E-Z-GO, GreenJackets Recognize Local Military Members

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Even in their 25th year of baseball, the Augusta GreenJackets are continuing some of their greatest traditions. The GreenJackets are teaming up with E-Z-GO once again to bring back their Salute Our Soldiers program for the 2013 season.

“E-Z-GO is excited to partner again with the Augusta GreenJackets to honor our local military families for the sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom,” E-Z-GO President Kevin Holleran said.  “We hope that this program, in some small way, helps ease the burden that our service members, veterans and their families bear in our nation’s time of need.”

Salute Our Soldiers is a program designed to recognize local military members and their families, while thanking them for all the sacrifices they make for our nation. At all 70 home games, E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will select a local military family to honor. That family will receive free box seats, food vouchers and a gift certificate to use in the gift shop.

In the middle of the fifth inning, the selected military member and family will be recognized by the crowd for their dedication to protecting and serving our nation.

“In 2012, E-Z-GO really helped Salute Our Soldiers be a great way to show our appreciation for local military members and their families,” Augusta GreenJackets general manager Bob Flannery said. “We’re all excited to provide local military members with a fun night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.”

E-Z-GO and the GreenJackets will work with local military officials and service organizations to identify participating families. For more information on Salute Our Soliders or to nominate a military member or family, contact Katie Agostin at (706) 736-7889 or email her at kagostin@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

BlueClaws, Horizon Open Healthy Plate Concession Stand

Puts Good Nutrition Right in Baseball Fans’ Strike Zone

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – As a nutrition-conscious America looks for more healthy menu options when dining out, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up to bring smarter eating choices to America’s pastime.

Just in time for the BlueClaws 2013 baseball season, Horizon BCBSNJ is opening a new “Horizon Healthy Plate” concession stand at FirstEnergy Park, where fans at every game will be able to find nutritious alternatives to the traditional ball park fare.

“Good food and family fun are the great staples of a professional baseball game at any of New Jersey’s Minor League ballparks,” said Jonathan Pearson, Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ.  “Healthy eating should be a part of the ballpark experience, too. That’s why Horizon BCBSNJ’s pitch to fans is to bring their appetites to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession, where menu options are both nutritious and delicious,” Pearson said.

“Enhancing our ballpark menu to offer a more healthy variety of food is something that we are excited to do this summer,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We thank Horizon BCBSNJ for their support and we think our fans will enjoy these new options.”

The Horizon Healthy Plate concession has received the support of the New Jersey Department of Health, which administers ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention.

“The New Jersey Department of Health and the ShapingNJ  Partnership are pleased to collaborate with Horizon BCBSNJ to bring healthy concessions to places where our residents enjoy leisure-time activities,” said Peri L. Nearon, MPA,  Director of the Office of Nutrition & Fitness, NJ Department of Health. “It is so important to give families and individuals healthy choices, and to make healthy choices easier  for people to make not only for themselves, but for their children.”

The BlueClaws and Horizon BCBSNJ will officially open the Horizon Healthy Plate concession stand on Thursday night with a ceremony at 5:45 pm, before the 6:35 pm game.

The Horizon Healthy Plate menu was designed by certified dieticians under the direction of Glenn D. Pomerantz, MD, JD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  The menu includes a long list of popular heart-healthy dining choices, such as a grilled vegetable sandwich, a turkey burger, and frozen yogurt topped with fruit. The  Horizon Healthy Plate menu also includes nutritional alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare, such as a veggie burger, a veggie hot dog and pop chips.  From entrees to appetizers; from side dishes to beverages; each affordably-priced item includes calorie and other nutritional information.

Click here to see a full menu.

“Making the right nutrition choices in every meal, including those enjoyed at leisure-time, is key to maintaining health and wellness,” Pearson said. “We encourage fans to take their smart eating habits out to the ball game this season by stepping up to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession at FirstEnergy Park.”

##

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services.  Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.  Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Club Offers $5 Tickets to Current and Past Military Personnel All Season

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CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

Fridays will feature a sea of red at Riley Park as the popular family-friendly General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt Friday returns. All fans who wear red shirts to the game on Friday will save $1 off the purchase of their ticket at the box office, plus RiverDogs players and coaches will be wearing special red digi-camo jerseys. The dollar saved by fans off of their ticket can be donated to benefit the charity Carolina Canines, a local charity which works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service animals for wounded and injured veterans. Additionally, information on the Medal of Honor Museum at nearby Patriots Point will be on hand throughout the season at the Guest Relations booth.

In addition to the military theme on Friday nights, the RiverDogs are also hosting three different Military Appreciation Nights: Thursday April, 25, Saturday July, 13 and Wednesday, August, 21. Each Military Night allows active and retired military members FREE entry for themselves and their family members by showing a Military ID at the box office.

Also, the RiverDogs will be hosting Coast Guard Night on Thursday, May 23. This is a night to salute Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Game time is set for 7:05 pm as the RiverDogs host the rival Greenville Drive.

The RiverDogs begin the home portion of the season on April 11 – a Thirsty Thursday – as the Augusta GreenJackets come to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to open a seven-game home stand that also includes a three-game visit from the Rome Braves. For tickets, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at 843-577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

BlueClaws, Stop & Shop to Help Strike Out Hunger

Stop & Shop to make donation to Food Bank for each strikeout by a BlueClaws pitcher at FirstEnergy Park this summer

Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.
Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws, in conjunction with Stop & Shop, will help Strike Out Hunger this summer at the Jersey Shore.

Each time a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park, Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as part of this new Strike Out Hunger initiative.

“Providing food for the less fortunate in Ocean and Monmouth Counties is a cause we are thrilled to aid,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We are very grateful to Stop & Shop for their support and look forward to a summer of strikeouts from BlueClaws pitchers.”

“Stop & Shop focuses on improving the lives of children and fighting hunger in the markets it serves.  We are proud to partner with the BlueClaws on this initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.  It is our way of giving back to the community and helping support those in need,” said Arlene Putterman, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New York Metro Division.

BlueClaws.com will keep a running tally throughout the season. Further, on August 31st, Stop & Shop will sponsor a BlueClaws Lunch Bag giveaway for the first 2,000 fans 17 & under. There will be a presentation on the field before the game as part of the Strike Out Hunger program.

The Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties serves over 260 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with almost 7 million pounds of food distributed annually. With the help of roughly 1,000 volunteers each year, the FoodBank’s programs are truly a community effort, working to eliminate hunger by providing emergency food, skills training, outreach programs and advocacy for families in need. For more, visit www.FoodBankMOC.org.

Stop & Shop is proud to have donated over $29 million in 2012 through donations and in-kind support to help local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children’s educational and support programs.  Stop & Shop operates 184 stores in the New York Metro Division with 62 stores in the state of New Jersey.

Opening Day at FirstEnergy Park is Thursday, April 4th, as the BlueClaws kick off the season against the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox). Tickets for Opening Day and every regular season game, plus the 2013 South Atlantic League All-Star Game and Celebrity Hitting Challenge, are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

Augusta GreenJackets getting involved in community through reading program

Augusta-GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are bringing baseball to the classroom with the GreenJackets Reading Program. The program is designed to give students fun incentives, while accomplishing reading goals at their school.

Students are given a reading goal, which is set by the teacher during the four week program. At the end of each week, all the students who achieved their goal will be rewarded with prizes. The final prize for completing all four weeks of the reading program is a free ticket to a GreenJackets baseball game. At the game, students will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.

“This is the fifth year that we’ve implemented the GreenJackets Reading Program and every year it continues to improve and grow,” Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said. “We already have a record-high number of students participating in this year’s reading program, and we are looking forward to getting more schools and students involved.”

The reading program has been a huge success so far this year. The GreenJackets have seen a significant increase in students involved from last year. Currently there are 58 schools participating.

Although the GreenJackets Reading Program has already started, schools are still welcome to sign up. However, the entire school does not have to participate. The program can be done by just a grade level at the school or even an individual classroom. The GreenJackets will continue their involvement in the classroom when they unveil their Anti-Bully Program and Most Improved Student Program this spring.

For more information on the GreenJackets Reading Program, call (706) 736-7889 or email Bill Levy at blevy@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

Legends invite non-profits for CON program

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(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2013 season.

The Community Organization program offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. ”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game. Solicitation is not permitted.

The Legends have added a fund-raising element to the program for 2013. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 50 Legends fundraiser tickets at three dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of nine dollars.

“Each organization may keep the funds raised, which could be as much as six dollars per ticket sold,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “You’ll have more supporters up in the stands, and you’ll have a fun group out to enjoy a Legends game.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open their home season Monday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m. against the Asheville Tourists, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Liberty Elem. student wins Hit the Books contest

"Hit the Books" contest winner Maya Chamberlain, a student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington, held her framed poster as she celebrated with her family, along with the Legends' Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow. At right is a photo of her winning entry.
“Hit the Books” contest winner Maya Chamberlain, a student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington, held her framed poster as she celebrated with her family, along with the Legends’ Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow. At right is a photo of her winning entry.

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington has won a bookmark design contest as part of the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” reading incentive program.

Fifth grade student Maya Chamberlain created the winning entry. She received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed “Hit the Books ” poster featuring her artwork and a free membership in the 2013 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the “Hit the Books” program. More than 21,000 students from 52 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Samuel Jung, a second grade student at Eastern Elementary in Scott County; Grace Kim, a fourth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; Leah Olmstead, a fourth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; and Allison Steele, a fifth grade student at Stonewall Elementary in Lexington all received honorable mention for their designs. They received framed posters and Legends merchandise.

“Hit the Books has always been an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “We enjoy visiting the schools and meeting the students who are taking part in the program. Building literacy in childhood is a great cause. We’re glad to help develop good readers as well as good Legends fans.”

In “Hit the Books,” a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a “Hit the Books” bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The school with the most bookmarks redeemed on its designated night will win a luncheon assembly provided by the Lexington Legends and Chick-fil-A.

The 2013 season is the 13th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 13th year that the Legends have been associated with “Hit the Books.” About 150,000 students have participated.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Monday, April 8 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Asheville Tourists, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Hits for Home Invitational will benefit tornado-affected communities in Kentucky

Sixteen Kentucky high school teams to compete in the invitational with funds going to those affected by the tornadoes.

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank and the Lexington Legends will serve as hosts for the Hits for Home Invitational March 13-16.  Proceeds will go to the Salvation Army, which will then allocate funds to assist communities affected by the March 2012 tornadoes.

Sixteen Kentucky high school baseball teams, many of them representing tornado-affected areas, will participate in the eight-game event at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Legends, who are a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Tickets to each session (two games per day) are five dollars per person at the gates on the days of the games.  There will be no advance sale of tickets.  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase.  Winning tickets will be drawn and prizes awarded at the end of the final day of competition.

“We are super excited to be part of this event,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat.  “It’s a great way to give back in some small way to those communities that were devastated last year.”

The worst of the severe weather hit Kentucky on March 2, 2012, causing 24 deaths.  More than 300 people were injured, and many Kentuckians are still struggling to repair and rebuild their lives, homes and communities.

To make a personal donation to the tornado survivors, contact Lindsay Hinkebein at Whitaker Bank, 859-293-6005.

Hits For Home Invitational Schedule at Whitaker Bank Ballpark:
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
5 p.m.  Elliott County vs. Menifee County
7 p.m.  Powell County vs. South Laurel

Thursday, March 14, 2013
5 p.m.  Johnson Central vs. North Laurel
7 p.m.  Prestonsburg vs. Lawrence County

Friday, March 15, 2013
5 p.m. Hazard vs. Sheldon Clark
7 p.m. Montgomery County vs. Nicholas County

Saturday, March 16, 2013
11 a.m. Wolfe County vs. Morgan County
1  p.m. Paintsville vs. Bath County

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends1. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs help out at Windwood Farm Home for Children

Charleston-RiverDogsEach month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In February, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Windwood Farm Home for Children. Members of the staff helped to complete various chores around the campus.

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children,” says Promotions Intern Haley Kirchner. “The best part was getting to spend time with some of the boys, they were all so great!”

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers Help, Hope and Healing to abused, neglected children and their families.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logoWindwood Farm Home for Children was founded by local philanthropist and businessman, Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. and opened its doors in 1985. Every member of the nonprofit organization is actively involved in the growth, and success, of their mission to offer an environment of healing that is geared to stamp out multi-generational child abuse and neglect.

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers therapies geared to increase problem solving, anger management, and frustration tolerance, increase the child’s ability to achieve a successful completion of our program and return to a community living situation. Other services include the Family Reunification program, Family Therapy sessions, and an equine assisted learning program.

The RiverDogs staff helps build a shed at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
The RiverDogs staff helps build a shed at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
Special Events Manager, Kristen Wolfe and Promotions Intern, Haley Kirchner paint during their time volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
Special Events Manager, Kristen Wolfe and Promotions Intern, Haley Kirchner paint during their time volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children.

 

Drive Give Back Through United Way

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The Drive’s mission and goals go deeper than simply providing a postive entertainment experience. The Drive brand has been built around a commitment to being a part of the fabric of the community, and that community includes many individuals who rarely ever have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a game at Fluor Field.

All around the ballpark and across Greenville, there are children and adults who face quality of life challenges as fundamental as having the basic physical necessities and emotional support then need to even begin to enjoy life.

One very meaningful and important way that the Drive demonstrates our concern for our Community, beyond the fences of Fluor Field, is through the United Way. The United Way is a vital source of financial support for numerous charitable organizations who meet critical needs in the lives of people here in Greenville County, many of whom live right in our own neighborhood.

Once again, the Drive front office is participating in the United Way of Greenville County’s fundraising campaign. Please watch the video below, and consider making a pledge to the United Way of Greenville County by clicking here.

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

Community award named for Moss

Longtime Sally League president was committed to charity

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it has created a community service award that will bear the name of a longtime, former South Atlantic League president. Beginning this year, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented annually at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service and has exhibited support and leadership within its local community and the baseball industry.

The award honors Moss for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president. Moss founded the South Atlantic League and presided over it from 1959-2008. He died in 2009 at the age of 90.

He also served as the mayor of his native Kings Mountain, N.C., from 1965-88. During his tenure, Moss obtained more than $40 million in federal grants for his city, resulting in numerous improvement projects. One such project included the building of the Kings Mountain Reservoir, also known as Moss Lake, named in his honor.

He also served as president of the Cleveland County (N.C.) Sports Commission. Gardner-Webb University in nearby Boiling Spring, N.C., named its baseball park John Henry Moss Stadium as a tribute to his long-term relationship with the school and Moss’ many financial contributions to it.

“Our clubs do a tremendous job of becoming involved in their communities, especially when it comes to charitable endeavors,” said MiLB™ assistant director of business development Jill Dedene, who manages the day-to-day operations of Minor League Baseball Charities. “We felt it was time that we annually recognize one of our clubs for its exceptional community service. Naming the award after John Moss, the longest tenured president in Minor League Baseball history who dedicated his life to public and community service, ensures that his numerous contributions to our industry and others will always be remembered.”

“I think it is great that an award has been created to acknowledge the charitable and philanthropic efforts of the clubs,” South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa said. “Using John’s name in the award is an excellent way to honor his legacy. He certainly deserves to be remembered for all that he did for the game of baseball and for his contributions to his own community of Kings Mountain, as well as those to many of the communities that now host Minor League Baseball teams.”

“I know that John would be extremely honored to have this award named after him because he loved to give to his community,” said Moss’ niece, Cindy Meek, who granted MiLB Charities the permission to use his name for the award. “Hopefully this will encourage others to do the same.”

Each of the 14 domestic-based leagues whose clubs charge admission to their games can nominate one of their clubs for the honor. MiLB™ Charities will then select a winner from these nominees.

Some of the criteria that will be used to choose the winning club include the community service involvement of players, staff and/or ownership, company policies or programs that promote volunteerism among the staff, club-sponsored charitable initiatives and programs, donations to local not-for-profit organizations and community groups, involvement with civic organizations, participation in league-wide initiatives and committees, support of MiLB Charity Partners and engagement with MiLB Charities, and support of baseball-related not-for profit organizations, among others.

About MiLB Charities
Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to, and enhancing, the communities its teams call home. Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

The mission of Minor League Baseball Charities is to give back and to enhance communities that have supported its member clubs for more than 100 years. When hardship strikes one of its member cities and surrounding communities, MiLB Charities will be there to provide a positive example that will impact the communities in which its leagues and clubs live and work. Minor League Baseball Charities will set an example by working with established charities for the greater good and by identifying worthy causes for support through the central office along with the aid of its member clubs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Minor League Baseball. Click here to view the original story.

Shorebirds Honor Contest Winner

Kassidy McConaghy wins 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Kassidy McConaghy (middle) is the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest
Kassidy McConaghy (middle) is the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds named Kassidy McConaghy of Milford Middle School the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest on Tuesday. Sherman and Shorebirds staff members presented Kassidy with her award during lunch hour at Milford Middle School.

McConaghy’s winning bookmark design will be distributed to all participating students in the Hit the Books program. Over 40,000 students from over 100 schools are involved in this years program.

The Hit the Books Program, sponsored by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, is an initiative to encourage reading outside the classroom. Students that read four or more books outside the classroom receive two free Shorebirds tickets.

“Kassidy’s design demonstrated her outstanding creative and artistic talents,” said Shawn Schoolcraft, Director of Community Relations for the Shorebirds. “Her bookmark captured the true meaning of the program and we’re proud to distribute her winning design throughout the community.”

Sherman the Shorebird will be making appearances to select participating Hit the Books school over the next two months to encourage students to read.

For more information about the program, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112 ext. 168.

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

Legends back BlueClaws in ‘Restore the Shore’

The Legends' front office staff donned "Restore the Shore" T-shirts in support of the Lakewood BlueClaws' campaign to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The Legends’ front office staff donned “Restore the Shore” T-shirts in support of the Lakewood BlueClaws’ campaign to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends and the Lakewood BlueClaws are South Atlantic League rivals on the baseball field, but the Legends are enthusiastically supporting the New Jersey-based BlueClaws on their “Restore the Shore” campaign in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The Legends purchased “Restore the Shore” t-shirts in support of the efforts by the Blue Claws to help victims of the super storm. The campaign will continue through Memorial Day. While the BlueClaws are working closely with individuals and businesses in their area, support is welcome from anywhere. Atlantic Physical Therapy and Ergo clothing are sponsoring the campaign.

“Supporting the BlueClaws in the Restore the Shore efforts was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “As a member of the South Atlantic League baseball family, we wish we were able to do more to help those affected. The hope is that our contribution to our friends in Lakewood and surrounding areas will highlight the importance of reaching out and supporting communities outside of your own, and will encourage other teams and individuals to do the same. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved.”

Each Friday until Memorial Day, participants will wear the t-shirts, and each person will make a donation every Friday. Details are available at BlueClaws.com/Restore.

Businesses that participate will be honored in a ceremony at a 2013 BlueClaws game.

“Obviously, there were so many of our friends and neighbors impacted significantly by Hurricane Sandy,” said Dave Manzo, co-founder of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. “Through this program, we can raise money in a fun way over the next several months.”

In early 2013, those impacted by the storm will be able to fill out an application, and donations will be made to as many families as possible.

“We have an opportunity to help many re-build after Sandy’s devastation,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re looking forward to helping, and we hope that there are a lot of businesses and families that can help us make an impact.”

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

RiverDogs volunteer with Crisis Ministries

Charleston-RiverDogsEach month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In November, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Crisis Ministries. Members of the staff prepared and served nutritious meals to guests of the shelter.

“I really enjoyed our time at Crisis Ministries,” says RiverDogs Special Events Manager Kristen Wolfe. “It was a very humbling experience.”

Crisis-Ministries-Charleston-logoFounded in 1984, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency with the mission to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

Along with serving a daily meal to community members in need, Crisis Ministries’ services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services, and Veteran services. Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding Crisis Ministries has served over 1,800,000 meals, sheltered over 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.
RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 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 Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.