Naturals Community Highlights: May 15-20

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Naturals return for a brief three-game homestand on Saturday, but Strike will be a busy Sasquatch over the next six days, making 11 appearances in five Northwest Arkansas communities as well as welcoming the Naturals back to town.

Wednesday, May 15: Strike will visit patients at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, lifting their spirits and generating smiles. After his visit to Circle of Life, Strike will have lunch with a special group of youngsters who were selected as part of the Terrific Kids program sponsored by the Bentonville Kiwanis club.

Thursday, May 16: Strike will have lunch with Terrific Kids selected by the Bentonville Kiwanis Club.

Friday, May 17: Strike begins his Friday by visiting students at Bright Field Middle School in Bentonville, followed by a trip to Mathias Elementary in Rogers. At both schools, Strike will congratulate students on a successful school year and promote their upcoming fundraising nights at Arvest Ballpark.

Later in the day, Strike will make an appearance with participants in a study conducted by the University of Arkansas Psychology department. Strike will close out the day by supporting runners and walkers in Bella Vista at the Strides for Stroke 5K and 1-mile fun run.

Saturday, May 18: Strike will start his Saturday morning with a visit to the Wildcat Rumble 5k in Bentonville. After passing out awards and celebrating with the winners, Strike will visit the Compassion House in Springdale. Following a brief lunch break, Strike will head over to Pinnacle Hills Mall in Rogers to take part in the rescheduled Touch-A-Truck event, benefitting the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas. Later in the day, Strike will appear the Bentonville Great Strides event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In addition to Strike’s visits around Northwest Arkansas, the Naturals will welcome eight groups to Arvest Ballpark this homestand as part of the team’s fundraising program. These groups include Elkins Elementary School, Sugar Creek Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, Huntsville Intermediate School, Mathias Elementary School music department, Lowell Elementary School, Aid for Developing Countries and Western Arkansas Child Development. As of May 14, the Naturals ticket fundraising program has raised $52,543 this season.

If you would like to have Strike appear at your event, email streetteam@nwanaturals.com or fill out the form on the Naturals’ website, located by clicking on the Community tab at the top of the webpage, then clicking the appearances link. Those interested in participated in the Naturals ticket fundraising program should call 479-927-4900 or email groups@nwanaturals.com.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and proud host of the 77th Annual Texas League All Star Game. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

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

World Record Attempt to Support Walk to End Alzheimer’s

ONEOK Field to host First Pitch record attempt

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Join the Tulsa Drillers for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Night presented by Montereau and Tulsa’s Channel 8 as they partner to Strike Out Alzheimer’s in World Record fashion on Saturday, May 25! Be a part of history as the Drillers attempt to throw out more than 12,000 first pitches before the Drillers game at ONEOK Field.

Fans can take part in this record-breaking occasion by heading to ONEOK Field on Saturday, May 25 between the hours of midnight and 5:00pm. Fans of all ages are invited to participate, but adult supervision is encouraged for children under 18.

The suggested donation per pitch is $1, but a donation is not required to participate. There is no limit on number of pitches a participant can throw. Fans wanting to be a part of the record attempt can enter ONEOK Field through the Arvest Entrance at the corner of Brady St. and Elgin Ave.

Those who cannot attend are invited to pitch virtually. For every dollar donated online, a pitch will be thrown out by a volunteer at the field. Donations can be made by visiting www.StrikeOutALZ.org.

Money raised during Strike Out ALZ and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Night will fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For more information, visit www.StrikeOutALZ.org.

To complete the day of baseball activities, the Tulsa Drillers will wear special edition purple jerseys as they take on the Frisco Roughriders at 7 p.m. during the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Night presented by Montereau and KTUL. Spectators are invited to join the Drillers by wearing purple to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

The limited edition purple jerseys will be sold during a silent auction that will take place through the eighth inning outside Black Gold Outfitters. Walk to End Alzheimer’s merchandise, event sign up information and Alzheimer’s educational material will also be available.

 

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s: The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. For more information, or to form a team, visit www.tulsawalk.org.

 

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

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

Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore launch Salute to Military Program

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Springfield, MO – The Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, are proud to partner with Ashley Furniture HomeStore to launch the Salute to Military Program, recognizing military personnel for their service throughout the 2013 season.

The Salute to Military Program will shine the spotlight on military personnel who have demonstrated outstanding military and community service and support for other veterans.  Active and retired personnel must be nominated for the Salute to Military Program.  One active or retired military member per game will then be selected to receive four tickets in the front row next to the home dugout and take part in an in-game recognition of their service, courtesy of Ashley Furniture HomeStore.

To nominate an active or retired member of the military for the Cardinals and Ashley Furniture HomeStore Salute to Military Program, please fill out a nomination form and submit it to the Cardinals by mail (955 E. Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65802), fax (417-863-0388), or at home games.  Nomination forms may also be picked up at Ashley Furniture HomeStore or emailed to Coordinator of Fan Interaction Faith Lorhan at florhan@cardinals.com.

Click here to download a Salute to Military Nomination Form.

The Hammons Field Home Opener is just two days away on Thursday, April 11, and will feature the Great Southern Bank Magnet Schedule Giveaway (5,000 fans), the AM Pyrotechnics Fireworks Kick-Off Show and will be a Johnsonville “Buck a Brat” Night with bratwursts for just a buck!  First Pitch is 7:09 p.m. against Corpus Christi with gates opening at 6:09 p.m.

For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, ordering the new Friday, Saturday, and Promo Items Packs (only 100 available), the custom-designed Championship Packs (only 100 available) or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here for more information on Cardinals Ticket Options.

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

Express to Honor Military on Opening Day with “Operation: Military Kids”

Children of Military Parents to Line Infield During Opening Ceremonies

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Opening Day in baseball is a time to celebrate America’s pastime and with that, the chance to honor the soldiers and their families that protect our freedom. The Round Rock Express is proud to salute our military and their families on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4 with “Operation: Military Kids.”

Over 100 children with one or both parents in the military and often times impacted by military deployments will line up around the infield during the special opening ceremonies. They’ll each hold an American flag in honor of their parents.

“We’re excited for these kids to have the opportunity to get recognized on a stage as great as the Express’ Opening Day,” said Brigid Mejia, program director of Texas “Operation: Military Kids.” “The children of our military members are sometimes overlooked for the sacrifices they make having a parent in the military.”

Texas “Operation: Military Kids” partnership is a shared initiative of the US Army Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services and funded by the Army National Guard and Army Reserve in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of “Operation: Military Kids” is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being.

“Operation: Military Kids” is proud to support military youth.  April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor youth impacted by deployment, making the timing of Opening Day that much more special.

Round Rock kicks off the regular season on Thursday, April 4 with a four-game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers followed by a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs. To reserve your Opening Day tickets and ticket plans, including full season, 20-game and flex plans, call the Express ticket office at (512) 255-2255 or visit www.RoundRockExpress.com. 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.

Express Teams Up With “Donate Life Texas”

Recent Heart Transplant Recipient to be Honored During Ceremonial First Pitch

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is proud to announce they have partnered with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to host “Donate Life Texas” Night on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4 at Dell Diamond, to promote awareness of the need for organ donors.

The non-profit organization will have a strong presence in the ballpark during Opening Day festivities, including manning a kiosk on the home plate concourse and taking part in a pre-game, on-field interview. Also, recent heart transplant recipient JR Box will be recognized and honored during the ceremonial first pitch. As he continues his recovery from surgery back in February, his wife Brooke Box, a former Round Rock Emergency Department nurse (and current Air-Evac flight nurse), will throw out the first pitch to honor JR’s heart donor.

“We’re proud to be able to use the platform of Express games to raise awareness for local non-profits all season long,” said Tim Jackson, Express director of community relations. “We’re delighted to host ‘Donate Life Texas’ Night on Opening Day this season, and we hope that our Express fans can help make a difference.”

TOSA will be giving away reusable grocery bags, courtesy of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, to the first 500 people who either sign up on the state registry at the game or show their driver’s license with a DONOR heart in the lower right-hand corner.

The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance is one of 58 federally designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) in the United States. Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit corporation, TOSA covers 56 counties in Central and South Texas.  TOSA is committed to providing organ donation and recovery services to families wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. For more information, visit www.DonateLifeTexas.org.

Round Rock kicks off the regular season on Thursday, April 4 with an eight-game home stand that includes four-game series against Omaha (April 4-7) and Iowa (April 8-11). To reserve your Opening Day tickets and ticket plans, including full season, 20-game and flex plans, call the Express ticket office at (512) 255-2255 or visit www.RoundRockExpress.com. 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.

Drillers Starting Make-A-Difference Mondays Program

Kids and families in need to attend selected Monday games free of charge

McElroy Make-A-Difference Mondays will provide nights out at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa for needy kids and families this season.
McElroy Make-A-Difference Mondays will provide nights out at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa for needy kids and families this season.

Monday evening games will take on a special meaning this season at ONEOK Field. The Tulsa Drillers Foundation has announced a partnership with McElroy Manufacturing that will feature a new program titled “McElroy Make-A-Difference Mondays.”

The six Monday night games of the 2013 season will give Tulsa area children and families in need the opportunity to attend games at no cost. McElroy Manufacturing, through its partnership, will provide complimentary Drillers Dogs and soft drinks for all kids and parents that attend a Monday game as part of the program.

“We are excited to be able to offer this program,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “Many of us grew up attending games with our parents and grandparents, and the memories can last a lifetime, yet we realize that there are many young fans that may never get the chance to attend a game at ONEOK Field. With the help of McElroy and other companies, we can now give these kids an opportunity to enjoy an evening out and a chance to experience downtown Tulsa and make memories of their own.”

ONEOK, Tulsa Federal Credit Union and Clinical Profusion Systems have also joined the Tulsa Drillers Foundation in the Make-A-Difference program as ticket sponsors. Any company or individual interested in helping to underwrite tickets for those in need can contact Kara Biden with the Drillers at (918)744-5901.

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

Missions & Five Star Cleaners Help Stop Hunger

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This summer the San Antonio Food bank will be feeding 7,000 children every day over 11 weeks during the summer at 150 feeding sites. These kids need your help, and we can make it easy for you!

Five Star Cleaners and Your San Antonio Missions invite you and your neighbors to join us in our Five for 5 summer food drive. It runs now through August 17th. We are asking you to bring 5 cans of food to any of the 18 convenient Five Star Cleaners locations.

Bring in five cans of food (and if you would include a jar of peanut butter in a plastic container it would be outstanding), and receive:

• A $5.00 off coupon for any future dry cleaning order
• Two free tickets voucher to select San Antonio Missions game.”
• $10 off two tickets voucher to a future San Antonio Scorpions game

But wait! There is more!

On Sunday, July 15th…if you bring 2 cans of food here to the ballpark, we’ll give you a voucher for BUY ONE TICKET, GET ONE TICKET FREE for that night’s game against the Midland Rockhounds.

So, jump our team and be a part of Five for 5. You’ll be glad you did, and you can take pride in knowing that you are helping San Antonio’s under-privileged children.

Learn more by visiting myfivestarcleaners.com

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

Liberty Bank, Naturals honor Community Heroes

Nominate your heroes for public recognition at a game

Nominate your Community Heroes to be honored at a Naturals game.
Nominate your Community Heroes to be honored at a Naturals game.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Liberty Bank of Arkansas are proud to introduce a new program for the 2012 season – Community Heroes – which will seek to honor individuals who have done something excellent for their hometown or organization.

Community Heroes are individuals who have gone above and beyond in terms of community service and helping others. Those that are selected will receive on-field recognition at a 2012 Naturals’ home game, four complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a “Community Heroes” award courtesy of Liberty Bank.

“We believe this will be a great program to honor members of the communities of our region who are doing something great,” said Naturals’ General Manager Eric Edelstein. “We’re happy to partner with Liberty Bank for this effort and look forward to hosting these extraordinary people and their guests at a game.”

If an honoree wants to attend the game accompanied by a large group, the Naturals will make group rates available for advance purchase for groups of 20 or more in addition to the four complimentary tickets.

“Liberty Bank is honored to be a partner in this program. It is consistent with our Community Banking Starts with My Community profile which illustrates how we encourage our employees to volunteer and give back to the communities and cities we serve,” stated Howard Hamilton, Liberty Bank’s NWA Regional President. As a community bank, we are especially proud to be able to recognize individuals in our region who have worked hard to improve the quality of life in the community and the people who live in it.”

Veterans are being sought to help get this program off the ground. For the first night of Community Heroes – on Opening Night on Thursday, April 12th, nine veterans will be selected to take the field along the line as the Naturals’ starting lineup is introduced. To nominate your favorite Veteran, submit your form by no later than April 2nd. All nine of the Veterans selected will receive the four Super Premium tickets and certificate.

A printable form is available at nwanaturals.com for people wishing to make nominations to the Community Heroes program. You may either fax or email it to the Naturals at the numbers listed on the form or drop it off at any of the Northwest Arkansas Liberty Bank locations.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2012 home opener is Thursday, April 12th against the Corpus Christi Hooks. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Drillers Announce Anti-Bullying Program with TPS

Hornsby to Visit Elementary Schools with Anti-Bullying Program

Hornsby is joined by Andre'a Murrell of Williams, Jacqueline Gallegos of The Parent Child Center, Dr. Keith Ballard the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and Heather Johnson of the Tulsa Metro Chamber to announce an Anti-Bullying program that will be presented at TPS Elementary Schools. (Rob Gardenhire)
Hornsby is joined by Andre’a Murrell of Williams, Jacqueline Gallegos of The Parent Child Center, Dr. Keith Ballard the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and Heather Johnson of the Tulsa Metro Chamber to announce an Anti-Bullying program that will be presented at TPS Elementary Schools. (Rob Gardenhire)

The Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Public Schools jointly announced today that the baseball club is joining the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Partners In Education program to deliver an anti-bullying curriculum to elementary schools in the district.

The Drillers mascot, Hornsby, will visit children in grades K-6, accompanied by The Parent Child Center of Tulsa’s “Kids on the Block” puppets. These child-sized puppets, accompanied by performer Jacqueline Gallegos, will present a bully awareness skit. Kids on the Block are frequent visitors to classrooms to teach children how to protect themselves in difficult situations, including bullying, “stranger danger” and physical abuse.

“The Tulsa Drillers take sportsmanship behavior very seriously, both on and off the field,” said Mike Melega, general manager of the Tulsa Drillers. “We think it is important to educate students early about healthy responses to bullying, and how to recognize it. Hornsby will be a great advocate for students as he makes his way into elementary schools with the Kids on the Block.”

“TPS is thankful to the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Chamber for helping us to shed light on bullying in our schools,” said Dr. Keith Ballad, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. “Our teachers and principals are always on the look-out for bullying behavior, as it takes many different forms. As vigilant as we are, however, the sad fact is that we have to equip students to be supportive of each other and to seek help before trouble escalates. Our goal is to create a safe learning environment for all students.”

Bullying is a problem of national proportions, as the spotlight has been cast recently on a number of high-profile incidents. Recent research has shown that over 20 percent of students feel unsafe at school due to direct or observed teasing, threats, bullying and other stressors.

Studies have also shown that children who have been identified as a bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age 24. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more prone to becoming child and spouse abusers.

At TPS, reported instances of bullying have increased in recent years, in part due to better tracking. During the 2010-11 school year, the TPS board strengthened its policy on bullying, and the district has invested heavily in staff development for teachers and administrators to aid in their awareness of bullying behaviors.

Schools interested in learning more about the Anti-Bullying Program, can contact Jacqueline Gallegos with The Parent Child Center of Tulsa at (918) 699-0550.

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

RoughRiders Distribute over 3,000 Tickets to Local Charities

Frisco-RoughRidersFor the ninth straight year, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation distributed tickets and t-shirts to charities in North Texas for the Kids’ Night Out Program. This special program is funded by Whataburger, the RoughRiders Foundation and RoughRiders season ticket holders, sponsors and suite holders.

Over 3,000 tickets were distributed to underserved children and families in North Texas for the Sunday August 7th and Sunday, August 14th RoughRiders games. Each guest received complimentary tickets, parking, posters and t-shirts. After the game, all children had the opportunity to go on the field and run the bases at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Frisco-Foundation-LogoOver 50 non-profit organizations, and the people they serve, came out to enjoy the games.

“We would like to thank the RoughRiders for allowing our agency to participate; they have truly made a difference in the lives of our children and families,” Stacey Jourdain, from the Department of Family and Protective Services said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Ronald McDonald House were also among the 50+ non-profit groups to attend the Kids’ Night Out presented by Whataburger games.

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Kids’ Night Out guests enjoy the game while checking out their new posters.
Frisco 2011-Kids and Ts
A couple guest during the Kids’ Night Out game on August 7th showcase their new t-shirts.

 

2011 Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

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.

(Left to Right) Special Olympics Texas Development Director and Program Director, Alice Brimelow and Cyndi Murchison, and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Buckner International President, Dr. Albert Reyes and his wife tour Dr Pepper Ballpark before their check presentation.

RoughRiders Foundation Awards Five Scholarships

The RoughRiders Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to five graduating high school seniors in North Texas during the 2011 season.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Rooks Patterson and Blake Harrell from Frisco, Mauro Santos and Arturo Gonzalez from Dallas, and Kenbea Walker from McKinney.

Each scholarship winner received $2,000 for their college education, tickets to a RoughRiders game, all-you-can-eat food and Dr Pepper products and a VIP tour before the game.

“The RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship Program is one of our biggest financial contributions of the season,” said Mike Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The RoughRiders appreciate the importance of getting a college education and are proud to help these outstanding students pursue their goals.”

Since the RoughRiders Foundation started their scholarship program seven seasons ago, they have awarded over $55,000 in scholarship monies to local students.

Over 270 applications were submitted by high school seniors around the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. All applicants must have met the criteria of a minimum 3.0 GPA and participated in at least one athletic activity during their senior year. Winners were selected by the RoughRiders Foundation Board of Directors based on academic merit, financial need and athletic accomplishments.

Scholarship Winner, Kenbea Walker (left), and RoughRiders Foundation Director, Mike Davidow.
Scholarship Winner, Blake Harrell, and his family.

RoughRiders Host Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger

The Frisco RoughRiders teamed up with Whataburger to host Food Bank Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

Fans that donated two or more items received a free Whataburger voucher. The RoughRiders started collecting food on June 30th at Dr Pepper Ballpark all the way through the Food Bank night during the July 23rd game against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Over 750 pounds of food items were collected and then delivered to the Frisco Family Services food pantry, Little Elm Food Bank and the North Texas Food Bank.

“The RoughRiders are thrilled to partner with Whataburger on this year’s Food Bank Night,” Scott Sonju, President and General Manager of the Frisco RoughRiders said, “By combining our resources with Whataburger, there is tremendous potential to collect large quantities of food for families in need.”

2011 is the first year the RoughRiders have teamed up with Whataburger to organize a food drive.

“Assisting the hungry is important to Whataburger; which is why we are proud to partner with the Frisco RoughRiders to help donate food to those who need it most,” said Joel Griffiths, Whataburger Regional Director of Operations “We are also excited to provide a free Whataburger voucher to reward those members of the community who join us in giving back.”

A ‘Riders fan deposits a bag of food items in the collection bins at the gates of Dr Pepper Ballpark on July 23rd.
RoughRiders fans are all smiles as they donate food to support Food Bank Night presented by Whataburger.

Frisco RoughRiders Host Hoot’s Chalk Talk

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation teamed up with the Taylor Hooton Foundation to host the the 3rd Annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk on Saturday, July 16th, at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

The free clinic was open to youth baseball and softball players between the ages of 12-15.

Donald Hooton, director of development for the Taylor Hooton Foundation, spoke to over 150 youth baseball and softball players, and their families, about the dangers of steroids.

“I was thrilled by the turn out of kids and parents to our 3rd annual Hoot’s Chalk Talk,” said Donald Hooton of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. “We fielded a lot of great questions and I feel the kids got a lot out of it.”

After Donald’s speech, Frisco RoughRiders team trainer, Carlos Olivas, and strength and conditioning coach, Eric McMahon, spoke to the group about the smart and safe way to train for athletic competition.

The second half of the event was an on-field clinic where Mr. Olivas and Mr. McMahon lead different training exercises, and RoughRiders players, Elio Sarmiento and Renny Osuna, executed baseball drills with all of the attendees.

“I’m so happy the RoughRiders Foundation hosted this event,” said Jack Brewer from Plano, whose grandson attended the Chalk Talk. “This clinic helped kids learn the right way to train and stay healthy, while trying to become top athletes.”

Donald Hooton speaks to Chalk Talk attendees about the dangers of steroids.
RoughRiders catcher, Elio Sarmiento, organizes a fielding drill on the Dr Pepper Ballpark outfield grass.

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure Night at Dr Pepper Ballpark

The Frisco RoughRiders teamed up with Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure during the Saturday, June 11th game, to raise awareness about prostate cancer.

To commemorate the event, RoughRiders players and coaches wore blue arm bands in front of the sell-out crowd at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

“It is a joy and privilege for this organization to work with the Frisco RoughRiders to help us spread our life-saving message of prostate cancer awareness,” Ed Randall, commented after the event.

RoughRiders staff members wore blue bracelets during the game to promote the occasion and Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure volunteers set up a booth along the concourse to educate fans about prostate cancer. Fans that visited their booth also had the opportunity to enter to win a RoughRiders blue bat signed by the entire 2011 team.

RoughRiders manager, Steve Buechele, wears his blue wristband in the dugout to help promote prostate cancer awareness.
Fans fill out forms to recive more information about prostate cancer and enter a raffle to win a team signed bat.