Aces Hold Auction to Benefit Local Woman

For Immediate Release
Jan. 20, 2014

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces are holding an online auction to benefit Elisa Storke, a University of Nevada English professor who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in November, the club announced today.

The auction begins today and ends Monday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive a package that includes a ceremonial first pitch, four infield reserved tickets and a signed Brett Butler 2013 game-worn hat featuring the Triple-A All-Star logo. The ceremonial first pitch and game tickets are valid for any Aces regular season home game, with the exception of Opening Day and July 4.

Bids can be placed online here.

Storke, a new mother who welcomed her first child last May, has cancer of the bones, blood, spine, liver, adrenal glands, lungs and brain. The money raised through the auction will be donated directly to the fund set up to benefit the family, and will be used for medical costs and transportation costs.

Donations can also be made through the You Caring site set up in Elisa’s name, or through Wells Fargo account #1459741110.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Tides organization to renovate local youth field

NorfolkTides_2014-01-15

 

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“After the overwhelming community support we’ve received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at hmckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

“Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one” said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. “Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone – individuals, families and communities.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

 

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

Reckless Kelly & Ryan-Sanders Announce Double-Play Charity Effort

6th annual Celebrity Softball Jam & Inaugural Pitchin’ Party announced

RoundRockExpress_2013-12-17

 

ROUND ROCK, TX – Award-winning roots-rock band Reckless Kelly, in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, announced a pair of events today that will benefit youth baseball and softball for years to come.

The duo’s signature event, Reckless Kelly’s Celebrity Softball Jam, will be held on Sunday, May 11 at Dell Diamond. Tickets for the 6th annual event go on sale this Friday, December 20 at 10AM.

RK and RSE also announced the inaugural Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party, to be held at The Belmont Austin on Tuesday, January 28th. Building off of the response received over the years through the annual Celebrity Softball Jam, RK is throwing a first-ever downtown Austin charity event in support the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party will have celebrity guests, an acoustic show by Reckless Kelly and Friends, once-in-a-lifetime auction items, and other special surprises. Go to www.RecklessKelly.com/PitchinParty for more details and to purchase tickets.

Why the need for two events this year?

“This year we decided we really wanted to raise the bar,” said Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly. “The Mabson Field project could be a game changer for kids locally along with similar programs and leagues around the country.”

Proceeds from both events will go towards installation of an artificial turf playing surface at East Austin’s Mabson Field, a youth baseball/softball field located in the heart of one of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in Austin. The field serves boys & girls ages 4 -12 in RBI Austin and the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA). Through a partnership with AstroTurf and generous contributions from MLB’s Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the Round Rock Express, Ryan-Sanders Sports Turf Services and the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation, the $270,000 project will be completed by spring 2014.

“This is a huge project, not just in terms of its physical and financial nature, but what it can do for the community,” said Reese Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball. “We’ve got a great group of partners on this and it’s going to be something everyone can really be proud of.”

 

RECKLESS KELLY CELEBRITY SOFTBALL JAM

The Celebrity Softball Jam combines nine innings of fun-filled, athleticism-optional softball with a talent-packed postgame concert on two stages in centerfield.

Tickets can be purchased online at RKCSJ.org, by phone at 512.255.BALL (2255) or in person at Dell Diamond box office. Early bird tickets are offered at a discounted price of just $10 until December 31. Starting January 1 tickets will available for $20. Gates open at noon on May 11 with the softball game starting at 1 p.m. The postgame concert is slated to start at 3 p.m. with two stages.

The long list of musicians and athletes that have participated in the past include Kevin Fowler, Randy Rogers, Los Lonely Boys, Mickey & the Motorcars, Hayes Carll, Muzzie Braun, Dale Watson, Charlie Robinson, Wade Bowen, Bruce Robinson & Kelly Willis, Cody Canada & the Departed, Kyle Park, The Trishas, Midnight River Choir, Pauline Reese, Kyle Petty, Norm Charlton, Bret Boone, Kevin Millar, Eric Winston, Brooks Kieschnick, Jesse James Leija, Curtis Thigpen, Ahmad Brooks, Kirk Dressendorfer and Greg Swindell. The 2014 line-up will be announced this spring.

Led by brothers Willy and Cody Braun, the band wanted to create a signature event with friends from the worlds of music and sports combining America’s pastime and music to benefit Austin’s youth. In five years, the Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam has raised over $150,000.

The Celebrity Softball Jam is a natural extension of band members’ love of the game (and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in more than a dozen Major League ballparks). It was conceived by a perfect match: Reckless Kelly, whose members are keenly enthusiastic about baseball and the Round Rock Express, which had long had an interest in bringing music to Dell Diamond.

The Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam, created and produced by Reckless Kelly in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, is a registered 501C-3 through the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Ryan-Sanders Entertainment is a division of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, owner/operator of the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers Triple-A affiliate) and Ryan-Sanders Sports Services. They also operate Dell Diamond.

For more information on the 6th Annual Celebrity Softball Jam, visit www.RKCSJ.org.

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

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats Accepting Applications for ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations

‘4 in 24’ kicks off a new season for the Community Grounds Crew, a partnership between the ‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

Tri-CityValleyCats_2013-11-25

 

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats are now accepting applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region for the 4th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations. The renovations will take place in a 24-hour time period in early April 2014, as four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“BlueShield is proud to continually support the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to learn the importance of making healthy choices, like playing and staying active, because we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

“With the continued loyal support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are able to provide safe and well-maintained fields of play for the youth in our community, an initiative that is immensely important to us,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 3. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2014 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 16 and Softball Night on June 24.

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and two corporate baseball tournaments that take place at “The Joe” including the Battle of the Beverages and the Capital Region Series.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Chasers in the Community: November 14th – November 30th

Storm Chasers staff to participate in Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Open Door Mission’s Drumsticks on Wheels

Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 14

­The Storm Chasers staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Thursday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the third consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 Thursday, November 14

  • SilverRidge Assisted Living Visit (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Before their “Birthday Party” on November 15th in the Storm Front Team Store, all three Chasers mascots will be visiting the residents of SilverRidge Assisted Living (sponsor of the Silver Chasers Club) to celebrate their “Birthday” in a private event.

Friday, November 15

  • Hands of the Heartland Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.
  • Stormy & Vortex’s Birthday Party (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) – Stormy and Vortex celebrate the third anniversary of their introduction as mascots at the Storm Front Team Store. Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and in exchange will receive a 40% coupon to the store (up to three toys max per person). Free refreshments will be provided and party games will be played.

Saturday, November 16

  • Westroads Mall Santa’s Arrival Event (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) – Stormy will join friends of Westroads Mall to await Santa’s arrival. Once Santa arrives, Stormy will be part of Santa’s parade through the mall.

Monday, November 18

  • Majestix Salon Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.

Saturday, November 23

  • Open Door Mission Drumsticks On Wheels – Members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the third consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game to be held Sunday, June 8, 2014

Kwik Trip presents the game at Fox Cities Stadium

Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.
Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 8. The offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers face each other starting at 1:05pm. Nelson is currently tied for 3rd in the NFC in touchdowns and 5th in the NFC for total yards for wide receivers.

Nelson has played numerous times in this Charity Softball Game, and he is excited to host the game this year. “It will be an honor to host the annual Charity Softball Game this year. I hope that the fans, my teammates and the Packers organization will continue to support this amazing community event that helps so many charitable causes. Everyone will see a great show this year, and of course, a victory for the offense!”

“We are extremely happy to have Jordy on board for this event and, at the same time, want to thank Donald for all of his time and support over the past six years,” Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said. “This charity softball event is great for our community and we look forward to another sold out game.”

A record crowd of 9,010 were in attendance for the 2013 game – hosted by Donald Driver – that featured a 24-20 victory by the defense.

“Jordy Nelson is a great player and friend,” said Driver. “I am excited that he will be hosting the game this year. I want to thank all of the fans for their amazing support during the six years I hosted the game. Thank you to the Timber Rattlers and Packers organizations for supporting the game.”

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a package starting Monday, November 18 at 10:00am. The ticket package includes three Timber Rattlers games and the Jordy Nelson game:

Sunday, June 8 – Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game
Sunday, June 29 – vs. Burlington Bees
Sunday, July 13 – vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
Sunday, August 24 – vs. Beloit Snappers

Prices for the packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $86
Box Seat: $70
Reserved Seat: $50

The first two rows of the seating bowl are the premium box seat option in this ticket package.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Thursday, November 21 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $50 for a premium box seat, $34 for a box seat, $23 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $200. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 21.

Tickets to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways: Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the Fox Cities Stadium Box Office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com. The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.

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

Swings for Sparks Raises $3,690

100% of Proceeds to SMS Compassion Fund

For Immediate Release
Nov. 11, 2013

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces raised $3,690 to benefit the SMS Compassion Fund during the Swings for Sparks event on Saturday, the club announced today.

 “We were overwhelmed with the response to Swings for Sparks, and our entire staff stayed nearly three hours beyond the closing time to make sure everyone had a chance to participate,” said Aces Chief Operating Officer Eric Edelstein. “We are all proud to be a part of the healing process for those affected by this tragedy.”

 Throughout the day, 156 fans took swings on the field at Aces Ballpark. Each pitch had a suggested minimum donation of $1, with many fans taking advantage of the 25 pitches for $20 bulk deal.

 All donations and proceeds from the event will go directly to the SMS Compassion Fund, set up by the Community Foundation of Western Nevada.

 For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook. Ticket packages for the 2014 season are on-sale now at RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700.

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

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

RookiePioneerLeague_2013-11-07

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Jose Giants Release 2013 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2013 Community Report. From charitable donations to mascot appearances to community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, the San Jose Giants were a consistent presence throughout the South Bay in 2013. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions in the past calendar year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for their tremendous support of the team and its place in the community”, said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “With over $450,000 raised for charitable causes, 2013 was another record-breaking year for the organization.”

The 2013 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both at and away from Municipal Stadium. Highlights of the report include hundreds of appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help underserved youth and in-kind donations to more than 650 local and national organizations totaling over $450,000.

“It is extremely exciting to see how this organization has grown in the community since our first report in 2006,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to touch as many lives as we do every season and we look forward to raising the bar again in 2014.”

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved in 2014, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2013 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Fightins to Host 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

Sunday’s event to benefit Toys for Tots and The Children Home of Reading

toys_for_tots
The 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run will benefit Toys for Tots and The Children’s Home of Reading.

On Sunday, November 3rd, the Reading Fightin Phils will be hosting the 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run presented by Classic Harley-Davidson from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in VIST Bank Plaza at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Folks will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Motorcycle registration for the toy run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11:00 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course until arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark for an estimated noon arrival. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy or game.

Upon his arrival at noon, Santa will be available in the Yuengling Hometown Tap Room until 2:00 p.m. for photos with those on both the naughty and the nice list. He and his helpers will also present this year’s Santa’s Choice Awards to his favorite classic car, Jeep, and motorcycle. Winners will receive an official Eastern PA Toy Run trophy.

Along with Santa Claus, Lebanon Levi from the hit Discovery Channel series “Amish Mafia” will be on hand for autographs with a small donation to Toys for Tots.

Attendees and participants will be served complimentary hot dogs and beverages as part of the event. There will also be live music on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage throughout the day.

For those looking at getting a jump on holiday shopping, the Fightins Mitchell & Ness Team Store will be open with deals on team apparel and caps. A portion of merchandise profits from Sunday will also be donated to Toys for Toys and The Children’s Home of Reading.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was potentially cancelled after the Marine Corps Reserve Unit was deployed. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefiting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon County and The Children’s Home of Reading.

Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets for the 2014 season at FirstEnergy Stadium are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Ballpark sod donated to Habitat

Lexington-Legends-2013New sod will soon be installed on the field at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, and the old sod will find a new home – in fact, it likely will find several new homes. Part of the sod that is being taken up at the ballpark has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be available for purchase at Habitat’s ReStore, 451 Southland Drive.   The ReStore is a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   Proceeds from sales at the Re-Store benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for Lexington families.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo“We were excited to get the call asking if we could accept some of this sod,” said Jim Kreiner, director of the ReStore, a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   He said since current Habitat homes were not quite ready for sod to be laid, the donated sod would be made available for sale at the Re-Store.

“The Legends have had a long-standing partnership with Lexington Habitat for Humanity,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.   “Habitat came to mind immediately when we began this project.”

Installation of new sod at Whitaker Bank Ballpark is scheduled to begin later this month.

This article originally appeared on the Legends’ website.

Lexington- Sod_removal_photo_saved_101413

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoIt’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

  • Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5
  • Player hours volunteered: 202.5
  • Mascot appearances: 130
  • Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)
  • Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092
  • Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON 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.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The service person 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 with another new tip of the cap, 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) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers 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 Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

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 liveChildrens-Miracle-Network-logo125s as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, Little-League-Challenger-lostopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting thB&G-of-NEPA-logoe Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

Voluntary-Action-Center-logoOn Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

 

Bisons given ‘Community Partnership Award’ by Parent Network of WNY

Team honored for support of individuals living with special needs

BuffaloBisons_2013-10-16

 

The Parent Network of WNY is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Community Partnership Award is the Buffalo Bisons. The award will be presented on Thursday, October 17 (7:00 p.m.) at the Alleyway Theatre before the group’s debut of the play, “Always October.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented every year to an agency, school, or person who has assisted individuals with special needs through their activities. The Bisons are an avid supporter of individuals with special needs. Their support of persons with disabilities is not a product of a special effort, rather, they include people with disabilities as members of the community and treat this as “business as usual.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented in conjunction with Parent Network’s annual Harvest Honors Fundraiser. Funds raised are utilized to educate families of children with disabilities about services and supports in the community.

As part of Harvest Honors we will be hosting a Silent Auction and Basket Raffle along with the Red Carpet premier of “Always October”. This ground-breaking play was co-written by Western New Yorkers Mary McLaughlin, Wanda Wilson and Beth Geyer, directed by Victoria Pérez with a cast comprised of both individuals with and without disabilities, as well as parents of those with disabilities.

The Harvest Honors fundraiser is on October 17th and will begin at 5:30pm with a cocktail reception, a silent auction/basket raffle and award ceremony. The main event at Harvest Honors will be the opening of “Always October”. The play will then continue its run until Sunday October 20th. All evening performances are at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. The fundraiser/play will take place at Alleyway Theatre-1 Curtain Up Alleyway in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown theater district. For ticket information please call Peg Kovach at 332-4170 or visit our website at http://www.parentnetworkwny.org/harvest-honors.

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