Supporting the Community

Legends in the Community: Big L is busy

September 25, 2014

Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.

This time of year is sometimes called the “off-season” in minor league baseball, and though the Lexington Legends 2014 season is over, it’s anything but time off for the Legends’ Big L.

Big L has appearances planned in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8, in addition to events in the Lexington area. He and other staff members will represent the Legends at the following locations through October 9:

Wednesday, October 1 – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Anti-bullying rally at Madison Middle School, 101 Summit Street, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 8 – 7:15 a.m. Big L will help Lexington’s Ashland Elementary School celebrate International Walk to School Day, on which students are encouraged to walk or bike to school as a means of promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment and attention to safety.

Wednesday, October 8 – 1-1:30 p.m. Big L and Pee Wee will appear at a Project Fit America event presented by Baptist Health Corbin at Lynn Camp Elementary School, 366 N. Ky. 830, Corbin.

Thursday, October 9 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Health Fair Party, Leestown Middle School, 2010 Leestown Road, Lexington.

“The off season is an exciting time for the Legends, as it provides us the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of events throughout Central Kentucky allows the Legends and Big L to assist in fun ways to bring attention to important issues and organizations. We love this time of year!”

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

Hooks Earn Community Service Nomination

September 25, 2014

The Hooks have earned the Texas League’s nomination for the John H. Moss Community Service Award, presented annually to a minor league team for its commitment to charitable service and support within the community and baseball industry.

In 2014, the Hooks continued their long-standing community initiatives and took on new initiatives. Whataburger Youth Sports Day stood out as the newest addition. At every April and May Sunday game, youth baseball leagues from around South Texas received free game tickets and participated in a pre-game parade around the warning track. Over 4,100 tickets were distributed among eight organizations.

Some of the longer running programs that continued in 2014 included the Get Hooked on Reading program, the Stripes Diamond and the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.

“One of the telling indicators of a club’s successful integration in their community is their commitment to good works,” Texas League President Tom Kayser said. “The breadth of the Hooks giving in the greater Corpus Christi area is stunning. With the willing cooperation of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have long been known to involve their players in a wide range of wonderful causes. Additionally, the Hooks and their staff have worked with a variety of causes, organizations and institutions that has resulted in wide ranging benefits to untold numbers of area residents.”

The team’s oldest initiative is the Get Hooked on Reading program, started in 2004 and sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, which encourages children in grades one through eight to read during the summer months. The Stripes Diamond gives youth teams a chance to play at Whataburger Field. Located beyond the center field fence, the diamond has hosted over 540 squads, including 36 in 2014.

The largest off-field baseball event in the Coastal Bend, the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet serves as the unofficial “first pitch” to high school baseball each winter. The event features recognition for high school baseball and softball players, college baseball players, pros and a lifetime achievement award recipient. Growing year after year, the annual dinner attracted over 700 attendees in 2014.

In addition to these community projects, the Hooks also participate in several fundraisers throughout the year, including AT&T Shirt off the Back Night and the Grande Grand Prize Game.

Shirt off the Back Night takes place during the final homestand of each season and postgame player jerseys are raffled off to fans, who receive one ticket upon entry with the opportunity to purchase more. The money raised from additional raffle ticket purchases is then distributed to a non-profit organization.

The Grand Prize Game, sponsored by Grande Communications, occurs once a month during the season. By purchasing a baseball for one dollar, fans have a chance to win or share $1,000 if they can chuck the ball into a wine barrel from the stands. Like Shirt off the Back Night, proceeds from this promotion also benefit a non-profit.

Each minor league may nominate one of its teams for the award and the nominees are then reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee, with recommendations being presented to MiLB senior management for a final decision.

The community service award’s namesake, John H. Moss, founded the South Atlantic League in 1957 and served as its president for 50 years. The Grand Junction Rockies earned the inaugural honor last season.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Kernels season-long charity partners raise over $35,000

September 23, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels partnered with three local companies during the 2014 season to raise over $35,000 for local charities through three different season-long promotions.

For the fifth consecutive season, The Transamerica Foundation has sponsored K’s for Kids, where for every strikeout (or K) recorded by Kernels pitchers this season (home and away, plus playoff games) Transamerica donated $25 to Kids First Law Center for Childr en of Divorce. This season, Kernel pitchers struck out 1,188 batters for a grand total of $29,700 for Kids First. This is the fifth consecutive season that Transamerica has sponsored the K’s for Kids promotion and the highest pledge total to date.

“At Transamerica, we believe in supporting the communities in which we work and live. Since 1994, the Aegon Transamerica Foundation, through a combination of financial grants and the volunteer commitment of our employees, has supported a wide variety of non-profit organizations focused on the education, health and the well-being of community members” said Terrie Rethamel, VP of Specialized Operations with Transamerica. “Our $25 donation for every strikeout pitched by the Cedar Rapids Kernels supports the good work of the Kids First Law Center as they help children and their families through difficult circumstances. We appreciate all that they do to assist families, and consequently, our entire community.”

CarePro Health Services sponsored Plating for Plates, where for every run scored by the Kernels (home and away plus playoffs) CarePro donated $5 to Horizons Meals On Wheels, a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to local homebound citizens. This season, the Kernels scored 643 runs and that means that CarePro Health Services donated $3,215 or 643 plates of food, to Meals on Wheels. This is the seventh consecutive season that CarePro Health Services has sponsored Plating for Plates.

“It has been a privilege for CarePro Health Services to support the Horizons Meals on Wheels program over the past seven Kernels seasons” said Chris Nichols, Marketing Director at CarePro Health Services. “The Plating for Plates program has been a fun way to be able to support the community and has provided thousands of meals to area community members.”

For the fourth consecutive season, Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc. and West Bend Insurance have partnered to make a donation to Junior Achievement for every home run the Kernels hit at Perfect Game Field this season. In 2014, the Kernels hit 42 home runs and Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donated $2,500 to Junior Achievement.

“One of our fundamental philosophies at Millhiser Smith is to reciprocate the support we receive from Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities – this is why we chose to support Junior Achievement” said Jessica Rhatigan, Risk Consultant with Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc.. “Their focus is on educating our children in preparation for a successful future and we’ve been honored to contribute to their efforts.”

These three companies combined to raise $35,415 for local non-profits in our community this season. The Kernels would like to thank The Transamerica Foundation, CarePro Health Services, Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc. and West Bend Insurance for their continued support of these local charity programs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Timber Rattlers win Midwest League Community Service Award

September 19, 2014

Brewers affiliate is up for National John H. Moss Award

Members of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers joined The Miracle League of the Fox Valley on July 14, 2014. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have been named as the recipients of the Midwest League’s 2014 community service award. The league award means that the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate has been nominated for the national John H. Moss Award.

The Timber Rattlers are in a pool of nominees that includes teams from other participating leagues in the National Association of Professional Baseball League. The John H. Moss Award will be presented at the 2014 Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego on Sunday, December 7. The Moss Award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.

“We measure our success in ways that go beyond wins and attendance,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “I am extremely proud of our front office for all of their hard work and dedication to giving back to our community. We also appreciate the Brewers support and encouragement of the players to be involved in this area. To win this award was truly a team effort.”

Charitable initiatives undertaken by the Timber Rattlers include: Fang’s Reading Program, a school-based program that provides children from kindergarten through fifth grade with incentives to reach reading goals; The annual Golf Outing that supports Miracle League of the Fox Valley, an organization for children with cognitive or physical disabilities; Ballpark Community Garden, a vegetable garden on the stadium grounds which sends the produce to St. Joseph’s Food Program; and STEM in Sports, a partnership with Time Warner Cable to use baseball to help introduce science, technology, engineering, and math to area schoolchildren.

The Timber Rattlers have also worked with Coats for Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Strike Out Cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and many other local and national charities.

The John H. Moss 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.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

September 18, 2014

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

Grand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, 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.

HR for Heroes Raises $34,000 In 2014

September 17, 2014

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

OceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

In six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief	First	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council	Second	6	$6,000
ARMS	Third	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund	Fourth	2	$2,000
American Red Cross	Fifth	1	$1,000
Navy Marine Corp Relief Society	Sixth	5	$5,000
Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME!	Seventh	6	$6,000
Vetwork	Eighth	0	$1,000
Catholic Charities	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

For more information on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

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

Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

September 12, 2014

The Rome Braves & Floyd County Police Department announce the Sixth Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament on Friday, November 14, 2014, at beautiful Barnsley Gardens Resort. The course, by Jim Fazio, is one of the most popular courses in the Southeast. The tournament is set in a scramble format with a shotgun start at 11am and will feature current and former Rome and Atlanta Braves greats. A Par three hole will be deemed the Celebrity Shootout hole where a team can invite a celebrity to take a shot. Competing teams have the opportunity to purchase an extra shot at the Par 3 hole for the celebrity to hit a shot off the tee. This annual golf tournament has donated a total of over $50,000 to local and National charities.

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Summit Quest Cancer Support Services. Since 2007, Summit Quest has been dedicated to providing support services and meeting the needs of those affected by cancer through various means: Circle at the Summit (a youth focused support group for children ages 6-17 who are facing cancer directly or who have a parent or loved one affected by the disease), Outdoor Adventure Trips, Youth Cycling Programs, and Team Tiger Flight. “All of us at Summit Quest Cancer Support Services are so very thankful to be the beneficiary of this year’s Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament. The support from this amazing event will allow Summit Quest to continue meeting our mission of providing strength, hope, and service to children & families affected by cancer,” said Founder & Executive Director, William James.

“The Floyd County Police Department is proud to join the Rome Braves in co-sponsoring the event,” says FCPD Chief Bill Shiflett. “We pledge to make this year’s tournament the best to support such a worthy cause and gratefully ask all past and present players to join in on a great day of golf to assist families that have been affected by cancer.” Rome Braves General Manager, Michael Dunn, added, “We are very excited to partner this year with Summit Quest. We hope that through this tournament we can help further their mission of supporting children & their families in Northwest Georgia who have been stricken by cancer.”

Team fees are $450 and include lunch, a goody bag, and raffle tickets. Individual golfers can register for $150 each. Hole sponsorships are available for local businesses and individuals to show their support as well.

Click here to download a registration form now or call 706-378-5100 for more details.

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

Sky Sox support National Developmental Disability Awareness Month

September 12, 2014

Jon Eddy emcees 2nd Annual Achieve with us. Colorado Film Festival

ColoradoSpringsSkySox_2014-03-12 — Jon Eddy, the director of marketing and promotions for Sky Sox baseball, emcees the 2nd Annual Achieve with us. Colorado Film Festival. The event was hosted by The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region and The Arc of Colorado to help raise awareness of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

In honor of National Developmental Disability Awareness Month, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox continued their support of local charitable organizations last week.

At the Stargazers Theatre, Sky Sox Director of Marketing and Promotions Jon Eddy emceed the 2nd Annual Achieve with us. Colorado Film Festival hosted by The Arc of Pikes Peak Region and The Arc of Colorado. The festival featured 15 short films written by, starring or produced by people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from the state of Colorado, as well as the entire United States.

Eddy, who has emceed the event both years, has a personal connection to supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and is extremely supportive of the cause.

“My sister has a disability on the Autism spectrum, Aspergers (syndrome), so this is something I really care about,” Eddy said. “This whole film fest is geared around showing these people can be, and are, astounding in some ways that you and I aren’t. It’s overwhelming.”

Eddy’s sister is currently a teacher of young children in a suburb of New York and found a way to make her disadvantage an advantage by being able to connect so well with children of younger ages.

“The idea (of the festival) is to help educate the community about intellectual and developmental disabilities and to celebrate their achievements,” said Christina Butero, guardianship director of The ARC of Pikes Peak Region. “Our partnership with Sky Sox stems from the ARC Thrift (Stores) and Jon just became a champion of what we’ve been doing because of his sister, and he knows how difficult it is to be accepted in our society.”

Butero said ARC tries to partner with lots of different organizations to help try and build awareness and help create jobs for people with disabilities.

During the festival, Eddy enjoyed all the films, but particularly enjoyed “Pretty Girls” and “Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham – The Story”.

“Pretty Girls” is a short film by 14-year-old Jack Williams and is shot like all his films – with his phone. Jack was functionally nonverbal until he was nine years old when he started shooting videos which have helped him capture the world from his point of view. His films have gone on to win numerous of local and national awards.

“Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham – The Story” is about Aaron Fotheringham, a wheelchair motocross athlete from Las Vegas. He was born with Spina Bifida and has no usage of his legs. Spina Bifida is a birth defect of the spinal cord. Fotheringham has been doing extreme tricks the past several years and has traveled with the Nitro Circus led by world-famous motorsports performer Travis Pastrana.

Included in the festival is a movement that has made national news in the past few years, which is to stop saying the R-word – ‘retard(ed).’ Since the word is offensive and derogatory to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, the festival gave attendees an opportunity to pledge against the word.

Jack and Aaron are just two of many examples of people with disabilities succeeding despite their “disadvantages,” and continue to inspire people all over the country and world.

“It was an emotional night for all involved,” Eddy said. “I’m overwhelmed by the work that The Arc is doing in Colorado, and proud of the continued partnership between The Arc and The Sky Sox.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Register Now for Braves Miracle Field of Rome

September 9, 2014

Registration for the Braves Miracle field of Rome has begun and will continue until September 26th through Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority. The registration fee is still $50 per player, however, there are scholarship opportunities for interested families.

A pre-season practice will be October 4th at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Uniforms will be distributed at this time. The season will open on Saturday October 11th with games at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, & 2:30pm. A break will take place on October 18th and play resumes October 25th. Starting October 25th, games will move back to 11am, 12pm, & 1pm for the remainder of the season through November 15th.

For more information contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5100 or the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority.

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

Bring school supplies Friday for free ticket

August 25, 2014

Intimidators teaming up with Walmart for Back to School Night

The Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with Walmart to host Back to School Night on Friday, Aug. 29, featuring a school tools donation. Fans that donate three (3) school supplies at the Box Office will receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

School supplies will be donated to Communities in Schools North Carolina. The Intimidators are proud to team up with Walmart for this promotion. Area Walmart stores are encouraging customers to “Build A Backpack” for elementary, middle and high school students as the new school year gets underway. Items collected through this drive will then be distributed to public school students in need.

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

Gwinnett Braves Announce July Grant Recipient

August 22, 2014

HOOAH, Inc. receives $1,000 “Red, White and Blue” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of July. HOOAH, Inc. has been awarded July’s “Red, White and Blue” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support military and military families.

HOOAH, Inc. began with a group of friends trying to do something for servicemen and women around the world. On May 18, 2011, the chapter became an official non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. The organization is not bound to one geographical area, as its outreach is worldwide.

The goal of HOOAH, Inc. is to lend support to deployed special operations servicemen and women. The Georgia chapter of HOOAH will use the grant to fund youth sports scholarships for children who have one or more parents that are currently deployed. The scholarships help those families cover the cost of program fees and uniforms for their youth athletes.

“We are honored that the Gwinnett Braves have selected our organization to be the recipient of this charitable donation,” said Bill Winans, Vice President of the National Board of Directors for HOOAH, Inc. “HOOAH is dedicated to increasing the quality of life of service members and their families through the various services we can provide to them. This donation is designated to provide funds to a youth sports related team whose youth member(s) is currently experiencing or has been affected through the sacrifice of a deployed parent. We thank you for trusting us with the charge of making that appropriation through our affiliation within the military community. The $1,000 grant will go a long way towards making participation a reality, or perhaps by providing first rate sponsorship shirts and ball caps for the chosen team(s).”

About HOOAH, Inc.: The organization has been around for over three years and is based in Elk River, Minnesota. There are five supporting chapters, located in Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas and Wisconsin. The vision of the organization is to give volunteers and the public an opportunity to help our servicemen and women with customized support and services.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins at 678-277-0313 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series event, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

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

Silver Hawks Recognize Local Heroes

August 15, 2014

Sunday, August 17th is Fallen Heroes Day at Four Winds Field presented by Midland Engineering. Each year your Silver Hawks pay tribute to police, fire and EMS workers for their extraordinary community service. Tickets to Sunday’s game are buy one get one free for police, fire and EMS workers. Must present an ID or badge at the Four Winds Field Box Office to purchase tickets.

In addition to recognizing all local responders, one Silver Hawks’ player will also be honored with the Corporal Paul Deguch Community Service Award for the 14th year. The award is named after Paul Deguch, a former South Bend police officer, killed in the line of duty in 1997. The Silver Hawks’ player who demonstrated outstanding community service throughout the course of the season will be presented with the award during pre-game activities on Sunday.

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

August 20 dubbed “Artie T. Party” for MB Family

August 13, 2014

Team to show support for Market Basket associates with pre-game rally, special ticket price

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, announced their home game on Wednesday, August 20 against the Connecticut Tigers will be dubbed the “Artie T. Party,” to support the Market Basket family within our community.

The evening will include a number of activities and events geared towards Market Basket employees and past Market Basket associates who have found themselves without a job during the current events within the company.

“We view ourselves as a community organization,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “Clearly this issue has been a dominant topic in our community over the past several weeks. We hope this night will be an opportunity for some of our valued community members to come enjoy a night at the park.”

As part of the event, Market Basket employees will be able to receive tickets for just $4, a homage to the four percent everyday discount Market Basket offers customers, by showing their employee ID badge. All associates will be invited onto the field for a pre-game parade around the LeLacheur Park field and special guests will be a part of the Lowell Spinners pre-game show.

“It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong,” said Bawmann. “This is about recognizing the role Market Basket plays in our community and the invaluable role the associates play within our community. This is about giving them a night to relax, enjoy a ballgame and be entertained.”

Gates for the 7:05pm game will open at 6pm and associates and staff can show their ID badge at the Ticket Office Window to receive the discounted ticket price. For questions, fans can contact the Spinners Box Office at (978) 459-1702.

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