‘Riders Classic Raises Over $23,000 for RoughRiders Foundation

The RoughRiders Foundation hosted the third annual ‘Riders Classic presented by Tye Williams Financial Services, Smashburger and DC Rightside, LLC on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes in Frisco, TX. The golf tournament raised over $23,000 for the RoughRiders Foundation through sponsorships, registrations, a silent auction and raffle and mulligan sales.

Boxed lunches were donated by Chick-fil-A at Preston Road and Highway 121, and dinner was donated and catered by Chuy’s on the Tollway.

27 foursomes competed in the ‘Riders Classic; 12 of which included RoughRiders pitchers Justin Miller, Richard Bleier, Jake Brigham, Ben Snyder, Corey Young, and Tyler Tufts. Other RoughRiders who participated were infielders Davis Stoneburner and Tom Mendonca, as well as pitching coach, Jeff Andrews.

“The RoughRiders are extremely thankful to have such fantastic charitable support from our players, sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders,” commented Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament and registering to golf, we raised a significant amount of money for our foundation partners and community programs.”

In 2011, the RoughRiders Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Miracle League of Frisco. The money raised from the 2011 ‘Riders Classic will help fund these partners as well as the RoughRiders Foundation’s scholarship and grant donation programs.

United Healthcare’s foursome pauses for a quick picture. Photos by Falcon Photography

SI Yanks Help Major League Umpires Make ‘An Easy Call for Kids’!

Club Participates in 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction

IslandYankees_2011-03-17

New York, NY- The Staten Island Yankees are among the more than seventy Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs participating in the 3rd Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. Fans can win luxury suites and blocks of 24 tickets at an incredible savings from 66% to 85% off of the retail value or gate price.

The 12-day online auction, with more than 200 items, is currently underway and closes Sunday, March 20. Sports fans can visit and win items at: www.biddingforgood.com/UmpsCare.

Proceeds from the online auction help to provide Major League Baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption, Build-A-Bear Workshop® experiences for children with cancer, and college scholarships for young adults who were adopted as children.

“Bidding is a win-win for everyone involved and we are overwhelmed by the support offered by Minor League Baseball and its member clubs”, said Tim Timmons, MLB umpire and UMPS CARE Charities Board Director. “Baseball fans win luxury suites and tickets at a discount, ball clubs showcase community involvement, and children awaiting adoption are treated to a special day at the ballpark as they wait for a forever home to call their own.”

In addition to MiLB suites and tickets, the auction also includes 2011 MLB All-Star Game tickets, the chance to watch batting practice from the field at a variety of MLB stadiums, Green Monster seats for a Red Sox-Yankees game, the chance to go behind-the-scenes at ESPN Baseball Tonight or play golf with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, 2-night hotel with ticket packages, dinner with financial guru Guy Adami after a taping of CNBC’s hit show Fast Money, a Pinehurst Resort Golf Experience with PGA Teaching Pro Dan Kochevar, memorabilia signed by President Obama and both Presidents Bush, and a selection of signed golf and football memorabilia.

Special “Bid for a Buck” auctions, contests, and giveaways will be announced via Twitter and Facebook throughout the 12-day event. Items starting at one dollar and available for a day or less will include game tickets, sportswear, memorabilia, and gift certificates. Follow UMPS CARE Charities on Twitter and Facebook for “Bid for a Buck” details.

Of course the real winners are the children served by the men in blue of UMPS CARE Charities. UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established by MLB umpires to provide financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. Since 2006, umpires have provided memorable baseball experiences for more than 4,000 children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. They have also hosted more than 50 children’s hospital events to provide Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Learn more at UmpsCare.com.

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

$157, 861.68 Raised at Granite State Baseball Dinner

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, today announced that $157, 861.68 was raised for charity at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on November 20, 2010.  Monies raised through dinner ticket sales, raffle tickets and silent and live memorabilia auctions benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have held another successful evening of fundraising and entertainment with so many friends, fans, business partners and volunteers at the Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental,” said Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board Art Solomon.  “Thanks to the courtesy of our special guests and the generosity of our community, many wonderful memories were made to go along with meaningful financial contributions toward the worthy charities.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Fisher Cats organization, the Ted Williams Museum and the hard working volunteer committee members who helped make the Granite State Baseball Dinner a resounding success,” said Paul Merguerian, MD, Director of CHaD.  “As New Hampshire’s only comprehensive, full service children’s hospital, we are extremely grateful for the Fisher Cats’ generous commitment to the children and families of NH.  It is because of acts of generosity and kindness like this that we are able to provide the very best care for all our state’s children regardless of their family’s ability to pay.  Thank you Fisher Cats-you are number one in our book.”

CHaD, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, is New Hampshire’s only NACRI approved, comprehensive, full-service, family-centered children’s hospital.  CHaD offers compassionate care for the most critically ill and injured children throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and beyond, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner help CHaD further its mission to provide each child the best care, in the right place, at the right time, every time.  CHaD’s facilities include a comprehensive, full-service hospital in Lebanon, which is also home to northern New England’s only Level-I Pediatric Trauma Center, and outpatient facilities offering a full array of specialty care in Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua and Dover.  In southern New Hampshire alone, there are 53 specialists in over 16 pediatric specialties delivering care close to home for kids with chronic and acute illnesses. As a part of the renowned Dartmouth Medical School, with its stellar reputation for innovative research, CHaD’s physicians are among the first to know about advancements in technology and clinical practice, which translates to the best care for patients.

The goal of the Ted Williams Museum is to preserve and build on the rich tradition and heritage of our national pastime in a mission of outreach and education.  The proceeds received from the Granite State Baseball Dinner are instrumental in ensuring the museum’s continued existence and in providing for numerous youth baseball programs and scholarships for deserving student athletes.  The Museum also provides assistance to charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Children’s Dream Fund, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and many more.

“We are so thrilled to be a part of a truly special event that brings fans and their sports heroes together, all for a selfless and commendable cause,” said Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “We’d like to thank our partners the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and CHaD, and everyone who generously opened up their hearts to help us in furthering our mission of celebrating baseball through outreach and education.”

The Fisher Cats Foundation is a statewide charitable organization dedicated to bettering the lives of young people by supporting CHaD and providing scholarships to college-bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students.  In 2010, the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 12 high school seniors and has awarded a total of $110,000 in scholarships since 2007.  With proceeds from the Granite State Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats Foundation also makes contributions to local and regional non-profit organizations such as City Year, the American Red Cross, the Monarchs Care Foundation, the Bella Tucker Fund and many more.

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

RiverDogs, ServiceMaster Combine to Donate $10,000 to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction

The Charleston RiverDogs initiative of “Be Your Own Fan” took another leap as the club, which recently partnered with ServiceMaster, combined to make a $10,000 donation to NASCAR great Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction.

The $10,000 will go to a scholarship for Lowcountry children to attend Victory Junction, which has a direct tie with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospital.

Victory Junction located in Petty’s hometown of Randleman, NC, is a camp that is designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe and medically-sound environment.  The program offers a week of exhilarating, challenging and nurturing fun under comprehensive, but unobtrusive, 24-hour medical supervision.

The RiverDogs and ServiceMaster teamed for a season-long promotion. For each RiverDogs victory, ServiceMaster of Charleston and the RiverDogs donated funds to Victory Junction.

“We were honored to have the opportunity to team up with Lawton Hayes and the good people at ServiceMaster of Charleston in support of Victory Junction,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “We, as an organization, are happy to make the contribution to this worthy organization, and congratulate Victory Junction on their successful mission.”

“Whenever I get to spend time with people that help make a positive impact on Victory Junction, it’s a great night,” said Petty.  “It’s corporations like ServiceMaster that have stepped up to help send kids to camp that make a difference and help us to continue our mission in serving these kids and their families.”

Victory Junction Night on Aug. 31 featured Petty, a part-time Isle of Palms resident who was on hand to sign autographs and help raise money.  The NASCAR tire changing simulator was on location at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and fans made a donation for the opportunity to win a Richard Petty Ride-along experience. The fans with the fastest tire change were declared the winner.

Representatives from Victory Junction were on hand to visit with fans and provide information about Victory Junction.

Miracle Game Day Volunteer Awarded Scholarship

The Fort Myers Miracle are proud to announce that Rebecca Garcia has been awarded the Florida Marlins / Florida State League scholarship. Each year the Miracle and the 11 other teams in the Florida State League partner with the Florida Marlins and award one deserving person from each club a $1,500 educational scholarship.

Garcia, a Fort Lauderdale native, is currently a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University and slated to graduate in December, with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. She is in her first summer as a game day volunteer with the Miracle, learning the finer points of the team’s extensive game day operations. She also has been very active in the nightly operation of the team’s merchandise shop.

“Rebecca is a fine representative of our strong game day volunteer group this season. She has taken on many roles and has been eager to learn about the business side of minor league baseball,” said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner. “We feel she is a deserving recipient and I know she will use it to further her major.”

The Florida Marlins have sponsored the program with the Florida State League the past 11 years through their Community Foundation and the Executive Director, Nancy Olson. The foundation has now contributed $95,000 to this program.

The award is based both on financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a member of the team’s gameday operations team, an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club during the 2010 Florida State League Season, and must be at least a high school junior by the 2010 Fall Term.

“I have learned so much this summer. I can’t even begin to describe my experience and all the knowledge I have gained from the Miracle staff”, said Garcia.

League President Chuck Murphy stated; “This program is one of the best things we do in this League and I congratulate the General Managers on their dedication and emphasis in administering this program. The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.”

2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes Recognized June 4th

On Friday, June 4, 2010 the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded its annual Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. Each year the foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to ten New Hampshire and two Massachusetts college-bound students. The twelve scholar-athlete scholarship recipients are selected based upon their academic success, athletic achievement and active citizenship.

The 2010 recipients and their families were invited out to the Fisher Cats game where they were recognized down on the field before the game. Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner, presented each the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete with a certificate as his/her name was being announced.

After the pre-game ceremonies the scholar-athletes and their families were treated to a barbeque buffet out in left field in the Poultry Products Dinner in the Den, where they had the opportunity to meet members of the Fisher Cats Foundation as well as past scholarship winners.

“The Fisher Cats would like to congratulate the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes and their families,” said Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner. “We would also like to thank all those who support the Fisher Cats Foundation and their continued efforts in making this night possible.”

Since 2007, the Fisher Cats Foundation has awarded over $110,000 in scholarships.

Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner with the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes

BANDITS AWARD INAUGURAL KEITH LUCIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In a moving ceremony during Saturday night’s River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park, Amanda Stahle was introduced as the recipient of the inaugural Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship. Her first full year as a student at the University of Iowa will be funded by the Bandit Scholar Program when she embarks on her college career next fall in Iowa City.

Stahle, a senior at Bettendorf High School was selected from an impressive pool of applicants from the Quad Cities area that are planning on heading to Iowa for their college studies. Based on the application and interview process, conducted by a committee consisting of Keith’s family, friends and co-workers, it was determined that Stahle most exemplified the type of person that Lucier was. She is extremely active in education, athletics and community involvement. All qualities that were critical in selecting the ideal candidate for the scholarship.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to sincerely congratulate Amanda on winning this scholarship,” said Bandits owner Dave Heller. “She is a young lady very deserving of this scholarship for all that she does in the community and her dedication to bettering herself through education. I have no doubt that success lies in Amanda’s future and we are delighted that we can help through the Bandit Scholars program.”

This year’s scholarship reflects the beginning of the Bandit Scholars program. Bandit Scholars was founded by River Bandits owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt and it is funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits. The Lucier Scholarship is named for former River Bandit assistant general manager, Keith Lucier, who passed away suddenly in April, 2009 from a brain aneurysm. It is an annual scholarship that is designed to give a Scott County student free tuition for their first year of school at the University of Iowa and a summer internship with the River Bandits.

“We were searching for somebody that reflected who Keith was,” said River Bandits General Manager Kirk Goodman. “Based on Amanda’s application, we knew she was a strong contender for the scholarship. When we had the pleasure of speaking to her in person, there was no doubt in our mind that she was the ideal candidate to represent Keith and all he stood for as the recipient of the scholarship.”

Amanda Stahle of Bettendorf is the first recipient of the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship (Photo courtesy of Quad Cities River Bandits)

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE PARTNERS WITH MARLINS TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS

For the past 11 years the Florida Marlins and the Florida State League have paired up to fund the Florida State League Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward school-aged applicants with $1,500 scholarships, sending them a message that education is the key to success in life. Since the inception of the program, over a 120 scholarships have been awarded. If you would like to donate to the Florida State League Scholarships please call 305-623-6497.

“The scholarship that I received last summer has meant a lot to me. It helped me pay for much more of my tuition last semester than I would normally be able to pay. Since I was fortunate enough to receive this award, I have been able to focus on my classes and not worry so much about my financial status as a student.”– Cory Wilder, Jupiter Hammerheads FSL Scholarship Winner

Winning the award before heading off to college was a great way to end my high school career and look forward to the future. I felt very welcomed by the Florida Marlins Community Foundation and the Florida State League organizations upon receiving the award and appreciate what they have done for the community and myself.”– Michael Maggio, Tampa Yankees FSL Scholarship Winner

“The Florida State League scholarship was a huge accomplishment for me. The scholarship allowed me the opportunity to begin graduate school and work towards a master’s degree in Sports Administration. I am so thankful to the Florida State League offices and the Florida Marlins Community Foundation for allowing me this opportunity.”– Adam Vilk, Palm Beach Cardinals FSL Scholarship Winner

BANDITS GIVE BACK IN A BIG WAY THIS YEAR

For the Quad Cities River Bandits, the baseball season starts in April and winds down in September. The season of giving, however, lasts all year long.

As 2010 looms just a calendar-flip away, the River Bandits are proud to reflect on a year in which the team was directly responsible for putting $145,470 into the Quad Cities community in 2009. From donated goods and tickets to fundraising efforts and charitable partnerships, the team was able to help a variety of groups and causes throughout the year. The River Bandits also created the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will give away a scholarship covering the entire first year’s tuition at the University of Iowa for one lucky resident of the Quad City Area, and were heavily involved in community activities, donating hundreds of hours of labor into the Quad Cities in addition to having a significant monetary impact.

“We strive to be an integral part of the Quad Cities, and part of that means giving back to our friends, fans and neighbors,” said owner Dave Heller. “The River Bandits want to do our part to enhance the quality of life in the Quad Cities and make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This community has been so supportive of us; we want to be generous in our support of it. That means donating our money, donating our time, donating items to help others raise money, raising money ourselves for area charities, and partnering with great companies like Modern Woodmen of America and Genesis Health System to make a real difference in the lives of Quad Cities families.”

The River Bandits proactive philosophy of investing in the Quad Cities is what led to the six-figure impact in the community. The River Bandits Book Buddies program included nearly 60 schools and 14,000 students in its eighth year, encouraging youth reading and donating $56,825 worth of tickets to area youngsters. Merchandise, tickets and other items contributed to a total value of $38,917 that was handed out in response to widespread donation requests. Another $37,590 was paid out to various non-profit and community groups that worked in the ballpark to raise funds or participated in the FUNdraising ticket-selling program, while $7,070 was raised through in-game contests and fan-generated donations.

A pair of jersey auctions over the course of the 2009 season raised $2,346 for the Vera French Foundation and another $1,445 for Genesis Health System’s Flu Free Quad Cities program. The frequent post-game Tennis Ball Toss brought in $5,068 that was split among 16 different charities over the course of the season.

Monetary donations and fundraising were just the tip of the iceberg. In June, the River Bandits announced the formation of the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship that serves the dual purpose of honoring a former employee and paying for a full year of tuition to an incoming freshman at the University of Iowa. Modern Woodmen Park also played host to the Challenger Little League for their tournament in early September, a truly inspirational event that has become an annual fixture.

Between Rascal the River Bandit, Bandits’ staff members and team players, more than 120 hours were spent in the community visiting schools, libraries and community centers. Members of the front office staff are heavily involved in the community, participating in programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddies, Junior Achievement, Pups Assisting with the Disabled, World Relief and Achieve Quad Cities. Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley and Assistant General Manager Stefanie Brown is a member of the board for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The growing River Bandits Speakers Bureau is designed to provide speakers at no cost to community groups, schools, businesses and other groups throughout the Quad Cities, in part to help educate youth on potential careers in the sports industry.

“One of our goals as an organization is to be as visible as possible in our community,” said Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman. “Our front office staff is made up of great people that want to make a difference and have the ambition to act on that impulse. Every dollar we raise stays right here in our community, which is a promise our ownership made to the Quad Cities from the very start. We also have a full-time position dedicated to represent the River Bandits in relationships with local charitable organizations. Community involvement is something we take great pride in, and at the end of the day it is very satisfying to reflect on the positive impact the River Bandits make throughout the Quad Cities.”