Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Fresno-GrizzliesWild About Reading wrapped up its 10th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Fresno-Grizzlies-Community-Fund-logoWild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

EECU-logoThis year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

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

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Club Offers $5 Tickets to Current and Past Military Personnel All Season

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CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

Fridays will feature a sea of red at Riley Park as the popular family-friendly General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt Friday returns. All fans who wear red shirts to the game on Friday will save $1 off the purchase of their ticket at the box office, plus RiverDogs players and coaches will be wearing special red digi-camo jerseys. The dollar saved by fans off of their ticket can be donated to benefit the charity Carolina Canines, a local charity which works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service animals for wounded and injured veterans. Additionally, information on the Medal of Honor Museum at nearby Patriots Point will be on hand throughout the season at the Guest Relations booth.

In addition to the military theme on Friday nights, the RiverDogs are also hosting three different Military Appreciation Nights: Thursday April, 25, Saturday July, 13 and Wednesday, August, 21. Each Military Night allows active and retired military members FREE entry for themselves and their family members by showing a Military ID at the box office.

Also, the RiverDogs will be hosting Coast Guard Night on Thursday, May 23. This is a night to salute Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Game time is set for 7:05 pm as the RiverDogs host the rival Greenville Drive.

The RiverDogs begin the home portion of the season on April 11 – a Thirsty Thursday – as the Augusta GreenJackets come to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to open a seven-game home stand that also includes a three-game visit from the Rome Braves. For tickets, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at 843-577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced a new reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2013 will mark the first year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks.  On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game!  If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

Bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Perry Public Library
  • Holley Community Free Library
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

San Jose Giants to Host Salute to the Military Day

Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems partner with San Jose Giants to Honor the Troops

SAN JOSE, CA- On Sunday, April 14, the San Jose Giants will bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort along with BAE Systems. All fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Visalia Rawhide.

“We are very excited to again be hosting Salute to the Military Day with Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer.  “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and we are honored to dedicate this game to the men and women that serve our country.”

The entire afternoon will honor the brave men and women defending our country as the team will wear special military themed jerseys. These jerseys will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefitting Operation: Care and Comfort. Each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.  The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and other presentations.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to renew our partnership with the San Jose Giants and BAE Systems to honor our troops, veterans and their families,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder.  “We received a tremendous response during last year’s inaugural event and hope to have troops, veterans and their families from across Northern California excited about coming out to this game.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to get directly involved in helping the military. Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has been sending monthly care packages containing items such as toiletries, food, batteries, and DVD’s to adopted military units until they return home. At the 7:00 PM game on Friday, April 12 and 5:00 PM contest on Saturday, April 13, all fans who bring an item to include in a care package will receive two free future game tickets.  Volunteers interested in assembling the packages should come to Municipal Stadium on Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation: Care and Comfort and the San Jose Giants for the second annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Gary Layton, BAE Systems Site Executive. “BAE Systems’ employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas and surrounding areas work hard supporting the warfighter by providing our best products to be used in the field protecting our troops. Supporting an event like this gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.”

Tickets are still available for Salute to the Military Day. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View our entire Promotional Schedule online at sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Augusta GreenJackets getting involved in community through reading program

Augusta-GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are bringing baseball to the classroom with the GreenJackets Reading Program. The program is designed to give students fun incentives, while accomplishing reading goals at their school.

Students are given a reading goal, which is set by the teacher during the four week program. At the end of each week, all the students who achieved their goal will be rewarded with prizes. The final prize for completing all four weeks of the reading program is a free ticket to a GreenJackets baseball game. At the game, students will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.

“This is the fifth year that we’ve implemented the GreenJackets Reading Program and every year it continues to improve and grow,” Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said. “We already have a record-high number of students participating in this year’s reading program, and we are looking forward to getting more schools and students involved.”

The reading program has been a huge success so far this year. The GreenJackets have seen a significant increase in students involved from last year. Currently there are 58 schools participating.

Although the GreenJackets Reading Program has already started, schools are still welcome to sign up. However, the entire school does not have to participate. The program can be done by just a grade level at the school or even an individual classroom. The GreenJackets will continue their involvement in the classroom when they unveil their Anti-Bully Program and Most Improved Student Program this spring.

For more information on the GreenJackets Reading Program, call (706) 736-7889 or email Bill Levy at blevy@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

South Bend Silver Hawks Wrap Up Equipment Drive

Mishawaka Little League to Receive New Equipment

The Silver Hawks collected monetary donations, bats, gloves, helmets and other various baseball equipment over the past few weeks on behalf of the Mishawaka Little League. The local community support will allow the little league to rebound after being vandalized.

All those who donated to the equipment drive received a free ticket voucher good for (2) free tickets to one home game played between April 8th to April 24th. Watch full video

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Sky Sox and Domino’s Pizza Announce New Charity Spotlight

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce today a new partnership with Domino’s pizza that will showcase local charities. The new joint venture has been named the “Charity Spotlight” and is designed to help charities in the Colorado Springs area. In the current economic environment, many charities are working harder than ever to meet budgets to support the ever increasing demand for their services.  Domino’s wants to provide these charities with an opportunity to market themselves and raise awareness for their causes at Security Service Field during the Sky Sox 2013 season free of charge.

Through their partnership with the Sky Sox during the 2013 baseball season, Domino’s will provide charities in Colorado Springs the opportunity to market themselves through the “Charity Spotlight” at one of 35 Sky Sox home games. The selected charities for the game will receive a tremendous marketing package provided free of charge by Domino’s that includes:

  1. A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
  2. Four tickets to the game and VIP Parking
  3. Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
  4. A ceremonial first pitch
  5. On-air charity recognition during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

Any charity wishing to be considered for the “Charity Spotlight” can apply online at www.skysox.com where a nomination form will be posted. Members of the community can nominate their own charity or someone else’s.

“We understand that times are extremely tough and many charities are dealing with diminished budgets”, said Domino’s Franchisee Craig Williams. “At Domino’s, we recognize the importance of the many charities here in Colorado Springs and we are exceptionally proud to team up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox to spotlight local non-profits while providing them with a night of fun they will never forget.”

“The Sky Sox are honored to partner with Domino’s to provide this excellent program”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “These charities are an integral part of Colorado Springs and we are proud to lend a helping hand in this effort.”

For more information please contact Alyce Bofferding at (719) 304-5625 or through e-mail at abofferding@skysox.com.

Click here for the nomination form
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Thursday Nights are Hometown Hero Nights at Classic Park

Area Military Personnel to be Honored Every Thursday During 2013 Season

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, will honor local military heroes during every Thursday home game throughout the 2013 season as part of its Hometown Heroes promotion, which will run in conjunction with the team’s long-standing Military ID nights.

The Captains will be honoring one member of the armed forces or a member of their family by providing the honoree with tickets the Captains game in which they are being recognized and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.  The team will also read a PA announcement which will include biographical information about the honoree.

The military will be honored by the presentation of a large American flag on the field for the National Anthem and a different color guard every game will present the colors before the game. The Captains will honor America with the singing of God Bless America as part of the seventh inning stretch.

Military ID Night will once again take place every Thursday home game allowing members of the military who show a valid ID to purchase a ticket for themselves and their family members for only $5 per ticket.

The Captains encourage the public to nominate their military heroes by contacting Jen Yorko via email at jyorko@captainsbaseball.com or by phone at 440-975-8085 ext 116.

Anyone who nominates a hero will be asked to leave their name and phone number as well as the name of the person they are nominating, the branch of service of the hero and a few notes about the nominee.

The Captains 2013 Opening Night Celebration is Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM as the Captains welcome the Lansing Lugnuts, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, to Classic Park.

Full season tickets plans, 7-, 12-, 20-, and 35-game mini ticket plans for the 2013 season are on sale now at great prices complete with several exclusive benefits. Information can be found at the Captains website: CaptainsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lake County Captains. Click here to view the original story.

Legends invite non-profits for CON program

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(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2013 season.

The Community Organization program offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. ”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game. Solicitation is not permitted.

The Legends have added a fund-raising element to the program for 2013. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 50 Legends fundraiser tickets at three dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of nine dollars.

“Each organization may keep the funds raised, which could be as much as six dollars per ticket sold,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “You’ll have more supporters up in the stands, and you’ll have a fun group out to enjoy a Legends game.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open their home season Monday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m. against the Asheville Tourists, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Community Corner returns for 2013

Osprey recognize non-profit organizations in Western MT

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The Missoula Osprey announced today that the Staybridge Suites/Missoula Independent Community Corner that recognizes the impact of local non-profits in Western Montana will return for the 2013 season.

For every regular season home game, Staybridge Suites, the Missoula Independent and the Osprey team-up to donate 20 tickets to qualified non-profit organizations.

The tickets can be used by volunteers, sponsors, staff, or those that benefit from the organization’s efforts. Due to the popularity of the program, Community Corner tickets are only available on a first come, first served basis.

“The Community Corner is one of the many great programs we are able to offer to non-profits,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of our corporate partners, we are able to recognize the work of local non-profits in our community. The efforts of these groups are one of the many things that make Missoula a very special place to call home.”

Community Corner requests must be made in writing to Griffin on the non-profit organization’s leatherhead by the director of each group. Requests may be mailed to 140 N. Higgins, or e-mailed to jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

The 2013 home opener for the Osprey is slated for Thursday, June 20 versus the Helena Brewers.

Season ticket packages are available for purchase by contacting an Osprey ticket representative at 543-3300, at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 N. Higgins or on the web at MissoulaOsprey.com

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

Drillers Starting Make-A-Difference Mondays Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Ballpark

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Saturday, May 19 vs. St. Lucie Mets @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Patriotic Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Armed Forces Day Celebration
The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and retired members of the military for their service to the country. Veterans and current military personnel will also receive FREE admission. There will be a special JROTC Pass and Review celebration on the field prior to the game.

Pre-Game
Roy Powers and the Last Exit Blues Band will be performing in the concourse prior to the game.

North Lakeland Little League Team Party
The Flying Tigers will be hosting North Lakeland Little League’s team parties before and during the game. Each team will parade on the field prior to the game.

Tiger Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
The Flying Tigers annual Tiger Trot 5K will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Joker Marchant Stadium. The race will begin at 8:00 am with registration and packet pickup beginning at 7:00 am. Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners. There will also be special military team awards. 5K entry fee is $25 and includes race t-shirt (while supplies last) and a special dog tag. The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Polk County ROTC programs and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program. To register please click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakeland Flying Tigers. 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.

School Supply Drive Throughout July

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Throughout the month of July, the High Desert Mavericks are collecting school supplies for local students through Desert Communities United Way. Donations will be collected during all home games in July at the Customer Service Corral or the Box Office. For each school supply item donated, fans will receive one free Lower Box ticket. For more information, contact the Front Office at (760) 246-6287.

Desert Communities United Way (DCUW) is a local non-profit organization which participates and cooperates with other agencies to coordinate health and human services to best meet the needs of our communities in the Victor Valley. Their offices are located at 16192 Siskiyou Rd. #4 in Apple Valley.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

66ers Launch Hit The Books Reading Campaign

Sixers Alongside Rotolo Chevrolet Give Local School Students the Chance to Earn Money for Their Classroom Through No-Cost Reading Program

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San Bernardino, CA– The Inland Empire 66ers are on a mission to visit area elementary schools in the upcoming months to promote the importance of reading, through their Hit the Books Reading Program presented by Rotolo Chevrolet. The organization’s community relations team, alongside lovable mascot Bernie, will hold assemblies at participating schools which will culminate in each student receiving a baseball themed bookmark. When the student reaches the reading requirement, they will earn two free tickets to a selected 66ers game.

66ers Community Groups Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach stated, “We realize the importance of touching these students lives in a positive aspect. It’s a very special treat for Bernie and 66ers staff members to come to their school just for them. Kids hold on to those memories for a long time and we hope that it’ll further their interest in reading beyond finishing the bookmark.”

Mike Caposio, General Manager of Rotolo Chevrolet noted of their sponsorship, “We here at Rotolo Chevrolet always strive to be involved in the community and what better way to be involved than by helping to promote the importance of reading.”

The selected 66ers games in which the students will be invited are the first four Sundays of the 2013 season (April 7, April 21, May 12 and May 19). Three monetary donations will be made to the schools with the highest representation throughout the four days. The school with the most students and teachers attending these games will receive a donation of $1,500. The two schools in second and third will receive a donation of $1,000 each. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers 2013 education initiatives, contact Kelsey Beckenbach at 909-495-7658.

The 2013 season will kick off on Thursday April 4, 2013 at San Manuel Stadium when the 66ers take on the Modesto Nuts. Inland Empire fans can now purchase season ticket and group packages for the 2013 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 909-888-9922. Additional information is available online at www.66ers.com. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Joey Seymour, Director of Ticket Operations and Media Relations, at 909-495-7638.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.