Toy/Clothing Drives

IronPigs’ Wives Hosting Sock & Underwear Drive

August 1, 2012

The IronPigs player’s wives are hosting the 2nd annual Sock and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Bisons game on August 8, 2012, at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, Allentown Rescue Mission and New Bethany Ministries.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Connecticut Tigers Assist Local “Non-Profit”

July 11, 2012

NORWICH- The Connecticut Tigers will be partnering with “Bikes For Kids” in hosting a bike drive prior to and during the game on Saturday, July 21st between Tigers and the Lowell Spinners, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox at 7:05 PM. The gates will open at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.

Bikes For Kids is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization that provides bicycles and equipment to children and families in need. The organization focuses its donations locally in Connecticut, but has also given bicycles and equipment to Haiti, Africa and various causes from around the United States.

Bikes For Kids was founded by the late Chuck Graeb in 1989. Graeb founded the organization on the idea that “every child should be able to experience the enjoyment of owning and riding their own bicycle.” Upon Graeb’s passing in 2009, current president David Fowler assumed leadership of the organization. “We put people on wheels that would either be walking or not really going anywhere at all,” said Fowler.

Representatives from Bikes For Kids will have a table set up on the concourse behind the press box during the game collecting new to slightly-used bikes, new helmets and other new or slightly-used equipment.

The organization reached 13,000 bicycles donated in November of 2011 and has already collected 700 bikes in the 2012 calendar year. With the assistance of the Tigers and the bike drive at Dodd Stadium, Bikes For Kids hopes to surpass a total of 14,000 bicycles donated by the end of the month.

The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011 (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and are entering their 3rd season at Dodd Stadium. The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Collection for a Cause, $1 Tickets

July 9, 2012

The Hudson Valley Renegades are teaming up with local non-profits for “Collection for a Cause” days throughout the 2012 season. On the selected days, the Renegades are asking fans to donate the selected items in exchange for $1 General Admission Tickets.

Monday, July 30: Elant – organization is asking for the following items; Word Search, Crosswords, Puzzle Books, Large Print Hardcover Books Nail Polish, White Tube Socks, Playing Cards, CD’s and DVD’s (new), $5 Gift Cards for Walmart or Target..

Thursday, August 9: Gifts From the Heart For Downs: – organization is asking for unused/gently used sneakers that are used to support wishes for those with Downs.

Wednesday, August 22: ARCS – organization in need of Toiletries/Personal Hygiene Products.

Tuesday, August 28: Ronald McDonald House Charities -The Ronald McDonald House will be accepting gift cards from food, office supplies, home improvement stores, etc. to help their families in need.

Items may be dropped off at the Hudson Valley Renegades Ticket Office in exchange for a $1 General Admission Tickets for the “Collection For A Cause” selected date.

For questions, contact the Renegades Ticket Office at 845-838-0094.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Click here to view the original story.

Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

May 19, 2012

Phanatic appearance thanks to OceanFirst Bank

LakewoodBlueClaws_2012-05-19 — The Phillie Phanatic will be here for Military Appreciation Night on June 14th.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Troop Supply Drive on Military Appreciation Night at their June 14th game (7:05), a night that also features an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, thanks to OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

JERSEY AUCTION: The BlueClaws will be wearing camouflage jerseys. These will be auctioned off (silent auction) on the concourse during the game.

This supply drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, Troop Clothing Drive, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Further, fans are also encouraged to bring gently used clothes to also be shipped to the Troops by A.R.M.S & JDK Wholesale.

In addition, the BlueClaws encourage fans are also to bring items for the K9 Sgt. Denny Project, sponsored by the Dennis W. Zilinski Foundation. Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native. Suggested items include: tennis balls used as training rewards, one-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver), KongR toys, NylaboneR chews and toys, unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin, collapsible water bowls, and leather leashes.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last seven years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJR Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

There will also be a Black Hawk helicopter provided by the New Jersey Army National Guard. Fans are encouraged to go inside the helicopter and take pictures from 5 pm until the 7th inning stretch.

In addition, the Phillie Phanatic will be making his first of two visits, thanks to OceanFirst Bank. The popular Phillies mascot will be entertaining fans throughout the game like only he can. He has been the Phillies mascot since 1978 and has been at FirstEnergy Park since the BlueClaws began play in 2001.

Now the dean of all professional sports mascots, the Phanatic has entertained millions of fans all over the world. He has traveled to Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and made numerous national television appearances appearances on shows like the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” He has also starred in commercials on ESPN and the Fox Network.

Finally, the night is a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 66MVP, with $1 beer and soda plus 50-cent wings from Ivy League Restaurant, in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

To order tickets to this or any BlueClaws game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 .

– BlueClaws –

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

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

November 18, 2011

The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.

Suns Collecting Toys For Tots

November 16, 2011

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Hagerstown Suns will once again partner with the Marine Corps Reserve to be an official drop-off location for Toys For Tots this holiday season.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made in the Suns front office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays before December 22. These gifts will be distributed to local social welfare agencies and churches to distribute to needy children on Christmas Day.

The Toys For Tots program only accepts new, unwrapped toys.

Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps’ premier community action program. Annually, an average of 15,000,000 toys is distributed to needy children over the holidays. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium and are a Class “A” affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Opening Day will be in Hagerstown April 5, 2012 against the West Virginia Power. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group packages with the Suns are now on sale. For more information, call 301-791-6266, or visit www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Hagerstown Suns are owned by Hagerstown Baseball, LLC.

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

Mississippi Braves and Bass Pro Shops Flood Relief Efforts

June 4, 2011

The Mississippi Braves along with Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, and Uncle Bucks Grills have joined forces to aid the victims of the Mississippi River Floods.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, The Braves and Bass Pro Shops presented a $5,000 check to The Salvation Army to help jump start the relief effort. Furthermore, prominent members of the community such as Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner, Vice President of Business Development for MiLB Tina Gust, and Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers came to show their support and encouragement during this tragic time. The Salvation Army’s Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, MS State Representative Ray Rogers, and MS State Senator Dean Kirby also attended the pre-game ceremony.

The Braves further aided the cause by donating 100% of the revenue generated by a special silent auction during the game. The silent auction featured various items for fans to bid on, such as autographed baseballs, bats, photos, and jerseys of various Braves players.

As a further way of providing assistance, the M-Braves encouraged fans to donate items such as clothing, shoes, water, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items to The Salvation Army. The Braves did so by providing fans who donated items to the cause a 50 percent discount on field seat tickets. Plus, the first 500 fans that donated items to the relief effort received their choice of a free Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann or Jeff Francoeur 8 x 10 color photo.

The Braves are still encouraging fans to continue to donate items for the relief effort, and drop them off at Trustmark Park throughout the year.

M-Braves check to Salvation Army — Check presentation to The Salvation Army. (From left to Right: General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Patrick Renegar, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, and General Manager of the Mississippi Braves Steve DeSalvo

M-Braves Supplies — General Manager Steve DeSalvo helping load the donated items onto the Salvation Army Truck.

Akron Aeros, Fans Turn Triple Play: Donations Made to Alabama Tornado Relief Fund, Relay for Life & Local Challenger Baseball League This Past Weekend

May 11, 2011

The Akron Aeros were pleased to contribute to three worthwhile causes this past weekend.

Friday night, the Aeros teamed up with TTR Shipping of Stow, OH, to collect donations for the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund. Aeros fans stepped up donating more than 1,300 items, including clothing, toys, toiletries and non-perishable food items to the cause. These donations helped fill a 53’ tractor trailer that left Akron this weekend en route to Alabama.

As part of the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the Aeros wore special pink jerseys on Mother’s Day. Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to bid on game-worn jerseys of the entire roster with proceeds benefitting Relay for Life. Aeros fans raised more than $2,800 for the continued search for a cure for cancer.

Following Sunday’s Aeros game, the local Challenger baseball leagues of Barberton, Canton, Tallmadge, and Tuscarawas County played a game at Canal Park. Challenger Baseball provides children and young adults from ages five to 22 with special needs the opportunity to play baseball. Aeros front office members, players and coaches participated in Sunday’s event with the challenger participants, by helping them run the bases and field ground balls, as well as signing autographs and posing for a team photo following their game.

The Akron Aeros also donated autographed merchandise to the Barberton Challenger League to raise funds for the State Tournament they are hosting in July. The silent auction raised nearly $500 for the tournament.

“We had an amazing weekend at Canal Park and Aeros fans showed heart-warming generosity in support of those in need. The Aeros would like to thank those fans who brought items to donate to the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund and those who contributed to Relay for Life. Our entire front office staff and players enjoyed hosting the Challenger Baseball group and hopefully created some fantastic memories for all participants,” Aeros Chief Operating Officer JIM PFANDER said.

For information on additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com

Akron 5-10-11 1 — Nicole Blum, Community Relations Coordinator, sorts boxes of items donated by Aeros’ fans last Friday. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)

Akron 5-10-11 2 — Aeros players high-five their Challenger Baseball teammates. (Photo courtesy of Akroon Aeros)

Akron 5-10-11 3 — The Akron Aeros pose with the Challenger Baseball team for a group photo after Sunday’s game. (Photo courtesy of Akron Aeros)

Fisher Cats Partake in Annual Day of Caring

December 23, 2010

Members of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats front office spent Wednesday morning volunteering their services at the New Hampshire Food Bank in Manchester and the Londonderry Toys for Tots as a part of the club’s annual Day of Caring. The Fisher Cats front office also participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program and contributed gifts to local family in need during the holidays.

“It’s the very least that we can do as an organization and as individuals,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “These special organizations and their volunteers work tirelessly to make a positive difference in so many lives, especially during the holidays. We’re just honored to lend a hand.”

Half of the Fisher Cats staff headed to the New Hampshire Food Bank warehouse in Manchester where they assisted the Food Bank staff in sorting donated food items in preparation for delivery. The other half of the Fisher Cats staff visited the Londonderry Toys for Tots headquarters and helped with organizing donated toys and readying them for distribution.

Earlier in the week, a local family participating in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program visited Merchantsauto.com Stadium and received gifts including toys, clothes and Fisher Cats merchandise donated by each member of the Fisher Cats front office staff.

“There is no better feeling than knowing you can help to make someone’s holiday season a little bit brighter,” said Danielle Matteau, Fisher Cats Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs. “As a staff, we just feel fortunate that we are able to make a difference.”

Squirrels Double Efforts for Toys for Tots

December 14, 2010

Team Collects Nearly 17 Bins of Toys at 2nd Annual Holiday Party

Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys during the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inaugural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to participate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffle.

Richmond 12-13-10 TFT — Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

BLUE ROCKS DONATE NEARLY $750,000 TO LOCAL CAUSES

October 21, 2010

Team’s Efforts with Marketing Partners & Fans Touch Thousands

The Wilmington Blue Rocks continued their commitment of giving back to the community throughout the 2010 season. The year saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, raise $744,721.99 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum includes many different types of contributions including cash, tickets and services.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2010 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Below is a breakdown of the team’s efforts in the community during the campaign:

Cash Donations – $19,115

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were able to donate $19,115 to local organizations in 2010. These donations included Little League sponsorships, specialty game-worn memorabilia auctions, ticket kickbacks, and a sponsorship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware.

During select games, the Blue Rocks wore special jerseys or hats. That apparel was then auctioned and raffled off during those games. Some items were auctioned off online as well. Below are a few examples:

Boots on the Ground – Blue Rocks wore Camo hats
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition – Blue Rocks wore Pink jerseys
B+ Foundation – Blue Rocks wore Throwback jerseys

Other organizations that benefited from this included: The Ronnie Williams Foundation, the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, and the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation.

Ticket Donations – 66,798 tickets, Value – $601,182

Each year, the Blue Rocks are able to accommodate almost every donation request. Through those donation requests, school programs, and by offering bulk tickets to select local organizations (Kind to Kids, USO Delaware, Delaware Police Departments, and more), the Blue Rocks were able to donate almost 67,000 tickets for the 2010 season.

Centerplate Concession Stand Money – $63,149.99

During the 2010 season, local organizations had the opportunity to work the concession stands during Blue Rocks games. In exchange, Centerplate, the concessionaire for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, gave them a portion of the revenue from that game. Throughout the season, over $63,000 was donated to these organizations for their efforts.

Non-Ticket Donations – $21,575

These donations are for extraordinary cases that call for something extra special. Non-ticket donations consist of:

Luxury Suites
Experience Items (first pitches, on-field inclusion)
Autographed Items (bats, baseballs)
Merchandise/Promo Items
Blue Rocks Baseball Camp Scholarships
Used Baseballs/Gloves/Equipment

Advertising Donations – $8,500

During home games, the Blue Rocks allowed select non-profits to promote themselves or upcoming events. This promotion was executed through the use of the RocksVision video board, the public address system, and by providing concourse tables.

Speaking Appearances

The Blue Rocks Front Office donated over 50 hours of their time to speak at community events. These events included speaking to children at local elementary schools, high schools, and colleges about careers in sports, and speaking to local organizations about the Blue Rocks.

Player Appearances

Wilmington Blue Rocks Players made many appearances over the 2010 season. Some of these appearances included visiting the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (at least once a month), a youth detention center, local schools, United Cerebral Palsy’s summer camp, as well as other local summer camps.

Mascot Appearances – $7,500

Rocky Bluewinkle visited 196 community events this year. (Spanned over 240 hours; Value of free or discounted appearances – $7,500).

In-Stadium Fundraising at Frawley Stadium – $23,700

The Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to select charitable organizations during home games, and enabled them to raise money for their respective causes. Money was raised by selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, and by collecting donations. There have also been a number of check presentations before Blue Rocks games during the 2010 season.

K’s for Kids: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware donated money every time a Blue Rocks pitcher recorded a strikeout at home. At the end of the season, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Base Learning Initiative: SBLI Life Insurance donated money for each Blue Rocks stolen base during a home game. At the end of the season, BooksFirst! was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Bases for Happy Faces: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Bear Babe Ruth Baseball League Miracle League Field project.
B+ Score for the Cure: AstraZeneca donated money for each Blue Rocks run scored at home. At the end of the season, the B+ Foundation was presented with a $5,000 check.

Miscellaneous

Make-A-Wish Night: On Aug. 31, the Blue Rocks hosted Make-A-Wish Night. Wish Kids were treated like stars. They were able to participate in some unique activities before and during the game, and they received lots of autographs and free stuff.
Challenger Little League: The Blue Rocks continued the tradition of working with the Challenger Little League to host its season’s Opening Ceremonies. Each player was introduced individually, and all teams get to play on Judy Johnson Field.
Stadium Tours: The Blue Rocks offer stadium tours for free. Tours are usually 30 minutes long. In 2010, the Blue Rocks hosted 60 tours, many to community organizations with little to no funding.
Toy Drive: The Blue Rocks were once again, able to contribute toys to the Mary Campbell Center. Rocky Claus surprised guests at the Mary Campbell Center’s youth and children holiday party with a sack full of donated toys.

Tackling Childhood Obesity

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are committed to tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity. To do so, the Blue Rocks have partnered with local programs like Nemours Health and Prevention Services, Titus Sports Academy (CHAMPIONS program), and Girls on the Run. Through these partnerships the Blue Rocks have been able to reward kids who participate in health/fitness-related extracurricular activities.

Wilmington-Hospital 10-20-10 — One of the many visits by Blue Rocks players and team mascot Rocky Bluewinkle to A.I. duPont Hospital included (left-to-right): Rocky, Ivor Hodgson, Buddy Baumann, Barry Bowden, Adrian Ortiz. (Photo by Dave Arthur)

Louie’s Holiday Hope Project Helps 35 Kids

January 8, 2010

The Bowie Baysox and several community partners were able to help 11 families, including 35 kids, through Louie’s Holiday Hope Project this year. The team worked with Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Bowie Youth & Family Services, Lloyd And Associates Real Estate Group and the Bowie Police Department to help more than twice as many families as last year.

Toni Savia from Youth & Family Services noted the importance of the project. “It is absolutely vital. Things are hard for an awful lot of people,” Savia said. “It is so wonderful that you all are available to do so because help is slim this year. We thank you all very much, these families are very much in need.”

Nine of the families helped through the project were from Bowie and the other families were from Pasadena, Md., and Manchester, Md. The Baysox and their lovable mascot Louie donated food and toys to the families.

Yvette Harmon, the mother of one of the families helped through the program was thrilled to see Louie with gifts. “Thank you so much, you don’t know how much we needed this,” Harmon said. “Desperate times, desperate situations.”

This holiday season was the third time the Baysox facilitated the program. Last year, the Baysox and their partners were able to help five families with food, toys and winter coats. The team intends to bring the project back in 2010 and looks forward to working with their community partners.

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones looks forward to helping with the project next year. “It provides a great deal of joy and satisfaction to our volunteer and career membership of the Fire/EMS Department to assist those in need,” Jones said. “We are proud to partner with Louie and the Bowie Baysox in this community based relief effort. We look forward to helping again next year.”

Bowie-Louie with Kids — Louie loves helping his friends through Louie’s Holiday Hope Project.

Bowie-Louie w Bowie Youth & Family Services — Louie and members of the Baysox took a picture with their friends from Bowie Youth & Family Services.

Cookies with Claus–Over 100 Toys Collected for Toys for Tots!

December 5, 2009

The Delmarva Shorebirds would like to announce that at the Cookies with Claus event with the help of Santa and Sherman, Toys for Tots was able to collect over 100 toys which will be distributed to needy children around the Delmarva Peninsula this holiday season.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goal is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Blue Rocks Donate Nearly Half a Million for Local Causes

September 22, 2009

The Wilmington Blue Rocks proudly announce that the 2009 season saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, donate and raise $424,000 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum represents a collective of many different types of contributions with the majority coming from monetary and ticket donations.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2009 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Blue Rocks concessionaire, Centerplate, allows community organizations the opportunity to volunteer at the concession stands during home games in return for a percentage of the money received at each stand. Thanks to this program almost $74,000 was given back to community organizations.

The Blue Rocks continue to support local youth baseball and donated over $1,600 as well as used baseball equipment to local Little League organizations.

Game-worn memorabilia auctions saw an increase in frequency and dollar amounts, helping to raise over $6,300. On April 19, the Blue Rocks wore purple hats to raise money for the Bernadette Farrell Memorial Fund as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Night. The Rocks sported pink jerseys on May 29 to benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Rocks wore camouflage hats on May 30 and August 1 to raise money for Delaware Boots on the Ground and USO Delaware. On July 3, Wilmington donned patriotic jerseys to support United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware (UCP). The Rocks wore Red hats on June 25 to raise funds for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. The Rocks also sported gold jerseys on Aug. 13 for Elvis Night to benefit the local chapter of the American Lung Association. Blue Rocks players went beyond the laundry too, donating game-worn cleats and batting gloves that were auctioned off for charity.

Almost 60,000 tickets were distributed to area schools over the course of the season. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle led the charge to promote literacy with

his Reading Challenge, presented by the Delaware State Ed ucation Association. The Blue Rocks worked with local schools to reward kids who met their reading goal. In 2009, over 150 area schools were awarded a total of 57,000 tickets. Along with Rocky’s Reading Challenge the Blue Rocks donated over 2,500 tickets through programs like the IFS Outstanding Students Program, which allows teachers to reward students who display excellence in behavior and performance in the classroom.

The team also donated over 8,000 tickets to community organizations throughout the 2009 campaign with 6,000 going to local fundraisers, 1,000 donated to the USO Delaware to use for their soldiers and staff, and the remainder finding a number of other local non-profit organizations in need. Those same non-profit groups received another $2,000 worth of free/discounted video board advertising and concourse tables to promote themselves and their worthy events.

The Blue Rocks organized special events to collect money and goods for those less fortunate. Before the season, the team held a gift drive for kids at the Mary Campbell Center. The team also offered ticket discounts to fans that donated items to the Food Bank of Delaware. The Blue Rocks Charity Golf Classic, held at Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club on Aug. 17, raised over $1,500 for UCP and CHILD, Inc. in one day.

Community appearances proved a regular item on the team’s calendar. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle and numerous Blue Rocks players visited A.I. duPont Hospital for Children at least once a month throughout the season in addition to other appearances. Rocky logged over 60 community service hours at schools and charitable events as well. Rocks’ players put in over 20 hours despite their grueling 140-game schedule over five-plus months time. The Blue Rocks visited schools and community organizations throughout the Delaware Valley, tallying over 40 hours of their time throughout the season.

The K’s for Kids Program presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSDE) completed its fourth season with great success. BCBSDE donated $10 to a local charity for every home game strikeout the Blue Rocks pitching staff recorded. Thanks to this program, BCBSDE presented Girls on the Run a check for $5,000 before the Blue Rocks game on Sept. 2.

Challenger Little League returned for its annual day of baseball on May 12. Teams from the league were able to play their games on Judy Johnson Field before the Rocks’ contest later that night in a tradition that has spanned over a decade.

During the last homestand of the regular season, the Wilmington police department collected donations for the daughter of a slain Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer. The generosity of Blue Rocks fans contributed over $5,000 to Aubrey Spicer’s trust fund.