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 Present Check to Pike Recovery Committee
Country music fans enjoyed a great night of entertainment September 24 at Applebee’s Park, home of the Lexington Legends, and victims of flooding in Pike County benefited as a result.
With funds generated by a special concert ticket promotion, the Legends presented a check in the amount of $16,560 to the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. The Committee is a volunteer organization based in Pike County that provides relief for victims of the July 17 flooding.
Tickets to the concert, which featured Randy Travis, LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan, could be purchased with a special promotional code which placed $20 of the $37 ticket price into a fund for the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc.
The Legends also provided concert tickets free of charge to flood victims.
Legends representatives joined local and state government officials, as well as representatives of the Kentucky Coal Association and other businesses and organizations, for the check presentation ceremony Friday morning at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.
” We’re very proud to be part of this effort,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “The flood victims face a difficult challenge, and we hope this will help as they move forward.”
Local Publication Cites RiverDogs with Philanthropy Award
Because of the organization’s positive impact in the community, the RiverDogs will be the 2010 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist for the Charleston Region Award, as provided by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.
The citation will be presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 18 at the Charleston Marriot on Lockwood Blvd. with RiverDogs team president Mike Veeck accepting the award on the team’s behalf.
“We, at the RiverDogs, do things for the right reasons and our involvement in the local community is the right thing to do,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols, who will be at the event. “We are constantly reminded by the first part of our name that Charleston as a community is important to us, and we keep that in the forefront of our minds every day. We’re active in the area for a multitude of reasons; the primary being that we are positioned to help and at the end of the day, we do.”
In their most recent issue, the Charleston Regional Business Journal cites the many involvements to the community that the RiverDogs involve themselves in throughout the calendar year. When not in season, the administrative staff closes the office for a day and, as a group, donates time and energy to a worthy cause, like Habitat for Humanity.
Additionally, the organization made a huge commitment to Charleston County Schools. They helped create a reading and fitness program for third graders, and participate in a sports and entertainment academy in the high schools to expose students to the business side of sports.
And during the season, each Monday night’s home game is appropriately billed as “Dogs with a Cause Night” and is devoted to a local non-profit organization as the group is positioned to share its mission with fans.
“The idea is that if you are interacting with the community and giving back, you will feel good, and in ways you are able to be an overall more well-rounded and happier person. And that will translate in the workplace,” Echols said.
“We let them choose what’s near and dear to their hearts,” he added. “We have 15-to-20 full-time staff, so that’s 15-to-20 different organizations that are receiving help from the RiverDogs.”
Fans share their valuable time during the season with the RiverDogs, so it is only fitting that the RiverDogs return that time in various charitable efforts to maximize the potential of community involvement.
And with the club’s “Be Your Own Fan” marketing initiative, the off-season contributions by the organization gives citizens another reason to be a RiverDogs fan.
RiverDogs, ServiceMaster Combine to Donate $10,000 to 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.
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.”
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.
RiverDogs Staff Help Out at Habitat for Humanity
The team met Friday morning to assist with the ongoing restoration and renovation of the home of Beatrice Dennis. Since acquiring the the property,
The Historic Charleston Foundation is helping to preserve the home’s exterior, but the inside of the home, however,
“Knowing that this is not just a house, but rather the home of a real family in our community makes this project so special. I am thankful for the opportunity to lend a hand to Beatrice and her family, and I hope that they have many years of happy memories to come, in this home” stated Sarah Ward, RiverDogs Director of Community Relations. Habitat and the Foundation are seeking other homes that owner-occupied and somewhat historic to help this way.
Charleston Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit housing organization. The organization provides affordable home ownership opportunities, whether it be new home construction or home repair, for working families of moderate income in Charleston and North Charleston. For more information, to donate, or to volunteer please visit www.charlestonhabitat.org.
PRMC AND SHOREBIRDS PARTNER FOR SUCCESSFUL FLU CLINIC
This year, the two-day clinic administered approximately 5,000 vaccinations according to PRMC Director of Community Relations, Roger Follebout, Jr.
“It has been an incredible relationship with the Delmarva Shorebirds,” said Follebout. “The Shorebirds have provided us with everything we need to successfully run this clinic to accommodate over 5,000 people.”
Peninsula Regional Medical Center has effectively used the “Drive-Thru” model for the last 17 years. The clinic was previously run at the hospital until PRMC went in search of a bigger venue.
“We went looking for a venue that could accommodate 7,000 cars over two days and we found it at Perdue Stadium.” said Follebout. “If we can vaccinate 5,000 people, that’s 5,000 people that won’t get the flu this year.”
Including nurses, hospital administrators and volunteers, between 75-100 people assisted in the overall operation of the clinic.
If you missed the clinic and are in need of more information about vaccinations, please contact Peninsula Regional Medical Center at 1-800-955-PRMC or visit them online at www.peninsula.org.
Legends Win ‘We Care’ Award
The We CARE (Community Activity Recognition Enterprise) awards give recognition and appreciation to local companies whose employees are actively involved in a variety of community service activities. The program was launched in 2006, and the Legends have been nominated for awards in each of the last three years.
More than 50 nominations from organizations in seven categories met the We CARE criteria and were accepted for the awards competition. Organizations were judged on how they encourage employees to become involved in volunteer activities either during or after business hours. They were also evaluated on how they support community-based initiatives through philanthropic efforts and neighborhood assistance. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges consisting of previous winners and community leaders.
“There are certain prestigious ‘touch points’ in a community,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “For a company like the Lexington Legends, whose own mission statement emphasizes quality of life and making our communities better, the Republic Bank We Care Award is a very important acknowledgment that we’re on the right track. It is a tremendous honor for our entire staff, and I particularly salute our General Manager, Andy Shea, for his continued leadership and commitment to community service, and our Director of Community Relations, Stephanie Fish, for her tireless efforts in this arena.”
“The Republic Bank We CARE Awards have again brought to light the quality and variety of volunteer work done by so many companies in our community,” said Bo Henry, Market President of Republic Bank.
“All of us at Republic Bank recognize the employees of the nominated companies, and the winning companies, for the community efforts they put forth that contribute so much to making this such a great place to live and raise our families,” stated Steve Trager, Chairman and CEO of Republic Bank.
“I’m so proud of the way employees of Lexington area companies reach out into our neighborhoods and communities every day,” added WLEX-TV general manager Pat Dalbey. “There’s an obvious growing culture of caring that the Republic Bank We CARE Award is nurturing. I’m particularly impressed with the quality of the employee volunteer efforts made by this year’s winning companies. Central Kentucky is indeed a warm, friendly, giving community and WLEX-TV is proud to be part of recognizing the wonderful spirit of giving represented by these awards.”
Winning companies received a handmade glass sculpture award designed by Ken von Roenn of Kentucky’s Architectural Glass Art, and WLEX-TV will produce and broadcast video vignettes highlighting each winning company.
Charlie T. RiverDog Aids as Fallen Trooper Memorial Run Raises More Than $30,000
Loveable Mascot Lends A Paw for Worthy Fundraising Effort
The Fallen Troopers Memorial Run, a 24-hour, 100-mile run/walk at Charleston Southern University held Oct. 5-6, raised more than $30,000, according to Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, the trooper who spearheaded the effort.
The initial goal was $20,000.
“As a community-minded organization, the Charleston RiverDogs – and Charlie T. RiverDog, in particular – are eager to assist whenever possible,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “Our mantra of ‘Be Your Own Fan’ works both ways as we listen to our fans and respond to their needs. It was our pleasure to have Charlie T. RiverDog participate in this worthy fundraiser.”
“I think I can safely speak on behalf of the troopers and families of fallen troopers who participated by saying that this was a touching and meaningful event for all involved,” Beres said. “I learned a long time ago that if you want to go fast, you go alone, and if you want to go far, you go together. Well, we did this together and shattered our original goal that we needed to build this wall.”
The addition money will go toward maintenance and upkeep, possible lighting and landscaping, Beres said.
A granite memorial wall bearing the troopers’ names will be erected at the S.C. Highway Patrol’s headquarters in Blythewood.
At least three of the names on the wall will be of local patrolmen: Cpl. Richard Varn Woods, Trooper First Class Bruce Smalls and Lance Cpl. Mark Coates. All three were killed in the line of duty by drivers of vehicles they had pulled over.
OceanFirst Donates $30k Through HRs for Heroes
Home Runs for Heroes, presented by OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM, pairs nine military-based charities with positions on the field (including designated hitter, not including pitcher).
“When our young men and women leave to serve their country, they leave families behind here in the States. We support those organizations that help those families and we support those organizations that help our soldiers when they come home,” said OceanFirst Bank President Vito Nardelli.
VETGROUP, which benefitted from five home runs by BlueClaws catcher Sebastian Valle, earned $6,000.
Below are the 2010 standings in full:
Organization | Position | Home Runs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Dix | 1B | 8 | $8,000 |
VETGROUP | C | 6 | $6,000 |
American Red Cross | RF | 4 | $4,000 |
Catholic Charities | CF | 3 | $3,000 |
Navy/Marine Relief-Lakehurst | LF | 3 | $3,000 |
NJ National Guard Family Readiness | SS | 2 | $2,000 |
A.R.M.S | DH | 2 | $2,000 |
Navy/Marine Relief-Earle | 2B | 1 | $1,000 |
Army Emergency Relief-Fort Monmouth | 3B | 0 | $1,000 |
Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.
Grasshoppers Announce $100,000 Playoff Guarantee For 2011 Season
The core of the pledge will be based on the Greensboro Grasshoppers going to the South Atlantic League playoffs for the first time in over ten years. All Grasshopper season ticket holders and sponsors will have the opportunity to select their local charity of choice, and a Hoppers 2011 playoff berth will result in 20 of the charities receiving a $5,000 donation. The winners will be announced at a date and time to be determined upon completion of the 2011 season.
If the Hoppers do not make a playoff appearance, the Grasshoppers will donate $5,000 to ten local charities, for a total donation of $50,000.
“Today was an exciting day for us as we announced a program that promotes the Grasshoppers making the playoffs for the first time in over ten years and also strengthens our commitment of guaranteed giving to the Greensboro community,” said Hoppers President and General Manager, Donald Moore.
RiverDogs Volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief
Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing goods and services to children that are victims of abandonment, abuse or neglect. The goal of the organization is to ensure that
On September 22, the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Lowcountry Orphan Relief. The staff began the day by sorting clothing and book donations. Shelving and supplies were rearranged to make room for new supplies to be unloaded from the donations truck. The team worked to put together packages of age appropriate items to fill the orders for needy children that are constantly being received by LOR.
Grasshoppers Make Major Gift for School Supplies
“We are happy to help our local teachers and students with this donation,” said Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “This adds to our long-term commitment to the children of Guilford County.”
The donated school supplies were purchased at the Walmart store on S. Elm/Eugene Street. Store manager, John Brewer, coordinated the $10,000 spend with representatives from the Guilford Education Alliance.
“At Walmart we are proud to support communities in which we live and work. We know of no greater mission than that of your organization to provide supplies for your great teachers and students of the community”, said store manager, John Brewer. “Thanks to the Greensboro Grasshoppers for selecting our store and letting our team help support their work with the Guilford Education Alliance.”
The Grasshoppers are proud to partner with Guilford County Education Alliance and Walmart. However, this is not the first time the Greensboro Grasshoppers have stepped outside the ballpark to provide aid to the community.
RiverDogs and Charleston RBI Hit Home Run with 2010 Season
For the third year in a row the RiverDogs have partnered up with MLB and the local Boys and Girls Club of the Trident Area to establish the Charleston RBI program, putting together two Charleston Yankees teams, an age 13-15 squad and a 16-18 year-old team.
- Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball
- Encourage academic participation and achievement
- Increase number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues
- Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game
- Teach the value of teamwork
The veteran club participated in the 2010 KPMG RBI Southeast Regional Tournament in Jupiter, Fla. from July 29- Aug. 1 along with three other teams from the region. The senior team did not advance past the Regional round however, finishing with a 0-3 record, as the Atlanta team withdrew from the tournament. The Southeast Regional was won by the senior team based out of Tampa.
The tournament, hosted by the Florida Marlins RBI program, was played at Roger Dean Stadium, home of the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals. The winner of the Southeast regional earned a spot in the RBI World Series, which is currently being played at Roger Dean Stadium as well through Aug. 14.
The junior Charleston Yankees, led by head coach Timothy Easchues and assistant coach Charles Kinard, played a high level of baseball throughout their season. The junior league has seen their talent pool significantly increase in recent years as the RBI program has spread its message on a much broader scale throughout the Charleston area.
The junior squad finished the Regional tournament with a 0-4 record. In their losing efforts the Charleston team showed tremendous heart and determination, dropping three of four contests by a combined five runs. The Florida Marlins RBI team advanced from the Junior bracket.
Though their seasons came to a close in Jupiter, both the Junior and Senior teams had an experience they are likely to remember for a long time. The host Marlins RBI program held a bowling night for all the participating teams Thursday night prior to the tournament’s first games.
After Saturday’s games, the players from both teams remained at Roger Dean Stadium to take in a Palm Beach Cardinals’ game. Following the Palm Beach 3-1 victory over Clearwater, the Charleston teams had a chance to meet with Palm Beach Cardinals manager and Major League Baseball veteran Luis Aguayo.
Aguayo, a native of Puerto Rico, played in the major leagues from 1980-1989, including stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians. The former big league infielder offered tips and advice on success and achieving goals both on and off the baseball diamond.
Six players from the junior Charleston Yankees club have been selected to participate in the 2010 Perfect Game Showcase in Atlanta, Ga. from Aug. 21-22. Perfect Game USA’s mission is to further the development and career of the talented high school baseball player.
These six players will participate in a baseball combine at the world-class East Cobb Complex in Marietta, Ga. intended to showcase their talents for the scouts and college coaches in attendance.
Perfect Game USA has a track record of sending top prospects into the collegiate and professional ranks. Perfect Game alumni include former RiverDogs and Major League players Carl Crawford, Elijah Dukes, Austin Jackson and BJ Upton.
The RBI program recently took center stage when it helped kick off the All-Star Game celebration in Los Angeles this past week. With the success of the program amongst older teenagers, MLB has recently shifted gears to bring more attention to the Jr. RBI Program, focusing on children ages 5-12.
The second annual Jr. RBI Classic, held from Friday, July 9 to Monday, July 12, featured eight baseball teams and four softball teams made up of 11 and 12-year-olds from all around the country. The celebration culminated with the RBI program presented a check to the Boy and Girls Club of America prior to the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 13.
Charleston RiverDogs Donate $20,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute
Prior to the Thursday, July 29 contest against the Greenville Drive at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $20,000 to Dr. Ed Wilson and Dr. Craig Crosson of the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.
The donation comes primarily from the RiverDogs’ 11th annual Kindness Beats Blindness auction, which was held on June 26 of this year.
“To work hand-in-hand with the Charleston community for such a worthy cause is something we, as an organization, really look forward to every year,” said Echols. “Seeing first-hand the effect this disease can have on a family adds a level of personality and affection to our auction efforts.”
With proceeds amounting in the thousands each of the 11 years of the auction, the team and the Charleston community as a whole have raised more than $400,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative disease.
For more information on the MUSC Storm Eye institute and their effort to battle RP and other degenerative retinal diseases visit www.muschealth.com/eyes.
2010 Charity Challenge Huge Success
The Murphy Harpst Children’s Home sold the most tickets, Boys & Girls Club placed first in the game challenges while the Children’s Miracle Network placed 2nd in the game challenges.