued a trio of programs with amazing community benefits. Junior Grizzlies, a 10-week, non-competitive, adaptive baseball league for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities had more than 160 children and adults participate during the 2019 season. Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently celebrated its 16th season in 2019. Since 2012, Wild About Reading has reached 95,000 students with more than 160 schools involved. Finally, Making the Grade allows area schools to reward hard-working students with an afternoon at Chukchansi Park. Nearly 20,000 students and 224 schools participated this year.

Overall, the Grizzlies gave $1,038,310 in monetary and in-kind donations during 2019. $65,500 was raised in ticket fundraisers for non-profits and little leagues, $11,500 was earned through theme jersey auctions, $10,530 was raised through food donations to the Poverello House through the Zero Waste Policy and $10,500 was awarded in Farm Grown Scholarships. On top of that, the Grizzlies front office spent 400 plus hours volunteering around the Central Valley. If you would like to help around your community, join one of these amazing events or be apart of helping the Grizzlies in 2020, click here to learn more.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League (PCL) and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue, hosting a myriad of other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, festivals, high school baseball and over 100 non-profit community events every year. The Grizzlies enter the 2020 season – their 23rd in Fresno – on the momentum of the fifth championship in 10 years by their big league affiliate. The team celebrated their own PCL title in 2015.

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

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. Releases 2019 Annual Report

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GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. proudly presents the 5th Annual Report to the Community detailing the organization’s charitable outreach in 2019. Each year, the report lists the extensive accomplishments of the Foundation as well as the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

It was another record-setting year for the Cougars Foundation as giving exceeded the $1 million mark, making 2019 the second consecutive year charitable giving was above the $1 million milestone. In addition, the Cougars moved into the top five among all Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams in charitable giving following the release of the MiLB Charity Report for 2018. The Cougars are currently ranked fifth out of all 160 teams, marking the second consecutive year the team was ranked in the top ten for charitable giving.

The Foundation achieved additional milestones as the five-year record giving streak has soared over 1,500% since 2014. Individual programs supported by the Foundation have reached a total of 24, while cash contributions were provided to 32 community organizations, the largest number of programs and organizations that have benefited from the Foundation in its history. Program highlights include the Cougars Reading Club which now reaches over 450 schools and 138,000 students with the Summer Reading Program now including 89 libraries and over 5,400 student participants. The Foundation also operates two scholarship programs, issuing grade school level scholarships to six local students and five college-level scholarships. Military Outreach continued to see growth, reaching over 1,100 current and former military service members while the Senior Citizens Outreach touched over 2,500 local seniors age 65 and over.

In addition to the expansion of current programs, new programs were added such as Mental Health and Deaf Awareness Night. The Foundation teamed up with local charities that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during select nights, the Foundation made a donation with a portion of the total proceeds benefiting the selected charities.

The highlight of the year for the Foundation came at Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. Ballpark Digest selected the Cougars Foundation out of all 160 MiLB teams to receive the prestigious Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award for the 2019 season. Following the announcement that the Cougars had been selected, the Foundation received a congratulatory message from NASDAQ on the famous MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square. This marked the first time a MiLB Foundation was featured on the MarketSite Tower.

Across all 24 programs, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation’s charitable giving reached a total of $1,054,980.

“None of these accomplishments would be possible without the commitment of our Foundation’s sponsors, donors and partners,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Their willingness to step up for our community is seen each and every year that we’re able to expand our outreach. It’s amazing to watch the impact of the Foundation stretch far beyond the baseball field.”

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 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Nashville Sounds Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Scholarship Program

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four scholarships worth $2,500 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall of 2020.

The program, which began in 2016, has awarded $40,000 in scholarships and is designed to help deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students help pay for college tuition during their freshman year.

“The Nashville Sounds Foundation is proud to continue our scholarship program into its fifth year,” said Nashville Sounds Foundation Executive Director Destiny Whitmore. “To be able to help Middle Tennessee students pursue their dream of a college education is extremely fulfilling. The continued support of our fans through fundraising efforts makes this possible. We’re thankful for the ongoing generosity.”

Interested seniors must complete the application process at www.nashvillesounds.com/community/scholarship. The process includes submitting a 250-or-less word essay explaining a project the student developed or participated in to change their community.

In addition to the essay, each submission must include at least two letters of recommendation from a teacher and/or coach, and an official high school transcript. The scholarship will be awarded based on the culmination of the student’s school work, extracurricular activities and involvement in the community.

Each winner will receive tickets to a select 2020 Nashville Sounds game of their choice and a special surprise from the Nashville Sounds Foundation. The deadline to be considered for the 2020 scholarships is Friday, February 14, 2020. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than March 27, 2020.

Winners from 2019 include Emmi Allen (University of Tennessee), Joshua Garretson (University of Tennessee), Ian Hall (Stanford University) and Faith McPhearson (East Tennessee State University).

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. 2020 season ticket memberships are on sale through the Nashville Sounds ticket office. For more information on membership packages, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected]

About the Nashville Sounds Foundation:

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to utilize baseball to positively impact the communities throughout Middle Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility, education and the power of sport to transform lives.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation is funded through monetary donations, private entities, memorabilia auctions and in-game custom public address announcements.

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

Cougars Announce New Classroom Appreciation Grant, Improvements to Reading Club Program

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Additional scholarships and rewards for Reading Club participants will begin in 2020

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced multiple improvements to the Cougars Reading Club as well as a new Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This is the first announcement of several enhancements the Cougars will be making ahead of their 30th anniversary season. Additional announcements regarding capital improvements, a 30th-anniversary logo reveal and the 30th-anniversary team will be made starting in mid-January.

Prior to the 2020 season, Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholarships were awarded to six local students for the lasting impact their involvement with the Cougars Reading Club has made in their everyday lives. Moving forward, the Cougars will now be awarding 10 total scholarships at $500 each in an effort to expand the appreciation for student involvement and assist with continuing their education.

Each student that participates in the Cougars Reading Club receives multiple rewards including a Golden Ticket. Beginning with the 2020 season, all Reading Club participants who present their Golden Ticket at the box office will be awarded two complimentary tickets for all June-September games, which doubles the ticket reward from previous seasons, ensuring even more family fun throughout the summer.

New for the 2020 season is the Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This program will award one teacher’s classroom with a $1,000 grant to show appreciation for their participation in the Cougars Reading Club. Cougars mascots and goodwill ambassadors, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, will present the check to the winning teacher and their classroom. Additional details regarding the Classroom Appreciation Grant will be announced soon.

Teachers that are interested in registering their school or classroom in the Cougars Reading Club can visit kccougars.com for more information.

The Cougars Reading Club is an eight-week incentive program that runs between the months of January and March. Students from Pre-K through 8th grade are eligible to participate as long as their school is a member of the Reading Club Program. Students that complete a reading home run are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to an April or May Cougars game, a hot dog and soft drink, official Cougars Reading Club souvenir and bookmark as well as the opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field parade led by Ozzie and Annie.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, 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 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Chasers in the Community 2019 Review

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The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality donated $571,229.19 to numerous Omaha Metro charities in 2019, with the Storm Chasers aligning with more than 300 different organizations. Storm Chasers front office members also combined for nearly 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year.

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

During the 2019 season, the Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $13,378 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $21,395 was donated to various Omaha Metro charities, including Make-a-Wish Nebraska, Gold Glove Charities and Food Bank for the Heartland, through six different Jersey Auctions throughout the season. More than 4,000 canned goods were also donated to Heartland Hope Mission through the Storm Chasers’ Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday promotion.

A total of $10,865.20 was also raised through the Storm Chasers’ Omaha Potholes promotion to help repair local little league fields with City of Bellevue Recreation and DC West Youth Sports damaged by historic floods this spring, along with matching donations from the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers organizations. The Storm Chasers organization’s relationship with Minor League Baseball and the efforts of President and General Manager Martie Cordaro also helped secure a joint $50,000 donation from Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to Team Rubicon to support Winter Storm Ulmer disaster relief efforts.

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and player appearances totaled nearly 300. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Jaden Ferguson and Damicah Dutton-Burton.

Furthermore, the Storm Chasers and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality once again provided local non-profit organizations and community groups to raise funds by volunteering at concessions stands during the season. A total of $51,531 was raised by those volunteers through this program.

In addition, over 9,000 cocktails were sold in the Jack Daniel’s Club over the course of the 2019 season, raising over $4,500 in partnership with Jack Daniel’s for Operation Ride Home.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2019 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/home

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

SeaWolves Announce Chace Numata Scholarship

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Purchase a Chace Numata T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Chace Numata Scholarship

Chace Numata Scholarship Information and Application

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, announced today that the team has established the Chace Numata Scholarship in honor of the SeaWolves catcher who tragically passed away in September.

The SeaWolves Community Fund will award a minimum of four (4) $1,000 scholarships annually to Erie-area senior student-athletes participating in varsity baseball or softball. Honorees will be selected based on their accomplishments, contributions to a team, and their positive impact on the lives of others.

Fundraising efforts for the scholarship will begin immediately. Starting today, fans can purchase Chace Numata yellow jersey tees featuring his number (#10) and the hashtag #LiveLikeNumi. Numata T-shirts are available at the UPMC Park Team Store and online at SeaWolves.com. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit the scholarship. Additional fundraising efforts will be announced in the near future.

Those wishing to donate to the Chace Numata Scholarship can send checks payable to the SeaWolves Community Fund to:

SeaWolves Community Fund

ATTN: Numi Scholarship

110 E. 10th Street

Erie, PA 16501

Scholarship applications are now being accepted. Completed applications will be due by February 15, 2020. All candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by a teacher or coach. The teacher or coach must attach a letter of recommendation describing the candidate’s:

  1. Positive impact on the lives of others
  2. Contributions to improving a team
  3. Accomplishments on and off the field
  4. Experiences or traits that make the candidate an exceptional scholarship nominee

Eligible student applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. College-bound senior currently attending high school and playing varsity baseball or varsity softball in Erie County, PA.
  2. Must be attending a 4-year college or university in the fall of 2020; candidate is NOT required to participate in collegiate athletics.
  3. Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
  4. Demonstrate the value of being a good teammate and a kind, positive influence on others.

A selection committee, including SeaWolves players, front office staff and the Numata family will determine the scholarship winners. There will be no discrimination regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The selection committee will not base its decisions in any way on the employment status of an applicant or the employment status of the applicant’s parents/guardians.

ABOUT CHACE NUMATA

Chace Numata was a switch-hitting catcher with the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. He passed away during the 2019 baseball season at the age of 27. “Numi” played 10 professional seasons in the Phillies, Yankees and Tigers organizations and was a leader on and off the field. He was a talented baseball player and a world-class teammate. It didn’t matter if you were a professional athlete or a young child, Chace made you feel welcome. His smile was contagious and unrelenting, and his fun-loving personality could light up any environment.

ABOUT THE SEAWOLVES COMMUNITY FUND

The SeaWolves Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Erie region. The SeaWolves Community Fund places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on baseball, education, and wellness by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.

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

BlueClaws Charities Announces 2019 Grant Recipients

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

BlueClaws Charities raises money throughout the year across various platforms such as special fundraising events like their Nine & Dine charity golf outing, BlueClaws jersey auctions, a nightly 50/50 raffle that is held at home games. At the conclusion of the season, money raised is distributed through a grant application process.

“We are very proud to support these outstanding Community Partner organizations,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Not only are these groups on the ground helping the underserved in our communities, but we are pleased that all grant money stays local here in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.”

Find the organizations and grant descriptions below:

American Cancer Society – To help fund rides to treatment for cancer patients, a free place to stay when a patient needs to travel for treatment, as well as free wigs for patients.

ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – To help subsidize our Care Services Program that offers programs and services to families living with ALS at no cost and who live in the surrounding communities of BlueClaws Charities.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter – To support youth in our area who are experiencing Alzheimer’s in their family.

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – To support the general operating budget of the agency in order to continue to provide and support 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ashley Lauren Foundation – To assist children with cancer and their families through direct family financial assistance.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – To fund current community mentorship programs.

Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America – To provide direct support to our Scoutreach (youth at risk) Cub Scout pack at the Clark Elementary School in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Brodie Fund – To financially assist families with pets fighting cancer.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – To help defray the cost of criminal background checks completed on all volunteers prior to assignments.

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation – To provide direct financial aid to New Jersey families affected by cancer during the holiday season.

Dottie’s House – To offset the cost of a backflow repair at the facility.

Easterseals New Jersey – To ensure the continuation of employment services programs featuring skills evaluation, resume building, interview skills in addition to placing our participants into jobs within the community.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – To purchase a storage shed to allow the robotics team to store their robot and its components.

Go4theGoal – To support our Kart 4 Kids program in local hospitals that will bring smiles to kids battling cancer.

Guidinglight House Inc. – Fund housing and program services to female veterans transitioning out of the military.

HABcore Inc. – To help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing Program in Ocean County.

JAR of Hope – To bring awareness directed to finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

JF Party Dragon – To purchase food for those in need in Ocean County.

Kids Need More – To enhance the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.

LADACIN Network – To support our Child Care and Preschool program which integrates children with and without disabilities.

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund – To assist our organization in its mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.

Mya Lin Terry Foundation – To support our Friends of Michael Campaign, sibling support of oncology children.

NJ TEARS Foundation – To provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or infant loss or sudden loss of a school-aged child in New Jersey with programs offered through our Center for Child Loss in Wall.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – To support elderly neighbors in their progressing age and the infirmities that often come with it by providing safety-related maintenance (such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps) and other home repairs necessary to alleviate structural violations, serious health issues, and code violations.

Ocean County Family Support Organization – To offset the costs of trips for our Youth Partnership Program.

Ocean County Shrine Club – To purchase surgical hardware to scoliosis patients at Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, specifically, metal instrumentation including, but not limited to, surgical rods and cages used in spinal fusion implant procedures to straighten severe curvatures.

Ocean’s Harbor House – To provide housing for homeless, abused, neglected, and tossaway youth between the ages of 16 and 21, serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Ocean Partnership for Children – To provide emergency fund for youth and famliies for immediate needs that cannot be secured at no cost or covered by Medicad or flex funds.

Piece of the Puzzle – To expand our special education curriculum for students with autism and developmental disabilities.

Parents of Autistic Children – To provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity, through athletic participation, between disabled students and their typically developing peers.

Probation Association of New Jersey Education Fund – To foster and enhance educational/training opportunities for members of PA/NJ through the operation of an annual training conference.

Raising Hope for Others, Inc. – To offset costs of their August fundraiser.

RJM Sportsgroup – To provide support for students in the Jackson school districts with scholarships.

Salvation Army of Ocean County – To support our weekly soup kitchen, which serves 50-100 meals per week.

Seabrook Village – To support the Library at Seabrook Village.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide – To support our Ocean County Youth Wellness Summit. This summit is specifically designed to provide students, school administrators, and school staff with the necessary resources needed to encourage and support overall wellness, including the prevention of teen suicide and other upstream prevention measures.

Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – To provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – To purchase warm clothing for lower-income children.

USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey – To provide funding for 2020 activities and events in support of the annual Month of the Military Child Celebrations throughout April.

BlueClaws Charities unveiled their 2019 Community Impact Report earlier this week. You can view the report by clicking here.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The organization supports its Community Partners in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with cash grants and other organizations with in-kind donations throughout the year.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com. Opening Night of the 2020 season is on Thursday, April 16th.

– BlueClaws –

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

IronPigs announce scholarship winners

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced Tuesday that four gameday employees will each receive $500 towards their college education in the first season of the team’s scholarship program. To be eligible, gameday employees must work at least one full year with the team.

The winners are:

  • Avita DeMieri (Plaza Ice Cream)
  • Leah Fastenau (Jaindl Smoke Shack)
  • Samantha Ganser (Hot & Fresh Pizza)
  • Andrew Malozzi (Home Plate Ice Cream)

Avita DeMieri has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at the Yuengling’s Ice Cream stand (TD Bank Plaza). DeMieri will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and major in nursing.

Leah Fastenau has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Jaindl Smoke House (Section 118). Fastenau will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall and major in special education.

Samantha Ganser has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Hot & Fresh Pizza (Section 108). Ganser will be attend Lafayette College and major in Biochemistry.

Andrew Malozzi has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at Home Plate Ice Cream (Section 113). Malozzi is attending Florida State University and majoring in Actuarial Science and Economics.

For more information regarding the IronPigs Scholarship Program, fans can call the IronPigs at 610-841-PIGS (7447) or can go online to ironpigsbaseball.com/scholarship.

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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