Supporting the Community

Gwinnett Braves Announce June Grant Recipient

August 5, 2014

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. receives $1,000 monthly grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of June. Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. has been awarded June’s “Summer Safety” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that fund or run safety programs for children.

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring began serving students in Jackson County schools in 2005 under the direction of Jackson County Family Connection. In March of 2013, LLM branched out and became a youth-serving non-profit organization dedicated to friendship-based mentoring throughout Jackson County.

The goal of LLM is to guide children and youth toward personal and academic success through mentoring and friendship. The grant money awarded by the G-Braves will be used for mentor training, informational brochures and activity supplies in hopes to continue the ongoing growth of the program.

“We accomplish our mission by pairing volunteers who are positive adult role models with carefully selected students in need of a mentoring relationship,” said Lisa Stephens, Executive Director of Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring. “Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring uses an effective friendship-based mentoring model and partners closely with three school systems in Jackson County, GA. Through training, screening and follow up, mentors are able to identify the needs of students they serve. Since the humble beginning in 2005 by a handful of caring citizens, Lindsay’s Legacy mentors have impacted the lives of thousands of students in Jackson County. The program provides a safety net that would otherwise not be available to some very deserving students.”

About Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring: The organization has been around for over nine years and is based in Jackson County, GA. LLM has served over 130 students in the Jackson County, 38 students in Jefferson City and 32 students in the Commerce City school systems with caring adult mentorship. The program continues to grow under the principles of former mentor coordinator Jack Lindsay. For more information about the program, please contact LLM Executive Director Lisa Stephens at lisa@lindsaylegacymentoring.org.

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.

Green Day Celebration is Tuesday

July 30, 2014

2014 honorees are Hayne and Anna Kate Hipp

The Drive’s annual Green Day to celebrate the birthday of the City of Greenville is set for Tuesday, August 5th. The Drive also take each Green Day to recognize a member of the Greenville community who has been instrumental in changing Greenville for the better.

This year’s honorees are Hayne and Anna Kate Hipp, who’s passion for civic development was instrumental in bringing the Peace Center, Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge to fruition, and the Liberty Fellowship for emerging leaders is their legacy for the future of the Upstate and all of South Carolina.

To help celebrate the City of Greenville’s 183rd birthday, Fluor Field will be green all over for the 7:05 game, with green balloons on the concourse and green beer at the concession stands! Drive players will wear green jerseys and hats for the game, and the first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a Green Day t-shirt as the Drive attempt to “green out” Fluor Field!

A special birthday celebration package is also available for Green Day, which features four tickets, four commemorative t-shirts, and four “build your own” ice cream sundaes for just $30!

The birthday celebration will be capped off with a spectacular postgame fireworks show! In addition, the band Butcher and the Baker will return to Fluor Field for the second time this season, playing all of your favorite current hits in the Southern Tide 500 Club.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive1. Click here to view the original story.

Dayton Police, Dayton Fire to Take Part in Battle of the Badges

July 25, 2014

Charity Softball Game at Fifth Third Field to Raise Money for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton

The Dayton Police Department and the Dayton Fire Department have teamed up with the Dayton Dragons to host “Battle of the Badges,” a charity softball game, on July 27, 2014 to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. The Dragons host the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 2 p.m. that afternoon and the softball game between Dayton’s finest will follow.

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is the largest, most-established “no-kill” animal welfare agency in the Dayton region. As a 501(c)(3) organization, they receive no government funding and rely solely on donations to run their programs and services. Each year, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton saves the lives of thousands of animals and ensures that all animals are valued and loved within the Dayton community.

“As first responders we have an obligation and duty to assist the citizens of Dayton,” said Officer Nathan Speelman, Captain of the Dayton Police softball squad. “As a team, we strive to further assist and support local charities in the Miami Valley. We feel this is a great opportunity to raise money to help support The Humane Society of Greater Dayton.”

“On behalf of the Dayton Fire Department and Local 136, we would like to thank the Dayton Dragons organization and the Dayton Police Department for allowing us to participate in the Battle of the Badges Softball Game again this year,” noted Scott Davis, Captain of the Firefighter team. “The proceeds from this year’s charity game will go to help the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Come out and support your local police officers and firefighters as they square off in a softball game for a great cause!”

Tickets can be purchased at http://daytondragons.com/badges using the special offer code, “Dragons”. Each purchased ticket earns one person admission to the Dragons game at 2 p.m. vs. Cedar Rapids as well as the Battle of the Badges contest. Tickets must be purchased by the end of the day on Saturday. There are a limited number of tickets available.

“The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is honored to be working with the Dayton Police and Dayton Fire Departments for this year’s Battle of the Badges,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “All of our organizations are in the business of saving lives. To be in the company of these heroic men and women who risk their lives each day for the community is a true privilege.”

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

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

July 25, 2014

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

The Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17^th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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

Pig-Smooching Raises Nearly $40,000

July 21, 2014

Ten Local Leaders Bring Home the Bacon for Area Youth

The Richmond Flying Squirrels Charities, the non-profit foundation of the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that the inaugural Smooch-A-Pig charity fundraising campaign raised nearly $40,000 for Richmond area youth athletics. Ten dedicated local business leaders and celebrities (listed below) executed vigorous fundraising campaigns for the honor of smooch Parker the Rally Pig at home plate during the Squirrels game on July 17^th. While all of the participants went “whole hog” in their tireless efforts, Dan Schmitt from RMC events brought in the most bacon and won the privilege to kiss Parker. Schmitt brought along chocolates and a rose to give the celebrity swine and the two shared a special moment at home plate (photos attached) prior to the game. All the proceeds raised will go directly to “Operation Renovation,” a dedicated community impact project to renovate 12 Richmond youth baseball facilities (details below).

The Smooch-A-Pig Participants:

Jon Bibbs, Richmond Prep School Administrator
Matt DiNardo, WRIC TV Meteorologist
Jack and Melissa, 103.7 Play
Cla Meredith, Former MLB Player
Barry Moore, Volvo of Midlothian
Kim Scheeler, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Dan Schmitt, RMC Events President
Latrell Scott,Virginia State University Head Football Coach
Norman Way, Puritan Cleaners Director of Operations
Lisa Watkins, Coca-Cola East Region Key Account Development Manager

“We can’t thank these ten leaders enough for their extraordinary efforts,” Flying Squirrels Chief Executive Manager Chuck Domino said. “These candidates share our vision for what Operation Renovation can do for the community. The money raised here is an important start of what will be an ongoing effort from Flying Squirrels Charities.”

The four phases for Operation Renovation are projected as follows:
Phase 1- build 24 dugouts on 12 designated youth baseball fields in Richmond
Phase 2 – improve these same playing fields
Phase 3 – develop the Henderson Complex into a Little League Complex, including the concessions building
Phase 4– recover and renovate unused fields as demands dictate.

Operation Renovation Youth Baseball Fields

Battery Park, 2000 Fendall Ave.
Bellemeade, 1800 Lynhaven Ave.
Bill Robinson, 701 N. 37^th St.
Blackwell, 16^th & Everett St.
Calhoun, 436 Calhoun St.
Chandler, 201 E. Brookland Park Blvd.
Hotchkiss (Two Fields), 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.
Lucks Field, Rodgers & T St.
Powhatan, 5051 Northampton Ave.
Westover (Two Fields), 1301 Jahnke Rd.

Although the inaugural Smooch-A-Pig campaign is over, additional information and donations can still be made to Flying Squirrels Charities through the website www.smoochapig.com. Any individuals or business interested in getting involved with Operation Renovation and Flying Squirrels Charities can contact Squirrels Charity Liaison/Media Relation Manager Jay Burnham at 804-482-6791 or email at jay.burnham@squirrelsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels1. Click here to view the original story.

Naturals Partner with Toys for Tots for July 24 Game

July 17, 2014

Fans that donate a new toy will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s game

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that they will be partnering with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots again this year. Fans will have the opportunity to donate toys on Thursday, July 24 to benefit the Toys for Tots program that provides disadvantaged children in Benton and Washington counties with toys for Christmas.

The Naturals invite fans to bring new toys to the ballpark for donation on Thursday, July 24 when we celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark. Fans that donate a new toy to the Toys for Tots program will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s 7:05 P. M. game against the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Naturals’ staff, along with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots volunteers, will be located near the ticket office and main gate to collect toys at the ballpark. All toys that are donated to the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots program will be distributed within the Northwest Arkansas community. In addition, any money that is collected will be used to purchase toys for local children.

On Thursday, July 24 the Naturals will celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark on Buck Night on Thirsty Thursday presented by Brach’s. The event will feature a special Santa Hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans in attendance and select items will be available for only a $1 at the Arvest Ballpark concession stands, including Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, peanuts, as well as small Coca-Cola fountain drinks as part of Buck Night while Thirsty Thursday will feature select 16oz. drafts for only $2.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host 2nd Annual “Triple-A For a Day”

July 16, 2014

E-Train Brings Dell Diamond Experience to RBI Austin Championship Game

The Round Rock Express is taking the show on the road. For the second year, the Rangers Triple-A affiliate has partnered with RBI Austin for “Triple-A for a Day.” The Express promotional staff is turning Downs Mabson Field into Dell Diamond of the South for the RBI Austin Kid Pitch Championship game on Saturday, July 26.

Joining the Express promo crew will be Spike, the lovable mascot, Ballpark Rob and the Party Patrol. Every player and coach from both teams will be introduced as they stand on the foul lines for the singing of the National Anthem, a tradition seen at professional ballparks throughout the country. In between innings, fans will compete in a variety of games seen at Dell Diamond similar to the dizzy bat race and the Great Texas Chicken Race.

The Express hopes this game will provide RBI Austin Kid Pitch athletes, their families and the community the opportunity to watch baseball in a fun and unique setting they would not normally experience.

“We’re proud to partner with RBI Austin again this year for their championship game,” Express General Manager Chris Almendarez said. “It’s an absolute honor to be able to give these kids a memory they’ll never forget.”

Downs Mabson Field is located at 2812 E. 12^th St. in Austin. Pre-game activities will begin at 6:40 p.m. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The championship will feature the 9 and 10-year-old age division. Admission to the game is free.

Click here to view last year’s “Triple-A For A Day.”

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Host “Kiss a Cow” Fundraiser

July 15, 2014

Contest aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

The Hickory Crawdads are excited to host the “Kiss a Cow” fundraiser for the Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity on Friday, July 25^th. The fundraiser pits six local community leaders against each other in an effort to raise the most money for HFH, with the “winner” having to kiss a cow.

The six community leaders participating in the fundraiser include Rudy Wright, Mayor of Hickory, Steve Underdown, Vice-President of HSM, Dr. Dan Brigman, CCS Superintendent, Mitzi Gellman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, and Crawdads own General Manager Mark Seaman and All-Star relief pitcher Ryne Slack. The contest concludes with the overall winner kissing a cow on the field at LP Frans Stadium immediately following the ‘Dads game and before the post-game Fireworks.

The Crawdads are also conducting a secondary challenge between the organization’s two contestants. In addition to the regular “Kiss a Cow” contest, the ‘Dad that has the most donations given in their name will also get a pie in the face following the Crawdads game on Saturday, July 26^th.

Donations can be made online at www.habitatcatawbavalley.org by clicking on the “DONATE” button. Donors are asked to place the name of the contestant they wish to donate on behalf of in the additional comments section of the form. Donations may also be made at L.P. Frans Stadium for the two Crawdads contestants by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Customer Care Booth during any ‘Dads game.

For more information regarding the Habitat for Humanity “Kiss a Cow” night, contact the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Lowcountry Resident to Receive Order of the Silver Crescent Prior to RiverDogs-GreenJackets Game on Saturday

July 15, 2014

David Beasley to receive the state’s highest honor for community service

Lowcountry resident David Beasley will be honored with South Carolina’s highest award for community service — the Order of the Silver Crescent — prior to the Charleston RiverDogs‘ Military Appreciation Night game against the Augusta GreenJackets on Saturday, July 19, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Beasley is being recognized for his long-time volunteer work with the American Red Cross as a platelet donor and for his involvement in other community activities that include the Adopt-a-Beach Program, the Historic Charleston Foundation, and the Riverland Terrace Neighborhood Association.

“The Charleston RiverDogs and Riley Park are proud to serve as the site for this special presentation to a worthy individual,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Mr. Beasley wanted to have the presentation at our Military Appreciation Night game because he wanted to share his honor with all the other reservists who put their civilian lives on hold to answer the nation’s call for help.”

State Senator Paul Thurmond will be presenting the award on behalf of Governor Nikki Haley on the field around 5:40 pm and prior to the game that begins at 6:05.

Beasley is a retired Coast Guard Reserve chief warrant officer who was mobilized three times after 9/11.

The Order of the Silver Crescent is awarded to residents of South Carolina for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community. It is the state’s highest award for volunteer and/or community service.

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

Drive to Celebrate Greenwood Day on Sunday

July 14, 2014

Key assets to the Greenwood community will be honored throughout the day

On Sunday afternoon, the Greenville Drive will celebrate Greenwood Day as they continue to honor the local communities that make the Upstate such a great place to live, work and play.

As part of the game event, the Drive will have members of the Greenwood community serve in pregame honorary positions, and key members and community assets of the town of Greenwood will be highlighted during the game.

Don’t miss your opportunity to thank the Greenwood community for everything they provide to the Upstate. First pitch for the game with the Asheville Tourists is at 4:05. To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

RiverDogs Again Join Yankees HOPE Week Initiative

July 12, 2014

Outings Planned for July 15-19 throughout the Lowcountry

The Charleston RiverDogs are once again proud to partner with their parent organization, the New York Yankees, for the HOPE Week Initiative. The initiative runs from July 15-19, and RiverDogs players, coaches and front office staff will make appearances throughout the Lowcountry during the five-day outreach.

This will be the sixth year in which the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees have held their HOPE Week Initiative. HOPE is the acronym for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” and this will be the third time that the RiverDogs will bring the concept to Charleston. Contributing sponsors this year include Harris Teeter and Tideline Tours.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner once again with the New York Yankees for such a fantastic cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Lauren Allio. “It is a great way for us to continue to be active in the community and to recognize some truly amazing people.”

“This initiative in which we’re partnering with the Yankees has been part of our makeup for several years as we have hosted ‘Dogs With A Cause’ at every Monday home game and the Hope Initiative takes it to another level,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our overall marketing initiative stems from our being very active in our community, and this actively involves the players in which our fans will certainly enjoy.”

The RiverDogs will participate in events every day from July 15-19 to garner awareness for highlighted causes, individuals and organizations. In addition, every day over the five-day period, a different non-profit organization and/or family in need will receive an once-in-a-lifetime experience of interaction with RiverDogs players and an evening of fun at a RiverDogs game.

The RiverDogs and all of the Yankees’ affiliates received a citation from the President’s Volunteer Service Award for last year’s HOPE Week.

The schedule includes:

· Tuesday, July 15: Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation

o Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation provides emotional support and connection to women who have been diagnoses with breast cancer, are going through treatment and are survivors. They focus on quality of life for these women, their families, children and caretakers through their various programs.

o Players will help put together care packages for women currently receiving treatment, deliver those care packages and help with a make-over through the Warriors Wear Lipstick program.

· Wednesday, July 16: Therapeutic Foster Parents, SC Youth Advocate Program

o Carolyn & Martin Meier serve as the therapeutic foster parents for several years, serving the long-term needs of numerous medically fragile children in foster care.

o Players will join the Meiers and a social worker on a Dolphin Adventure boat tour through the Lowcountry marshes.

· Thursday, July 17: Lowcountry Food Bank

o The Lowcountry Food Bank’s primary mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the area with a vision to end hunger in coastal South Carolina.

o Players will work side-by-side with this summer’s Food Works apprentices to prep meals for Meals on Wheels.

· Friday, July 18: Mighty Mack and Scout

o Mighty Mack is a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of leukemia. His four-year-old sister, Scout, is his bone marrow donor.

o Players will surprise Mack and Scout with a fun day at the ballpark, joining in on batting practice and other pregame activities.

· Saturday, July 19: Fields to Families

o Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. When local farmers have fruit and vegetables that they can spare, either because they can’t harvest them in time or because they simply can’t use them, they contact Fields to Families.

o Players will go to the participating farms and pick/harvest unwanted produce that will then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry.

Visit www.RiverDogs.com or contact Lauren Allio at 843/723-7241 for more information.

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

Heroes & Legends Softball Game in Lakewood October 10th

July 9, 2014

Jay Johnston, Jim Dowd, Stephen Baker, Bruce Harper among participants; event benefits military-based non-profit organization

The BlueClaws will host a Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, October 10th.

Heroes and Legends is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs while assisting a wide network of military-based charities.

Among the participating former athletes:
Jay Johnstone – Former Phillie, Dodger & Yankee and two-time World Series Champion
John “The Count” Montefusco– Former SF Giant & NY Yankee who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1975 and threw a no-hitter in 1976
Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” – Former NY Giant Super Bowl XXV Champ
Jim Dowd – Former NJ Devil and 1995 Stanley Cup Champion
Bruce Harper – Former NY Jet running back
Keith Elias – Former Princeton and NY Giant running back
Jeff Frazier – Former Detroit Tiger and Toms River Little League Hero
Johnny Petraglia – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame
Parker Bohn – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame

Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds, and a member of the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series Championship team, and Frankie Edgar, Toms River native and former UFC Champion, will also make appearances at the event.

TICKETS: Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, $5 for children (kids under 5 are free), and $5 for enlisted or active military. Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

There will be a Home Run Derby beginning at 5:30 pm and the softball game itself will begin at 7:00 pm.

The program is dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs and charities honoring our Heroes past and present.

The Heroes Team is The Purple Heart Heroes All Star Team all of whom have been awarded the Purple Heart for their meritorious service.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and other disabled to enhance health, literacy, life experience, and self esteem.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

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

Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center To Host ‘Pink At The Park’ This Saturday

July 7, 2014

The Tacoma Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) have teamed up for a fourth consecutive season to host ‘Pink at the Park’ this Saturday, July 12th at Cheney Stadium – a benefit game devoted to raising money to fund mammogram screenings for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

This year’s event begins when gates open at 6 p.m. for the Rainiers game against the Fresno Grizzlies. The first 3,000 fans arriving to the ballpark will receive limited edition pink trucker hats courtesy of CMBC. Pre-game activities will also include video testimonials of patients who have successfully defeated breast cancer and the formation of a ‘Circle of Hope’ around the pitcher’s mound that will be comprised of breast cancer survivors and their friends and families. Survivors will release pink balloons symbolizing the release of fear and renewed hope for the future.

When the game gets underway at 7 p.m., each Rainiers player and member of the coaching staff will wear special pink jerseys in recognition of breast cancer patients and their families who have battled the disease. Each of the game-worn jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off as part of a live auction along the third base line of the stadium immediately following the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the auction will go directly towards CMBC to support the breast center’s continued efforts to provide sustainable breast health services for all women in the South Sound.

“Pink at the Park is our flagship fundraiser for the breast center,” says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC. “The money raised during this event plays a key part in helping us fulfill our mission of treating all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.” To date, CMBC has provided over $2.3 million in compassionate care services to medically underserved and underinsured patients in our community.

CMBC recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as the first dedicated breast imaging center in the South Puget Sound. Since welcoming its first patients on February 23, 2009, CMBC has provided more than 120,000 screening mammograms to women, and has performed more than 250,000 exams and procedures in total. The breast center’s most important milestone, however, has been saving more lives through early detection. CMBC estimates it has diagnosed over 3,000 breast cancers in its first five years. “We’re honored to be making a real difference in our community, because we know that early detection saves lives,” says Khai Tran, M.D., medical director and visionary of the breast center.

Breast cancer continues to rank as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in every eight women in the U.S. affected by the disease. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early enough stage have been shown to have a 93 percent or more survival rate. The breast center supports screening guidelines established by the American Cancer Society, recommending that every woman 40 years of age and older receive a routine screening mammogram every year.

The Carol Milgard Breast Center is a non-profit organization whose mission to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the South Sound is reliant upon support from the community. For additional information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit CMBC online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets to the Rainiers ‘Pink at the Park’ game this Saturday or another upcoming Tacoma Rainiers game in 2014, please visit the team online at www.tacomarainiers.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the Cheney Stadium Box Office located at the front entrance of the ballpark. Up-to-date news and notes about ‘Pink at the Park’ or any can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

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

Everyday Heroes Night on July 3rd

June 25, 2014

On Thursday, July 3rd the Tampa Yankees will host Everyday Heroes Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field to honor all those who work to keep our nation safe as they play the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 7:00 pm. The gates open at 5:00pm to all fans.

All active & retired Military, EMT Specialists, Firefighters & Police Officers will receive FREE ADMISSION if they show up with a valid I.D.

In honor of Everyday Heroes Night, each of the players will wear a customized jersey, which will be auctioned off during the game in a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Everyday Heroes non-profit organization and each purchaser will have the opportunity to have their jersey signed and meet the player it was worn by.

Before the game, fans will enjoy a Food Truck Rally with Tasty Stacy, PAO Truck, Kona Ice, Hot Mess, Disco Donuts, Sarges BBQ, PaniniRiffic and Escomo.

Everyday Heroes Night, lands on a Thursday and you know what that means…Throwback Thursday! Instead of paying $6 for reserved seating or $ 4 for general admission, fans will be able to purchase tickets like it’s 1994. Reserved seating will only cost $2 and general admission will be just $1. In addition to our reduced ticket pricing , fans can enjoy 14 oz. Draft Beers for $2, small sodas for $1 & half price nachos from 5-7 pm, presented by 98.7 The Fan.

After the game, fans will enjoy a fireworks display as a celebration of Independence Day, courtesy of Budweiser.

Tickets for Everyday Heroes Night, as well as future Tampa Yankees games, can be purchased at George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or through TicketMaster

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information please contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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