Blue Jays honor Taylor Cole & Stubby Clapp

RHP gets commmunity service award, hitting coach wins Mattick

Dunedin-Blue-Jays-2014The Toronto Blue Jays announced their organizational award winners earlier today, and Dunedin’s RHP Taylor Cole and Hitting Coach Stubby Clapp each received tremendous honors. Cole has been named the winner of the Community Service Award, and Clapp will receive the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in player development.

RHP Taylor Cole has been named this year’s winner of the Community Service Award. The 25 year-old right-hander was exceptionally active in the Blue Jays initiative programs serving youth. Among the programs Taylor participated in were the team’s annual Bookin’ it to the Ballpark reading program and summer Kickball Tour: a health and wellness initiative promoting an active lifestyle among kids of all ages at various summer camps. Additionally, Taylor led a group of teammates in a “Toys for Tots” shopping spree in support of the non-profit organization. Warm-hearted and selfless in his volunteerism, Taylor was always willing to answer a litany of questions from kids in an earnest manner, and took the extra time to sign last minute autographs in the classroom, at the ballpark and wherever fans could be found. In his words, “It’s our responsibility to give back, as so many have done for us.” On the diamond, Cole led all of minor league baseball with 171 strikeouts this past season.

Stubby Clapp is being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in Player Development. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Stubby has spent the last two seasons as the Hitting Coach in Dunedin (A). A member of Canada’s 1999 Pan American Games team, 2004 Canada Olympic team and 2006 World Baseball Classic club, Clapp spent 11 seasons playing professionally, including 23 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. Clapp started his coaching career in 2008 in the Astros system, highlighted by a division crown with Tri City (A) serving as the teams Manager. Stubby was influential in the development of several key Blue Jays farmhands over the past two seasons and his dedication each and every day makes the award richly deserved. During the past season alone, C Derrick Chung, SS Jorge Flores, 1B K.C. Hobson, 3B Gustavo Pierre, RF Matt Newman and CF Dalton Pompey all earned promotions to Double-A and beyond after working with Clapp in Dunedin.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

Naturals Partner with Toys for Tots for July 24 Game

Fans that donate a new toy will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s game

Northwest-Arkansas-NaturalsThe Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that they will be partnering with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots again this year. Fans will have the opportunity to donate toys on Thursday, July 24 to benefit the Toys for Tots program that provides disadvantaged children in Benton and Washington counties with toys for Christmas.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014bThe Naturals invite fans to bring new toys to the ballpark for donation on Thursday, July 24 when we celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark. Fans that donate a new toy to the Toys for Tots program will receive two (2) FREE Reserved tickets to Thursday’s 7:05 P. M. game against the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Naturals’ staff, along with the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots volunteers, will be located near the ticket office and main gate to collect toys at the ballpark. All toys that are donated to the NWA Marine Corps Toys for Tots program will be distributed within the Northwest Arkansas community. In addition, any money that is collected will be used to purchase toys for local children.

On Thursday, July 24 the Naturals will celebrate Christmas in July at Arvest Ballpark on Buck Night on Thirsty Thursday presented by Brach’s. The event will feature a special Santa Hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans in attendance and select items will be available for only a $1 at the Arvest Ballpark concession stands, including Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, peanuts, as well as small Coca-Cola fountain drinks as part of Buck Night while Thirsty Thursday will feature select 16oz. drafts for only $2.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Toys for Tots Collection Drive Underway at McCoy

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Want to help make a child’s holiday? This year’s Toys for Tots drive is underway at McCoy Stadium. Fans who donate a new toy for our Toys for Tots Collection Drive will receive a 10% discount voucher good for purchases made in the PawSox Team Store. Collections will be made at the PawSox Team Store at McCoy Stadium Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm until December 14th.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Fightins to Host 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

Sunday’s event to benefit Toys for Tots and The Children Home of Reading

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The 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run will benefit Toys for Tots and The Children’s Home of Reading.

On Sunday, November 3rd, the Reading Fightin Phils will be hosting the 7th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run presented by Classic Harley-Davidson from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in VIST Bank Plaza at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Folks will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Motorcycle registration for the toy run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11:00 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course until arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark for an estimated noon arrival. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy or game.

Upon his arrival at noon, Santa will be available in the Yuengling Hometown Tap Room until 2:00 p.m. for photos with those on both the naughty and the nice list. He and his helpers will also present this year’s Santa’s Choice Awards to his favorite classic car, Jeep, and motorcycle. Winners will receive an official Eastern PA Toy Run trophy.

Along with Santa Claus, Lebanon Levi from the hit Discovery Channel series “Amish Mafia” will be on hand for autographs with a small donation to Toys for Tots.

Attendees and participants will be served complimentary hot dogs and beverages as part of the event. There will also be live music on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage throughout the day.

For those looking at getting a jump on holiday shopping, the Fightins Mitchell & Ness Team Store will be open with deals on team apparel and caps. A portion of merchandise profits from Sunday will also be donated to Toys for Toys and The Children’s Home of Reading.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was potentially cancelled after the Marine Corps Reserve Unit was deployed. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefiting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon County and The Children’s Home of Reading.

Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets for the 2014 season at FirstEnergy Stadium are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Keys Host Toys for Tots Drive

Fans Who Bring in a New Toy will Receive 2014 Keys Tickets and Hats

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With the holiday season upon us, the Frederick Keys have announced a partnership with Toys for Tots for a second consecutive season. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Members of the Frederick community can donate a toy at Harry Grove Stadium during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. Those who donate will receive two tickets to a 2014 Frederick Keys home game along with two Keys hats.

The Toys for Tots drive will run until Saturday, December 14th, when the Keys host their annual holiday event in the Mattress Warehouse Club.

“We were extremely pleased by community support for our toy drive last year,” said Marketing & Sponsorship Manager, Bridget McCabe. “Helping provide a better holiday season for many local kids through the product of Keys Baseball is very uplifting and we are glad this is now an annual partnership.”

The Keys Holiday Event, held on December 14th from 10am-1pm, will feature pictures with Keyote Claus and discounts on merchandise. Fans who donate toys during the event will receive a special discount on the items that are for sale.

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

Make a Difference this Holiday Season

Drive Benefits Toys for Tots, Women’s Shelter

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Let’s make Christmas special for Coastal Bend women and children in need.

Starting Monday, November 25, your Corpus Christi Hooks will collect new, unwrapped toys and essentials in the Whataburger Field lobby to benefit Toys for Tots and the Women’s Shelter of South Texas.

The drive runs through December 18.

The Women’s Shelter of South Texas is seeking the following items:

For babies and children – Diaper cream, baby wash, shampoo, baby lotion, wash cloths, towels, conditioner, body spray for boys and girls, hair accessories, brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste

For teenagers – Cologne, perfume, shaving cream, razors, hair gel, hair spray, blow dryers, styling tools, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, brushes, combs, cosmetic bags, shaving kits, nail polish, make-up, body wash, wash cloths and towels

For women – Perfume, shaving cream, razors, hair gel, hair spray, blow dryers, styling tools, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body spray, deodorant, brushes, combs, cosmetic bags, nail polish, make-up, feminine products, soap, body wash, wash cloths and towels

The Whataburger Field lobby/reception area is located right of main gates. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The ballpark will be closed from noon Wednesday, November 27, until 9 a.m. Monday, December 2, over the extended Thanksgiving weekend.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

Fightins Looking to Help Charities in Season of Giving

Franchise announces community outreach program in time for holiday season

The 2013 Season of Giving will directly aid local non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the holiday season.
The 2013 Season of Giving will directly aid local non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the holiday season.

In cooperation with many of the non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the region, the Reading Fightin Phils are launching the 2013 Season of Giving in the Mitchell & Ness Fightins Team Store this holiday season.

Starting with the Toys for Tots collection on Sunday, November 3, the Fightin Phils will give back 20% of your purchase when you mention your participating organization at checkout during the Season of Giving. The proceeds raised through the Season of Giving will go directly to the organizations. Shoppers can support the community organizations until Christmas Eve on December 24.

“In the spirit of the holidays, we’re bringing back the Season of Giving as a way to say thanks to the hard-working non-profit community,” said Director of Community Relations Mike Robinson. “This is a way for us to spread some cheer towards local organizations while raising awareness for their efforts.”

Once the Season of Giving begins, the team store’s hours will expand to 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Organizations interested in taking part in the 2013 Season of Giving can reach out to Director of Community Relations Mike Robinson at mrobinson@fightins.com or Merchandising Manager Zack Haas at zhaas@fightins.com for additional information.

Fans will have the chance to support the first Season of Giving organization this Wednesday at the Charlie Adams Farewell Broadcast where team store purchases from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will aid the Exeter Public Library.

Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets for the 2014 season at FirstEnergy Stadium are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Cookies with Claus Set for December 8

Free event starts at 10am to support Toys for Tots

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Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds are once again hosting “Cookies with Claus” on December 8 from 10am-12pm in the Executive Club of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. Santa Claus and Sherman Claus will be in attendance to get you ready for the holiday season.

The Shorebirds are encouraging everyone that attends to bring a new toy to the stadium, which will be donated to Toys for Tots. Through the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program the toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children on the Eastern Shore.

Cookies, coffee and hot chocolate will be served up in the Executive Club.

Each family will have ample opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus and Sherman Claus. Please bring your own camera to take pictures.

There will also be arts and crafts and games set up in the Executive Club for children.

For more information about the event, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112 ext. 168.

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

Suns Collecting Toys For Tots

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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.

Fisher Cats Partake in Annual Day of Caring

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

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.

Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

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

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.

Gwinnett Braves Donate Over $150,000 to Local Non-Profits During Inaugural Season

During the Gwinnett Braves inaugural season, the team donated over $150,000 to local non-profits as a result of fundraisers completed during the team’s season. The G-Braves showcased the groups during a pre-game presentation on Saturday, September 5 when the team took on the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) at 6:00 p.m.

“Gwinnett County is known for its strong sense of community and since our team arrived, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed into this close-knit population,” said Gwinnett Braves General Manager Bruce Baldwin. “It is only right that we give back to the people that not only brought us here, but also to the people that continue to make Gwinnett County our home.”

Volunteers from Exodus Outreach, Collins Hill High School (Band Boosters, Spirit Club, Takedown Club and Lacrosse), St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus and Grayson Takedown Club worked with ARAMARK, the food and beverage provider at Gwinnett Stadium, to staff select concession stands throughout the season. In return, the groups earned a portion of that stand’s profit. Heading into the final weekend of the season the groups raised a combined $142,204.75 for their efforts.

In addition to the concession fundraiser, the Gwinnett Braves partnered with local non-profits to hold 50/50 raffles at each weekend game. Combined the 50/50 raffles resulted in over $7,000 for the following groups:
233rd Seabee Battalion
American Diabetes Association
Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends
Autism Speaks
Beta Sigma Phi
Caminar Latino
Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Restoration Network
Family Promise of Gwinnett
Foster Children’s Foundation
Gwinnett Ballet Theater
Gwinnett Choral Guild
Gwinnett County Special Olympics
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity
Gwinnett Humane Society
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation
Happy Tails
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March of Dimes
Metro Atlanta YMCA
Operation Homefront
The Hope Clinic
Toys for Tots

Every season, the Gwinnett Braves players and coaches combine to make one special gift to a local charity. This year, the team will donate the funds necessary to build a portable bocce court for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics 50/50 Raffle at Coolray Field