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.

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.

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.
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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.

‘Riders Classic Raises Over $23,000 for RoughRiders Foundation

The RoughRiders Foundation hosted the third annual ‘Riders Classic presented by Tye Williams Financial Services, Smashburger and DC Rightside, LLC on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes in Frisco, TX. The golf tournament raised over $23,000 for the RoughRiders Foundation through sponsorships, registrations, a silent auction and raffle and mulligan sales.

Boxed lunches were donated by Chick-fil-A at Preston Road and Highway 121, and dinner was donated and catered by Chuy’s on the Tollway.

27 foursomes competed in the ‘Riders Classic; 12 of which included RoughRiders pitchers Justin Miller, Richard Bleier, Jake Brigham, Ben Snyder, Corey Young, and Tyler Tufts. Other RoughRiders who participated were infielders Davis Stoneburner and Tom Mendonca, as well as pitching coach, Jeff Andrews.

“The RoughRiders are extremely thankful to have such fantastic charitable support from our players, sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders,” commented Michael Davidow, Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “By sponsoring this tournament and registering to golf, we raised a significant amount of money for our foundation partners and community programs.”

In 2011, the RoughRiders Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and the Miracle League of Frisco. The money raised from the 2011 ‘Riders Classic will help fund these partners as well as the RoughRiders Foundation’s scholarship and grant donation programs.

United Healthcare’s foursome pauses for a quick picture. Photos by Falcon Photography

Frisco RoughRiders Players Support the Frisco Miracle League

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, Frisco RoughRiders players Davis Stoneburner, Elio Sarmiento, Justin Miller and Guilder Rodriguez visited the Frisco Miracle League fields to play baseball with children who had mental or physical disabilities.

The RoughRiders Entertainment Crew, mascots and various staff members joined the fun to entertain the crowd, and players, with various skits during inning breaks.

Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, also made a special appearance at the event to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.

“This is the 4th consecutive year we’ve had RoughRiders Day with the Frisco Miracle League,” Michael Davidow, director of the RoughRiders Foundation said, “It’s grown every year and it’s one of those special events our players can’t wait to attend.”

RoughRiders players pitched to kids, helped refine their fielding skills and signed autographs for everyone after the games.

“Frisco is very fortunate to have the RoughRiders in our city, and being a part of our community,” said Steve Johnson, Board Liason with the Frisco Miracle League, “The players, mascots and staff mean so much to our players.”

For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, please visit, www.ridersbaseball.com/foundation.

RoughRiders seconbaseman, Davis Stoneburner.
RoughRiders shortstop, Guilder Rodriguez.
RoughRiders mascot, Deuce, Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, and RoughRiders pitcher, Justin Miller.

Missions donate $5,000 to Missions Rookie League

The San Antonio Missions presented a $5,000 check to the Missions Rookie League before Thursday’s game, a result of a successful charity golf tournament held on May 25.

The Missions Rookie League is an organization that provides baseball opportunities to underprivileged kids and student athletes in San Antonio. The Missions Rookie League also offers scholarships for youth athletes, and is partnered with the Police Athletic League.

RoughRiders Host 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl tournament on Wednesday, April 21st at Main Event in Frisco, TX. The entire 2010 RoughRiders Team participated in the event and all funds raised went to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.  The event raised over $6,000 for the RoughRiders foundation through registrations and silent auction/raffle ticket sales.

Over 100 people participated in the event and 19 out of 20 lanes were sold. First place was claimed by the team headed by ‘Riders pitchers Zach Phillips and Ryan Falcon. Second place went to the team that included infielder Marcus Lemon and the third place team included catcher Kevin Richardson.

All proceeds from the event benefited the RoughRiders Foundation.  The RoughRiders Foundation’s mission is to help families in North Texas through programs and events. In 2010 the Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Gilda’s Club North Texas and The Frisco Miracle League.

Frisco RoughRiders Players before the bowling tournament.