Supporting the Community

RiverDogs Front Office Staff Volunteer Days

December 22, 2011

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete a day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. Since October, the RiverDogs have worked with Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Lowcountry Food Bank. On December 20, the RiverDogs staff spent the day volunteering at the Pet Helpers Adoption Center.

The team met with Erica Marcus, Volunteer and Off-Site Adoption Coordinator, to tour the facility and learn more about the work of Pet Helpers, before getting started. Throughout the morning, the RiverDogs staff assisted the Pet Helpers staff by unloading and washing the event van, raking leaves off the walking trails, preparing dog treats, and playing and walking the adoptable dogs. “I really enjoy our Staff Volunteer Days. It’s a very rewarding experience and a great way to really make a difference in our community,” commented Sean Houston, RiverDogs Director of Media Relations.

Pet Helpers is a private, non-profit 501c 3 Adoption Center and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal welfare legislation. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or adopt a pet, please visit www.pethelpers.org

Charleston SC-Pet Helpers 019 — Top Row (from left to right): Director of Food and Beverage, Josh Gilkey; Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio; Sales Representative, Annie Fuller; Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston; and Box Office Manager, David Cullins.
Bottom Row (from left to right): Assistant General Manager, Harold Craw; Director of Promotions, Noel Blaha; and Assistant General Manager, Andy Lange.

Fisher Cats Staff Gives Back During Holiday Season

December 21, 2011

Manchester, NH – Fisher Cats front office members were in the holiday spirit as they volunteered their time and resources for several community organizations this week. On Thursday, they spent the day volunteering with non-profit organizations for the Fisher Cats Day of Caring. Earlier in the week, the team participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program, contributing gifts to brighten the holidays of a local family.

“This is one of the most enjoyable weeks for our team every year,” said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats President. “Getting to work with these organizations on such worthy causes is a privilege for our entire staff. We are honored to be able to partner with them as they enhance the holiday season for so many families.”

The annual Fisher Cats Day of Caring arranges for staff members to spend the day with a non-profit organization each December. This year, some of the staff headed to New Horizons for New Hampshire to assist its staff with the preparation of holiday food deliveries. At the Manchester Animal Shelter, another group helped the morning crew of workers with their daily chores, including walking and feeding dogs and cats and general cleaning around the shelter.

Prior to the Fisher Cats Day of Caring, the entire staff contributed a bundle of gifts as they adopted a family for the holidays. In conjunction with the Salvation Army, staff provided toys, clothing, and Fisher Cats tickets and merchandise to a family in need in southern New Hampshire.

Participation in these programs has been a holiday tradition for the Fisher Cats front office for several years. During that time, the team has worked with several non-profits organizations.

Opening Day is Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 6:35 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Fisher Cats 2012 Mini-Ticket Plans and Season Tickets are on sale now at the Fisher Cats Ticket Office at 1 Line Drive, Manchester, NH 03101, online at www.nhfishercats.com, or by calling the Fisher Cats at 603-641-2005.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

November 18, 2011

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

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

Mahoning Valley Scrappers join the Spread the Red to Feed Hungry Families Campaign

October 24, 2011

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have teamed up with YSU Football and First Place Bank to help feed the hungry families of our Valley. Together these three organizations will use this partnership to help Valley families who are struggling to keep food on the table.

On Thursday, October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm the Scrappers are hosting their Annual Trick or Treat Event at Eastwood Field. Tickets are just $1 each and are available now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. That evening, the Scrappers and First Place Bank are asking families to drop off canned or boxed food donations to help feed the hungry families in our Valley. The first 500 people that bring in a perishable food item and drop it off at the First Place Bank table will receive a free First Place Bank cinch bag.

“We are happy to partner with YSU football and First Place Bank at this event to make sure that we continue the effort to fight hunger in the Valley”, stated Jordan Taylor, General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

“The First Place Bank team will continue to find ways to help put food on the tables of hungry families right here in the Mahoning Valley”, stated Steve Lewis CEO First Place Bank. “We hope that Valley residents will join us the week of October 31st through November 4th and stop by one of our branches to make a donation,” he concluded.

About First Place Financial Corp.: First Place Financial Corp. is a $3.1 billion financial services holding company based in Warren, Ohio, with two wholly-owned subsidiaries: First Place Bank and First Place Holdings, Inc. Through First Place Bank, the Company operates 41 retail locations, 2 business financial service centers and 24 loan production offices. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Place Holdings, Inc. include First Place Insurance and Title Works Agency, LLC. Additional information about First Place Financial Corp. may be found on the Company’s web site: www.firstplacebank.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

United Way Pancake Breakfast

September 23, 2011

United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Central Oklahoma Combined Federal Campaign, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign officially began their 2011 fundraising campaigns Friday, September 9 at a pancake breakfast at RedHawks Field at Bricktown.

At the morning event, Campaign Chair, Martha Burger, announced a fundraising goal of $21.2 million before a crowd of more than 850. The community campaign runs September 9 through November 18, 2011.

That evening, RedHawks Field at Bricktown held a movie night for the United Way of Central Oklahoma donors, volunteers, and employees. Guests enjoyed popcorn, snacks, and drinks while watching a movie from the outfield grass.

OKC Pancakes 09-09-11 — Guests enjoying pancakes cooked by local celebrities and public figures.

‘Dogs Present Over $1,200 Donation to Winwood Farm Home for Children

September 10, 2011

Offering generated from three separate Party at the Joe events over course of season

Thanks to the Charleston RiverDogs and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, fans were able to enjoy the great atmosphere of The Joe with the club on the road. Through three separate Party at the Joe events, Lowcountry residents savored great drink specials and heard from some of the best local musicians in the area.

While relishing in those good times, those in attendance also lent a hand to the Winwood Farm Home for Children, an Awendaw based center which provides therapeutic residential services to hundreds of abused and neglected children.

During Monday night’s game with the Asheville Tourists, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols and Director of Special Events Melissa Azevedo presented a donation worth $1,272 to representatives from Winwood Farm.

“All three of our Party at the Joe events were well-received by our fans, and we are thrilled to help Winwood Farm in their mission to provide a safe haven for children in need,” said Echols.

Winwood Farm Home for Children has been restoring hope to children for more than 25 years, since 1985. In that time, staff at Winwood has afforded hurting children a reason to smile, stand tall, and laugh while simply being a kid.

‘Dogs Donate $1,000 to Teacher’s Supply Closet

September 10, 2011

Money raised from public address announcements goes to Tri-county school supplies provider

School supplies are vital toward providing a great education for all children, but they can be expensive. In the Lowcountry, that’s where the Teacher’s Supply Closet steps in to provide pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and the like to Tri-County schools.

During Sunday’s game with the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs presented a $1,000 contribution to the organization as the culmination of a year-long effort to boost their ability to outfit children with everything they need to succeed in school. The funds come from the money fans have paid to have their messages read over the public address system.

“Involvement in local schools is a point of pride for the Charleston RiverDogs, and we are pleased to know that we and our fans helped better the grade school experience of Lowcountry youth.”

Raising Cane’s Teams with ‘Dogs to Donate $3,000 to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

September 8, 2011

Proceeds from Launch-a-Ball Promotion Presented to Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Everyone needs someone to lean on in a time of need. For Lowcountry residents, the chaplains and volunteers of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy have answered that call by fulfilling their mission to serve, comfort, and minister since 1991.

On Saturday, September 3, the Charleston RiverDogs and Raising Cane’s restaurant were happy to announce that they have assisted the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy through the club’s nightly launch-a-ball promotion.

By purchasing tennis balls to lob onto the Riley Park diamond during the postgame, fans have contributed $1,500 to the organization. Thanks to a matching offering from Raising Cane’s, representatives from the restaurant and RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols were able to present a $3,000 donation to help fund the generosity of The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

“The selfless members of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy serve as yet another example of the tight-knit and caring nature of the Charleston community,” said Echols. “We were happy to lend a helping hand to the service through a fun program, and are equally excited that Raising Cane’s stepped up to further the cause.”

The 2007 Sofa Super Store fire which claimed the lives of nine of the Holy City’s bravest firemen was just one of the many times the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy has emerged to provide moral support in a time of crisis. The 24-7 pastoral care and counseling service tends to the families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public, on an almost daily basis.

Charleston RiverDogs Donate $25,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute

August 28, 2011

Yankees Affiliate Has Donated More than $450,000 in Past 12 Years

The Charleston RiverDogs have yet again left a large paw print on the fight against blindness and the disease retinitis pigmentosa.

Between games of Tuesday night’s doubleheader against the Greenville Drive, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $25,000 to Dr. Ed Wilson, M.D. and representatives from the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

The donation comes primarily from the RiverDogs’ 12^th annual Kindness Beats Blindness auction that was held on June 25. With turnouts in the thousands in each of the 12 years of the auction, the team and community as a whole have raised more than $450,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative eye disease.

“We are grateful for the RiverDogs continued support in our quest to find cures and treatments for blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa,” said Dr. Wilson. “The RiverDogs’ generosity over the last 12 years has been crucial to the work that our vision scientists are doing in this area,”

The auction hits close to the RiverDogs’ family since Rebecca, the daughter of club president Mike Veeck was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. Veeck and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves and most of their charitable efforts toward fighting blindness.

“Our entire staff takes a great deal of pride in our combined efforts with the Charleston community to raise money for research,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “The grace with which Rebecca and the Veeck family have handled this disease is inspiring to observe.”

For more information on the MUSC Storm Eye Institute and their effort to battle RP and other degenerative retinal diseases, visit www.muschealth.com/eyes.

Fans Encouraged to Help Feed Hungry People

August 26, 2011

Local food bank will hold food drive during TinCaps’ Games

Parkview Field will play host to a food drive during games this weekend. (Tony DesPlaines)

Fort Wayne, IN – This Saturday, Sunday, and Monday fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to Parkview Field with them to help feed their hungry neighbors. On Saturday, August 27th at 7:05pm Comfort Keepers is sponsoring “Slugging for Seniors” a senior hunger food drive to collect non-perishable food items specifically for Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana to use for their SeniorPak program. SeniorPak is a program that delivers groceries every two weeks for over 1,200 needy, homebound Seniors. Post-Game Fireworks and an appearance by Birdzerk! will also be featured that evening at the park along with a silent auction for two autographed TinCaps jerseys! All proceeds benefit Community Harvest Food Bank.

Then, on Sunday, August 28th at 3:05pm and Monday, August 29th at 7:05pm, a food drive will be held by the Society of Saint Andrew, a non-profit ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to fighting hunger in our nation and the world. The Society works primarily to salvage fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people in need. On August 5th the Society of St. Andrew delivered a semi-load of sweet potatoes to Community Harvest and they will start the Saturday and Sunday TinCaps food drive off with 120 cans of vegetables.

Fans are asked to bring cans of food and place them in barrels located around the ballpark. Suggested items are: canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta or noodles, canned soups and stews, toilet and facial tissue, and personal hygiene products.

About Community Harvest Food Bank
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the alleviation of hunger through the full use of donated food and other resources. As the largest food bank in northeast Indiana, it collects and distributes over 10 million pounds of donated, surplus food annually through a network of human service member agencies. Community Harvest Food Bank serves Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley counties. Visit www.chfb.org, find them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

Undernourishment and malnutrition are serious problems for America’s growing 65+ population. In fact, as many as one out of every three seniors are at risk for under- or mal-nutrition. To raise awareness for this growing problem, Comfort Keepers in Fort Wayne is participating in a nationwide STOP Senior Hunger Food Drive from August 15th through November 1st; all proceeds from the local food drive will benefit the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana.

About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers in Fort Wayne opened for business in September 2001 and will be celebrating their 10th year in business this year. They have established an excellent reputation for the quality of care their caregivers provide. Our caregivers provide non-medical in home care for seniors and others requiring assistance in their homes. Comfort Keepers expanded their reach in 2007 with the purchase of their second franchise in the Fort Wayne area and currently cover the counties of Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley. For more information visit their website at www.comfortkeepers.com/fortwayne-in.

About Society of Saint Andrew
The Society of St. Andrew, formed in 1979 with Headquarters in Big Island, VA., is a non-profit ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to fighting hunger in our nation and the world. The Society works primarily to salvage fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people in need.

Visit www.endhunger.org for more information or e-mail hranin@endhunger.org for Indiana info.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

August 22, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frisco-Special Olympics Check Presentation Pic Web — (Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.

Frisco-Grant 2 — Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

Timber Rattlers Visit Habitat for Humanity

August 10, 2011

On Tuesday, August 2^nd, two Timber Rattlers pitchers and a few members of the team’s front office visited one of Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity’s work sites. Pitchers Stosh Wawrzasek and Matt Miller volunteered their time before taking on the Clinton LumberKings to thank the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our community.

This marks the second year that the team provided lunch to one of Habitat for Humanity’s work sites. It’s a great opportunity to get the team more involved in the community. Likewise, the volunteers love being able to chat with the players about their minor league baseball experience…and even get a few autographs!

The Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity has built over 130 houses and counting in the Fox Cities, providing a new home for nearly 500 people in the community. In partnership with hundreds of dedicated volunteers and supporters, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is building hope, one house at a time.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers look forward to supporting Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity for many more seasons to come!

Akron Aeros Help Paint A Picture for Hope

July 18, 2011

The Akron Aeros front office staff made their way to ACCESS earlier this month to help the local shelter prepare recreational rooms at their facility.

Upon arrival, the staff got straight to work with paint and brushes in hand. They started with painting a Teen Room, and then moved to painting an office at ACCESS.

“It was inspiring to volunteer at a place like ACCESS. To think of all of the individuals they help after these people have been turned down elsewhere, really puts things into perspective. Our staff has really enjoyed this experience, paint clothes and all,” Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator NICOLE BLUM said.

ACCESS, or The Akron Citizens’ Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services, was created to meet the need for the 625 monthly requests for shelter in the Akron area. With only 150 beds available and just 18 reserved for women and children, ACCESS helps fill the void by providing emergency shelter for those women and children. ACCESS also provides meals, group support, children’s programming, parental programming, and a Care Clinic.

“When I picked up a brochure after leaving ACCESS, I read the first line, ‘Providing Help When It’s Needed The Most.’ That quote seems to resonate throughout this organization. They certainly help those in need to the best of their ability. But there’s always more that can be done. That’s where volunteers come in,” Aeros Executive Vice President/COO JIM PFANDER said.

As a part of their ‘Helping Hands’ program, the Aeros volunteer at local non-profit organizations such as ACCESS. Next month, the Aeros will assist The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County.

For information on ACCESS, visit access-shelter.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

Akron-ACCESS, moving book shelf — Director of Sales, Greg Berry and Manager of Promotions, Calvin Funkhouser prepare the Teen Room before painting at ACCESS shelter in Akron.

Akron-ACCESS, painting 1 — Aeros staff is all hands on deck, painting the Teen Room at ACCESS.

All-American Blood Drive

July 10, 2011

The Oklahoma City RedHawks and OBI (Oklahoma Blood Institute) hosted the All-American Blood Drive to help ensure Oklahoma’s blood supply on Independence Day weekend 2011.

The motto of the day: FEEL GOOD. GIVE BLOOD.

The event was held at RedHawks Field at Bricktown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011. Oklahomans were encoured to give blood (if 16 years of age and older) to receive 2 tickets to the RedHawks 4th of July game and fireworks show. Free parking and hotdogs were also available on July 1st for all of the blood donors. All that just for giving blood and showing Oklahoman pride!

Akron Aeros Volunteer at Salvation Army in More Ways Than One

July 9, 2011

The Akron Aeros front office staff traveled to The Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel last month, extending their Helping Hands program in the facility’s soup kitchen, pre-school and storage rooms.

The Aeros had the opportunity to see the dynamics of an organization that helps the local community in such diverse ways. The staff assisted with food preparation and dispersion in the soup kitchen, while mingling with those dining and the full-time volunteer staff.

Others assisted at the preschool, helping to prepare and deliver lunches to the kids, while spending quality time before naptime for the children.

The staff also worked behind the scenes, sorting and organizing the Salvation Army’s arts and crafts supplies, donations and records.

“I was able to volunteer on all different ends of the spectrum. You really get a chance to see how dedicated The Salvation Army is to the community. We especially loved spending time with the kids, and they were really enthusiastic. That’s what makes this Helping Hands program so rewarding,” said NICOLE BLUM, Aeros Suites, Picnics and Community Relations Coordinator.

Based on the Christian faith, The Salvation Army aims to fulfill their motto, “Doing the most good,” which was evident to the Aeros staff, who left with a clearer vision of the organization and its purpose. From church services, to after school programs, and providing financial assistance, shelter and free meals, the Salvation Army’s Akron Citadel epitomizes their 135-year-old motto.

Each month, the Akron Aeros front office staff volunteers at locally based organizations as a part of their Helping Hands program. In addition to the Salvation Army, the Aeros plan to assist Akron’s Habitat for Humanity as their next venture.

For information on the Salvation Army and its locations, visit salvationarmyusa.org, and for additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, contact Nicole Blum at 330.253.5151 x310 or visit akronaeros.com

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Local food bank will hold food drive during TinCaps’ Games