8th Annual Golf Tournament Set for May 7

Golf and Fun Is on Tap during the Mid-Week “Golftoberfest”

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CHARLESTON, SC – Inspired by Germany’s Oktoberfest, the Charleston RiverDogs’ 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will have a similar flavor as the club introduces its Golftoberfest theme.

Golfers and have-funners will head to the links on Tuesday, May 7, at Wild Dunes Resort for an 11 am shotgun start. The event is once again presented by Parks Auto Parts and benefits the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute.

The four-man Captain’s Choice format is not a typical golf outing as the Golftoberfest-themed tournament will be a celebration that even RiverDogs Director of Fun Bill Murray won’t want to miss.

“Who isn’t a fan of fun?” asked Events Director Melissa Azevedo. “This tournament not only offers a day-full of light-hearted entertainment at a beautiful golf course, it also provides an afternoon of networking while raising funds to help fight blindness.”

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and in typical RiverDogs fashion, there will also be prizes given for best cart decor, best costume and best golf head cover.

The $500 per foursome entry fee includes green and cart fees, range balls, an exclusive golfer gift and goodie bag, unlimited beverages, awards ceremony and dinner courtesy of Rollin’ South.

Hole sponsorships are also available for $350.  Each hole will be named after an authentic Oktoberfest Beer Tent, and each hole will feature a German-themed contest that includes a yodeling competition, keg rolling, a German Chocolate Cake Eating Contest and pretzel-making lessons, to name a few.

For registration or additional information, please contact Melissa Azevedo at 843/577-DOGS (3647) or log on towww.RileyParkEvents.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs Introduce “Healthy Challenge Tuesdays”

Charleston-RiverDogsThis season, the RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion Yankees, introduce the “Healthy Challenge Tuesday” as the club partners with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to make every Tuesday’s game at The Joe a night that is themed around living a healthier lifestyle.

“Tuesday night games will now be geared toward living and promoting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We all can do a better job of taking care of ourselves, and why not start doing it at a baseball game?”

MUSC-logoThe RiverDogs have teamed up with the MUSC Wellness Center to create an entire new line of healthy concessions options available throughout the season, many made from crops grown on the MUSC Urban Farm located in downtown Charleston. Each Tuesday game will feature a different item from these new healthy selections and be offered to fans at a discounted rate.

Additionally, the club’s renowned between-innings promotions will also be health and fitness oriented for Tuesday home games this year. MUSC Wellness staff will be heard from throughout the night on the video board providing quick, simple, healthy lifestyle choices ranging from exercise activities to snack options to general healthy lifestyle tips.

“The MUSC Wellness Center and Healthy Charleston Challenge are excited to partner with the RiverDogs to help promote healthy lifestyle habits for the whole family while enjoying America’s pastime,” said Janis Newton, Assistant Director of the MUSC Wellness Center. “Together we’ll offer families the opportunity to eat healthy and increase physical activity while having fun cheering on the RiverDogs in 2013.”

Reading All-Stars Celebrated Monday Night

Michelin, Drive set to recognize students from Greenville County elementary schools & Pickens County schools

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The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2013 Reading All-Stars program with plans to recognize students who accomplished the program’s reading goals during special celebration games at Fluor Field. Qualifying students from Greenville County elementary schools and Pickens County elementary and middle schools qualifiers will be recognized on Monday, April 15th, with Greenville County middle and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5, 6 and 7 elementary and middle schools qualifiers to be recognized on Sunday, May 19th.

Over 39,000 students from 103 elementary and middle schools across Pickens, Greenville and Spartanburg counties voluntarily took part in the Drive’s 6th annual reading incentive program which is designed to encourage leaning and education success through reading. Students were challenged to read a set number of extra-curricular books during February and March in order to receive free admission and special recognition at Drive games with other Reading All-Stars.

At the upcoming recognition games, more than 8,000 qualifying students will have the opportunity to parade on the field before the game and to participate in between innings entertainment events. In addition, students who take part in the pre-game ceremony will be recognized with a Drive – Michelin Reading All Star commemorative t-shirt.

Michelin North America has been the title sponsor of the Drive Reading All Stars Program since its inception in 2008. Herb Johnson, director of community relations for Michelin North America, noted, “This program provides a great way to help the young people of our community connect something as important as reading and education with an experience that is as cool as baseball and professional sports.” Johnson added, “Having the Drive players involved provides an added dimension of encouragement, motivation and fun to this reading challenge.”

Bobbie Bentley, Spartanburg District 5 Public Relations Director, added, “The program has been extremely well planned and executed each year, and our school district has been very pleased with the enthusiasm we’ve seen from our teachers in terms of their participation. Our students have clearly risen to the challenge and it is exciting to have this unique incentive to work with in our ongoing efforts to make reading a rewarding experience for them.”

Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown commented on this year’s program’s results noting, “The participation and success we have seen with young readers across the Upstate has continued to increase each year and we are delighted with the positive impact the program is having.” Brown remarked on the significance of the Reading All-Stars Program, saying, “We know that reading skills are absolutely critical to a student’s ability to succeed and stay in school, and moving the needle here has a positive impact on both the quality of life and the economic prosperity the Upstate Community is so committed to sustaining.”

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

3 R’s Program With Charleston County Schools Returns

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District began their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program in select Charleston County Schools in 2009 to emphasize the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

This year, third graders from Pinehurst, Blaney, Lambs, Burns and North Charleston elementary schools will be involved. Twice a month, a RiverDog staff member will come to the assigned school for a “read aloud” in each third grade class. The staff member will spend 15-20 minutes with each third grade class and then rotate between classes for about an hour. There will be approximately eight visits per school from February to May.

Charleston-SC-3RshirtdesignStudents may earn points by reading and exercising beyond the school day. Students earn a point for every 20 minutes they read and/or exercise. If students conduct “works of kindness” (such as reading to a youngster, helping mom with housework, carrying groceries for an elderly person or helping in the yard) while exercising or reading, they may earn two points for each 20 minutes. Students will record the minutes they read and exercise on a log and their parents/guardians will verify activities by initialing the log. The logs are reviewed by the teacher on a weekly basis, and point totals are tallied monthly. Students are awarded monthly the following:

• 101+ points: Free meal ticket at the game-hotdog, chips, drink;
• 100 points: RiverDogs t-shirt and two tickets to the Charleston RiverDogs game on May 10 (additional tickets for family members may be secured at a reduced rate);
• 75 points: Book donated to school library in the student’s name;
• 50 points: RiverDogs souvenir drink cup;
• 25 points: “Top Dog” ribbon

Additionally, there will be competition among the schools as they will also compete against each other for the highest monthly total points and the top school will receive a trophy that will rotate among the participating schools.

“Our ongoing partnership with the RiverDogs supports our continued efforts with literacy and helps to sustain our district Vision 2016 for academic achievement of all students”, said Mary Ann Dieter, Curriculum Specialist for the CCSD Literacy Based Learning Division.

“This program is a win-win opportunity for all involved,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We remain pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District and it is our goal to make an impact with child development.”

For more information on this innovative “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, please contact Lauren Allio at the RiverDogs at (843)577-DOGS (3647).

RiverDogs Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Charleston-RiverDogsThe 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.

Carolina-Canines-for-Vets-logoIn 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, 25. 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.

In addition, 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.

CSC-MilitaryAppreciation2013

Carolina Canine's Titus The Bat Dog
Carolina Canine’s Titus The Bat Dog

 

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

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

CharlestonRiverDogs_2013-03-28

 

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.

Pelicans partner with ‘Backpack Buddies’

‘Make a Splash Monday’ presented by HTC

Every Monday Pelicans home game will be a “Make a Splash Monday” at TicketReturn.Com Field. “Make a Splash Monday” enables fans to “connect with your community” and it is presented all season long by HTC.

The Pelicans have adopted the “Backpack Buddies” program as the primary charitable partner of “Make a Splash Mondays.” “Backpack Buddies” provides food, books, clothing and school supplies to impoverished children so they have the tools to succeed outside of school hours.

Each “Make a Splash Monday,” fans who donate an item listed on the “Backpack Buddies” donation list will receive half-price admission along with a complimentary autographed baseball card from a Pelicans player that features him doing work in the community.

“Backpack Buddies” is part of the Help 4 Kids 501c3 and has been in existence since 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County.

—

The following items will be accepted as donations:

Ramen Noodles

Pop Tarts

Individual servings of pudding

Individual servings of apple sauce

Fruit Cups

Beenie Weenies

Vienna Sausage

Cereal

Raviolis (Pop Top Cans)

Chicken Noodle Soup (Pop Top Cans)

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For more information on the program, check out the “Tickets and Promotions” section of the Pelicans Web site.

 

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Pelicans launch ‘Make a Splash’ campaign

“Make a Splash Monday” headlines wide array of community-based initiatives

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are launching their “Make a Splash” marketing campaign as part of the team’s 15th Anniversary season on the Grand Strand. As part of the initiative, the Pelicans hope to raise $250,000 in an effort to make Myrtle Beach a better place to live, work and play.

“The barometer for success in professional sports is determined by success at the turnstile and in how a franchise succeeds in becoming part of the fabric of their community,” General Manager Andy Milovich said. “We want to celebrate our 15th anniversary season by making new memories and changing lives for the better.

Every Monday Pelicans home game will be a “Make a Splash Monday” at TicketReturn.Com Field. “Make a Splash Monday” enables fans to “connect with your community” and it is presented all season long by HTC.

The Pelicans have adopted the “Backpack Buddies” program as the primary charitable partner of “Make a Splash Mondays.” “Backpack Buddies” provides food, books, clothing and school supplies to impoverished children so they have the tools to succeed outside of school hours.

Each “Make a Splash Monday,” fans who donate an item listed on the “Backpack Buddies” donation list will receive half-price admission along with a complimentary autographed baseball card from a Pelicans player that features him doing work in the community. A full list of accepted items can be found here.

“Backpack Buddies” is part of the Help 4 Kids 501c3 and has been in existence since 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County.

In addition to Mondays at the TicketReturn.Com Field, the “Make a Splash” campaign will feature charity ticket fundraisers, more than 10 of which are already scheduled. Additional efforts include Bruce Dal Canton fundraising, Miracle League Improvement and American Red Cross Blood Drives. Pelicans players and front office members will continue to volunteer community service time.

The Pelicans will also be honoring companies and organizations that demonstrate their commitment to the community. Those organizations that submit a “Pelican Pledge” or are nominated by another party for their efforts in the community will receive complimentary tickets to “Make a Splash Monday” and will be recognized at the ballpark. Honorees will be recognized on the video board and would have a first pitch opportunity prior to a Pelicans home game.

Check out our Splash Park. For more information check out the “Tickets and Promotions” section of the Pelicans Web site.

The Pelicans open the 2013 season on Thursday, April 4 at 7:05 p.m. against the Wilmington BlueRocks. The first “Make a Splash Monday” is slated for April 15. To buy tickets or for more information on the “Make a Splash” campaign, call 918-6000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

June 11-13: Pelicans youth baseball clinic

Hands on instruction from players and coaches

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are holding a three-day Youth Baseball Clinic June 11-13 at TicketReturn.Com Field. The clinic, open to youth ages 7-14, will run from 9 a.m. to Noon each day.

Registration Form:

The clinic will feature:

-Hands-on instruction from The Myrtle Beach Pelicans Coaches and Players

-Participant T-shirt

-Lunch provided each day

-2 Grand Strand Reserve Box seats for the June  13th   Pelicans home  game vs. the Carolina  Mudcats .

-A special ceremony recognizing all clinic participants will take place   on-field prior to the game on June  13th .

Purpose:   The Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Clinic is designed to teach students solid fundamental baseball skills as well as raise their level of understanding of the game baseball. We will provide each young player with the instruction and encouragement needed to develop individual skills. In addition, we want the young player to understand how individual skills may be incorporated into developing a team attitude. Participants will be divided by age and ability level.

Equipment:   Each participant must bring his or her own baseball equipment. Players should bring a glove, bat, running shoes, hat, helmet, and water bottle. Cleats are prohibited.

Logistics:   Please arrive at the ballpark at 8:30am  on June  11th  for check-in. You will enter through the main gate which is gate one. Parents are welcome to observe the camp from the picnic area. In the event of rain, we will move activities to the concourse area. Please label all equipment with the participant’s name.

To register , call Dan Bailey at 843-918-6008 or fax completed form to 843-918-6001.

For questions please contact Tyler  Alewine  talewine@myrtlebeachpelicans.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Stadium is Now a “Bully-Free” Zone

The first Education Day game was a success! (Erica Caldwell/Charlotte Knights)
The first Education Day game was a success! (Erica Caldwell/Charlotte Knights)

(Fort Mill, S.C.) — Knights Stadium, home of the Charlotte Knights since 1990, is set to become a “bully-free” zone during the upcoming 2013 season as the Knights and The Foundation for Respect Ability are introducing an Anti-Bullying program that will focus on educating kids, teachers, and parents on the importance of living a bully-free life. The program will feature two 11:15 a.m. games during the month of April focused on Education Days for the surrounding school districts of North Carolina & South Carolina. The first game is Tuesday, April 16 and the second game is set for Wednesday, April 24. Both games are presented by Duke Energy, Barton Malow, and Midrex Technologies, Inc.

“Partnering with the Foundation for Respect Ability enhances the educational component of these two dates and expands our commitment to providing opportunities for the community to enjoy a game at the stadium,” said Knights Director of Ticket Sales & Hospitality Sean Owens. “This program gives us a great platform to provide important information about the seriousness of bullying in our life and how to identify, respond, and prevent these acts from occurring.”

Featuring interactive concourse displays, a pre-game educational performance and in-game trivia/PSA’s, participating schools and organizations will receive a full day of education and entertainment. Tickets are as low as $5 for groups of 15 or more and a $5 lunch meal is available for pre-purchase as well.

“We are very excited to partner with the Charlotte Knights to help create awareness about bullying and to help promote strategies for children, parents and teachers to better deal with this behavior,” stated Diane Benson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Respect Ability. “Bullying in sports is also an area of concern and this is a wonderful platform to help to create “upstanders” on and off the playing field.”

About the The Foundation for Respect Ability:
The Foundation for Respect Ability is a nonprofit organization that seeks to convert “bystanders” into “upstanders” and to empower people to address bullying in all its forms. Their goal is to facilitate opportunities for communication and to develop programs and strategies for helping parents, students, and educators as they deal with these issues. The work is delivered through music and activities using Operation Respect’s Don’t Laugh at Me international curriculum. The Foundation offers community workshops for children and parents, in school programs and professional development workshops for staff and teachers. www.xbullying.org

To schedule a group event for Education Days, please contact the Charlotte Knights at 704-357-8071, ext. 2106 or hospitality@charlotteknights.com.

Select single-game tickets are now on-sale online by using the special pre-sale code “presale2013”. Full season and partial season ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by calling 704-357-8071 ext. 2106 or online at www.charlotteknights.com. Season Tickets offer such benefits as a VIP parking pass, invitations to special events, and a unique unused ticket program. They are also the best way to ensure priority selection of seats at BB&T Ballpark. Call a Knights’ representative today for more details! Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. 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.

 

Knights Partner with Carolinas HealthCare System

CharlotteKnights_2013-02-21

 

(Fort Mill, SC) – The Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and Carolinas HealthCare System are dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the youth in our communities. Earlier today, in an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System announced that they have committed to providing three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors.

“The Charlotte Knights will continue to make education a primary focus for many of our community initiatives,” said Chris Semmens, Vice President of Sales, Charlotte Knights.  “The Knights are excited to work with our long time partner Carolinas HealthCare System, along with local high school administrators, teachers, parents and students in providing these annual scholarships.”

The 2013 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program is open to any high school senior enrolled in one of the following North or South Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union, or York County. Applicants must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2013, and will be judged on academic performance; volunteer and community involvement; and sports and extracurricular activities. The three winners will be honored before a select Knights game this summer.

“Carolinas HealthCare System’s vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare delivery and a key part of that effort is attracting the next generation of motivated, creative healthcare professionals,” said Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President of Carolinas HealthCare System.  “Partnering with the Charlotte Knights to provide these scholarships is a great way to help turn that vision into reality.”

Applications for the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, are available at charlotteknights.com, and must be postmarked by April 30, 2013 to the Charlotte Knights for consideration. The scholarship committee will be comprised of two Charlotte Knights employees, two Carolinas HealthCare System employees, and one outside party to be selected by the Charlotte Knights.

About Carolinas HealthCare System:
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), 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 nearly 800 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. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

Full season and partial season ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by calling 704-357-8071 ext. 2106 or online at http://www.charlotteknights.com. Season Tickets offer such benefits as a VIP parking pass, invitations to special events, and a unique unused ticket program. They are also the best way to ensure priority selection of seats at BB&T Ballpark. Call a Knights’ representative today for more details! Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends.

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

Drive Give Back Through United Way

GreenvilleDrive_2013-01-24

 

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.

Knights Raise Money for Salvation Army

Charlotte-KnightsThe Charlotte Knights’ season of giving continued on Thursday, December 20 at the Six Pence Pub in Fort Mill. For over three hours, front office staff members volunteered their time to raise money for the Salvation Army.

The Knights arrived around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, eager to learn a new trade and give back to the community. With help from seasoned professionals – a.k.a Six Pence Pub bartenders, the crew quickly got the hang of things.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., staff members served drinks and food to the crowd.

Becka Leveille, Knights Merchandise Director, and Justin Fulbright, Knights Assistant Groundskeeper, both stepped right in and began making drinks.

“It was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Leveille. “I learned a few things about bartending and I got to talk to some passionate Knights fans. I may have found my second career!”

Salvation-ArmyErik Hassy, GM of Ovations, and Knights Media Relations Director Tommy Viola, were also on-hand to help with the volunteering efforts on Thursday. Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski came out to support the Salvation Army and his team’s efforts on Thursday.

Every 30 minutes, Viola rang a bell located behind the bar and announced a raffle prize. Lucky fans won shirts, tickets to a 2013 Knights game, a Knights jersey signed by the 2012 team, a Brian Anderson autographed bat, and more.

“It was great to get behind the bar, serve drinks, announce raffle prizes, and talk to our fans,” stated Viola. “There’s nothing like getting out in the community and meeting Knights fans. It was especially gratifying to know that all of the money we raised was for the Salvation Army.”

Knights Community Relations Director Lindsey Roycraft also played a key role on Thursday. Thanks to her strong ties with the community, events like the one on Thursday are made possible.

“It was a very positive event,” said Roycraft. “I look forward to working with Ray and the entire Six Pence Pub staff again during our upcoming 2013 season. Next time, we’ll bring a Knights player or two.”

Overall on Thursday, the Knights and Six Pence Pub raised $625.00 for the Salvation Army.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.Earlier in December, the Knights held a toy and coat drive at Knights Stadium during the team’s first-ever “Winter Wonderful” event. The team also worked with Angel Tree this year to make sure two boys received all of the presents they asked for this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff members will volunteer at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Classroom Central.

“Volunteering and giving back is a big part of what we enjoy doing,” added Roycraft. “We look forward to keeping that going in 2013 and beyond.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights.  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.