NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

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Seventh and eighth grade students to create essays about “Why I Want to Go to College”

The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 19th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay sweepstakes, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante announced Tuesday.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the April 1 sweepstakes deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the value of a college education and the student’s educational goals for the future. Entries are to be typed, double-spaced, on 8½-by-11-inch paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must be accompanied with the required cover sheet (2021 Writing Sweepstakes Cover Sheet).

Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three others will be selected from outside Nebraska. Winners will receive contributions to the NEST college savings accounts equaling $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

All winners from Nebraska will be notified in April. Winners will also receive four tickets to a Storm Chasers game and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Entries must be postmarked by March 31 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Omaha Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and “like” us at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

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Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19 to [email protected], and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 26.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at [email protected].

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Curve giving free ticket vouchers to area hospital employees

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CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve are honoring health care employees at area hospitals with one free undated ticket voucher to any 2021 home game at Peoples Natural Gas Field as a thank you for their constant sacrifice for our health during the pandemic.

Hospital employees in Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Huntingdon counties will all be included. Specific health facilities include UPMC Altoona, Tyrone Regional Hospital, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Nason Medical Center, UPMC Bedford, JC Blair Memorial and Conemaugh Memorial. Curve personnel will deliver tickets directly to the facilities for distribution among hospital staff.

Undated ticket vouchers can be used for any Curve home game during the 2021 season. Whenever employees wish to use their voucher, they may visit the PNG Field box office on the day of any Curve home game to exchange the voucher for a game ticket before entering the stadium. Vouchers can also be turned in for a specific game date after the 2021 game schedule is available. All seating is based on availability at the time of redemption.

-CURVE-

BlueClaws to Host RWJBarnabas Health Blood Drive on January 13th

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws and RWJBarnabas Health will partner on a special blood drive to be held at FirstEnergy Park on Wednesday, January 13th from 11:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Registration is strongly encouraged and can be made by clicking here or calling 732-235-8100 ext 221 or 248. There is limited availability within each 15-minute time slot to ensure social distancing protocols will be followed.

While the need for blood is typically highest in the summer, the COVID-19 pandemic has further depleted the blood supply, making drives like these all the more important.

All donors are instructed to eat and drink prior to the donation and to bring a photo ID. Masks or cloth face coverings are required for entry. Those that have been exposed to or cared for a positive COVID-19 patient within 28 days prior to the drive are not eligible to donate.

A screening will take place on the ground level before donors enter the lobby outside the ballpark.

All donors will receive two complimentary BlueClaws tickets and a commemorative t-shirt. Donors will also be entered to win a $50 gift card and a BlueClaws VIP experience for 20 that includes a night in a Luxury Suite, a ceremonial first pitch, and 20 boardwalk and mini golf passes.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Gift of Baseball Program Commences TODAY To Benefit Local Non-Profits

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The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce the return of the Gift of Baseball Program for the holidays. The Gift of Baseball program provides tickets to underprivileged families for the chance to share the fun of Thunder Baseball .

For each ticket purchased before January 4, the Thunder will provide tickets to 2021 games through various non-profit partners and the Grand Slam We Care’s Tickets for Kids program.

“Attending the family-friendly and fun environment that we have cultivated at ARM & HAMMER Park over the years is a privilege that not every family in Mercer, Bucks and Burlington County has,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled to partner with so many great local organizations that allow some of those families to enjoy the experience of Thunder Baseball.”

In the 15 years of the Gift of Baseball Program, the Thunder have donated over 11,000 tickets to area nonprofits.

Ticket purchases made between Tuesday, December 8 and January 4 of FLEX packages will trigger a matching donation to Thunder non-profit partners. FLEX Tickets are redeemable for any 2021 Trenton Thunder home game. Purchase your FLEX Vouchers prior to December 24th 11:59pm and receive complementary food vouchers with your purchase! LINK

The 2021 season at ARM & HAMMER Park will feature the Trenton Thunder in the inaugural season of the MLB Draft League commencing in May, 2021.

For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Chasers in the Community

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The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality combined for over 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year, and welcomed nearly 90,000 fans to a safe and socially distant Werner Park in 2020.

“We are proud of our staff for continuing to work in the community during this especially difficult year and we will continue to pursue opportunities and plan events that provide community connections in 2021,” said Storm Chasers General Manager Laurie Schlender. “While we have had staff reductions and no baseball in 2020, our commitment to being involved in the community has not wavered and we are planning things for 2021 that will continue that commitment.”

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and staff appearances totaled 75. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Livia McFadden and Nolan Christianson. The Chasers also partnered with numerous non-profit organizations throughout the year including Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Salvation Army, the Tangier Shrine, Project Wee Care and the Foodbank for the Heartland amongst many others. They also partnered with Jack Daniels to provide for Operation Ride Home for the second straight year.

A brand new classroom program, Chasers All-Stars, was also created in 2020 providing parents, teachers, and administrators the ability to nominate teachers from the metro to be honored. Over 20 classrooms were surprised in February and March with a visit from Stormy, a weather demonstration provided by KMTV and a variety of prizes.

Despite many challenges brought by Covid-19, the Storm Chasers remained committed to providing relief for the Omaha Metro Community. A partnership with Kidwell Inc. provided 25 gallons of hand sanitizer to the Ronald McDonald House in April and nearly $1000 was donated to the Foodbank of the Heartland through Feeding America, while donating tickets for the 2021 season to frontline workers. The Storm Chasers were also able to provide a sense of normalcy providing two free drive-in firework shows and six Curbside To Go pick up meals.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2020 Community Relations efforts can be found online here.

Boise Hawks Host Blood Drive 

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BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks and the American Red Cross – Idaho-Montana Region will be hosting a Blood Drive at the One Capital Center building on Wednesday, November 25th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM MT. Each participant who donates will receive a complimentary ticket to the Hawks 2021 Opening Night game.

“The need for blood in the Treasure Valley and around the country is constant,” said Boise Hawks General Manager, Mike Van Hise. “The beginning of the holiday season felt like a great time to assemble Hawks Nation to help out our fellow Idahoans in need.”

Additionally, each donor participant will be entered into a raffle for prizes that include:

  • 2019 Team Autographed Baseball
  • 2019 Authentic Road Jersey
  • First Pitch opportunity in 2021

Due to limited availability and space, all donors must register beforehand. To register, follow the link at BoiseHawks.com or follow this LINK. The One Capital Center building is located at 999 W Main Street in Downtown Boise. For questions or more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

About the Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks are the Treasure Valley’s top spot for affordable, family entertainment. Deposits for full and half season seat plans for the 2021 season are currently being taken. To stay up to date on all things Boise Hawks, follow us on Facebook or visit www.BoiseHawks.com.

Enroll Your Class in Fang’s Reading Club for 2021

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have had to make a few changes before announcing the 2021 edition of Fang’s Reading Club. The changes have been made and the team is ready to take enrollments in the popular, long-running, incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Learning Rx, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, EatStreet, and Tutor Doctor. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration is very easy and may be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2021. Plus, the sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2021 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option. Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 200 schools and over 40,000 students participate in the program last year and Fang is looking to make this year’s club even bigger!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected], (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Chihuahuas to Host Virtual 9-1-5K Presented by Texas Gas Service

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EL PASO – September 15, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas announced today their first virtual race, the 9-1-5K presented by Texas Gas Service. Named after El Paso’s area code “915”, registration for the virtual 5K run/walk will begin today (9/15) and conclude on September 30 and will benefit the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.

Registration is $30 per person with proceeds benefiting the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. Included in the fee is a participation tee shirt and one $9 voucher for a future Monday-Wednesday 2021 Chihuahuas game. For each entry sold, one voucher will be also donated to a frontline worker who has been helping those affected by COVID-19.

Participants will have one week to complete the 5K starting on Thursday, October 1 and ending on Thursday, October 8. Each participant may choose to walk, jog, and/or run and the 5K may take place outdoors, indoors, on a treadmill, etc. Each participant’s distance must be logged using any step app on any device (not included in the entry fee and is at participant’s own cost) and a photo of the distance must be submitted to info@epchihuahuas.com with the headline “9-1-5K Completed.”

Participants are also encouraged to take photos and tag @epchihuahuas on social media with the hashtag “#EP915K” for a chance to be featured on the respective Chihuahuas accounts.

Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out. Fans may register HERE. Additional online fees may apply. Tee shirts will be mailed and/or available for pick up on a future date.

The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation was established in 2014 to create a positive financial and cultural impact on families and children in the community through creative programs and events.

For more information, visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE or email info@epchihuahuas.com.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Janice Smith, Williams Elementary

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Janice Smith of Williams Elementary in Springfield as our August Teacher of the Month.

Janice’s immeasurable impact on her students as a kindergarten teacher places them on a path towards future success in and out of the classroom. From resources ranging from nourishment to encouragement and so much more, Janice ensures all of her students have the tools they need for success, even providing supplemental food, snacks and clothes to her students in need.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Janice and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a September Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Ports Virtual Back to School Drive

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The Ports are excited to launch it’s Virtual Back to School Drive, starting today and running until September 14!

The purpose of this event is to support local schools in the community and provide schools, teachers, and students with the proper supplies and visual learning materials to enhance both online and in person education. This drive gives the Ports the opportunity to interact with the community and give back to those schools, especially during times where many schools are dealing with the downfalls of COVID-19. Schools we will be supporting are Hong Kingston Elementary, Pittman, Pulliam Elementary, John Adams Elementary, John F. Kennedy Elementary and Cleveland Elementary.

In order to follow safety protocols and guidelines regarding COVID, we will allow the local community to contribute to the back to school drive without having to leave their house! We are asking for Monetary Donations that will be used towards gift cards for teachers to purchase software educational enhancements to best supply their students with the proper learning material for virtual learning. Gift cards will be to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, Teachers Paying Teachers, etc.Donations can be done online on the Ports Website. Donation values are in increments of $5, $10, $20, and $50, but multiple donations are able to be combined to add up to $15, $30, $40, etc.

Donor names will be featured on “The Honor Roll” page on the Stockton Ports website. Donors also have the opportunity to win one of the three special gifts – the more you donate, the more chances you have to win a gift!

Gift 1: A suite with 16 tickets to a game in 2021
Gift 2 and 3: 2020 Giveaways (One of each of the 2020 Giveaways)

Learn more and donate HERE!

To donate a specific amount, contact Christine in the Ports Front Office at 209-644-1967.

For additional information or questions, contact Jordy Feneck at [email protected]

Cutters & SCI Launch “My Best Summer Read” Contest

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The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Susquehanna Computer Innovations of South Williamsport to offer area students a chance to win a new laptop computer system with the “My Best Summer Read” Contest.

“We are grateful to Susquehanna Computer Innovations and their owner Tim Heitzman, for teaming up with us for this special program,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “SCI has been a long-time partner in our Grand Slam Reading Program which was suspended this year due to schools closing in the spring. Despite that, the Cutters and SCI both agreed that we still wanted to offer something to area students.”

The contest is open to all area students age 14 and under. To enter, parents are required to send an email entry with a photo of their child holding a favorite book that they read this summer. Along with the photo, the email entry should contain the child’s name, age, the book title and author along with what they liked most about the book (in 50 words or less). All entries are to be submitted via email no later than September 7 to [email protected].

All valid entrants will receive a certificate for a free ticket to a Williamsport Crosscutters game of their choice in 2021. The winning entry will be determined via a random drawing of all valid entries. The drawing, done by Boomer, the Cutters mascot, will take place live on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page September 8 at 7pm.

Fans can find more information on the “My Best Summer Read” Contest by clicking HERE.

Timber Rattlers to Host Blood Drive on August 1

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Community Blood Center will set up their Mobile Blood Center in the parking lot at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, August 1 to take donations between 8:00am and noon.

Those interested in donating must make an appointment at this link or by calling 800-280-4102.

Fans who donate will receive one general admission ticket for a regular season Timber Rattlers game in 2021 and a Timber Rattlers souvenir gift from a past season.

MODESTO NUTS PARTNER WITH CRYSTAL CREAMERY & SUTTER HEALTH TO RECOGNIZE FRONTLINE WORKERS

 

MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Nuts are proud to partner with Crystal Creamery and Sutter Health to recognize local Frontline workers as part of the 2020 “Hometown Heroes” promotion. During this pandemic, countless local heroes have risked their own well-being for the betterment of their community. These heroes will be recognized with a weekly campaign on social media highlighting all their extraordinary accomplishments.

Previous to the pandemic, the Modesto Nuts have executed the “Hometown Heroes” promotion annually in August. “It’s truly awesome to be able to continue this great promotion, even if baseball isn’t being played. We’re honored to have Crystal Creamery & Sutter Health assist with this effort.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

In addition to the recognition that these heroes will receive on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter the Modesto Nuts will be inviting all of them back to see a ballgame (as soon as circumstances allow). Each hero will receive 4 tickets to a future game and be invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to game start.

If anyone would like to nominate a Hometown Hero*, head over to ModestoNuts.com/HometownHeroes. Anyone making a nomination will be asked to submit nominee contact information, a brief bio & photo. The Nuts look forward to learning more about local residents that have stepped up while the world was in crisis.

*For 2020/2021, Hometown Heroes to be categorized as medical personnel, grocery store workers, truck drivers, and delivery drivers.

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487)