South Carolina – Page 22

RiverDogs volunteer with Fields to Families

October 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In October, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Fields to Families. Members of the staff gleaned vegetables from a local farm to donate to local food banks and soup kitchens.

“It was awesome to get out there and get our hands dirty,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was rewarding, and fun, and I hope we get to do it again soon.”

Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2006, that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Fields to Families’ operates as a three step process. The organization depends greatly on local farms who generously offer unused fruits and vegetables to Fields to Families, which are then harvested by volunteers, like the RiverDogs staff. Those fruits and vegetables then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry, including food pantries, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, shelters and churches. It is these recipient agencies who complete the process and distribute the harvested foods to the hungry and needy.

The RiverDogs staff spends the day volunteering with Fields to Families.

Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston and Sales Representative, Annie Fuller.

RiverDogs Staff Raise Funds for American Heart Association

October 8, 2012

The Lowcountry Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s mission in action. This annual celebration promotes physical activity and heart healthy living in a fun, family and dog friendly environment. There is a Survivor Reception for Cardiovascular & Stroke survivors and their caregivers. More than 5000 walkers are anticipated to participate in this non competitive one or three mile walk event. As our signature fundraising event, the Lowcountry Heart Walk is raising critical dollars for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

The Charleston RiverDogs front office staff started a Heart Walk team with a collective fundraising goal of $1,500. By the day of the Heart Walk, the RiverDogs staff were able to donate a total of $1,675 for the American Heart Association.

On September 29th, a police-estimated 5,200 people — men and women of all ages and ethnicities — gathered to celebrate survival, “miracles” and raised a projected $650,000 to help more fight the No. 1 killer of Americans, cardiovascular disease and defects. The walk also focuses on lifestyle change to improve heart health.

This year’s Heart Walk chairwoman, Anita Zucker, said the event helps highlight the Heart Association’s goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20 percent by 2020.

“To reach this goal, we must start in our communities across the nation,” urges Zucker. “Thank you for committing today to stand for positive change in our community. Today is the day we begin to walk more, eat better and live longer.”

Sales Representatives Annie Fuller and David Cullins and Director of Media Relations at the starting line of the 2012 Heart Walk

13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” Auction

July 20, 2012

Silent Auction to be Held During Game Against Asheville

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host their 13th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” RP Auction on July 28 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

All the proceeds for the event will go to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute, which is dedicated to researching ways to try to prevent the loss of sight. The silent auction will begin when the gates open at 6 pm and will conclude in the sixth inning.

BCBS to “Drive Out Colon Cancer” on Sunday

June 22, 2012

Fans can enjoy a post-game frisbee toss in the outfield at Fluor Field

The Drive will wear blue jerseys and wrist bands during the game.

Hey Drive fans – Loving your colon could save your life! Find out how at the “Drive Out Colon Cancer” game sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina on June 24 at 4:05 p.m. Hear live interviews with colon cancer experts, visit an “Ask-a-doctor” station, meet colon cancer survivors, sign a pledge card to get screened and register to win a great prize!

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in South Carolina and nationally. But it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through regular screening. Screening allows doctors to remove polyps – precancerous growths on the inside lining of the colon – before they become cancerous. Screening should begin at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

Stop by to learn how to prevent colon cancer and hit a home run for a healthy life! For more information on our statewide efforts to wipe out colon cancer, visit www.loveyourcolon.org.

To purchase tickets to Sunday’s game, simply call the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Donate Blood, Save a Life this Friday

June 7, 2012

Blood drive at Fluor Field from 11 AM to 7 PM

Receive a complimentary t-shirt and tickets to the Drive's June 24th game. — Receive a complimentary t-shirt and tickets to the Drive’s June 24th game.

The Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up to help save lives this Friday, June 8th. Be a “Major League Donor” by donating blood from 11 AM to 7 PM at one of eight locations, including Fluor Field.

Each donor will receive a complimentary t-shirt and two tickets to the Drive’s Sunday, June 24th game versus the Charleston RiverDogs.

Those donating at Fluor Field will also receive a complimentary hot dog, bag of chips, and 12 ounce Pepsi product.

While first pitch for that game is at 4 PM, donoros will receive early admittance to the ballpark for the “Donor Appreciation Day” event from 1 PM to 3 PM.

The Donor Appreciation event will feature complimentary hot dogs, chips and drinks, clowns, balloonists, face painters, inflatable games, and activities for kids. Fans can even meet Drive players, and their lovable mascot, Reedy Rip’It from 2 PM to 3 PM.

Those wishing to donate during Friday’s Blood Drive must be at least 16 years of age.

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

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 19th

May 15, 2012

Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.

The Drive’s Let’s Hit 350 campaign shows its patriotic commitment Saturday as the team joins the City of Greenville to celebrate all of our Armed Forces and what they mean for our Country and our Community.

Fluor Field will host the evening portion of Greenville’s Armed Forces Day celebration in conjunction with the Drive’s 7 o’clock game.

The Greenville Armed Forces Day Parade will begin in Downtown Greenville at 5:15 p.m. and will conclude at Fluor Field just before 6 o’clock. Following the parade, visit Field Street to check out many of the vehicles participating in the parade.

During Saturday’s game, visit the military tables on the concourse to learn about the history of the American forces stationed here in South Carolina.

On the field, help us honor all of the troops in many fun and interesting ways as we’ll see which military branch takes the cake in tug-o-war, frisbee tic-tac-toe, and other competitions!

Plenty of great seats still remain for Saturday’s game, and can be purchased by calling the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528, or logging onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

RiverDogs Staff volunteers in Charleston Parks Beautification

January 19, 2012

The Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff participated in their monthly Staff Volunteer Day for January on Tuesday the 17th. Members of the staff volunteered with the Nonprofit organization Charleston Parks Conservancy to assist with the beautification of Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston.

“We are really excited we were able to assist the great folks at Charleston Parks Conservatory help keep Brittlebank Park beautiful,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was a fun day all around, and we are very happy we could help.”

RiverDogs Front Office Staff helped prune and trim bushes throughout the park, rake and clear flower beds, and plant new plants throughout Brittlebank Park. This is the second time in the past year the RiverDogs have volunteered with Charleston Parks Conservancy.

Members of the RiverDogs Front Office Staff dedicate one day each month to community service efforts throughout the Charleston area. Other Nonprofit Organizations the RiverDogs have assisted with in the past include Lowcountry Food Bank, Pet Helpers Inc., and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Charleston SC-brittlebank 037 — Sales Manager, Jake Terrell, planting bulbs

Charleston SC-brittlebank 036 — Staff planting new bulbs at Brittlebank Park

From left to right: Charleston Parks Conservancy Horticulturist Kellen Goodell, Director of Media Relations – Sean Houston, Director of Merchandise – Mike DeAntonio, Sales Manager – Jake Terrell, Director of Promotions – Noel Blaha, Director of Special Events – Melissa McCants Azevedo, Box Office Manager – David Cullins, Sales Rep – Annie Fuller, Director of Community Relations – Lauren Allio and Charleston Parks Conservancy Volunteer Director – Neves Richards

RiverDogs Front Office Staff Volunteer Days

December 22, 2011

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Lowcountry Food Bank. On December 20, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering at the Pet Helpers Adoption Center.

The team met with Erica Marcus, Volunteer and Off-Site Adoption Coordinator, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of Pet Helpers, before getting started. Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the Pet Helpers staff by unloading and washing the event van, raking leaves off the walking trails, preparing dog treats, and playing and walking the adoptable dogs. “I really enjoy our Staff Volunteer Days. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to really make a difference in our community,” commented Sean Houston, RiverDogs Director of Media Relations.

Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501c 3 Adoption Center and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.pethelpers.org

Charleston SC-Pet Helpers 019 — Top Row (from left to right): Director of Food and Beverage, Josh Gilkey; Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio; Sales Representative, Annie Fuller; Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston; and Box Office Manager, David Cullins.
Bottom Row (from left to right): Assistant General Manager, Harold Craw; Director of Promotions, Noel Blaha; and Assistant General Manager, Andy Lange.

RiverDogs Wrap Up 2nd “Inning” of Reading Initiative

December 13, 2011

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District have completed the second inning of their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, which emphasizes the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

In the program’s second year, the number of participating schools has increased from nine to twelve local elementary schools. Participating schools for the 2011-2012 school year are Burns, Chicora, Goodwin, Mary Ford, Mitchell, Dunston, Hursey, Sanders-Clyde, North Charleston, Pinehurst, Memminger and James Simons elementary schools.

“The program is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of reading and exercising, while associating the two with Charlie T. RiverDog” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The RiverDogs are pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District, and we hope to continue to increase participation each year.”

Two third-grade classes from each school participate in the program, which consists of four six-week “innings” with first, second and third place ribbons awarded in each individual class after the completion of each inning and at the conclusion of the program. After an inning is finished, the class with the most points in each school holds the school’s trophy and bragging rights until the next winner is determined after the following inning.

Children receive points each time they reach a designated reading or fitness goal. One point is awarded for every 20 minutes a child spends reading and for every 20 minutes exercising, while two points are awarded if the exercise is done for the good of another (washing a car, raking leaves, walking a neighbor’s dog, and the like).

Each child’s points log must be accumulated outside of class and class assignments. Parents must sign off on the kids’ reading/exercising log. In order to further help the effort, Charlie will visit the kids each inning to pump them up about exercising and reading, and RiverDogs’ staff members will read to the classes during each inning. At the end of each inning and the entire program, Charlie will hand out prizes for the children’s hard work.

Charleston SC-MC Hursey Elementary 002 — Charlie visits M.C. Hursey Elementary School in North Charleston, SC. (photo courtesy of the Charleston RiverDogs)

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

September 10, 2011

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Thanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

‘Dogs Donate $1,000 to Teacher’s Supply Closet

September 10, 2011

Money raised from public address announcements goes to Tri-county school supplies provider

School supplies are vital toward providing a great education for all children, but they can be expensive. In the Lowcountry, that’s where the Teacher’s Supply Closet steps in to provide pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and the like to Tri-County schools.

During Sunday’s game with the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs presented a $1,000 contribution to the organization as the culmination of a year-long effort to boost their ability to outfit children with everything they need to succeed in school. The funds come from the money fans have paid to have their messages read over the public address system.

“Involvement in local schools is a point of pride for the Charleston RiverDogs, and we are pleased to know that we and our fans helped better the grade school experience of Lowcountry youth.”

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

September 8, 2011

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Everyone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

‘Dogs and Piggly Wiggly Donate over 3,000 meals to Lowcountry Food Bank

September 7, 2011

Supermarket chain matches season-long contributions of RiverDogs fans

The final Friday Night Fireworks display of 2011 was not the only home run the RiverDogs hit with Piggly Wiggly last night. During a special in-game ceremony, the two announced that they teamed to donate more than 3,600 pounds of food to the Lowcountry Food Bank this season.

Representing more than 3,000 meals, the contribution is the culmination of a year-long effort to aid the poor and hungry of the Lowcountry.

All season long, RiverDogs fans have received a $1 off the price of admission by bringing three canned food items to the box office. The 1,500+ meals given by fans were then matched by Piggly Wiggly, doubling the total and lending support to the LCFB’s nearly 30-year long mission to feed the hungry.

“Community outreach is not possible without fan support, and our fans have once again displayed their eagerness to better the community while enjoying RiverDogs baseball,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We are also grateful to Piggly Wiggly for matching the donation, and are satisfied to know that we share the same values.”

Charleston RiverDogs Donate $25,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute

August 28, 2011

Yankees Affiliate Has Donated More than $450,000 in Past 12 Years

The Charleston RiverDogs have yet again left a large paw print on the fight against blindness and the disease retinitis pigmentosa.

Between games of Tuesday night’s doubleheader against the Greenville Drive, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $25,000 to Dr. Ed Wilson, M.D. and representatives from the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

The donation comes primarily from the RiverDogs’ 12^th annual Kindness Beats Blindness auction that was held on June 25. With turnouts in the thousands in each of the 12 years of the auction, the team and community as a whole have raised more than $450,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative eye disease.

“We are grateful for the RiverDogs continued support in our quest to find cures and treatments for blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa,” said Dr. Wilson. “The RiverDogs’ generosity over the last 12 years has been crucial to the work that our vision scientists are doing in this area,”

The auction hits close to the RiverDogs’ family since Rebecca, the daughter of club president Mike Veeck was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. Veeck and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves and most of their charitable efforts toward fighting blindness.

“Our entire staff takes a great deal of pride in our combined efforts with the Charleston community to raise money for research,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “The grace with which Rebecca and the Veeck family have handled this disease is inspiring to observe.”

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.

RiverDogs Team Up with Area Youngsters for HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League

June 13, 2011

Heathcott and Murphy instruct PlayToday! Foundation kids

Whether they make it to high school ball or the Major Leagues, everyone has memories of playing wiffle ball in the street or backyard. Members of the HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League had the privilege of learning some wiffle ball skills and tricks from future New York Yankees on Saturday, June 11.

Charleston RiverDogs center fielder Slade Heathcott, and catcher J.R. Murphy, tutored the youngsters in a two-hour session at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park Saturday morning.

The HealthyPlay! Wiffle Ball League (HWBL) is presented by the PlayToday! Foundation, in partnership with the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Commission and the Charleston Miracle League. The goal of the HWBL is to provide 8-12 year old children from underprivileged backgrounds a chance to participate in an organized sports league over the summer.

“We are happy to team with the HWBL and the PlayToday! Foundation,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our ‘Be Your Own Fan’ philosophy is affording each and every child a chance to grow up with the game of baseball. This is a great step in that direction, and we’re pleased our players feel the same way.”

Following the instruction, all participants capped off a memorable morning with a game, supervised by the RiverDogs’ two newly minted SAL All-Stars.

In addition to the lessons learned from being part of a team, the HWBL is designed to boost children’s self-esteem, and encourage exercise and overall physical fitness through nutritional guidance. Throughout the season, prominent members of the Charleston community will take time to address the children and answer questions about what it takes to succeed in today’s world.