The Change Up Field Project

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The Change-Up Field Project is committed to positively impacting the lives of individuals in our local community by enhancing existing facilities into safe spaces to further develop skills necessary for baseball and life.

On January 31st, 2020 the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in partnership with The Cape Group awarded the Change-Up Field Project grant to two deserving youth baseball organizations – Richmond City Baseball Association and Dunbar Little League.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on local baseball organizations, we paused the application process for The Change Up Field Project for the 2021 cycle as it is important for our community to directly impact from the upgrades made to these facilities. Applications for the Change Up Field Project 2022 cycle will be accepted in August 2021 (subject to change).

While we understand that many organizations are in need of support, we require that grant applicants meet the following criteria for eligibility:

The Change Up Field Project increases access for children and youth programs that focus on:

· Self-development of youth increasing the access to the sport of baseball

· Developing life skills of all those that have access to the facility

· Facility upgrades to allow for inclusion of all youth to utilize the space regardless of ability

· The Change Up Project proposals may include, but are not limited to:

· The building of new infrastructure benefitting the league and local community

· Improving existing spaces to increase programming capacity, overall usage, safety, accessibility and inclusiveness for all participants

The application process for the 2020-21 Change-Up Project cycle is currently closed.

Updates from the 2020 recipients of the Change Up Project grant:

Richmond City Baseball Association

Following receiving the Change-Up Project $50,000 grant, the City of Richmond installed full natural turf infields at Palmer Secondary School to the three main diamonds. These were previously used for fastball and the turf infields have made them more playable in rain and given true bounces for safer plays.

In order to have the greatest impact on all age groups that play with RCBA, portable mounds were also purchased allowing for the easy field conversions from U11 to U13 distances and are very consistent and require no maintenance compared to clay mounds.

Dunbar Little League

The summer of 2020 was supposed to look a lot different for Dunbar Little League as they were supposed to host the British Columbia Little League Provincials. At Memorial Park located in Dunbar, there was several upgrades that were needed to accommodate all the ages that play within League.

With the Change-Up Project grant, the playing surface on both the majors and minors fields will be improved to provide a safe environment for all athletes. In order to allow for a long training season for the teams, the batting cages located near the Major Field will also be seeing some upgrades with new lighting, wind screens and proper storage for field equipment to keep up the facility.

A Thank You from the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC

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Through the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, C’s Co-Owner Jeff Mooney and wife Suzanne Bolton have committed to providing scholarships to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs or South Coast BC who were in either Grade 11 or 12 could step forward and apply for post-secondary grants that could reach up-to-$15,000.

Several of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC recipients from the the scholarship program wanted to share their appreciation for the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

We are excited to see how these young adults can make an impact in our community!

To learn more about the Foundation: https://www.milb.com/vancouver/commun…​

To support during #BeyondTheNat​ Week: https://trellis.org/beyondthenatweek

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarship Program

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The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) is committed to helping local children find opportunities in their community to play the game of baseball among friends and dedicated coaching staff. There are many youths between the ages of five and ten who simply cannot play because of family struggles to make ends meet in today’s tough economic climate.

Through the VCBF, we look to help bridge the divide by providing these children with the means to get on the field and enjoy a summer without the worry of financial burdens that can come with organized sports. To further the commitment to these children’s development, Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney, and his wife Suzanne Bolton created a scholarship program, in 2017 designed to help high school students within the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC to continue with post-secondary education. Since the start of this program, over 32 students have benefitted from the Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton Scholarship which has allowed these young-adults to explore an education after high school.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members, including the donor of the scholarship, Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness to attend a post-secondary institution, as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a programs benefiting local youth.

For 2021, Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton have generously increased their donation to $150,000 to provide more opportunities for kids in our community to continue their post-secondary educations.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation: HERE

To support during #BeyondTheNat Week: HERE

Thank you to our volunteers!

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Our Foundation’s success is because of your generosity. Whether it comes in the form of monetary support, or it’s simply you rolling up your sleeves to join us as a volunteer, we ‘Thank You’!

Since the start of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation League in 2012, we have had a core group of dedicated volunteers. These volunteers have provided mentorship for the thousands of kids we welcome to the stadium each year. One of the many standout volunteers is Al Carruthers. Al has been a member of the Foundation League for the last 6 years. Through a long-term basketball teammate, Carolynn Tuckwell (President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of South Club), he had learned about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and wanted to be involved in some capacity as he was moving into his retirement. Over the 6 years of being a volunteer with the Foundation League, he enjoys seeing the development of the kids whether it is an improvement of baseball fundamentals, teamwork, or leadership skills.

“It’s important that they come away from the Foundation League with something positive. Whether it’s running to first and not third when they hit the ball, or learning how to work together as a team — they leave the field with a new skills set.” — Al Carruthers

Al is a regular volunteer with other programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, who sees many of the children who come out each summer to Nat Bailey Stadium. Being a familiar face and mentor for these kids is certainly a highlight for Al and the other volunteers within the Foundation League.

When asked “who would make a great volunteer for the Foundation League”?

“Volunteers don’t need to have a baseball or softball background, it’s as simple as taking the time a few days during the summer and bringing a friend to come out and spend time with the children. It’s good for the kids to learn how to work together as this Foundation League opportunity may be their first experience in a team environment.”

It’s not about keeping score or making outs, but providing a safe and welcoming environment for the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs to be together. Over the last couple of years, we have integrated fun activities for the kids to stay active and entertained after having their meal. Some of these activities include signing an ‘Official Player Contract’ as a member of the Foundation League, racing against the C’s Sushi Mascots, and team photos that they can keep.

Thank you to each and every one of our Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation members who helped take our commitment within our community to a whole new level. For more information about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation click HERE or email [email protected] on how to become a volunteer.

2020 Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award: Ray Shum

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Since the inception of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation League, we have been fortunate to have many great volunteers come out to Nat Bailey Stadium and work with children as they learn both baseball and life skills. In memory of two great volunteers and supporters of the foundation, we created the Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017. Over the past few years, we have presented this award to the volunteer who has gone above and beyond throughout the summer in a ceremony prior to one of our games. Unfortunately, in 2020 we were not able to run our foundation league. However, that did not stop the amazing supporters of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation from finding ways they could contribute – especially one individual.

For close to a decade, Raymond Shum has been pivotal in raising awareness and funds for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. He has made countless donations to our foundation with a couple key goals in mind: help children play baseball and grow as individuals. Raymond came to realize the power of sport and how it can bring communities and people from all backgrounds together when his son started playing baseball. The teamwork and camaraderie that his son experienced had an impact on both him and his son. Seeing those connections and friends that his son made through playing a team sport made Raymond feel that all children should have that opportunity, one he did not have growing up.

Over the years, Raymond has brought many groups out to games as an introduction to the Canadians and to our foundation. On occasion, he has used these as mini fundraisers for the foundation and to give back to the community that he loves. In one instance, he was instrumental in getting a large group from Help Change My City out to a game. Most of the youth that came that day had never seen a baseball game before. Through all the donations and groups, Raymond believes in “making baseball a real fun event” for all.

Raymond never stops looking for ways that he can contribute. He believes that “giving back is important and other people can learn from what you do”. His passion for the game of baseball, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation is truly inspiring. All of us at the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation cannot thank him enough for all his support.

For Raymond’s never-ending pursuit to support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation we can think of no one better to be awarded the 2020 Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award. Raymond, thank you for all you do for the foundation, the Canadians, and our community.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians impact within our local community click HERE

Beyond The Nat Week will be running from January 25 – 29, 2021 — to support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation click HERE

A Wild Idea: Proceeds of Shop Sales to benefit Micah Hyde’s IMagINe for Youth Foundation

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We didn’t get to have Micah and the boys at the ballpark this summer, but we can’t wait to watch them on the field on Saturday against Indianapolis! In honor of Wild Card Weekend, we had a wild idea to support Micah’s great efforts off the field. Now through Sunday,

We didn’t get to have Micah and the boys at the ballpark this summer, but we can’t wait to watch them on the field on Saturday against Indianapolis!

In honor of Wild Card Weekend, we had a wild idea to support Micah’s great efforts off the field. Now through Sunday, we are donating a portion of all Bisons.com Online Shop Sales to Micah’s charity, the IMagINe for Youth Foundation!

>>>SHOP BISONS.COM NOW!

We didn’t get to have a softball game last year, so here’s a great way to support our favorite Bills safety and the greatest onside kick recoverer in NFL history! Just order some great Bisons caps, apparel or merchandise and 23% OF ALL SALES (in honor of Micah’s number) will go to his great foundation!

Let’s show our BuffaLove to another great cause and Let’s Go Buffalo this weekend against Indy!!!

About IMagINe for Youth

IMagINe if you were capable of helping a child discover their skills and build their confidence. IMagINe if you were able to join a cause that empowered children to live a healthier life style while achieving more. IMagINe if you were the support behind a child flourishing into a promising athlete. IMagINe if you helped instill the basic fundamentals needed for a youngster to lead a more successful, promising future. IMagINe if you could simply make a child happy. It’s possible. Together, we will do this. Learn more at IMagINeforYouth.org.

Granite State Baseball Dinner Goes Virtual Nov. 21

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MLB Players and Red Sox Legends Will Attend Remotely to Help Raise Funds for CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) will host a virtual edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 in a continued effort to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Over $1.75 million has been donated as part of this event since 2007.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the state-of-the-art studio at Events United in Derry, NH. Events United has hosted a number of high-profile events despite the challenges of 2020, including the Dropkick Murphy’s “Streaming Up From Boston” St. Patrick’s Day Concert.

A group of baseball celebrities will attend remotely and participate in the annual question & answer session, including Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen, Blue Jays coach John Schneider, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Oliver Drake. Red Sox greats like Bernie Carbo, Oil Can Boyd, Luis Tiant and Dick Drago will also be on hand, along with two legends of women’s professional baseball, Lois Youngen and Sue Zipay. Viewers can submit questions in the Facebook Live comment section.

“We’re proud to continue the Granite State Baseball Dinner tradition, regardless of how many obstacles this year has thrown at us,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “Supporting our community means everything to this organization, and we’re committed to raising funds for these worthy charities any way we can.”

Five Ways to Donate

1. Pack the Park for Kids

Starting today and continuing through the end of the Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats begin a mission to virtually Pack the Park for Kids. A $10 donation at NHFisherCats.com will digitally mark off one of the 6,500 seats at Delta Dental Stadium, and add to the $1.75 million that has been donated as part of the event since 2007.

2. Sponsorship Opportunities

Several elements of the broadcast are available for sponsorship, including the VIP reception, question & answer session, video commercials, and more. Click here to view the full sponsorship form.

3. Online Silent Auction

The annual silent auction returns at NHFisherCats.com, featuring sports memorabilia like a Rafael Devers autographed baseball, and priceless experiences like private batting practice at Delta Dental Stadium with an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

4. Online 50/50 Raffle

It’s a ballpark tradition in digital form — every donation adds to the grand total, with a raffle drawing at the end of the night. Half of the funds go to CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation, and the other half go to one lucky winner.

5. Dinner Packages, Delivered!

It wouldn’t be the Granite State Baseball Dinner without a delicious meal. Celebrations Catering will offer home deliveries of family dinners, bottled wine, charcuterie boards, and more to enjoy during the show. All proceeds will benefit CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Baseball Celebrities

Danny Jansen is the starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Fisher Cats in 2017. Previously known as a defensive specialist, Jansen hit .323 and earned a spot in the Eastern League All-Star Game in New Hampshire. Just over a year later, he was suiting up for the Blue Jays, and began his MLB career with a six-game hitting streak.

John Schneider led the vaunted 2018 Fisher Cats to an Eastern League Championship as the youngest manager in team history. The following year, he joined Fisher Cats All-Stars Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto as a Major League Coach with the Blue Jays.

Worcester, MA native Oliver Drake earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Rays playoff roster during their run to the World Series this season. The former US Naval Academy pitcher kept the Yankees off the board during a strong inning of relief in the ALDS.

Luis Tiant, affectionately known as ‘El Tiante’, was one of the most dominant, durable pitchers of his generation. Over 19 seasons, he dazzled lineups with his overpowering stuff and unique, back-to-the-hitter wind-ups. A three-time All-Star, he shined for the Red Sox from 1971-78, perhaps making his biggest impact for the 1975 American League Champions.

In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Bernie Carbo hit one of the most memorable home runs in Red Soxhistory. Facing elimination and a three-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carbo was brought in to pinch hit with two on and two out. He drilled a game-tying blast to center field, and the Red Sox eventually prevailed in the 12th inning on a Carlton Fisk homer.

Dennis Ray “Oil Can” Boyd pitched for the Boston Red Sox (1982-89), Montreal Expos (1990-91) and Texas Rangers (1991) during his 10-year career. He won a career-high 16 games during the Red Sox 1986 American League Championship season, and started Game 3 of the World Series against the Mets.

Dick Drago spent 13 years in the major leagues as a pitcher for the Red Sox, Royals, Angels, Mariners, and Orioles, and pitched in the iconic 1975 Red Sox – Reds World Series.

Sue Parsons Zipay of Hingham, MA played for the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the 1950s. She is the Founder and President of American Girls Baseball, which develops, manages, and promotes training and instructional programs for girls and women in the game of baseball.

Lois Youngen spent four years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, catching a perfect game with the South Bend Blue Sox in 1953. Lois Youngen Ball Field in West Eugene, OR is named after her.

The primary beneficiary of the Granite State Baseball Dinner is the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). CHaD, New Hampshire’s comprehensive, full-service children’s hospital, is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Offering primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond, their focus includes keeping all kids healthy and safe.

In addition to raising valuable funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the donation total will help fund the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship program, which provides $2,500 college scholarships to 12 student-athletes every season.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $5.7 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations.

For more information about the charitable Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, please call the Box Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit nhfishercats.com.

Dunedin Blue Jays Raise Over $1,800 for Dunedin Cares Inc.

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DUNEDIN, FL – The Dunedin Blue Jays Band Together Against Hunger campaign concluded on May 31st benefiting Dunedin Cares Inc. The campaign was a massive success raising $1,865 for Dunedin Cares Inc. over the entire month of May with all donations received going directly to the food pantry. The Dunedin Blue Jays will in turn be donating over 180 tickets to a future Dunedin Blue Jays game for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Dunedin community.

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak commented on the success of the campaign stating, “The Dunedin Blue Jays organization appreciates the outpouring of support from our fan base in helping the local Dunedin community. We are certain these donations raised will give a much-needed boost to Dunedin Cares Inc. during these difficult times of the pandemic. Our organization also looks forward to hosting essential workers at a future Dunedin Blue Jays game to thank them for their dedication to our community in this time of need.”

Dunedin Cares Inc. President, Joe Mackin echoed these sentiments saying, “Dunedin Cares Food Pantry is grateful for the partnership with our hometown baseball team, the Dunedin Blue Jays. The Jays chose us to as the local non-profit to benefit from the community donations and in turn, the Blue Jays are donating over 180 baseball tickets to those workers in the front lines of helping and serving others. This togetherness is all about neighbors helping neighbors.”

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Sale of Camo T-Shirts to benefit VA’s ‘Homeless Veterans Program’

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The Buffalo Bisons have partnered with the VA Western New York Heathcare System to help some of our brave servicemen and women who need it the most.

The team is selling all new Men’s and Women’s Camo T-Shirts with 100% of the net proceeds to be donated back to the VA’s “Homeless Veterans Program.”

VA’s specialized programs for homeless Veterans serve hundreds of thousands of homeless and at-risk Veterans each year. Independently and in collaboration with federal and community partners, VA programs provide Veterans with housing solutions, employment opportunities, health care, justice- and reentry-related services and more.

>>>CLICK HERE to order your Bisons’ Camo T-shirt

The Women’s Camo Tee comes in black and features the Bisons’ alternate ‘standing buffalo’ logo. Sizes from small to x-large are available for $28.00 each. CLICK HERE TO BUY

The Men’s Camo Tee was made in military green and sports the Bisons primary team logo. Sizes from medium to xx-large are available for $28.00 each. CLICK HERE TO BUY

For more information on the VA’s Homeless Veterans Program and its other vital services, please visit buffalo.va.gov..

Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation donates $20,000 to City of Buffalo’s COVID-19 initiatives

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Donation provides meals to City’s Public Works employees, supports Evergreen Food Pantry and sponsors reading program.

Mayor Byron W. Brown today thanked the City of Buffalo’s hometown baseball team, the Buffalo Bisons, for donating $20,000 to assist the community during the COVID-19 emergency.

The donation will provide funding to Evergreen Health for its food pantry and support a new COVID-19 testing site in one of the most impacted areas of Erie County, 14215. Part of the funding will also support Mayor Brown’s 19th annual innovative childhood literacy initiative, Reading Rules! Summer Reading Challenge, which incentivizes children to continue to read during the summer months to keep them engaged in learning. The funding will also provide lunch to more than 700 essential Department of Public Works employees this week and next as a token of appreciation for their constant efforts to maintain the safe delivery of quality services to City residents and businesses during the pandemic.

Mayor Brown stated, “This is the most generous donation the City has received during the COVID-19 outbreak. I thank the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation for investing in the health of their fans and community, for supporting the children who come to cheer them on, and for its demonstration of gratitude to the City workers on the frontlines who continue to put the needs of Buffalo residents and businesses before their own. We have been rooting for the Buffalo Bisons for years and I am so proud that they are also cheering for our success as we rise together again as one City.”

“The Bisons organization has always enjoyed a tremendous private-public partnership with the City of Buffalo and we are thrilled to be able to assist Mayor Brown with these important and rewarding initiatives. By assisting our neighbors who have kept the City going during this unprecedented times, who need essential food the most, and who will one day be our future leaders, we hope this donation allows us to give back to the City and the community that we love so much,” said Mike Buczkowski, President of Rich Baseball Operations.

The hot, prepackaged meals were prepared by Kevin’s Catering, and safely distributed to 210 Streets and Sanitation employees during a pickup event today at MLK, Jr. Park. The remainder of the meals will be distributed throughout the week to other employees of Streets and Sanitation, Parks, Engineering Departments; as well as employees of Buffalo Sewer, Buffalo Water and Mayor Brown’s Impact Team.

The Buffalo Bisons’ donation will help support Evergreen Health’s food pantry efforts while connecting residents of the 14215 zip code to COVID-19 testing at Evergreen’s 3297 Bailey Avenue location, a testing site which is scheduled to open on May 20th. While this is primarily a drive-thru testing site, Evergreen Health will accept some walk-ups. Testing is open to anyone age 16 and older, and while prescriptions are not required residents must provide proof of health insurance to schedule an appointment. To schedule testing call 716-847-2441 option 7.

“Evergreen Health’s purpose is to foster healthy communities by providing medical, behavioral and supportive services to the individuals and families who need them the most, many of which are underserved by the healthcare system. One of these services is the Evergreen food pantry, which has been absolutely critical throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, since the challenges of food and finances are both top of mind for our patients and our neighbors right now,” said Raymond Ganoe, President and CEO of Evergreen Health. “We thank the Buffalo Bisons and the City of Buffalo for standing behind us and helping us provide necessary resources and COVID-19 testing in the Buffalo community.”

Dunedin Blue Jays partner with Dunedin Cares Inc. to Band Together Against Hunger

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The Dunedin Blue Jays announced on May 1st we are joining Dunedin Cares Inc. to raise funds for the local food bank and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dunedin Blue Jays fans are encouraged to visit (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedin-cares) through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount to directly benefit Dunedin Cares Inc. and the community. For every $10 donated, the Dunedin Blue Jays will donate one ticket to a future home game to local essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Up to 1,000 tickets donated).

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak stated, “The Dunedin community is extremely important to the Blue Jays along with our relationship with Dunedin Cares Inc. Dunedin Cares does so much good for the local community working around the clock to feed those most in need, and we are glad our organization is able to assist them during these trying times when the community needs it the most.”

In response to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributions from the Dunedin Blue Jays fans will help ensure families and individuals across Dunedin and our surrounding communities most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join our campaign by donating at (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedincares).

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Fisher Cats Support Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund

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Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) have introduced a new donation program to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

The Fisher Cats will make $12 and $6 donations to the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund through two new donation packages:

For $24, fans will receive four undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $12 donation will be made to the relief fund.

For $12, fans will receive two undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $6 donation will be made to the relief fund.

The donation packages are now available for purchase in the Fisher Cats online store.

“We’ve been so inspired with how our community has rallied together during these challenging times,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “We’re doing everything we can to help, and we’re proud to offer an incentive for fans to donate to the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund.”

Granite United Way is committed to ensuring that our community’s most vulnerable families have the support they need to weather the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Granite United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund rapidly deploys resources to community-based organizations that are offering emergency relief to families and individuals in need.

“During these unsettling times, one of the greatest things we’ve seen is our community pulling together,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “We have built a strong partnership with the Fisher Cats and know that their efforts will benefit those who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both with immediate needs and in the long term.”

Fisher Cats single game tickets are on sale now, starting at just $8. To learn more, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

Beyond The Nat 2020

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

By Rob Fai / Vancouver Canadians | January 24, 2020 5:30 PM

There is a saying that “just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost,” referring to the many twists and turns that life can present over the course of time that can somehow end exactly where we need it to. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, thanks to the generosity of co-owner Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne, created a post-secondary scholarship program to help those on their path in life find a way to have it include education.

Valued at up to $15,000 per year, per recipient, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in cooperation with The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC has identified seven new scholarship recipients for the upcoming year from all walks of life and with completely different aspirations.

The prerequisite for applying for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Scholarship Program was simple. Show that you had a passion for continuing education beyond high school and show a commitment to your community and its betterment.

This year’s recipients of the Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarships are all extremely deserving. Here is a look at just two of the many we helped open the door for this year.

Ludee Plaw came to Canada as a child along with her family when she was just seven years old after spending more than a year in a refugee camp in her native Thailand. Her parents hoped for a better future for their children by simply waiting for their turn to be processed by the Thai government. Not knowing where they would be sent – the Plaw family who eventually find out that Canada would be their destination and upon arriving months later had little to show for their life back home.

“We came here not knowing English, not knowing anything,” says Plaw just steps away from a local Boys & Girls Club much like the one she frequents in the Fraser Valley.

“It was new for my parents, but I think it was worth it as they watched us grow up learning a second language, going to school and graduating high school which was a big thing for them because they didn’t graduate high school. I am the first one to now attend university which is the biggest thing for them, and they are really proud because I never would have gotten this type of education back home.”

A few summers ago, Plaw found her calling in life that unfortunately came at a cost.

“A few years back my aunt got sick and as I spent time with her at the hospital, I realized I wanted to become a nurse. Watching the nurses, they were so caring to my aunt and my entire family. Even though my aunt didn’t make it – I wanted to do this for her, and I want to take care of my family. That moment made me realize that I wanted to make a difference.”

Ludee will begin her university studies in September with her costs covered by the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation.

Megan Wong is halfway home when it comes to her degree but as she admits sometimes ‘life’ can get in the way. Ready to step away from her studies the Boys & Girls Clubs Fraserview let her know of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation scholarship program and after sending in a heartfelt application became a finalist and eventually a recipient of enough funding to continue her education.

“When I was writing the letter, it was actually really difficult. I didn’t think it was going to be as difficult as it was because I don’t really like to talk about things but I knew I wanted to make it as true and as accurate as I could,” said Megan who admitted it took her about ten tries to feel ready to send the letter off to the selection committee.

Weeks later, Megan was summoned to her Boys & Girls Club for a meeting not realizing what was about to be shared with her but once she received the news – the weight of the world felt as if it had been lifted from her shoulders.

“I was ecstatic, and it was amazing. I could tell how much it meant to both of us and it was just so special to realize that there are people here to support me and believe in me even when those times come along when I don’t believe in myself. I can finish what I started now.”

About the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Scholarship Program:

Created in 2018, Vancouver Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne Bolton generously donated $75,000 dollars toward funding for up to five (5) recipients. The goal was to provide up to $15,000 per scholarship winner to help them achieve their post-secondary dreams while also supporting them within their communities. Last year Jeff and Suzanne increased their donation to $100,000 to provide even more assistance.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members including the donor of the scholarship Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness both to attend a post-secondary institution as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a program benefitting local youth.

More than a dozen students have been able to begin and/or continue their post-secondary education thanks to this program.

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

The Rivalry: Red Sox – Yankees Greats Highlight Granite State Baseball Dinner

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays), the Fisher Cats Foundation, and the Ted Williams Foundation have confirmed the initial group of guests for the 2019 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental.

This year’s fundraising event will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel Expo Center. Since 2007, the event has hosted over 13,000 guests and donated more than $1.75 million to the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Tickets are available at NHFisherCats.com.

Hall of Famers Goose Gossage and Wade Boggs headline the 2019 celebrity guest list, along with several other Red Sox and Yankees legends: Bucky Dent, Bill Lee, Luis Tiant, Rico Petrocelli and Bob Stanley. The players will sign autographs from 5 – 7 p.m., and share stories from their careers and the greatest rivalry in baseball during the subsequent dinner program.

New Hampshire’s own Chris Carpenter  will join the festivities, as the 2005 Cy Young Award Winner and two-time World Series Champion continues to donate his time to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Goose Gossage, a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, will make his first appearance at the Granite State Baseball Dinner. Gossage pitched for nine teams in his 22 big league seasons, including seven with the Yankees (1978-1983, 1989). He was a nine-time All-Star and led the major leagues in saves for three years, including the 1978 World Series Championship season.

First Ballot Hall of Famer Wade Boggs will attend the dinner for a third time. A career .328 batter with 3,010 hits, he was the only player in the 20th century with seven straight 200-hit seasons. Boggs played 11 years in Boston to begin his career (1982-1992), and won the 1996 World Series with the Yankees. He spent his last two seasons in Tampa Bay, and in 1999 he became the first player to join the 3,000 hit club with a home run. Boggs entered the Hall of Fame wearing a Red Sox cap in 2005, and had his number 26 retired at Fenway Park in 2016.

Bucky Dent, a prominent figure in the Red Sox – Yankees rivalry, will make his Granite State Baseball Dinner debut. Dent is best known for his three-run home run in the 1978 American League East Tiebreaker Game. With New York trailing 2-0 in the top of the seventh, Dent’s go-ahead homer eventually led the Yankees to a 5-4 victory and a playoff berth. He was named 1978 World Series MVP, hitting .417 with 7 RBI in the six-game series win over the Dodgers.

Red Sox greats and popular baseball dinner mainstays Bill Lee, Bob Stanley, Rico Petrocelli and Luis Tiant — who all played against Gossage and Dent in the 1970s — will return to Manchester in 2019.

“When it comes to the best rivalries in sports, it doesn’t get any better than Red Sox – Yankees,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “The Red Sox have had the upper hand in recent years, but there’s a lot of history between these two teams, and I know this year’s celebrity guests will have plenty of stories to tell.”

Tickets for this year’s event are $80 and can be purchased at NHFisherCats.com and by calling 603-641-2005.

Doors to the event will open at 5 p.m. with a silent auction and an autograph session with the honored guests from 5-7 p.m. The dinner and the evening’s program will begin at 7 p.m.

The primary beneficiary of the dinner is the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). CHaD, New Hampshire’s comprehensive, full-service children’s hospital, is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Offering primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond, their focus includes keeping all kids healthy and safe.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $5.7 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations.

The Ted Williams Foundation works to preserve and build on the rich tradition of our national pastime through education and outreach. Proceeds from the Granite State Baseball Dinner are instrumental in the Foundation’s mission to provide youth baseball programs and scholarships for deserving student-athletes. The Foundation is also an active partner with the Rays, Red Sox, Twins, Orioles & Phillies Organizations raising funds to provide assistance to their many charitable programs including the Boys & Girls Club, Pediatric Cancer, Animal Shelters and youth Diabetes programs.

For more information about the charitable Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, please call the Box Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

For tickets and information, visit www.nhfishercats.com.

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