2020 Nick Adenhart Scholarships Awarded

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels in collaboration with the Kernels Foundation and the Adenhart Family recently awarded to two Eastern Iowa high school graduates with a $1,000 scholarship. On Sunday, June 7th, Ella Popenhagen from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Logan Schmitt from Independence High School were recognized during a special check presentation on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of their families and members of the Kernels Foundation.

Ella Popenhagen participated in track and field, cross country and swimming. She was named Captain and to the Metro Team for both swimming and track and field for the Cougars. Popenhagen served as a member of Student Government at Kennedy High School and was a member of National Honor Society. Her other school and community activities include Best Buddies Club, Show Choir, St. Luke’s Hospital Volunteer and Special Olympics. Popenhagen plans to attend The University of Northern Iowa and pursue a degree in Movement and Exercise Science.

Logan Schmitt participated in football, basketball, track and field and baseball all four years of high school for the Mustangs. Schmitt was named Captain of the baseball team his junior and senior seasons. Schmitt was a member of National Honor Society, a school mentor and participated in numerous community activities in Independence. Schmitt plans to attend Kirkwood Community College this fall and eventually earn a degree in medicine. Congratulations to these two outstanding youths in Eastern Iowa. Photos of the check presentations attached.

Read More: Cedar Rapids Kernels

Read more about the Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

Fayetteville Woodpeckers & Piedmont Natural Gas Unveil STEM Scholarship Program

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced today they are teaming up with Piedmont Natural Gas to provide three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field.

In support of high school seniors who have had their final year cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Woodpeckers and Piedmont Natural Gas have created this scholarship program for our community’s young adults who are planning to continue their education at the collegiate level. In addition to academic excellence, volunteerism, and 2020 enrollment at an accredited institution of higher education, one of the eligibility requirements is participation in at least one sports team and/or extracurricular activity during their high school education.

“Piedmont Natural Gas is committed to promoting education and careers in STEM, which is why we’re honored to partner with the Woodpeckers on these scholarships,” says Tammy Thurman, Community Relations Manager for Piedmont Natural Gas. “We take pride in supporting and providing opportunities to bright young minds in our community.”

Those who are interested in applying for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, can go online to www.piedmontng.com/woodpeckers for a complete list of eligibility requirements and instructions. The application deadline is May 1, 2020.

2020 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship Deadline Approaching

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].

 

FredNats and Germanna Community College Partner to Benefit Fredericksburg Community

 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – On Wednesday, February 26th the Fredericksburg Nationals and Germanna Community College announced more details of their partnership that will be implemented for the 2020 season.

Germanna and the FredNats are entering into a unique partnership that will highlight the history of baseball in Fredericksburg and the surrounding region in the new ballpark, while at the same time providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and exhibitions for use by the college and regional students. This program is also supported in conjunction with the FredNats’ partnerships with the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (Dovetail), both of whom are providing substantial resources to bring the history of baseball in Fredericksburg to the new ballpark

The FredNats and Germanna announced the conception of the Jackie Robinson Writing Contest and Scholarship Fund that is open to all high school students in the Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. Five annual scholarships of $1,042 will be awarded to winners selected by a board made of members of the FredNats and Germanna’s choosing. High school juniors and seniors from the Germanna service area which includes Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Orange, King George, Madison and Caroline are eligible to participate.

The entry information and form is available at https://www.germanna.edu/42essay/ and students should submit essays by April 15. The five winners of the $1,042 scholarships will be awarded at the FredNats home game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, May 29.

As an interactive element of the ballpark, Germanna Community College, in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group, are creating an 80-foot-long History Pavilion on the back of the “batter’s eye” of the stadium outfield concourse. This pavilion includes a wall that will highlight various historical events relating to baseball in Fredericksburg. The wall design and elements are being finalized and is expected to be installed in the stadium in late May.

Germanna, in partnership with the historical research completed by Dovetail and FAM, will produce several episodes of “History Minutes” of Fredericksburg to be displayed pregame in the ballpark. Episodes will highlight significant historical events in Fredericksburg related to baseball. The first history minute featuring the historical Walter Johnson coin toss across the Rappahannock from 1936 was released during the partnership announcement. The video is available for viewing below.

The Fredericksburg Nationals are set to begin Carolina League play in 2020 at a brand new, state of the art stadium facility, located at Celebrate Virginia South on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Stay up to date with the progress of the new ballpark facility and the team online at www.frednats.com and follow the Fredericksburg Nationals on Facebook (@FXBGNats), on Twitter (@FXBGNats), and on Instagram (@FXBGNats).

 

2020 CT Military All-Star Nominations Now Open

 

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

 

(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

 

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.

Worcester Red Sox Create “The WooSox Foundation” to Benefit the City, the Region, and the Commonwealth

Education to be first area of focus: Worcester Public Library and Worcester Public Schools to be first beneficiaries– WPL Foundation to receive $25,000 donation; Library to receive books to begin a “Baseball Book Nook”

WORCESTER, MA – As promised in the Community Benefits Agreement with the City of Worcester and the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, the Worcester Red Sox today announced the creation of the “WooSox Foundation” to benefit the people and the charities of the city, the region, and the Commonwealth.

The foundation’s first area of focus will be education, and two of the first beneficiaries will be the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the Worcester Public Schools.

The foundation will donate $25,000 to the library, and will also donate books from the personal libraries of the club’s Principal Owner & Chairman, Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, as well as Vice-Chairman and Worcester native Mike Tamburro, and club President Dr. Charles Steinberg. Each has amassed a collection in their more than 40 years in baseball. The books will begin a “Baseball Book Nook” at the library.

Worcester Public Schools middle schoolers will be eligible to become “WooSox Scholars,” another club commitment in the CBA. The program will provide college scholarships of $10,000 each to four academically talented students. The first recipients will be the Class of 2021, selected in this coming school year and announced at Polar Park in the spring of 2021.

The WooSox Foundation will also create and operate a variety of programs to benefit students at each grade level, from WooSox Mentors for elementary school students to Dream Careers presentations for high school students. The foundation will also present small stipends to teachers in a new “MVT” program for Worcester’s “Most Valuable Teachers.”

In addition, the WooSox will host “Worcester School Days” each year for at least the first five years, when every Worcester student from Kindergarten through 12th grade-more than 24,000 children each year-receive a ticket to a ballgame at Polar Park.

The foundation will also present programs that help students learn the international social significance of such baseball stars as Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and the Red Sox’ own Luis Tiant, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz.

“We are eager to fulfill the obligations that we offered in the Community Benefits Agreement,” Lucchino said. “Establishing the WooSox Foundation and announcing that the Worcester Public Library and the Worcester Public Schools will be immediate beneficiaries begin that process and help us demonstrate our intense desire to be more than a ballclub. We commit to being active participants in this community and in its charitable life.”

Lucchino also established philanthropic foundations with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, and expanded the depth and breadth of the PawSox Foundation.
“Our public library and our schools are vitally important in fostering the education and academic development of our youth,” said Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “We thank the Worcester Red Sox and the generosity of the WooSox Foundation in supporting both our students and all those in the community that utilize our library.”

“Worcester’s biggest asset is its young people, and nothing is more important than educating our children,” said Harvard Professor and Worcester native Paul Reville, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Education and an advisor to the WooSox. “These Red Sox gifts to our students and our library not only strengthen education in this community, but signal that in Worcester, learning is the top priority.”

More information can be found on the newly-formed website WooSoxFoundation.org.

Beyond The Nat 2020

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

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

 

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 andreab@omahastormchasers.com.

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

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

 

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

 

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 tickets@nashvillesounds.com.

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

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.