“Wild About Reading” program reaches 1 million student milestone

FRESNO, Calif. – “Wild About Reading,” one of the hallmark community initiatives organized by the Fresno Grizzlies through most of the franchise’s history, is celebrating a milestone of over one million students reached through the program. With just shy of 100,000 (and counting) students participating during this school year at 156 schools, the literacy program has grown exponentially in the last six years.

Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently beyond just their school curriculum, is now in its 15th year of operation. Reaching elementary schools in five counties (Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare), the program has increased the total number of books read by area students by reaching at least 97,000 students each school year since 2012. The program has surpassed 100,000 students in a year three times, and this offseason the total number of students enrolled reached over one million during the life of the program.

Over 160 schools have been involved in the program the last three years – most holding a “kick-off assembly” featuring Grizzlies Mascot Parker T. Bear and Eddie the Owl from EECU. During the 2017-2018 offseason, Parker, Eddie and the Grizzlies’ front office staff staged 205 total assemblies in the five-county area, sometimes doing multiple assemblies for a school. In addition to EECU, other presenting sponsors of Wild About Reading are Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, PG&E, Savemart Supermarkets and Gar Tootelian.

Since its beginnings in 2004, Wild About Reading has now reached over one million students, with incentives that include:

  • Five Wild About Reading Grizzlies games during the 2018 season, with two (2) complimentary tickets for readers that participate in the program, for reading 10 additional books outside of school curriculum and turning in the bookmark which tracks that progress to the Chukchansi Park ticket office.
  • Outstanding reader awards presented at games to four top students (nominated by teachers).
  • Two students will win a tablet at each Wild About Reading game this season, drawn randomly by seat number.
  • The school with the highest ticket redemption percentage to the Wild About Reading games wins a $500 bonus.

“A couple of seasons ago, we realized the one-million-student milestone was within reach, and it’s a great credit to how excited kids in the Central Valley are about reading,” said Whitney Campbell, director of community engagement and events for the Fresno Grizzlies. “We love having the incentive of Grizzlies baseball to promote more reading, but the students truly put in the time to realize reading is fun, baseball is fun, and combining the two is even more fun.”

Special thanks is also owed to the follow partners in producing the annual “Farm Grown” magazine, the activity and info book that accompanies the program kickoff at each assembly: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Sun-Maid, Gar Tootelian, Dave & Busters, Farm Credit and Port of Subs.

#Growlifornia 

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES
The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at 12,500-seat Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community gathering place, hosting myriad other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, professional soccer and high school sporting events. The Grizzlies will enter the 2018 season – their 21st in Fresno – on the momentum of three consecutive winning seasons, including a PCL and National Championship in 2015. For information on 2018 Fresno Grizzlies season ticket and mini-plans, fans should call the Grizzlies’ ticket office at 559.320.TIXS between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Pulaski Yankees bring back Free Youth Outings Program for 2018 season

Pulaski, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees are excited to announce they will once again offer free admission to area youth groups during the 2018 season as part of the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future.

The program is open to all area youth groups, including sports teams, church groups, school groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, and child care centers. Each child in the group will receive one (1) free General Admission (GA) ticket. Youth group leaders accompanying the group will also receive one (1) free GA ticket. Parents, guardians, and other family members may join the group by purchasing GA tickets at a discounted rate of $5 per ticket.

“The youth in our community are an important part of Calfee Park,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Christina Edney. “We are grateful for our partners who help make this program possible, ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun, family-friendly event during the summer.”

Last year the Yankees distributed nearly 3,000 tickets through the free youth outings program, which has been in place since the 2015 season.

All youth group outings through the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future must be booked in advance. Interested groups can contact Yankees’ Assistant General Manager Betsy Haugh by email (bhaugh@pulaskiyankees.net) or by calling (540) 980-1070. For additional information, click here.

The Pulaski Yankees open the 2018 season on the road with a three-game series against the Danville Braves June 19-21. The Yankees will host the Greeneville Reds Friday, June 22 at Calfee Park in their 2018 home opener. Flex tickets and season tickets are available now by calling 540.980.1070. Individual game tickets will go on sale later this spring.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PawSox Foundation to Present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5k Walk ‘N Run” on Saturday Morning, May 19

The PawSox Foundation will again present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n’ Run” to benefit those who have served in the military. The 7th annual event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m., starting and finishing at McCoy Stadium. Participants receive complimentary t-shirts, food, and tickets to a PawSox game.

The event will benefit Operation Stand Down, which serves 67,800 veterans and their families, as well as other organizations. The PawSox will also again recognize the “21 Heroes,” the Pawtucket veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

One of the premier road races in the area, the PawSox 5K will start from the McCoy Stadium parking lot, weave through the streets of downtown Pawtucket, and finish with “a touch of home” on the PawSox’ actual baseball diamond.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

“We have enjoyed our community partnerships with Operation Stand Down, 21 Heroes, and the many organizations who provide needed care to our veterans,” said PawSox Senior Vice President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who also oversees the foundation. “Our 2017 race had more than twice as many participants as our 2016 race, and we are eager to see the number increase again in 2018.”

“Our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services give so much to us to ensure that our freedom and the American Dream endure,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “Partnering to promote causes to support our veterans is the least that we can do. Thank you to the PawSox for working with our local organizations and investing in our community. And thank you to Operation Stand Down and Heroes 21 for ensuring that our veterans are never left behind.”

Erik Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI added, “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is grateful for the continued support of the PawSox Foundation. The PawSox have demonstrated a commitment to, not only recognizing the service of our local veterans, but also to join OSDRI in giving local veterans in need a hand up. The organization has been truly committed to serving those who have served and giving back to our local heroes.”

The race is presented by National Grid, Planet Fitness, and Coast 93.3. Participants (up to 500) who register on pawsox.com will receive a free race t-shirt. Special pre-sale entry fees start today and continue through March 31. Participants may sign up at normal fees thereafter. On the day of the race, registration will open at 7:30 am and last-minute sign-ups will be accommodated for $5 more per person.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Participants receive free tickets to the May 23 PawSox game at 6:15 p.m. vs. the New York Yankees’ affiliate (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre), and are invited to take part in a pre-game parade and award ceremony.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Red Wings, Turnbull team up for Military Salute

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning to honor local veterans and active military members as part of the 7th Inning Military Salute in 2018.

The Red Wings will recognize a local military member, active or retired, on the field prior to the playing of God Bless America after the top of the 7th inning is over. Through the partnership with Turnbull, each person who is honored will receive two free premium tickets to that night’s game, VIP parking and 25 Diamond Dollars, which is ballpark currency that can be used at the Red Wings Team Store, Ticket Office or concession stands.

For more information or to nominate an active military member or veteran please contact Travis Sick at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3042 or TSick@RedWingsBaseball.com.

The 2018 season begins Friday, April 6 when Rochester hosts Buffalo at 6:05 p.m. Single-game tickets for all 70 games, including Opening Day, are on sale now at RedWingsBaseball.com. The Ticket Office will open for the first time on Friday, March 23 for the 2nd Baseball’s Back Bash.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Maxwell Elementary student wins the Legends ‘Hit the Books’ Reading Program Bookmark Design Contest

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Legends announce 10 year old LeQuon Greer, a 5th grader at Maxwell Elementary in Lexington, as the overall winner of the bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Greer (picture with graphics attached) received a Legends prize pack that included Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring his artwork, and membership in the 2018 Kids Club. He also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for his school. Bookmarks featuring his artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 43,000 students from over 110 Central Kentucky schools take part in the program, which runs through April 1 with bookmark redemption nights throughout the season.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends Box Office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two (2) tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

“Hit the Books will continue to be an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Dominique Neel, the Legends Hit the Books coordinator and Account Executive. “We enjoy going out to the schools, meeting with students and providing an incentive for their efforts in reading. It’s great to be part of a program that has a positive impact in the educational development of so many students.”

Runners-up in the design contest were Tiffany Setters, 3rd grader at Bourbon Central Elementary in Paris, Kentucky and Audrie Kind, 8th grader at Garrard Middle School in Lancaster, Kentucky. Both of these students (pictures also attached) also received Legends prize packs and opportunities to represent their schools at a game with a ceremonial first pitch opportunity.

The 2018 season is the 18th for Legends baseball in Lexington, and will also mark the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. Over the course of the program, over 350,000 students have participated in the reading program sponsored by Waffle House.

For more information about the Hit the Books reading program, contact Dominique Neel at dneel@lexingtonlegends.com or (859) 422-7851. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com. All individual game tickets are now on sale.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Deadline Approaching For Area Teachers to Sign Up For MVP Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – Third- and fourth-grade teachers in the Edmond, Mid-Del, Norman, Oklahoma City and Putnam City school districts may sign up through March 31 to participate in the second year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education presented by Devon Energy.

More than 100 metro-area teachers have already signed up, impacting 150 classrooms and allowing more than 3,700 students to participate in the free program that rewards area elementary students’ achievements in science and math. Approximately 1,000 third- and fourth-grade students in Oklahoma City Public Schools benefited during the program’s first year in 2017.

“Devon Energy is committed to helping communities inspire young people to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects by working with schools and community organizations to enhance access to STEM education,” said Christina Rehkop, manager of community affairs for Devon Energy. “Partnering with the OKC Dodgers for the MVP Program provided an ideal opportunity to further this goal.”

 

The MVP Program encourages area students and their teachers to participate in STEM curriculum. Top-performing MVP students will receive tickets to an OKC Dodgers game and a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

 

The second year of the program culminates May 19 with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – an exclusive event for MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. STEM activities will be available throughout MVP Field Day and OKC Dodgers players will be on hand, helping with hitting and throwing instruction, as well as signing autographs.

“We are proud to have the chance to reward MVP Program students and teachers for their hard work during the school year and encourage future participation in STEM education throughout the greater Oklahoma City area,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We received an incredible response from teachers and students during the program’s first year and we look forward to furthering the program’s impact in its second year.”

Teachers seeking additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate may contact Katy White at katy.white@okcdodgers.com or (405) 218-2105.

Group and season ticket packages are currently available for the 2018 OKC Dodgers season. The Dodgers’ home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. For additional information, please call (405) 218-1000 or visit okcdodgers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Whitecaps Community Foundation to Donate 5,000 books

COMSTOCK PARK MI, – The Whitecaps Community Foundation is celebrating “March is Reading Month” in a big way this year, by donating 5,000 books to local Grand Rapids elementary schools. The book donations will benefit the students of 15 Grand Rapids Public Schools recommended for the program based on their needs and their potential for impacting as large a student group as possible.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation started their book donation program two years ago when 300 books were donated to one school in need and since then the program has blossomed. Each school receiving books will host an assembly recognizing the importance of reading where the books will be distributed to students. Two of the donations will occur in April where West Michigan Whitecaps players will be on hand to help distribute books. Those are April 11 at Ridgemoor Park Montessori and on April 19 at Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy. Both of those are scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.

The book donations are a key part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading and literacy. Kids who read 15 minutes a day, during the month of March, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April, May or June. The Whitecaps Community Foundation provides participating schools with all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 67,000 K-6 children participate from over 260 West Michigan schools. Nearly 16,000 complimentary tickets were donated to students who completed the challenge.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation, the nonprofit extension of the West Michigan Whitecaps, is a 501c3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families by providing them with access to social, educational and recreational programs that will have a positive impact on their futures. With the help and generosity of community partners and members, the Whitecaps Community Foundation continues to strive to make the West Michigan area a better place to grow, learn, and thrive.

In 2017, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than $530,000 to local children and their families. For details on the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s programs and how to participate in the Reading Program please visit us at www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org or call the Whitecaps front office at 616.784.4131.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Sounds Expand “Hometown Hero” Program, Add Puckett’s as Presenting Sponsor

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club is proud to announce an expansion of its “Hometown Hero” program presented by Puckett’s. At all Saturday and Sunday games at First Tennessee Park in 2018, the Sounds and Puckett’s will honor active members of the armed forces, veterans, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers and firefighters.

Selected heroes will receive complimentary tickets to a Sounds game, a $50 Puckett’s gift card and swag. Additionally, the hero will be recognized on the iconic guitar scoreboard during a special in-between inning feature.

Nominations for heroes are now being accepted at www.nashvillesounds.com. All nominees must be, or have been, a paramedic, emergency medical technician, police officer, firefighter, or a member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

The Sounds offer military family ticket discounts for every Sunday-Wednesday game at First Tennessee Park. A $2 discount on single-game ticket prices is available for any Reserved section seat – based on availability. The offer is valid for up to four tickets per government-issued military I.D. presented at the Sounds Ticket Office.

Additionally, the Sounds salute the troops every Sunday by wearing special military jerseys.

The 2018 season will be the Sounds’ 41st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Opening Day is set for Thursday, April 5 when the Sounds begin the season in New Orleans. Opening Night at First Tennessee Park is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shorebirds Celebrate Hit the Books Bookmark Contest Winner

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds, Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, along with Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, presenting sponsor of the Hit the Books program, honored Emma Adams of Mardela Middle School for winning the 2018 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest.

Her winning design was featured on bookmarks that were distributed to over 50,000 students at 100 area schools that participate in the Hit the Books program.

Hit the Books encourages elementary and middle school students on the Delmarva Peninsula to read outside of their regular classroom assignments. Students that complete their reading goals receive two free ticket vouchers to a Shorebirds home game during the 2018 season.

Adams’ winning design features an aerial view of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium during a Shorebirds game with “Hit the Books!” on the video board along with Sherman pointing to the Dr. James M. Crouse logo while Sherman says “Get your braces here!” For her efforts, she was rewarded with a surprise visit at school from Sherman and representatives from the Delmarva Shorebirds and The Brace Place on Wednesday, January 17. She will also get the opportunity to throw out a first pitch before her school’s Hit the Books date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this spring.

“Emma’s design was great! Sherman was drawn in so much detail and she showed how much fun Shorebirds games are,” Kathy Damato, Shorebirds Community Relations Manager, said. “We look forward to rewarding all the kids who go through with the Hit the Books program by hosting them at a Shorebirds game this spring.”

The initiative, which is one of the biggest and longest-running reading programs in the region, officially kicked off on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and will run through Feb. 24.

“Reading is a great pastime of mine and it means a lot to me. The Hit the Books program does a great job of showing these children how important reading really is ,” Dr. James M. Crouse said. “Our partnership with the Shorebirds Hit the Books program is a perfect fit for us at The Brace Place.”

Participating schools will be notified in March about their game date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in 2018, and students will be honored as part of a pregame parade around the field. For more information, contact the Delmarva
Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

Season ticket and group outing packages are currently on sale for the 2018 season. The Shorebirds offer full season tickets, half season tickets, a 22-game plan and a 12-game plan along with a number of opportunities for groups to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. To secure your seat(s), call 410-219-3112.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

AquaSox Release 2017 Community Relations Report

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox Community Fund launched in 2009 to help fund many community projects, with a focus on education, youth programming and youth sports. Since its inception, the Community Fund has donated over $100,000 in grants to Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs and other local organizations.

In 2017, the Everett AquaSox Community fund donated $21,307 in monetary donations to several non-profit organizations and foundations in the area. The Community Fund raises money primarily through auctions at the ballpark. The season featured six different auctions with the first auction being the Relay for Life jersey. In addition to the Relay for Life jersey, there were Pink in the Park hats, 4th of July hats, FrogStock jerseys, Star Wars jerseys and the fan favorite, FROGS faux-throwback jerseys.

Hit-a-Home-Run in Reading Program increased its enrollment to nearly 23,000 students between Snohomish, King, Island and Skagit counties. Students who read “around-the-bases” received a coupon from Alfy’s pizza, Woodland Park Zoo and a ticket to a game with their school.

The AquaSox continued supporting the Challenger League by hosting two games in 2017. Each game allowed every player in the Challenger League to show off their skills at the plate, in the field and on the mound. All the AquaSox players participated in both events after their game.

Webbly and staff participated in multiple events throughout the season. This included Camp Erin, Socktoberfest, Celebrate Schools 5K, National Adoption Day and more! If your organization has an event you would like Webbly or the AquaSox staff to attend, contact Ashlea LaPlant at (425) 258-3673 or at ashleal@aquasox.com.

Click here to vew the complete 2017 Community Relations Report.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Ports Release 2017 Community Relations Report

STOCKTON, Calif.- Through the organization’s non-profit sector, the Anchor Fund, the Ports gave $32,464 in monetary donations and nearly $240,000 of in-kind donations to local non-profits within the San Joaquin community in 2017. Through various fundraisers held at Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports were able to raise almost $11,000 with the help of generous fans.

The revenue-leading event was the eleventh annual Pink Night, in which $5,493 benefited Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Additional fundraisers included Root Beer Float Day and Youth Baseball Camps presented by Amy L. Scriven, DDS., and Anchor Fund Weekend.

The Ports also had over 50,000 individuals participate in community programs such as Silver Sluggers presented by SCAN Health Plan, Amy L. Scriven, DDS. Kids’ Club, Baseball by the Books courtesy of Smack Pie Pizza, and the Summer Reading Program in partnership with San Joaquin County Libraries. Additionally, the Ports teamed up with Valley First Credit Union for this year’s Community Corner. Valley First donated 625 tickets to the Anchor Fund, and the Ports matched that donation for tickets to be distributed in the community.

Through these outreach programs, the Ports were able to provide people of all ages with donated or discounted tickets.

New to the 2017 season, the Ports partnered with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation to create a program called “Community Person of the Month,” in which select members of the local community were recognized in a monthly pre-game ceremony and a $500 donation was made to a non-profit organization of each recipient’s choice.

Finally, the Ports’ mascot, members of the front office, and Ports players were out in the community approximately 180 days out of the 2017 calendar year for events such as Little League Opening Ceremonies, school and library visits, grassroots events, and more.

“We are proud of the impact the Ports Community Department has made in the city of Stockton and beyond, in conjunction with the many people and organizations in our market,” said President Pat Filippone. “Over the 10 years since we’ve established the Anchor Fund, the Ports have remained committed to supporting the community and we look forward to growing upon this season’s success in the upcoming year.

The Stockton Ports’ Anchor Fund was established in early 2007 and has helped support many community projects, with a primary focus on youth centers and youth sports. The charitable fund reflects and reaffirms the Ports’ commitment to strengthening the community using baseball and entertainment as a backdrop, with 457 non-profit organizations receiving donations in 2017.

To view the Community Relations Report and receive ticket information on the 2018 season, please visit www.stocktonports.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on January 20th

We’ll be hosting a blood drive at FirstEnergy Park on January 20th.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Saturday, January 20th from 7 am – 2 pm at FirstEnergy Park.The drive will take place in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center and each donor will receive a pair of tickets for a 2018 BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws encourage all fans to donate as the supply of blood needs to be replenished at this time.

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register. To sign up, call 888-71-BLOOD or click here to register online.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

2018 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report for 2017

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is proud to present the third Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2017. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

Five new foundation programs were added in 2017 including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund, the D-backs Give Back partnership, AmazonSmile, Highland Salutes and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan campaign which saw the Cougars selected as one of four teams out of 160 Minor League Baseball teams to participate in this historic Hispanic outreach program.

The annual 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Cougars was re-branded in honor of First Responders. A total of $2,000 was donated to local departments including Geneva Police and Fire, St. Charles Police and Fire, Batavia Police and Fire as well as the Kane County Forest Preserve Police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

Ozzie’s Reading Club was also re-branded, with the addition of our new mascot Annie, to the Cougars Reading Club. Each year the program encourages over 130,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for the Cougars Reading Club totaled $646,190 in 2017.

The 50/50 Raffle, presented by Bret Brizzolara your local Country Financial representative and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs from which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2017, these two programs generated over $29,000 to support local causes including Fox Valley Wildlife Center, Food for Greater Elgin, Holiday Heroes, Naperville Alive and DuPage PADS.

For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House which was then matched by the Cougars through the Home Run for Charity program. In 2017, the donation totaled $2,400.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $16,844 in 2017.

Various in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics and events show the Cougars on-going commitment to the surrounding community through programs such as the Library Summer Reading Program, senior citizen half-price tickets and food vouchers, the Winter Coat Drive and a partnership with Two Men and a Truck to collect items through the Movers for Moms program.

“Each year we strive to find new ways to give back to local organizations,” said Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich. “With the additional programs added under the Kane County Cougars Foundation we were able to assist the surrounding community in more ways than we ever have before.”

“We’re dedicated to creating a legacy for the Kane County Cougars that goes far beyond the game of baseball,” added Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “The Cougars are committed to making Kane County and the surrounding area a better place to live and work through the efforts of the Kane County Cougars Foundation.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2017 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their second annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2017.

The eleven page report features new community programs “Catch with a Cop” and “Home Run for Hunger” while also breaking down the $256,000 in charitable donations contributed by the Kernels organization. Other highlights include a recap on the thriving “Kernels Summer Reading Program” and a page dedicated to The Kernels Foundation in their efforts in supporting recreational activities for the youth in Eastern Iowa.

“The work we do in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities is something we are very proud of.” says Ryne George, Kernels Director of Community Relations. “Back in 2016 we started the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative to help brand our efforts and today it has really grown into a way of thinking here at the ballpark and pushes us to do more.”

The 2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by clicking here.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

RiverDogs Host Charlie Claus Toy Drive to Benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charlie and the RiverDogs are asking fans to help give back this holiday season. The club will be accepting donations of unopened toys at Riley Park all this week as they open their gates for the Charlie Claus Toy Drive to benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkin’s Children’s Hospital.

“After cancelling our original Charlie Claus event due to weather this past weekend, we wanted to come up with an alternative for our fans to give back this holiday season,” said RiverDogs Community Relations Director Walter Nolan-Cohn. “We would like to thank our fans in advance for their show of support. These donations are a wonderful way to make an impact in the Lowcountry community.”

The four-day long toy drive will run from Monday, December 11 through Thursday, December 14 between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm. Fans are encouraged to donate a new, unopened toy that can be dropped off inside the main gate on Fishburne St. or inside the front office lobby. Every family that donates a toy will also receive a family four-pack (includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and four bags of chips) for a RiverDogs game in 2018.

 

The week will also culminate with a meet-and-greet featuring Charlie T. RiverDog, Chelsea, and Santa Claus on Thursday, December 14 from 5:30-6:30 in the RiverDogs clubhouse. Families will have the opportunity for photos and to meet the RiverDogs’ signature mascots along with Santa himself.

Charlie will deliver the donated toys from the week’s efforts to the children’s hospital on Wednesday, December 20.

For more information on the Charlie Claus Toy Drive and meet-and-greet, please contact Walter Nolan-Cohn at 843-723-7241 or by email at walter@riverdogs.com.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip and an exhibition opener at The Joe on April 3 against Myrtle Beach. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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