‘Dads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend

Weekend highlighted by pink jersey auction on Sunday

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads have announced the details for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, May 9th – Sunday, May 11th.

The 3-day promotion, presented by KICKS 103.3, will focus on the color pink with the team hoping to raise both awareness and financial support in the battle against breast cancer. The festivities begin on Friday, with the Crawdads looking to “Paint the Park Pink.” The ‘Dads players will debut special pink game jerseys that they will wear throughout the weekend, and any fan who wears pink to the ballpark will receive a $5 ticket to the game.

Saturday will feature replica pink Crawdads uniforms for the first 1,000 fans with paid admittance, courtesy of Pepsi.

The weekend promotion will wrap up with a big day on Sunday. In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation at the front gate. The Crawdads will also finish the auction of their game-worn, pink jerseys, with a live silent auction at L.P. Frans Stadium. The online portion of the jersey auction is available now, with fans able to bid on the uniform of any 2014 Hickory Crawdad. The online auction will end at 12:00 pm on May 11th, with the auction concluding live at the ballpark during the game

A portion of the proceeds from the jersey auction will go towards a local breast cancer support organization. You can find the online auction page on the Crawdads website here.

For more information regarding any of the activities during the Crawdads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, call the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Itron Champions Program Schools Named

Bemiss and Sheridan chosen as program’s 2014 recipients

Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.
Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.

Spokane-IndiansFor the fifth consecutive year, the Spokane Indians and Itron will partner for the Itron Champions Program, which rewards low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot, a school assembly and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom. Bemiss Elementary and Sheridan Elementary have been chosen as this year’s recipients.

“The Itron Champions Program is a perfect complement to our commitment to helping children in the Spokane community,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “It keeps kids excited and motived to learn during the final month of school.”

Bemiss Elementary will have their assembly on Friday, May 9th at 2:00 PM. Sheridan Elementary will host theirs on Friday, May 30th at a time to be determined.

“Itron is dedicated to supporting young people in our community. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Itron Champions program,” said Diane Vanos, manager of community investment, Itron. “Rewarding good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom will help encourage positive behaviors and shape our community’s future leaders.”

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

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

Pelicans team up with HTC and Backpack Buddies

Partnership renewed to bring much-needed essentials to underprivileged youth

Myrtle-Beach-PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

Help-4-Kids“The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we’re honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need,” remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She’s a true hero and we’re fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community.”

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

RoughRiders announce Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark

FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 15, 2014) – The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, announced a promotion worthy of rock star status today as they unveiled Women Rock Day at Dr Pepper Ballpark in conjunction with Women Rock, Inc. The two organizations will rock out together on Saturday, May 10 as the RoughRiders battle the Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 p.m.

The event will mark the third time the RoughRiders have teamed up with the not-for-profit Breast Cancer awareness group. As in the past, Women Rock Day will amp up the game day experience at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

For just $25, fans receive a limited edition RoughRiders hat, a prime seat behind the ‘Riders dugout and a souvenir PlayBall! game program. For two hours, fans with an appetite can enjoy unlimited hot dogs, brats and nachos, and quench their thirst with unlimited Dr Pepper products.

Five dollars from every ticket purchased will be donated to Women Rock, Inc. In turn, Women Rock, Inc. plans to use a portion of the night’s proceeds to fund medicals costs for breast cancer warrior, A.J. Atherton. Ms. Atherton will be present at the game to throw out the first pitch.

Women Rock Day also coincides with the Pink in the Park jersey auction at Dr Pepper Ballpark on May 9 and 10. A portion of all proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Women Rock, Inc.

For more information on Pink in the Park, contact LaShawn Moore at 972-334-1978 or lmoore@ridersbaseball.com

Women Rock Day occurs at the end of an eight-game RoughRiders homestand that begins on May 3 at 7:05 p.m. against the Midland Rock Hounds.

For information on tickets to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail Info@RidersBaseball.com or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.

For additional information on Women Rock, Inc., visit http://www.womenrockinc.org/. Women Rock, Inc. can also be found on:

Twitter: @womenrockinc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenRockInc

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WomenRockInc

About Women Rock, Inc.

Women Rock, Inc, is a not for profit organization that is on a mission to save lives through increasing awareness and the early detection of breast cancer in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We will Leave No Stone Unturned!

Women Rock Inc.’s vision is to spread breast cancer awareness and education, and increase early detection procedures and participants, in order to maximize breast cancer detection while focusing on women who suffer disproportionately due to socioeconomic circumstances. We will take education to people in the communities of Northeast Texas with a mobile teaching setup. Our government funds programs that provide screening exams for women that qualify, but for every five women that qualify, only one is being assisted! Many women are getting left out! Every woman should have the opportunity to have a screening mammogram, and a chance at early detection. It’s that simple. Early detection saves lives! Women Rock wants to close the gap and provide mammograms to those women that are slipping through the proverbial cracks.

About Frisco RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team has finished first among all Double-A minor league teams in attendance each season from 2005 – 2013, drawing more than half-a-million fans each year since the team was founded in 2003. More than 100 former RoughRiders have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including All-Stars Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Chris Davis, C.J. Wilson, Adrian Gonzalez, Neftali Feliz and Matt Harrison The RoughRiders are owned by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, winners of the “Baseball Organization of the Year” in 2008 by Ballpark Digest.

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

TD Bank Signs on to Sponsor Pelicans Community Corner Program

Bank to donate nearly 1,000 tickets to non-profits

MyrtleBeachPelicans_2014-04-01

 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (APRIL 2, 2014) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is partnering with The Myrtle Beach Pelicans to bring the TD Bank Community Corner program during the 2014 regular season.

For a third season, the Community Corner Program will provide nearly 1,000 tickets to local non-profit organizations in Horry and Georgetown counties. For 35 select games during the season, including Opening Night, a non-profit organization will receive 25 tickets as part of the new program.

The groups will enjoy a unique night out at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark with tickets in the reserved box seating area. The group will have the name of their organization appear on the video board during the game as well.

“TD Bank is thrilled to support the Community Corner Program and help bring the fun of Myrtle Beach Pelicans games to more area residents,” said Scott Sharp, TD Bank Regional Vice President, North Coast. “We feel it is important to invest in our communities, and Pelicans games are a great, family oriented way to spend a few hours together.”

Non-profits interested in joining the TD Bank Community Corner program are encouraged to contact Zach Brockman, Senior Director of Ticketing for the Pelicans, by telephone at (843) 918-6017 or by e-mail at ZBrockman@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

The Pelicans begin their season on April 3 when the Salem Red Sox visit TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Season Seats, Mini Plans, Flex Books, and single game tickets for the 2014 season are on sale now. For more information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2014, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Express Teams Up with Donate Life Texas on Opening Day

Mother of Organ Donor Honored During Ceremonial First Pitch

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is proud to announce they have partnered with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to host “Donate Life Texas” Night on Opening Day, Thursday, April 3 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. Pam Porter, whose son passed away and saved many lives through his organ donations, will be recognized and honored during the ceremonial first pitch. Donate Life Texas will also have a kiosk on the home plate concourse and take part in a pre-game, on-field interview.

“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 again 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 300 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.

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.

The Express kick off its 15th season with a four-game series against the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Houston Astros affiliate) followed by a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Colorado Rockies affiliate). For tickets and more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Sawmills Elementary’s Nathan Connor creates winning artwork

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan’s artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the ‘Dads game day program.

Nathan’s artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the ‘Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

“Nathan’s picture really stood out to us,” said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan’s was the one that won us over.”

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the ‘Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the ‘Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan’s winning art, while St. Stephen’s Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year’s contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 ‘Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

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

Embrace Hospice to Title Sponsor Military Appreciation Program

Florence-based Hospice Center to be featured during 11 Pelicans Games

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (FEBRUARY 27, 2014) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are pleased to announce that Embrace Hospice has signed on as the title sponsor for the Pelicans inaugural Military Appreciation program titled “Embrace Veterans.” Military Appreciation Night headlines the program on Friday, June 6, 2014 when the Pelicans host the Frederick Keys at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

Over 11 game dates during the season, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans will feature stories of WWII veterans as a part of a new program called Embrace Veterans, culminating in Military Appreciation Night, presented by Embrace Hospice, which falls on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The program is working with several different veteran-related non-profit organizations in the Grand Strand to honor veterans who served during WWII.

In addition to their involvement in Military Appreciation Night, Embrace Hospice will be a partner for an additional ten game dates throughout the 2014 season. On each of these nights, the Pelicans will highlight veterans during the game at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This will include a video tribute of select veterans, produced by The Center for Military and Veterans Studies at CCU and presented by Embrace Hospice. A representative from Embrace Hospice will throw out the first pitch alongside a local Grand Strand veteran as well. Information on Embrace Hospice will be available in the concourse for each of these games. The game dates for the Embrace Veterans program are as follows: April 19; May 3, 17, 31; June 6, 7, 21; July 12, 19; August 2, 30.

On Military Appreciation Night, the Pelicans will give away a Veteran Card Set, presented by Embrace Hospice, featuring a variety of veterans from the Grand Strand. The Embrace Hospice name and Embrace Veterans logo will appear on all promotional materials and event details for the night and will also be featured throughout TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Embrace Hospice will receive recognition on the Pelicans Radio Network, which can be heard locally on ESPN Myrtle Beach 1450 WRNN AM and globally on ESPNMyrtleBeach.com and TuneIn Radio, including an on-air, in-game interview highlighting their mission.

“We at Embrace Hospice are very proud to be partnering with the Pelicans in celebrating and honoring our veterans this year. [Many of us here are] veterans ourselves, so this has an extra special meaning to us and the many veterans we employ,” said Kevin McHugh, the CEO of Embrace Hospice. “Our veterans are one of this country’s greatest accomplishments. What they have done for our freedom makes going to a ballgame an everyday thing for Americans. We hope the community joins us this year at Pelicans ballgames to say thank you and to ‘Embrace a Veteran’.”

The Pelicans are currently accepting nominations of veterans to be featured on the video board and/or in the card set. To be highlighted on a particular game night with video board feature, the veteran must be a currently living veteran of WWII. Veterans of all U.S. conflicts, whether deceased or living, are eligible for the card set. The Pelicans will make selections for both the video tributes and the card set from the nominees; all decisions on these matters are final. To nominate a veteran, applications must be filled out and submitted to the Pelicans by e-mail to Katelyn Guild at KGuild@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, by mail to the Pelicans Front Office located at 1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, or in person at the same address, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com or in person at the Pelicans Front Office.

The Pelicans begin their season on April 3rd when the Salem Red Sox visit TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Season Seats, Mini Plans, Flex Books, and single game tickets for the 2014 season are on sale now. For more information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2014, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or visit the Pelicans box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Indians Announce Youth Baseball

Pony, Babe Ruth, SYSA Form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball

Pony, Babe Ruth and divisions of SYSA have combined to form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.
Pony, Babe Ruth and divisions of SYSA have combined to form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.

SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane Indians are excited to announce the formation of Spokane Indians Youth Baseball, a non-profit youth baseball organization that will encompass all of Spokane Pony Baseball, Spokane Babe Ruth and the baseball and softball divisions of Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA).

“When discussing youth baseball with Spokane Pony Baseball, Spokane Babe Ruth and SYSA, it became clear that this was the right time to combine our efforts and form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball,” said Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Spokane Indians. “By bringing together the leagues and brands, we will be able to enhance the baseball experience for families and volunteers of the Inland Northwest. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”

“With one united organization, we will be able to clearly communicate information and simplify player registration and coordination of fields,” said Dana Richardson, President of Pony Baseball. “Having the Spokane Indians associated with youth baseball will increase the exposure for our league, and in turn increase the number of youth on the baseball diamond.”

In 2013, over 3,000 kids participated in Pony, Babe Ruth and SYSA baseball and softball across the Inland Northwest. The mission is to increase and promote participation and opportunities through a cohesive and unified marketing effort, while also creating a fund to facilitate future field development.

“The main component of this partnership is simple – it’s the common goal of doing this for the kids,” says Philip Helean, Executive Director of SYSA. “We want every child in the Inland Northwest involved so we can see them smiling as they take the field.”

Registration is now open for Spokane Indians Youth Baseball at www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org, and city-wide draft evaluations will occur in March. Players can sign up individually for all skill levels, or as a full team in both recreational and competitive divisions. Teams in the younger divisions will be formed based on schools and neighborhoods.

Volunteer coaches are always needed! Coaches may register online, and must provide photo identification. Criminal background checks are conducted for all volunteers in Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.

Parents will have the option of registering online at www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org, or by stopping by either of the SYSA offices, located Downtown at The Warehouse (800 North Hamilton, Suite 201) or in the Valley at the HUB Sports Center (19619 East Cataldo).

For more information please visit www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org or call (509) 321-1999.

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

Express CEO Reese Ryan to Host HeartGift Patient

Belize Child to arrive in Austin January 6 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

AUSTIN, Texas (January 3, 2013) -The HeartGift Foundation, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children from developing countries, is preparing for the arrival of the nonprofit organization’s 200th patient.

Courtney, an almost two-year-old girl from Belize, will arrive January 6 in Austin, TX and will undergo life-saving surgery January 14 at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Her medical care team will be led by HeartGift physicians, Drs. Stuart Rowe and Kenneth Fox.

“Without surgery Courtney would develop difficulty exercising, then difficulty breathing, and then would ultimately die. But with the help and generosity of HeartGift, Courtney will receive a second chance of living a full life,” explained Fox.

Courtney will stay with Reese Ryan, CEO of the Round Rock Express baseball team and son of famed baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The Ryan family has been very involved with HeartGift patients in both Austin and the Dallas Fort Worth area, but this is their first time to host a patient in their home. “We appreciate the opportunity to introduce our daughters to families in need from around the world. It will be a blessing for us to be able to open our home and share in this life changing experience for this family” said Ryan.

“When the HeartGift Foundation was incorporated in 2000, it was hard to envision that we could save the lives of 200 children with heart problems,” said Dr. John “Chip” Oswalt, co-founder and chairman of HeartGift. “As we approach this milestone, it gives me pause to look back on the 200 precious lives saved. As the years pass we will reach more milestones, enlist many more volunteers, and save many more children-one heartgift at a time.”

About HeartGift

HeartGift brings children from around the world to the United States for surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects.

Founded in Austin, the HeartGift Foundation has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and New Orleans. All medical services are provided for free. Patients’ families do not pay a penny.

Since its inception, HeartGift has helped children from 28 countries: Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, the Republic of Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Syria and Uganda.

These children come to the states because their home countries lack adequate health care; they leave with repaired hearts and a new sense of hope for the future.

To learn more about HeartGift, visit www.heartgift.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. 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

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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.

Play4Health event slated for August 17

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host a free event at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark on Saturday, August 17, prior to Myrtle Beach’s home game that evening against the Lynchburg Hillcats. The clinic will run from 8:30-11:30 am.

The clinic will be hosted by the Pelicans players and Play4Health, and those that participate will receive a free ticket to the game and family members will receive a discounted ticket offer. The Pelicans play the Hillcats later that night beginning at 6:05 p.m.

For more information, and to register, please log on to: https://wellness.sanofi.us/Play4Health.

Play4Health is a grassroots chronic disease prevention and wellness program designed to engage and educate kids, their parents and communities about obesity, its link to chronic disease and the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. With the rise of childhood obesity, Play4Health is on a mission to change the way kids think and act about health and wellness.

Play4Health is an educational program that combines a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to “play” on a Minor League Baseball field through a day of fun fitness activities followed by a game.

Kids are assigned to an activity station that focuses on the “triple play” for prevention and wellness which includes exercise, nutrition and other healthy behaviors. Each participant will also receive a goody bag to take home along with a healthy snack.

The clinic’s primary instructor will be Rafy Oquendo, an expert in the health and wellness field.

The CEO of the All Star Training Center, Oquendo develops exercise and wellness programs that promote the well and healthy lifestyles of people of all ages. As the creator, spokesperson and health and wellness expert for the Play4Health initiative, Oquendo believes the right plan and tools, and a positive, confident outlook are critical to becoming healthier and more active. He combines the proven exercise science based training programs and methods he uses for professional athletes with his knowledge and experience to design exercise programs to help people at any fitness level to succeed. His philosophy is that fitness is a journey and not a destination.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event!

Calling All Artists!

Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event

The Hickory Crawdads have announced their first ever Art at the Park event to take place August 13th-15th. All artists are invited to submit their best rendition of their favorite scenes from around the ballpark and have their work voted on by the fans over the three-game home stand.

The event will take place the third week in August as the ‘Dads play host to the Asheville Tourists for a three game series of 7pm games. Artists from around the area are encouraged to submit their original two-dimensional artwork depicting their favorite ballpark scene to the Crawdads Front Office by Monday, August 12th for entry into the competition. All submitted works will be displayed on the main concourse of Crawdads Stadium throughout the home stand for Crawdads fans to view and submit votes for the piece they believe should take home the grand prize. At the conclusion of the home stand, ballots will be counted and the artist whose piece gets the most votes will receive a FREE Luxury Suite for a ballgame.

In addition to the chance to win the grand prize, all participants will receive one free grandstand ticket good for any of the three games during the home stand. All fans and artists are welcome to participate as long as their submissions are within the guidelines. The fan-favorite voting contest will begin when the gates open on Tuesday, August 13th, and will remain open until the conclusion of the game on Thursday, August 15th. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 16th.

For more information on the Hickory Crawdads and their Art at the Park event, visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact Quinn Gruber at (828)322-3000, or e-mail qgruber@hickorycrawdads.com.

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Crawdads Front Office:

2500 Clement Blvd. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Crawdads Mailing Address:

PO Box 1268

Hickory, NC 28603

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

‘Donations Weekend’ Kicks Off at Dell Diamond

Make a donation July 26-29 at Railyard Team Store for 2 free tickets

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The Round Rock Express and Goodwill Industries of Central Texas have teamed up to present “Donations Weekend” at Dell Diamond starting Friday, July 26 and running through Monday, July 29, courtesy of Austin Goodwill.

Fans are encouraged to bring a clothing donation to the Railyard Team Store Friday-Monday to receive a “Be Our Guest” card, good for two Reserved tickets, and a coupon for 15% off your entire purchase from the Team Store!

Also, make a donation to the Goodwill store in Round Rock (150 W. Palm Valley Blvd) Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to noon, to meet an Express player and Spike. Fans who make a donation will also receive a “Be Our Guest” card for their donation.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, please visit www.austingoodwill.org. Let’s get out and help our Central Texas neighbors by donating!

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

Premera Care-A-Van Provides Smiles

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Spokane Indians players and OTTO visited Sacred Heart on July 17. (Otto Klein)

Spokane, WA – For over 10 years the Spokane Indians and Premera Blue Cross have teamed up for the Premera Care-A-Van, a program where children in local hospitals receive a visit from OTTO the Mascot and current Indians players. The first of three Care-A-Van visits was July 17th at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“We love supporting these types of events and are thankful for our partnership with Premera Blue Cross,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “These brave kids are going through more than we know and it’s rewarding for everyone to see them smile.”

In addition to the visit from players Travis Dean, Cody Ege and John Straka, OTTO The Mascot also made an appearance. The children received a Care-A-Van Backpack full of Spokane Indians items courtesy of Premera Blue Cross. The Indians also provide tickets for former patients who have now recovered and are living in the Spokane area.

The Indians and Premera Blue Cross have two more Care-A-Vans planned for this year, including August 20th at at Shriners Hospital for Children. All media are invited to attend.

For more information about the Premera Care-A-Van program, please call (509) 535-2922, or send an email to dtoms@spokaneindians.com.

The Indians will return home next Tuesday, July 23rd, for a quick three-game homestand against the Vancouver Canadians to start the second half of the Northwest League season. That night will be Triple Play Sweepstakes presented by Triple Play Family Fun Park, 103.9 BOB FM, 790 KJRB and Kids Newspaper. If the Indians complete a triple play during the first nine innings of the game, one lucky fan in attendance will win $33,333! Sign up at the game for your chance to win!

Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office, spokaneindians.com or ticketswest.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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