South Bend Cubs to Host Polar Plunge in 2017

SOUTH BEND, IN – Four Winds Field will host the South Bend Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the plunge beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed immediately by the After Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

“Special Olympics Indiana is really looking forward to holding our first-ever Polar Plunge in South Bend,” said Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish. “We’re extremely lucky to have a partner like the South Bend Cubs who knows how to bring the community together and create a positive atmosphere.”

“We are incredibly proud to host this event,” said Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “To help stimulate donations, the person who raises the most money for the South Bend Polar Plunge will receive four tickets to a South Bend Cubs home game and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of that game.”

To participate in the 2017 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team.

Register by clicking here or visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the special events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About the Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 12,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 28 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Superhero jerseys highlight Pelicans Special Olympics Night

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Law Enforcement Torch Run aiming for growth in year three of partnership with Pelicans

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will host the third annual Special Olympics Night in conjunction with Superhero Night as part of “Geekend” on Saturday, April 25 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This season, the Pelicans will wear unique superhero-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off to benefit the Special Olympics as well.

This marks the second time that Special Olympics Night will overlap with Superhero Night, although it is the first time that the Pelicans will wear superhero-themed series on this night. “The superhero theme is a natural fit for Special Olympics Night,” remarked Pelicans Senior Director of Community Jen Borowski. “All the Special Olympics athletes are superheroes in my eyes.”

Special-OlympicsFans who wish to donate to the Special Olympics at the game will be able to do so at the Special Olympics table in the concourse or at the Guest Services booth. Proceeds from the jersey auction and 50/50 raffle will also benefit the Special Olympics.

Those that wish to bid on jerseys will be able to do so whether in attendance or not, as select jerseys will be available for bidding online. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the corresponding player or coach immediately following the game, and fans at the game will have the opportunity to take a photo with the player or coach as well.

Over the past two seasons, the Pelicans and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have helped raise over $23,000 for the Special Olympics of South Carolina through the proceeds from this event.

“This is a real passion for many of us here locally in law enforcement,” remarked Lance Corporal Felix Cruz, who is part of the LETR, which runs a handful of events in the area to raise money for Special Olympics. “We want to get as many people out there to the game as possible to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The money allows athletes locally, regionally, and nationally to train and compete in Special Olympics events, and without the financial support, many of the Special Olympics athletes would not be able to do so.”

In addition to raising money for the Special Olympics, the night also serves as a platform to highlight the Special Olympics athletes. The athletes will take part in a pre-game parade on the field, participate in a variety of on-field games and in-park promotions, and take the field with the Pelicans players at the start of the game.

Pelicans players and coaches will also hold a private meet-and-greet and autograph session with the Special Olympics athletes prior to first pitch.

The LETR runs a number of events in Horry county to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, including: Teacher on the Roof, Capture the Flag Tournament, Dip, Duck and Dive Dodgeball Tournament, Tip the Waiter, St. James Got Talent, a Fashion Show at St. James, and Krispy Kreme Cops on Doughnut Shop. The Pelicans help the LETR support a number of these programs and recognize Special Olympics athletes outside of Special Olympics Night as well, including an on-field ceremony during the 2014 Carolina League postseason, in which athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games were recognized prior to the Pelicans game.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award December Grant to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center

“Season of Giving” themed grant will help fund therapeutic horseback riding program for disabled youth

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of December to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. of Snellville, GA. The “Season of Giving” themed grant is designed to assist organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming.

Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. is a multi-discipline therapy center that offers non-traditional therapies for children with a variety of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and intellectual disability. One of the key non-traditional therapies is therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons provided through the Parkwood Farms Equestrian Program. The Parkwood Farms grounds include nine acres of riding space, a handicap accessible arena, a large outdoor arena and a wooded sensory trail.

Parkwood Farms is also the training facility for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics Equestrian Team. The center hosts year-round equestrian and athletic training giving the riders opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of friendship with other Special Olympians.

The grant awarded to Parkwood Farms will be applied to the purchase of new equipment for the Equestrian Program, including new helmets, saddle blankets, saddles and other riding gear. This new equipment will help keep therapy riders safe and comfortable for years to come.

“The grant from the Gwinnett Braves has allowed us to purchase new equipment for the horses and to expand the riders’ lending closet,” said Dr. Marilyn Peterson, Director of Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. “The riding outfits offer our athletes a way to take pride in their appearance and make a respectable presentation of their athletic abilities. The farm maintains the lending closet so the riders can borrow what they need and no one is excluded because they can’t afford the uniform.”

About Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc.:  Based in Snellville, GA and opened in May 2002, the Parkwood Farms Therapy Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of physically, emotionally and mentally challenged children and adults by offering a spectrum of therapeutic services in one safe and loving environment. To find out how you can donate your time or money to Parkwood Farms, call 678-344-6821 or visit www.parkwoodfarms.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Manager Shay Marlowe at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

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

Cutters Banquet raises over $5,000 for Special Olympics

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $5,000 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies TV Field Reporter Gregg Murphy & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2014 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “”I think we have that talent. We do have some young players that have a chance to chip in. Ben Revere was going good last year when he got hurt. The young arms in the bullpen got a shot to get some work last year and did a good job for the final six weeks of the season. I think that’ll go a long way for us.” When asked what is goal was, he said, “I want to get to a World Series, and I want to get there more than once.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and glove signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, jerseys signed by Sandberg and Asche and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of R.D. Slingerland into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Slingerland has worked on the Bowman Field playing surface for more than 25 years including installing an entirely new playing surface and irrigation system in 1997.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Lycoming County Special Olympics whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. At the conclusion of the festivities, Special Olympics was presented with a check for $5,150.

The Crosscutters open the 2014 season on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball announced Thursday that the Grand Junction Rockies are the winners of the first John Henry Moss Community Service Award for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the Grand Junction community and the baseball industry.

The Rockies are committed to make an ongoing annual gift to the NJCAA World Series played annually each year in Grand Junction, Colo., with a substantial monetary contribution per year that is earmarked for the capital building and remodel plan for Suplizio Field, “Home of the JUCO World Series” and the Pioneer League club. Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local high schools and many other groups also use the facility on a regular basis throughout the year. The Rockies have also made a multi-year commitment to the Mesa County School District #51 athletic program to pay for varsity uniforms for all four local high school baseball and softball teams.

The Rockies also partner with the CMU Sports Management/Marketing and Mass Communication departments to provide on-the-job training for students during the season. Each year, six students receive class credit for working as paid interns with the club. This season, another half dozen students gained valuable experience by being responsible for the entire production and video streaming of all 38 home games that were seen on MiLB.com.

Grand Junction principal owners Dick and Charlie Monfort’s monetary contribution to CMU was a key component to the construction of a performance lab built on campus. General manager Tim Ray is a member of the Community Hospital Foundation Board and the NJCAA World Series Baseball Committee. Other Grand Junction staff members serve on the committees of civic organizations as well.

The Rockies conduct an indoor baseball camp in January for local youths with professional coaches and players from the Colorado Rockies organization serving as instructors. All net monetary proceeds from the camp benefit the CMU baseball scholarship program.

Numerous other charities benefited from Grand Junction’s support in 2013 as well, including Special Olympics Colorado, Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, Riverside Education Center, A.C. Foundation, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, City of Grand Junction Audubon Society, Mesa County Firefighters and the Community Hospital Foundation.

“The Rockies have fully immersed themselves into their community since relocating to Grand Junction just two seasons ago,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. “Their numerous philanthropic endeavors with civic organizations, local high schools and Colorado Mesa University are examples of their strong commitment to give back to their community and contribute to its quality of life.”

“This honor is a reflection of the community commitment by our ownership” said Ray. “The opportunity to partner with a community that has such a rich history of baseball and has already shown such enthusiasm for Minor League Baseball is exciting.”

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

Grand Junction will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award April Grant to Gwinnett County Special Olympics

“Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant will help fund sports programs for disabled youth

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of April to Gwinnett County Special Olympics. The “Take Me Out to a Ball Game” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that promote youth athletics and activities, will help fund Special Olympics’ sports programs for youth with intellectual disabilities.

Gwinnett-County-Special-Olympics-logoThe Special Olympics program was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and provides year-round training and athletic competition for more than one million athletes in nearly 150 countries and all 50 states in the United States. Gwinnett County Special Olympics is the agency that operates the Special Olympics program in Gwinnett County. Their program supports more than 2,000 athletes of all ages including school-age children with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy of sports participation.

The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help Gwinnett County Special Olympics in its continued mission to provide uniforms, transportation, sports facilities and equipment for youth athletes specifically in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Braves and Gwinnett County Special Olympics have had a strong partnership for the past five years, including an annual “Best Buddies” clinic where disabled youth learn baseball skills from G-Braves players at Coolray Field.

“The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Shriver,” said Karen O’Connor, Fundraising & Outreach Chairman of Gwinnett County Special Olympics. “Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Our 2,100 school age athletes, parents and volunteers are so appreciative for the Gwinnett Braves’ support.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website can can be viewed by clicking here.

C’s in the Community

Canadians mascots enjoy annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge at Safeway

(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club took part in Safeway Canada’s latest community initiative by partnering with Easter Seals Canada and Special Olympics Canada to launch a fundraising and awareness building campaign in support of Canadians with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Through the month of April, Canada Safeway will be asking their shoppers to help support both Easter Seals and Special Olympics across Canada through a number of awareness campaigns.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Canadians were able to help Safeway Canada with their annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge.  Located at Safeway in downtown Vancouver, C’s mascots Bob Brown Bear, Chef Wasabi and Ms. BC Roll joined a number of local celebrities including B.C. home building icon Shell Busey to decorate a number of bright and fun umbrellas.

“Helping our neighbours living with a diverse range of abilities has long been a Safeway priority,” siad Canada Safeway President and COO Chuck Mulveena.

“When we were asked to join in this community ‘call to action’, for the Vancouver Canadians, it was for certain that we would be here to help,” added Canadians Manager, Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

Last year, over $1.6 million was raised during the annual campaign which sent hundreds of children with disabilities to Easter Seals camps and provided support for local programs offered through Special Olympics.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support a number of local businesses including Canada Safeway who are committed to making our communty a better place. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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

2013 Grant Beneficiaries Announced

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsIronPigs Charities presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, will award a total of $85,700 in cash grants to 20 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s sold-out Phillies Winter Banquet featuring 1,100 guests at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2007, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $550,000 in cash grants and $215,000 in in-kind donations to dozens of local non-profit entities.

“Without question, this is the most rewarding night of the year for our organization,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “Make no mistake; these contributions would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and business partners. We are truly humbled by the generous backing that IronPigs Charities receives and we look forward to continuing to make a tangible impact in our wonderful community.”

IronPigs-Charities-LogoOne of the annual highlights of the Winter Banquet event is the distribution of grants to local non-profit organizations. In fact, over $280,000 has been distributed at this event alone since debuting in 2008.

The 2013 beneficiaries along with a brief synopsis of their benefitting programs are listed below:

  • Allentown School District Foundation: An after-school intra-district middle school baseball program will be started in Allentown School District. At current, the Allentown School District does not have a baseball program at the middle school level. This program will allow for dozens of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to play baseball.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem: Mind, Body and Soul are the three components of the Triple Play program. The multi-faceted program is designed to help young people become healthy and active while forming new relationships.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Easton: The Triple Play program consisting of the Mind, Body & Soul components, addresses a need for low-income youth to get more structured exercise in sports, explore healthy nutrition and learn social skills.
  • Community Bike Works: Children participate in a three month “Earn a Bike” program in which they receive instruction on bike mechanics, bike safety, employment skills and business concepts. At the successful conclusion of the program they earn a bike and a helmet.
  • Easton Police Athletic League: New uniforms and equipment will be purchased for the Easton Police Athletic League’s wrestling program. This program serves 50 youth from the Easton area.
  • Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity: The Family YMCA Summer Youth Basketball League serves boys and girls ages 8 to 18. This program supports 80 youth and focuses on low income families.
  • Friends of the Allentown Parks: The Queen of the Court will give girls in the city of Allentown the opportunity to play basketball. Nearly 100 girls are expected to participate in the four week program.
  • Lehigh County Conference of Churches: The Aspires mentoring program addresses the health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Allentown School District. The IronPigs Charities grant will fund ten weeks of recreational and educational group activities.
  • Lehigh County Youth Association: LCYA serves over 100 youth who participate in a variety of sports, including baseball. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide new catchers equipment, a pitching machine, new bases as well as field maintenance equipment.
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Wildlife & Wellness Program is a nature inspired health and fitness after-school program to benefit primarily disadvantaged, school-age youth in our community.
  • Lower Macungie Youth Association: After receiving a 2012 grant for field maintenance related items, Lower Macungie Youth Association will now receive funding for a storage shed for the items that were purchased last year.
  • Mikayla’s Voice: This June, Mikayla’s Voice will be hosting a one-of-a-kind triathlon for children with and without disabilities. Children with physical disabilities will participate in all three phases of a triathlon with a little help from their friends.
  • Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Their mission is to provide an all-inclusive baseball program for children with various special needs. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide uniforms and equipment for the nearly 300 players in the league.
  • Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: Golden Dippers Ice Cream Parties will take place at the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network for children battling cancer who are hospitalized. Additionally, PCFLV will celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments with a Last Round of Chemo party.
  • Sacred Heart Hospital: An afternoon program of health and wellness will provide over 400 low-income youth with fitness activities, healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and a backpack giveaway filled with school supplies.
  • Salvation Army: The Breaking Barriers Fitness Camp will teach youngsters how to get fit, how the body works and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Each child will receive a personalized workout routine after the instructional sessions.
  • Special Olympics Lehigh County: A full course of track and field events will be setup for over 500 Special Olympics Athletes at Whitehall High School.
  • Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House will be building “Pigtown” as the fifth element of the adventure course at Camp Fowler. Throughout the year nearly 850 youth will participate in the adventure course.
  • YWCA of Bethlehem: The YWCA will give over 50 girls the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Held at Southmoore Golf Course and Wedgewood Golf Course, the young women will learn the necessary skills needed to play in tournaments throughout the area.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Charlie Manuel along with Dave Brundage (IronPigs manager), C Erik Kratz and INF Kevin Frandsen headline the sold-out 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Coca-Cola and the Lehigh Valley Health Network to be held on Thursday at the brand-new Sands Events Center in Bethlehem. Other Phillies dignitaries include Benny Looper (Asst. GM), Joe Jordan (Dir., Player Development) and Steve Noworyta (Asst. Dir., Player Development).

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  Click here to view the original story.

Staten Islanders Take the Plunge

The 5th Annual Staten Island Polar Bear Plunge was held on December 4th 2011 at the Great Kills Beach.  While the sun was shining and the temperature sat at a brisk 53 degrees, the water in the Atlantic Ocean still ran shivers down your spine.

This event was a fundraiser to raise money for the Special Olympics of New York that serves more than 30,000 athletes across all 5 New York boroughs. While the crowd varied from the youngest plunger of 11 years old, to high school participants, adults, athletes, college students and community volunteers, more than 700 people took the plunge at noon into the icy ocean.  Some participants dipped their toes in while others fully submerged and continued to splash around in the water after the initial plunge was over.

Among the participants were Jill Wright of the Staten Island Yankees who did not wear a wetsuit for fear of cheating and made sure to dive into the ocean like a true sport and supporter of the Special Olympics. While Jill was the only brave heart of the Staten Island Yankees to take the plunge, other volunteers helped take pictures, run registration, and set up and break down the event. Volunteers included: Michael Kitlas, John DeLuca, Heidi Silber, Matt Magnani, Ryan Woodley, Chris Anderson, Kerry Haley and of course, Scooter the Holy Cow.

The event was expected to raise over $100,000 and fun was had by all.

Taking the plunge, in action!
Local high schools participants along with Scooter, Plunge Bear and Chicken

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

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The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.

IronPigs Charities is presented by The Air Products Foundation. Thank you to The Air Products Foundation for their continuous support of IronPigs Charities and the Lehigh Valley community.

IronPigs Charities is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors. The Board meets four times annually (March, June, September, December). The 2011 IronPigs Charities report can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information on IronPigs Charities, please call Sarah Marten at (610) 841-1213.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation awarded 5 grants to The Special Olympics, West Dallas Community School, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, Buckner International and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco during the 2011 season.

“The RoughRiders Foundation is thrilled to award our five grants to these deserving organizations,” said Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “Each organization helps execute the RoughRiders Foundation’s mission of motivating and rewarding children and families in the areas of education, good health and community service activities.”

Each organization received a $1,000 grant from the RoughRiders Foundation to help continue its mission serving the North Dallas Community. 2011 marks the fourth year of the RoughRiders Foundation’s Grant Program and each of the five grant recipient organizations plan to use their grant in different ways.

“Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is truly grateful to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation for the generous $1,000 grant,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO. “This funding will provide much-needed support to afford the opportunity for more than 400 local SOTX athletes to compete in an eight-week softball training program, followed by the chance to compete and go for the gold!”

Each organization that received a grant also received 4 tickets to a RoughRiders game and participated in an on-field check presentation.

Non-Profit Organizations interested in applying for a grant in 2012 can visit www.ridersbseball.com/foundation or contact Michael Davidow at mdavidow@ridersbaseball.com.

(Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

Baysox Take The Plunge

The Bowie Baysox took an icy plunge today at Prince George’s Stadium after missing the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 30, due to inclement weather. The team raised more than $350 to benefit the Special Olympics Maryland for the event.

Communications Manager Tom Sedlacek did not want to disappoint everyone who contributed. “Personally, I was really excited to participate in the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge. Being from Minnesota, I felt I was up for the challenge,” Sedlacek said. “The weather may have kept me from attending on Saturday, Jan. 30, but the Baysox raised all that money to benefit the Special Olympics Maryland, and we took matters into our own hands. We created our very own bay here in Bowie.”

Baysox Communications Manager Tom Sedlacek and his assistant Rob Bartlett prepared for the Polar Bear Plunge at Prince George’s Stadium. Bartlett was responsible for making sure the water temperature in the pool matched that of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Baysox lovable mascot Louie congratulated Sedlacek for taking the plunge.

Gwinnett Braves Donate Over $150,000 to Local Non-Profits During Inaugural Season

During the Gwinnett Braves inaugural season, the team donated over $150,000 to local non-profits as a result of fundraisers completed during the team’s season. The G-Braves showcased the groups during a pre-game presentation on Saturday, September 5 when the team took on the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) at 6:00 p.m.

“Gwinnett County is known for its strong sense of community and since our team arrived, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed into this close-knit population,” said Gwinnett Braves General Manager Bruce Baldwin. “It is only right that we give back to the people that not only brought us here, but also to the people that continue to make Gwinnett County our home.”

Volunteers from Exodus Outreach, Collins Hill High School (Band Boosters, Spirit Club, Takedown Club and Lacrosse), St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus and Grayson Takedown Club worked with ARAMARK, the food and beverage provider at Gwinnett Stadium, to staff select concession stands throughout the season. In return, the groups earned a portion of that stand’s profit. Heading into the final weekend of the season the groups raised a combined $142,204.75 for their efforts.

In addition to the concession fundraiser, the Gwinnett Braves partnered with local non-profits to hold 50/50 raffles at each weekend game. Combined the 50/50 raffles resulted in over $7,000 for the following groups:
233rd Seabee Battalion
American Diabetes Association
Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends
Autism Speaks
Beta Sigma Phi
Caminar Latino
Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Restoration Network
Family Promise of Gwinnett
Foster Children’s Foundation
Gwinnett Ballet Theater
Gwinnett Choral Guild
Gwinnett County Special Olympics
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity
Gwinnett Humane Society
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation
Happy Tails
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March of Dimes
Metro Atlanta YMCA
Operation Homefront
The Hope Clinic
Toys for Tots

Every season, the Gwinnett Braves players and coaches combine to make one special gift to a local charity. This year, the team will donate the funds necessary to build a portable bocce court for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics 50/50 Raffle at Coolray Field