Wind Surge Give Back 2021

 

2021 was a year full of firsts for the Wichita Wind Surge. In addition to bringing affiliated baseball back to Wichita, the inaugural season was also an opportunity for the Wind Surge to give back to a community that has rallied so much support around the new stadium and new team. Various programs and partnerships were put in place to help support several non-profit and philanthropic organizations around the Wichita and Sedgwick County community.

Cancer Awareness Night

The first of many valuable partnerships involved the Wind Surge joining forces with Central Kansas Cancer Center and McPherson College. This alliance was aimed at raising funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. The Wind Surge designed a unique Cancer Awareness Jersey that was worn by each player during the 2021 Cancer Awareness Night at Riverfront Stadium. After the game, these game- worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We were happy to donate $4,375 to the American Cancer Society to aid in their fight to find a cure for cancer.

Schwechheimer Family Foundation

The Schwechheimer Family Foundation also made its debut during the 2021 season. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Schwechheimer Family Foundation aims to support and foster underserved community members and bring the history of Wichita baseball back to life. The corporation seeks to provide opportunities for the general public to increase their understanding of Wichita’s baseball history and community pursuits. Fundraising efforts for the foundation included a 50/50 raffle during all home games, auctioning off specialty military appreciation jerseys, and the sale of 2021 inaugural season patches which featured late managing general partner, Lou Schwechheimer.

Home Runs for Charity

During the 2021 season, Wind Surge fans also witnessed our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and League 42 in our Home Runs for Charity fundraising sponsorship. League 42 is a non-profit organization, founded in July 2013, that has a goal of ensuring that urban children can have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized leagues. Through this sponsorship, each time a Wind Surge player hit a homerun during a Wind Surge home game, Fidelity Bank and the Wind Surge would donate $100 to League 42. During the 2021 season, Fidelity Bank and the Wichita Wind Surge proudly donated $6,900 to League 42 in order to assist the organization in fulfilling their mission.

Outside the Ballpark

Our passion for giving back to the community did not stop with the end of the baseball season in late September. During the off season, many members of the Wind Surge front office continue to volunteer their time and efforts in the community. Staff have participated in many ways, including volunteering with the Kansas Food Bank, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Operation Holiday Wearhouse.

Planning for the 2022 season is well underway, and that includes the integration of community partnerships and collaboration. The 2022 season will feature many new community partnerships, and we are looking forward to continuing our mission of giving back to Wichita and surrounding communities.

To learn more about our community initiatives email Our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] Want to request a Wind Surge donation gift for your next charity event? Click here to fill out a request!

50/50 Raffle Raises over $14,000 for Hannah’s Treasure Chest

 

DAYTON, OHIO — The Dayton Dragons Foundation and Day Air Credit Union announced today that $14,303.50 will be presented to Hannah’s Treasure Chest after completion of a special holiday online 50/50 raffle. The 50/50 raffle began on November 29 and continued until December 9. A total of $28,607 was generated and was split equally between Hannah’s Treasure Chest and the lucky winner, a woman from Springboro.

“We’re thankful to have been chosen by the Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union as the charity partner in this fun, online raffle. Both organizations have proven to be committed to making the Dayton region a better place to live. This event was a perfect fit for us since all proceeds will benefit our mission of enriching the lives of local children in need. We remained open throughout the pandemic because children’s needs never stop and generous support like this when in-person fundraising isn’t an option means more children will receive the items they need to grow and thrive. That’s a home run in my book,” said Deanna Murphy, Executive Director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest.

“Day Air takes pride in supporting local organizations who share our passion for helping the community thrive,” Day Air Credit Union CEO and President, Bill Burke said. “This holiday season we’re excited to partner with the Dayton Dragons to sponsor this unique and fun opportunity for members and our community to give to Hanna’s Treasure Chest.”

Hannah’s Treasure Chest (HTC) is a local non-profit in Centerville that enriches the lives of children in need by creating care packages of clothes, toys, books, cribs, car seats, diapers, and more. They work through 70 community partners, including Homefull, YWCA, Daybreak, CareSource, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Dayton Children’s Hospital, to give children experiencing poverty the necessities required to support their dignity and to thrive. For 20 years, HTC has served over 4,000 children annually in the Dayton area. To learn more about the local charity benefitting from this 50/50 raffle, please check out www.hannahstreasure.org

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and online to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation,” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy as the most recent raffle began.

Throughout the 2021 baseball season, the Dragons conducted 50/50 raffles, raising thousands of dollars for local charities and the Dragons Foundation. The Hope Center for Families, the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Live, and Muse Machine received money from the raffle, along with the Dragons Foundation, which provides necessary funding and resources to support the countless donations, charitable giving requests, in-kind donations, unique game experiences, and community wide Dragons programs.

Hot Rods Set Up Tornado Relief Auction Online

 

Bowling Green, Kentucky–The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced the team will hold a special online auction to aid in relief efforts across South-Central Kentucky. The auction will feature many items and experiences donated from around baseball with 100% of the proceeds staying local to help the Bowling Green community rebuild.

“Our staff and stadium are fine, but just a little over a mile from the ballpark is completely devastated,” Hot Rods GM/COO Eric C. Leach said in a letter to other Minor League Baseball teams earlier this week. “Over 500 homes and 100+ businesses have been destroyed, and sadly (multiple) deaths from the storms have been confirmed. Our goal now is to serve our community in the best way possible, and this is where we need your help!“

The baseball community responded in droves to Leach’s call for action. Autographs from baseball Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Torre will be available for bidding as well as signatures from others around entertainment like Bill Murray. Others have donated things like special experiences for events and non-baseball-related items. All proceeds from the auction will stay in the community thanks to partnerships with the Stuff the Bus Foundation of Southern Kentucky and the Warren County Public Schools Synergy Relief Fund.

Those looking to bid on items can do so through the Hot Rods website over a 10-day period beginning Thursday when the auction goes live.

On Friday, December 17, Blood Assurance will be conducting a blood drive at Bowling Green Ballpark. Those who wish to donate can sign up online here. Limited spots are available.

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BGStrong

CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO GIVE AWAY 100 TURKEYS

The Charleston Dirty Birds will host a turkey giveaway to families just in time for the Christmas holiday. The event will take place at Appalachian Power Park on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 4pm.

Families in need of a turkey for the holidays are invited to stop by Appalachian Power Park on December 22nd to pick up a free turkey courtesy of the Charleston Dirty Birds, US Foods and Kroger. The event will begin at 4pm right inside the main gate at Appalachian Power Park and will end when all 100 turkeys are distributed. One turkey per household, first come first serve.

** EVENT DETAILS**

  • WHEN – Wednesday, December 22, 2021
  • WHERE – Appalachian Power Park
  • TIME – 4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

WHERE

Appalachian Power Park

TIME

4pm – all the turkeys are given away

“Kroger loves the Charleston community and is pleased to partner with the Dirty Birds to help provide a meal for those in need this holiday season” said James Menees, The Kroger Co. Corporate Affairs Manager.

“The Charleston Dirty Birds are thrilled to provide turkeys to families in need for the holiday season. We are thankful to US Foods and Kroger for their generous donation to make this possible. The Dirty Birds realize the importance of supporting the community, especially to those in need” said Mary Nixon, Vice-President of the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Opening Day for the Dirty Birds’ 2022 season is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Appalachian Power Park against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. For more information, or to shop the Dirty Birds team store, visit www.dirtybirdsbaseball.com.

Inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” to Spread Joy Around Central Massachusetts this Week

Community Award Winners Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman to join Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, and Santa in visits to charities.

WORCESTER, MA – Led by Josh Ockimey and Rich Gedman, two award-winning members of the Worcester Red Sox, the inaugural “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” will visit charities from Leominster to Leicester and from Webster to Worcester this Wednesday through Friday, December 15-17.

Ockimey, the club’s first baseman and first-ever recipient of the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” award for community service, will team up with Gedman, his Hitting Coach, who won the charity’s inaugural eponymous “Geddy” award for his kindness and contributions to the community. Joining them are Mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Last week, the WooSox were named Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion among all 120 teams in the United States and Canada.

The Caravan, funded by generous donors from our community, begins on Wednesday morning just blocks away from Polar Park in the Canal District at St. John’s Food for the Poor, where representatives of the WooSox Foundation will serve breakfast to those in need. Other stops in Worcester include Abby’s House and Why Me & Sherry’s House, which the Caravan will visit on Wednesday, and the Worcester Public Library and UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, which will be visited on Friday.

Stretching northward, the Caravan continues to Leominster on Thursday afternoon, with a visit to the Spanish American Center, which focuses on social, educational, and economic support to the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Southward, the troupe will travel to Webster, Mass. on Wednesday afternoon, to bring gifts to the talented students in Our Bright Future’s after-school program, which supports students’ academic needs and pursuits of robotics, arts and crafts, and sports. The charity is based in neighboring Southbridge, Mass.

West of Worcester, early Wednesday evening the excursion visits Leicester, site of the McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys. Partnering with Double Play Sports, home of the Junior WooSox in AAU Baseball, the visitors will bring gifts and play games with the residents of the home team.

Addressing some of the needs at the eastern end of Central Massachusetts, the Caravan will also spend time with foster families from Framingham’s Department of Children and Families in conjunction with the Wonderfund. Care packages comprising toys and books, as well as clothing and toiletries, will be presented. Assembled by Kits for Kids of Marlborough, the gifts provide fun as well as everyday essentials to the children.

“As we head into the holidays, we find joy in bringing joy to some of those in need of a smile,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who is also president of the club’s foundation. “We are thrilled that one of the stars of WooSox ’21, Josh Ockimey, is returning to his summer home to warm the hearts of children in winter. And we are delighted that our native son and WooSox Hitting Coach, beloved Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman, will bring gifts and love to these children as well. For each child, it is a moment and a memory that we hope impacts and improves their precious lives.”

Ockimey, 26, hit 15 home runs and knocked in 45 runs in only 98 games for the WooSox in 2021. The lefty slugger, who has been in the Red Sox system all eight years of his professional career, has hit 40 home runs with 102 RBI in 220 games his past two seasons in Triple-A. The Philadelphia native has consistently been among the team leaders in community appearances.

The WooSox Foundation awarded its first “Geddy Award” to the Worcester native for his devotion to baseball, commitment to the community, and kindness to all.

Smiley Ball, born on World Smile Day in 2020, pays tribute to the Smiley Face, invented in Worcester in 1963 by the late advertising executive, Harvey Ball. Woofster the WonderDog, whom Smiley Ball adopted as a rescue dog at the Worcester Animal Rescue League, debuted on National Dog Day in August of 2021.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are longtime fans, having sewn and distributed red socks throughout the world. They are most familiar with the concept of a Polar Park.

OKC Dodgers Give Back

 

From sorting holiday gift donations to playing with puppies waiting for a home, and from preparing meals for those in need to organizing donated sports equipment, members of the Oklahoma City Dodgers front office staff dispersed throughout the metro area earlier this month to assist several non-profit organizations during a day of service.

The OKC Dodgers Foundation set up a variety of volunteer opportunities that allowed Dodgers staff to give back to the community that generously supports the Triple-A baseball team. The Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Foundation provide support to 150 Oklahoma non-profit organizations throughout the year and each December, four are selected to benefit from a staff day a service.

About 30 front office staff members from the Dodgers and Professional Sports Catering recently split into small groups to assist OK City Center, City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma Humane Society and Cleats For Kids.

Click here to read the rest of this article on the digital publication _Beyond the Bricks_.

Cutters Donate to American Rescue Workers

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters recently presented the American Rescue Workers with a check for $4,737.88, representing the proceeds from the team’s 50/50 raffles during from the 2021 season. The Crosscutters 50/50 raffle is presented by The Pitch In Charitable Foundation, a non-profit foundation of professional baseball teams.

This represents the fifth straight season that the team has donated it’s 50/50 proceeds to the American Rescue Workers. Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The American Rescue Workers is a great organization, run by great people, doing great work. We know that the donated funds are put to good use, helping the most vulnerable in our population in their time of need.”

In the past five seasons, the Williamsport Crosscutters have donated over $31,000 to ARW through the foundation’s 50/50 raffle.

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Shown in the check presentation photo from left are; Cutters Vice President General Manager Doug Estes, ARW Business Administrator Dawn Astin, ARW Executive Director Sam Astin and Cutters Vice President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE WORKERS: American Rescue Workers (ARW) is a faith based non-profit organization providing hunger and homelessness prevention services in Lycoming County since 1934. ARW cares holistically for men, women, and children who find themselves in an emergency situation or a homeless crisis by providing shelter and social services. The Williamsport American Rescue Workers is a part of the national ARW organization whose headquarters is also located in Williamsport.

Annually, ARW provides shelter to over 1,100 homeless men, women and children. 76,000 meals are served to shelter residents as well. A 3-day emergency supply of groceries is distributed to over 1,000 families per month and over $350,000 in emergency rental and utility assistance is given out to help keep families in their homes and from avoiding the homeless crisis. American Rescue Workers helps members of the community reach self-sufficiency through work programs, shelter, food, case management, and spiritual guidance.

American Rescue Workers operates 10 Thrift Stores across Central Pennsylvania, the Social Service Center, three shelters for men, women, and children, and American Rescue Workers Community Church.

ARW is primarily funded through the resale and recycling of donated goods in our 10 Thrift Store locations. Other critical annual funding comes from grants, as well as generous foundation, individual, and corporate donors.

Minor League Baseball Announces 2021 CommUNITY Champion WooSox Capture Coveted Award from MiLB

NEW YORK CITY, Dec. 6, 2021 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the Worcester Red Sox as their 2021 CommUNITY Champion Award winner. Nominees from each league were selected by their peers and were candidates for the overall award.

(Left to Right) Dan Rea, WooSox Executive VP & GM, team President Dr. Charles Steinberg, and Brooke Cooper, Vice President Marketing, after the WooSox received Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion Award during the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL.

CommUNITY Champion Award – Worcester Red Sox (Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox)

In their inaugural season in Worcester, the Worcester Red Sox took every opportunity available to become a valued member of their new community. Whether they were hosting baseball clinics for children, building awareness for charities or providing scholarship opportunities, the WooSox always went above and beyond.

Since the announcement in August 2018 that the Worcester Red Sox were moving to Polar Park, the valuable perspective of fans and community leaders has been instrumental in shaping the franchise’s goals and values. The WooSox show their appreciation for those in their community on a nightly basis, using pregame ceremonies like “Hometown Hero,” “Heart of Worcester” and the ceremonial first pitch to recognize and honor the contributions of community leaders and unsung heroes.

Their nightly “In Debt to a Vet” promotion honors the sacrifice and bravery of local veterans, and all fans are invited onto the playing field following Saturday and Sunday games to enjoy the Polar Park experience with a game of catch or running the bases with friends and family.

In celebration of the diverse identities and cultures of the City of Worcester, the team introduced “Los Wepas de Worcester” in 2021 and highlighted a different Spanish-speaking country in each of the Copa de la Diversion games. From Mexico to Puerto Rico to El Salvador, Polar Park transformed into a hub of that country’s local culture, music and food during “Los Wepas” games. Hispanic and Latinx leaders were honored in pregame ceremonies, the national anthem of the featured country was performed, local vendors were invited to sell their food at concession stands and the on-field “Worcester Red Sox” jerseys were replaced by “Los Wepas de Worcester” jerseys, with “Wepas” being a Spanish expression of excitement.

In an effort to strengthen the organization’s spirit of empathy and inclusion and create a clearer understanding of how they can make baseball more inclusive and celebratory of differences, the club played host to several events throughout the season. In July, the WooSox hosted “Autism Acceptance Night,” where the volume of public address announcements and music was turned down across the ballpark to reduce stimulation and highlighted Polar Park’s Unum Sensory Room, which offers a quiet space for fans to take a break on the comfortable couches, borrow noise-reduction headphones and play with kinetic sand, fidget spinners and coloring books. In August, “Peanut Allergy-Friendly Nights” were introduced to allow a safe, stress-free experience for fans with peanut allergies to enjoy a game at Polar Park, and in September “Deaf Awareness Night” included an interpreter on the videoboard to communicate pregame ceremonies, in-game promotions and PA announcements.

The WooSox took advantage of the extended season by supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and “Going Gold” in September 2021. The WooSox put the spotlight on children, families and heroes who are helping to conquer cancer. Dressed in gold, children and families in the battle as well as their nurses and doctors gathered in center field in the shape of a ribbon as fans raised gold signs from the stands to honor loved ones who are currently in, or have lost, their battle with cancer. In their inaugural season, the team and the WooSox Foundation collectively donated over $50,000 to UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, which works to treat and cure cancer and provide resources and comfort.

The WooSox Foundation also launched the “WooSox Scholars” Program to provide college scholarships to ensure young students’ dreams of education are funded. In July 2021, four Worcester Public Schools eighth graders stepped onto the field in front of a crowd of cheering fans and were presented with various gifts from the team and a certificate honoring their achievement. The WooSox have already invested $40,000 into the college funds of local students in just one season.

The WooSox introduced the “WooSox Book Nook” in the Worcester Public Library — a collection of baseball-themed books donated by WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg and WooSox Chairman of the Board Larry Lucchino. The Book Nook provides young readers a chance to learn the history of baseball and the power of sports in community while developing their reading skills.

“We are so happy, so proud, and so grateful to so many for recognizing the special bond between the Worcester Red Sox and the Greater Worcester community,” said Worcester Red Sox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Larry Lucchino has established charitable foundations with every franchise he has led, and he has committed that we would be active participants in the community; we are thrilled to honor that commitment. In particular, our thanks go to the leaders and the residents of ‘The Heart of the Commonwealth.’ Their compassion and excitement inspire these synergistic collaborations. May this year, our rookie year, only be the beginning.”

Blue Wahoos Partner To Help Provide Holiday Meals For Those In Greatest Need 

 

A volunteer enthusiastically greeted Angie Ishee, the executive vice president of the Waterfront Rescue Mission, while she stood on the sidewalk entrance to Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“This kicks off a right kind of Thanksgiving, doesn’t it?” Ishee said.

A nod of approval became the common theme.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos played a significant role in helping feed thousands of needy people on Thanksgiving Day as part of the facility’s “Feeding Of The 5,000” quest.

After executive chef Travis Wilson and sous chef Carl Sackman prepared more than 50 turkeys, a team of volunteers worked Thanksgiving Day morning to add complete dinner meals, then box the food into Styrofoam containers for delivery into the community.

“This is basically using our resources for the greater good,” Wilson said. “We have the high powered ovens, we have the space to do this. It is the least we can do to help.”

The stadium’s Better Homes & Garden Lounge became staging area for a unified effort to help people in need throughout the Pensacola area.

The initial efforts for Thanksgiving may be followed with help for Christmas meals that Waterfront Rescue Mission provides.

“It is a massive undertaking,” Ishee said. “The Blue Wahoos have been wonderful. This (stadium) provide a central location for our team of volunteers to come day and get the food prepared, loaded and sent out to places we are serving.”

It was the 72nd year that Pensacola’s Waterfront Rescue Mission has provided Thanksgiving meals to homeless, elderly shut-in people and others within the community in need.

The facility has done it with partnership of the Appleyard Agency. Company president Dick Appleyard said he got involved 35 or 40 years ago while his father, John Appleyard, was the company CEO and has stayed actively involved every year.

“I was part of trying to solve the problem,” Dick Appleyard said. “We knew the problem then and now the problem is front and center in the community.

“These guys at Waterfront Mission have been doing this now for nearly 75 years. They know their stuff. And at the end of the day, they are going to be part of the solution to help alleviate this problem of homelessness.”

Sackman said the Blue Wahoos kitchen area and the massive ovens enabled them to cook 41 turkeys at once.

“With turkeys, especially since they come frozen, thawing them is always what takes the longest,” said “When you have so many big turkeys together, they are basically giant ice cubes, so it keeps each one more frozen. These were all together.

“It takes over a week to thaw them out effectively.”

In 2020, Sackman and Wilson combined efforts to create takeout holiday meals the Blue Wahoos provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It enabled people to pre-order their family dinners, then pick up the food before each holiday.

“This time, they approached us and asked for our help and we said, sure we can make some turkeys,” Wilson said. “We have the space here to do things like this and the amount of ovens to use.”

All of the food and costs were donated. Appleyard said the plan will be to follow suit for Christmas meals.

“(Blue Wahoos) were a godsend to us,” he said. “The facility can be used for so many things. It is so fantastic.

Aces to make toy donations to seven charities ahead of holiday season

 

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces, in partnership with JAKKS Pacific, will make toy donations to seven different local charities ahead of the holiday season. Washoe County Toys for Tots, Lithia Hyundai, Ashlee’s Toy Closet, Reno Rodeo Foundation, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Tahoe Truckee Toys for Tots and Washoe County Sheriff will all receive toys for wider distribution in the Northern Nevada area and beyond.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of such a generous gift from our friends at JAKKS Pacific.,” Aces president Eric Edelstein said. “Their generosity will again be felt through the Northern Nevada community and we are proud to make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate.”

JAKKS Pacific Co-Founder and CEO Stephen Berman and Aces owner Herb Simon have been longtime friends, partnering for over a decade to make toy donations. The partnership has led to thousands of toys being donated to various charities in both Nevada and Central Indiana.

The first donation is tomorrow, November 30, benefitting Washoe County Toys for Tots. Lithia Hyundai and the Washoe County Sheriff will both be on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and Ashlee’s Toy Closet will be Saturday, Dec. 4. Monday, Dec. 13 will see toys donated to the Reno Rodeo Foundation, and the donations will conclude on December 17 with Greater Nevada Credit Union.

Greene Donates Thousands of New Cleats to Youth Players

 

LOS ANGELES – Louisville Bats star pitcher Hunter Greene gave away 3,000 pairs of new baseball cleats (each valued around $100) to local kids and high school baseball players near his hometown in Los Angeles.

“I’m doing this because I have the platform to be able to give back,” Greene told CBS LA on Saturday (Nov. 27). “It’s important to spread the love, be able to provide kids with the best resources, the best equipment… Especially with the pandemic and COVID last year, it was really hard for families to put their money together and get the best of the best for their children. If I can help with that and make the kids feel special, that’s the ultimate goal. And I’m happy and proud to do that.”

View the full story/video here:

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/11/27/baseball-pitcher-hunter-greene-gives-away-thousands-of-cleats-to-kids-in-pacoima

Greene also previously donated new baseball equipment to the Kentucky Diamonds (a youth baseball program which provides sports opportunities for youth minorities who may otherwise be unable to afford them) in a postgame ceremony at Louisville Slugger Field in September. The baseball club publicly thanked Greene in a Facebook post here:

https://www.facebook.com/KYDiamondsBaseball/posts/939467600116670

Greene made his Triple-A debut with the Bats in 2021, finishing 5-8 with a 4.13 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 14 starts. He is currently ranked by MLB.com as the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 1 overall prospect.

Michigan Baseball Foundation Grant Application Available December 1st

 

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is proud to announce the opening of the 2022 Grant Application on December 1st, 2021. Grants are available for registered 501c3 organizations that focus on youth-related activities or economic development. Applications must be for specific projects or initiatives the organization is undertaking in 2022 and not for general operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac, and Iosco counties. The application will close on February 18th, 2022.

This is the first time the Michigan Baseball Foundation is soliciting grant requests since the 2019 grant cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by ticket sales to Great Lakes Loons games, 50/50 raffle sales during Loons games, and direct contributions to the foundation. Grants for the 2022 cycle have been made possible by the Great Lakes Bay Region’s strong support of the Loons in their return to the field in 2021 following the cancelation of the 2020 season.

Grant applications can be completed online: http://michiganbaseballfoundation.org/grants/. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via the website, before Feb. 18**th**, 2022.

MBF has awarded 327 grants totaling $1,224,647 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past twelve grant cycles. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2022. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer grants from the Michigan Baseball Foundation once again in 2022,” stated Mike Hayes, Chair of the MBF Grants Committee. “MBF and the Great Lakes Loons were established in 2006 with goals of supporting youth-focused non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region and promoting economic development and prosperity in the region. We’re grateful for the support the Loons received in their return to play last summer and we’re excited to support the region in return through the grant process. These grants are a significant step forward in achieving our goals of leaving our region a better place than we found it.”

For more information contact Jessica Gillespie at 989.837.6144 or [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $65,000 in 2021

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Via the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 Raffle, Whataburger Field patrons donated $64,840 to seven Coastal Bend organizations during Hooks games this past season.

USO South Texas, Amos Rehabilitation Keep, Mosaic Project of South Texas, Je’Sani Smith Foundation, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association were beneficiaries of the 2021 50/50 raffle.

“Thank you Hooks fans for joining us at the ballpark and helping out these great causes,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “We were excited to bring the Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle to Whataburger Field, and it’s become a highlight of the gameday experience.

“Our partners, members and fans have stepped up during these challenging times. We are incredibly grateful for their support and, during this week of Thanksgiving, want affirm our commitment of being an active and positive participant in the community.”

USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country. Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island. The Mosaic Project of South Texas remembers victims of hate crimes and violence, and advocates for the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans. The mission of the Je’Sani Smith Foundation is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety, rip currents and other coastal hazards.

Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment. The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations.

Patriots Announce Tropical Storm Ida Relief Donations

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced the recipients of the team’s fundraising efforts to assist those affected by the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

$35,000 was raised by the team through an online auction, ballpark 50-50 raffles, and a donation match by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“First we need to thank everyone that donated to our efforts, whether that was items for the auction or monetarily,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “They helped us raise a significant amount of money that was matched by our very generous ownership and the dealerships.”

The money raised through the Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation was earmarked to assist with recovery efforts for Central New Jersey residents and businesses.

The selected recipients of the fundraising efforts were:

The Food Bank Network of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Sparkee, Gordon White, President of the Board of Directors; Steve Katz, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle.

  • The donation will help distribute food and provide other basic human needs to those in Somerset County affected by the flooding and destruction caused by Ida.

Greater Somerset County YMCA: DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Patrick McVerry, David Carcieri, President/CEO; Sparkee.

  • The donation will assist families and children through social programs designed to help them stay healthy and strong, as well as provide financial assistance to those displaced, underprivileged, or in need due to the impact of the storm.

The ARC of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Jill Glassman, Director of Early Childhood Services; Chris Corvino, Associate Executive Director; Lauren Frary, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle, Jen Prior, Sparkee.

  • The donation will help the organization assist those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families that were affected by the flooding and damage from the storm.

Somerset Health Care Foundation: DONATE

(L to R): Jessica Ust, Director of Development; Sparky Lyle, Donna Castronovo, Vice President, Foundation and Development; Sparkee, Patrick McVerry, Patrick Delaney, Chief Operating Officer at RWJUH Somerset.

  • The donation will be used to help displaced health care workers and hospital support staff due to the flooding and assist with their needs during the recovery.

Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290 (Manville): DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Andy Henkel, Commander; Patrick McVerry, Sparkee.

  • The donation will be used to assist with the cost of shelter operations and aid the victims directly to help get back into their homes.

Checks were personally delivered on Monday, November 22nd and Tuesday, November 23rd by McVerry, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle, and Sparkee the Mascot.

“You really couldn’t ask for a better time to give than Thanksgiving week,” said Lyle. “To be able to say thank you to our friends doing such important work to help our community felt really good. And while the devastation to the area put a spotlight on their efforts, it’s really something they do all year long and deserves to be recognized.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit:

www.somersetpatriots.com.

Patriots, Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton Continue Tradition Of Giving With Donation Of Holiday Meals For Local Families

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey– The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, along with Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are donating holiday meals and personal care items to local families through the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the Flemington Area Food Pantry.

The donation for Somerset County residents was made at the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s main warehouse in Bound Brook on Friday, November 19th. Jonathan Kalafer and his son Broden were joined by Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry, team mascot Sparkee, County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Douglas Singleterry and the President of the Board of Directors of the Somerset County Food Bank Network, Gordon White.

“Anybody who is in need, or has ever been in need, the first thing people think of is ‘what am I going to eat tonight,’” said White. “It’s not ‘do I pay the rent or do I go to a doctor?’ It’s how do I feed myself and how am I going to feed my family. If we can’t meet that first level of support, people don’t have the will or the energy or the mental stamina to devote to anything else.”

The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in the community in a manner which recognizes and advances self-worth and human dignity. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is incorporated as a charitable, not-for-profit organization. The majority of their food and funding are donations provided by individuals, families, philanthropic organizations, businesses and corporations of all sizes. For more information, or to make a food or monetary donation, please visit somersetfoodbank.org.

“Donations this time of year are important to the fabric of what makes family and communities a community,” said Commissioner Director Robinson. “That we are all working together to make sure that we are all made whole and that we have a great time with our family and friends, but more importantly, there’s nothing else that matters when you are coming together with family than coming to break bread.”

Added Commissioner Singleterry, “This has been a tough time for a lot of people, and I applaud the work that the Food Bank does, and all the people that support the Food Bank, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. This is really helping a lot of people out and the work they do is appreciated.”

Giving back to the community is an important tradition for the Kalafer family and the businesses they own and operate.

“This was a core value that my father built his businesses on. I have heard countless stories of his generosity over the years and feel blessed to have learned the importance of community from him,” said Jonathan Kalafer.

Steve Kalafer passed away in April from a battle with cancer. That tradition of giving back continues on to the next generation of the Kalafer family as Jonathan’s 13-year-old son, Broden, lent a hand.

“I am very proud of Broden. He created a charitable initiative called ‘Hearts to Help’ as part of the process when he was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah last year. Even though the service requirement for his Bar Mitzvah is over, he has decided to continue on with it,” said Jonathan Kalafer. “He has added personal care items to the families holiday meals through his personal fundraising and money he earned working at a hair salon on the weekends. It is hard doing this without our dad this year, but I know he would be so proud to see Broden here.”

The Kalafers and Sparkee also visited the Flemington Food Pantry to make the donation for Hunterdon County residents to Executive Director, Jeannine Gorman. In addition to the donation, they also received a bag full of gift cards donated by associates and staff from the Kalafer businesses who wished to participate in the effort.

“We never had a clue of how many people would show up to our door, but we have faith that no matter how many people there are, that we have the support of the community to have everything we need in order to ensure people have the food that they need for their families,” said Gorman. “For us, having strong partners like the Kalafer family and their businesses is absolutely critical to everything that we do.”

Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard and Committeeman Jeff Kuhl were in attendance for the presentation.

“It’s so great to see a family like the Kalafer family, now third generation here, that Steve taught them so well,” Committeeman Kuhl said. “They always want to give back to the community that they serve. The Somerset Patriots and Flemington Car and Truck Country are great for the community and so is the Kalafer family.”

The Flemington Area Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to needy Hunterdon County families regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. The Flemington Area Food Pantry depends on the generosity of the Hunterdon County community for its very existence. Without donations of food and funds, the Pantry would not exist. More than 80% of Pantry in- come is derived from contributions of cash and groceries. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit flemingtonfoodpantry.org.

“We know these donations will help feed families and bring some joy to those in need,” said Josh Kalafer, Co-Owner of Flemington Car & Truck Country and Clinton Honda, Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover Princeton, and Co-Chairman of the Patriots. “It’s a way for our family, team, and dealerships to do good in our community during a time when it is very much needed. It is how our businesses have always operated under my father’s guidance and they will continue to do so long into the future.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

About Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton

Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are Authorized Automotive Sales, Service and Parts Dealerships serving Hunterdon and other surrounding New Jersey and Pennsylvania counties since 1976. They have locations on Routes 202, 31, 22 and 206. For more information, please visit Flemington.com, ClintonHonda.com, or JLRPrinceton.com.