RiverDogs Community Outreach Branches Out

Community outreach is nothing new to the Charleston RiverDogs as the leader of the Lowcountry’s professional sports team clearly sets the bar.  But in return for the overwhelming support the region has provided the RiverDogs over the years, the team is happy to extend itself in return.

At beautiful Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, that philanthropic spirit can be witnessed through our weekly “Dogs with a Cause Night,” where local nonprofit organizations promote their worthy causes to patrons at home games that fall on Mondays.  Away from the friendly confines, the “Be Your Own Fan” mission shines through in the “Reading and Running with the RiverDogs” program for schoolchildren, as well as monthly community service projects staffed by RiverDogs employees during the offseason.

This year, the RiverDogs are pleased to announce partnerships with Lowcountry Food Bank, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, Water Missions International and Teacher Supply Closet, which all position themselves to better help the Holy City and surrounding areas.

“Being a part of the mainstream community is vital to us and we’d like to think that we’re making a difference,” said General Manager Dave Echols.  “Of course, we offer wholesome, family entertainment at a most reasonable price and pretty good baseball at the same time.”

In conjunction with local grocer Piggly Wiggly, RiverDogs fans have the opportunity to aid the needy and catch every ballgame with a special two-for-one rate by donating two canned food items to the Lowcountry Food Bank.  With a grassroots network of more than 320 member agencies providing hunger-relief services throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina, the Lowcountry Food Bank has been a pillar in the Charleston community since 1983.

Our “Raising Cane Launch-A-Ball” promotion has long been a popular part of the gameday experience as fans purchase $1 tennis balls and takes aim at on-field targets after each game for the chance to win tickets and cash.

This season, however, one has the ability to “have a ball” while supplying funds for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy in their quest to lend a helping hand to emergency agencies and personnel in the Charleston area during emergency situations.  Half of the proceeds from the “Launch-A-Ball” postgame throw will be donated to the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, which has proven a comforting presence in trying times, including the 2007 Sofa Super Store tragic fire that claimed the lives of nine of Charleston’s firefighters.

On the concourse this season, the Riley Park faithful may notice the Living Water Treatment System that Water Missions International has provided.  A nonprofit Christian engineering organization, Water Missions International constructs these systems to allow for simple, durable water purification in developing countries and disaster areas.

Located near the left field line adjacent to the customer relations desk, Water Missions International is able to support a community of 3,000-5,000 people with the treated water.  The RiverDogs are pleased to provide the space and hope that loyal supporters will strive to find out how they can help provide clean water as “the source of life” and add to the more than two million people that have received relief and hope through Water Missions International’s work.

Last but certainly not least is the club’s alliance with the Teacher Supply Closet, which serves the educational needs of children in the Tri-county area by providing a unique means to offer free merchandise for teachers to use in their classrooms.  During all RiverDogs home games, fans are able to drop off items at the customer relations desk which go toward the Teacher Supply Closet’s goal to give every Lowcountry child the supplies they need to succeed in school.

With nearly the entire home slate still on tap, there are many chances to catch exciting RiverDogs action and “Be Your Own Fan” while jumping on board to strengthen the fiber of the Charleston community … like the RiverDogs have.

RiverDogs and Gildan Partner to Help Peninsula Youth

Peninsula Baseball and Softball Teams Outfitted with Free Jerseys with RiverDogs Logo

Charleston-RiverDogsWe know that every child that steps onto a baseball or softball diamond dreams of putting on a big league uniform.  While few will realize that goal, the youth of Charleston’s peninsula will now be able to come close. The Charleston RiverDogs have partnered with Gildan Distributors to lend free t-shirts to all Peninsula Parks and Recreation youth baseball and softball teams.

“We appreciate so much the contributions of the Riverdogs and Gildan to the baseball playing youth of our city,” said Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. “Pride in their team and what they learn is a big factor of success and the T-shirts will be a great contribution to success.”

Peninsula youngsters will also have the opportunity to “Be Your Own Fan” and save their parents some cash at every Sunday home game.  Any child that comes to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park sporting their uniform will receive a free general admission ticket to our Family Sundays, which feature Free Parking and Kids Eat Free.

Dressing like the Yankees of tomorrow is one thing but taking the field with them is another.  On Sunday, May 22, Peninsula Parks and Recreation baseball and softball players will get to do both as the RiverDogs host the inaugural Peninsula Youth Sports Day.  Prior to the RiverDogs game versus the Augusta GreenJackets (5:05 pm first pitch), all Little Leaguers will be invited onto the field to participate in a pregame parade in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those youngsters that are participating in the Peninsula Parks and Recreation baseball and softball leagues,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “We are proud to partner with Gildan to make this happen.”

Gildan is a vertically-integrated marketer and manufacturer of quality branded basic apparel.  The company is the leading supplier of active wear for the screenprint market in the U.S. and Canada.  It is also a leading supplier to this market in Europe, and is establishing a growing presence in Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.  Gildan’s corporate head office is located in Montreal, Canada

RiverDogs Promote “Going Local”

They are seen working in the community. Charlie T. RiverDog is seen all over the Lowcountry. Stories are told about how much fans love coming to The Joe and how much the local organization means to the area.

In that local spirit, the organization has announced a formal relationship with Lowcountry Local First for the 2011 season.

The mission of Lowcountry Local First is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support for independent and locally-owned businesses and farmers.

“We want to stress the fact that supporting local businesses helps to strengthen our local economy,” said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols.  “We are an active player in this region – whether we are in season or not – and we want to do all we can to help our local businesses.  As a result, we hope that our fans will recognize the importance of supporting local businesses and artisans while at the same time allowing Lowcountry Local First members an opportunity to reach our fans, all while enjoying a night of relaxation and entertainment by attending a RiverDogs game.”

Part of the RiverDogs’ involvement with Lowcountry Local First will consists of locally owned businesses having the opportunity to provide information and promote awareness through various table displays near the entrance of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Saturdays.

Fans who come to the ballpark for Saturday home games will not only have the chance to interact with those local businesses, but if they show proof of residency in the Greater Charleston area, they’ll receive $1 off their ticket purchase upon entering The Joe.

Lowcountry Local First is an alliance that educates the public on the importance of supporting the local economy, and encourages businesses and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. They are the 44th network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), North America’s fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses that are comprised of more than 80 community networks representing 22,000 independent business members across 30 states and Canadian provinces.

These networks create local living economies through the building blocks of independent retail, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green building, local zero-waste manufacturing, community capital, independent media and local arts and culture.

Drive Support Fluor’s “Discover E Week” Initiative

Team of Fluor engineers to visit 5 Greenville County schools

Fluor and the Greenville Drive are working together to encourage local young people to pursue their interests in the engineering profession. The National Engineers Week Foundation and their coalition strive to be the global leader in cultivating and celebrating the engineering profession. The Discover E program highlighted during National Engineers Week (February 20-26, 2011) helps grade school and high school students discover the exciting worlds of engineering and technology. The goal is to relate practical applications of math, science, and engineering to the world around them.

Education is a priority at Fluor, both for the company and its employees. As a Leadership Council member with the National Engineers Week Foundation, Fluor actively participates in the nationwide Discover E program, joining more than 5 million engineers, designers, principals, teachers, and students. Volunteers visit local middle and high schools to introduce young people to engineering in a fun and interesting ways. During Engineer’s Week, Fluor will speak at 5 schools and cover approximately 24 classes where 1000 students will be exposed to the many attributes of the engineering profession.

Students who participated in Discover E week have the opportunity to provide feedback about their experience. In a continued effort to constantly improve Discover E week, students who take the survey will receive a ticket to a 2011 Greenville Drive game.

To take the Discover E Week Survey, please click here

RiverDogs Staff Helps Out at Charleston Animal Society

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 Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Charleston Habitat for Humanity, and Feline Freedom Coalition.  On December 17th, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering with The Charleston Animal Society.

The team met with Staci Bennett, the Director of Volunteer Programs and Events, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of CAS, before getting started.  Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the CAS staff by washing windows, cleaning cages, preparing fresh litter boxes, helping with cat enrichment procedures, and exercising dogs.  “It is always gives you a good feeling to help to improve the lives those less fortunate than ourselves.  It is especially rewarding to help animals, that have no means of helping themselves, and you know will give a lifetime of love and affection to you in return,” commented Sarah Ward, RiverDogs Community Relations Director.

The Charleston Animal Society is a non-profit, open-admissions animal shelter serving Charleston County, where no animal is ever turned away.  The mission of the organization is to promote responsible guardianship of domestic animals and advocate the compassionate treatment of all animals.  In order to accomplish this mission, CAS strives to: promote temporary sanctuary to lost, abandoned, or abused domestic animals; promote adoption; provide medical care to indigent pets; eliminate overpopulation of animals with aggressive spay/neuter and education programs; provide education about responsible per guardianship; reunite lost pets and their owners; and reduce cruelty through stronger ordinances, investigations, partnerships, and education.  For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.charlestonanimalsociety.org.

Next month, the Charleston RiverDogs staff will spend a day beautifying their own neighborhood by planting bulbs with the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the Park Angels at Brittlebank Park.

RiverDogs Help Out the Feline Freedom Coalition

‘Dogs helping Cats

As a means of giving back to the community, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office one day each month during the off-season to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. On November 12th, eleven members of the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day in Ravenel, volunteering with Feline Freedom Coalition, Inc. A truckload of sand was delivered to the site, to be dispersed to three of the outdoor cat houses.  The team worked together to shovel the sand into buckets and wheelbarrows, then the sand was spread out into the pens.

Sales manager, Jake Terrell, said, “It always feels good to work as a team toward a common goal, even if it is as simple as moving sand.  You can have fun while trying to figure out creative ways to finish the project, and by throwing sand at your co-workers!”

Together, the RiverDogs staff was able to move all of the sand to complete the project in hours as opposed to the months it had taken the organization in years past.

Feline Freedom Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing services and support to individuals and community groups interested in using TNR (trap, neuter, return or re-home) to effectively control the overpopulation of free roaming cats in Charleston County.  The organization provides education and information to the public, property decision makers and governmental agencies through the TNR Community Hotline and TNR training programs.  In addition, volunteers facilitate the work of caretakers involved in colony management and support the adoption of feral cats and kittens through Petsmart’s Adoption Outreach Program.

RiverDogs staff assist at the Feline Freedom Coalition

Local Publication Cites RiverDogs with Philanthropy Award

While the sound of bats cracking and the scent of hot dogs grilling may make Charleston RiverDogs fans smile while at The Joe, those same fans have even more of a reason to support the franchise while fancying even bigger smiles when the RiverDogs engage in any of their many community service activities,

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.

MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute is the RiverDogs’ primary charity, due in part to Veeck’s daughter, Rebecca, suffering from a retinitis pigmentosa, a visionary disorder that left the personable teenager legally blind. However, not all of the club’s efforts are devoted toward fighting blindness.

The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are deeply involved with the RBI Program (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) and the Boys & Girls Club by providing assistance with equipment and travel, while team members help with practices.

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 Charleston RiverDogs initiative of “Be Your Own Fan” took another leap as the club, which recently partnered with ServiceMaster, combined to make a $10,000 donation to NASCAR great 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.

Victory Junction located in Petty’s hometown of Randleman, NC, is a camp that is designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe and medically-sound environment.  The program offers a week of exhilarating, challenging and nurturing fun under comprehensive, but unobtrusive, 24-hour medical supervision.

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.”

“Whenever I get to spend time with people that help make a positive impact on Victory Junction, it’s a great night,” said Petty.  “It’s corporations like ServiceMaster that have stepped up to help send kids to camp that make a difference and help us to continue our mission in serving these kids and their families.”

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

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. On October 22, ten members of the Charleston RiverDogs front office staff spent the day volunteering with Charleston 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, Dennis’ home has developed serious structural problems,including crumbling supports and rotting wood, which have led to a serious Eastward lean.  If it were not for a new partnership between the Historic Charleston Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Charleston, Dennis may have been forced to continue living in a deteriorating home or move elsewhere, but fortunately that is not the case.  The three organizations have combined forces to renovate the house for Dennis and her family along with the help of community volunteers, including the Charleston RiverDogs staff.

The Historic Charleston Foundation is helping to preserve the home’s exterior, but the inside of the home, however, will resemble a new Habitat home. The Foundation supported the interior renovation to ensure that Dennis and her family would be able to afford to stay there.

“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.

RiverDogs staff member Mike Petrini works on the house of Beatrice Dennis

Charlie T. RiverDog Aids as Fallen Trooper Memorial Run Raises More Than $30,000

Loveable Mascot Lends A Paw for Worthy Fundraising Effort

Charlie T. RiverDog, the loveable mascot of the Charleston RiverDogs, participated in a 24-hour running and walking fundraiser for a memorial wall to honor 49 South Carolina Highway patrolmen killed in the line of duty that has raised more money than expected.

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.

RiverDogs Volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief

During the off-season, the RiverDogs choose one day each month to work with a local nonprofit organization.  The day away from the office gives the staff a chance to give back to the Charleston community as well as a team building opportunity.  For September the RiverDogs staff spent the day with 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 children coming in to the system will have in their possession clothes, toiletries, school supplies, and any other personal items within 48 hours.  Located in North Charleston, the facility is stocked with underwear, socks, toiletries, books, toys, and a “clothing closet,” all of which are donated to the organization.  In addition to providing necessities, LOR hosts fun events for these children to be enriched, nurtured, and loved.

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.

RiverDogs staff volunteer at Lowcountry Orphan Relief

RiverDogs and Charleston RBI Hit Home Run with 2010 Season

As the Charleston RiverDogs have roared through the 2010 season, their paw print in the community has extended far beyond the confines of Riley Park, specifically through Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program.

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.

Charleston RBI is a youth outreach program designed to:

  1. Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball
  2. Encourage academic participation and achievement
  3. Increase number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues
  4. Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game
  5. Teach the value of teamwork

The senior squad (ages 16-18) finished up their regular season on Saturday, July 10. Led by head coaches Herm Winningham and Lerone Johnson, who doubles as head administrator of the Charleston program, the team finished the 2010 regular season campaign on high note. Coach Winningham helped the players improve all aspects of their games, having previously been an assistant coach with the RiverDogs and played nine years in the major leagues, even winning a World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990.

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

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

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.

The auction came as a result of RiverDogs President Mike Veeck’s daughter, Rebecca, being 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.

“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.

Charleston RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols (center) presents a ceremonial check in the amount of $20,000 to the MUSC Storm Eye Institute’s Dr. Ed Wilson (left) and Dr. Craig Crosson (right) prior to the club’s July 29 contest against the Greenville Drive at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. (RiverDogs photo by Andy Lange.)

RiverDogs Team Up with Charleston Miracle League

Fans who frequent Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on a nightly basis hear the crack of the bat, the roar of the Charleston faithful and the laughter and joy that permeates the air.

In another part of Charleston, there exists another game for those who will never play in the big leagues, but the enthusiasm and teamwork that persists makes this a league where dreams become reality.

The Charleston RiverDogs most recent monthly volunteer project involved an afternoon spent with the Charleston Miracle League, which gives children and adults with special needs (i.e. mental and/or physical challenges) the opportunity to play baseball, for free, in formally organized league at a state-of-the-art complex in the City of Charleston’s Forrest Park Playground located in West Ashley built specifically for them.

“The City of Charleston and our fans have brought so much joy to Joseph P. Riley Park through the years,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “It’s always great to get the opportunity to give something back to our deserving community, especially by teaming up with such a great organization as the Charleston Miracle League.”

The heart of this complex is our specially designed, rubberized-surface Joe Griffith Miracle Field, which allows players to fully participate regardless of their challenges. In addition, our complex boasts a fully functional concession stand, press box, covered picnic pavilion and handicap accessible restroom suites complete with lifts. Covered stands with viewing platforms ensure that everyone, regardless of his or her abilities, can enjoy watching a Miracle League game.

In addition, the CML is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that teaches volunteers of all ages, who typically serve as buddies for our players, the value of giving back to others and their community.

The Charleston Miracle League also engages in a yearly partnership with the Cooper River Bridge Run called “Bridging the Gap Through Baseball.” Interested participants may sign up for the bridge run as a representative of the league with 100% of the proceeds raised from this going directly to helping the Charleston Miracle League fund their Youth and Adult league programs. For 2010, the Charleston Miracle League has been selected as one of the official 2010 Cooper River Bridge Run charities.
For more information about the league or to donate or become a volunteer, visit the league’s website online at www.charlestonmiracleleauge.org.

RiverDogs Paint House, Picture of Hope for Windwood Farm Children’s Home

While the Charleston RiverDogs have jumped full-fledged into their new “Be Your Own Fan” marketing campaign for the 2010 season, the slogan does not merely refer to individual perspective concerning gameday enjoyment and promotions, but also to what it means to support humanitarian volunteer efforts outside of the ballpark.

On Tuesday, the RiverDogs front office staff paid a visit to the Windwood Farm Home for Children in Awendaw to paint one of the organization’s houses and to learn more of its overall mission.

”Our monthly service projects allow us to give something back and show citizens that our goal is to be service-driven citizens both at Riley Park and in the community,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “The responsibility that we have to serve the community is one that we proudly take, and are a fan of doing so.”

Windwood Farm Home for Children is a private, not-for-profit treatment facility for young boys who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or violent and unstable home situations.   Local businessman Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. founded Windwood Farm in 1985 when he donated property along the Wando River that borders Francis Marion National Forest in Awendaw.  For almost 25 years, Windwood Farm has helped hundreds of young boys deal effectively with their violent and abusive pasts and move toward a more hopeful future.

Windwood Farm provides residential group care services to 28 “at-risk” boys between the ages of 5 and 16.  These children are considered to be “at-risk” because they are most likely (because of childhood abuse and trauma) to engage in anti-social, self-destructive, and/or criminal behavior.  Their life circumstances have left them in need of intense, round-the-clock supervision and care by professionals trained in interventions that assist in the healing process.

Windwood Farm Home for Children will celebrate its Silver Anniversary on October 15, 2010 – a quarter century of service to children of the Lowcountry.  Since October 2009, in recognition of this milestone, Windwood has initiated a year-long celebration of their history and progress with a theme “25 Years of Restoring Hope to Children.”

As part of their monthly volunteer ventures, the RiverDogs have also donated their time at Crisis Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Charleston Beautiful and the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (SCORE) program.

RiverDogs help Winwood Farms: