Trenton Thunder

Thunder Give to United Way of Greater Mercer County on Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2017

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S Beans, they will provide a donation to United Way of Greater Mercer County as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thankgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Zack Zehner was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Eastern League All-Star Game in Manchester, New Hampshire, after going 2-for-3 with a two-run double in the East Division’s 7-1 victory. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Thunder will provide a $1,000 donation to the United Way of Greater Mercer County.

“The United Way of Greater Mercer County focuses on education, income and health, which are fundamental building blocks for a good quality of life,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “We are thrilled that BUSH’S Beans’ donation will support a great partner that has the best interests of our local community in mind at all times.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club,

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

Your Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, will begin the 2018 season, the 25th in franchise history, on Thursday, April 5 when they host the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants). Season tickets, Pic-A-Plans, Mini Plans and Group Tickets are on sale now at www.TrentonThunder.com and by phone at 609-394-3300.

Tickets Purchased This Holiday Season To Benefit Area Non-Profits

November 21, 2017

The 13th annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of their hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased before January 2, the Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey as well as other area non-profits to a 2018 Thunder game.

“As we prepare for our 25th season here at ARM & HAMMER Park, we wanted to continue to provide an opportunity for families to share in the family fun atmosphere of a Thunder game,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I thank the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey and all of our area non-profit partners for the great work they do and we’re thrilled to give back to our community this holiday season.”

In the first 12 years of the Gift of Baseball program, the Thunder have donated 8,824 tickets to the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.

“Trenton Thunder continues to be a strong and caring community partner,” praised Donna Pressma, President & CEO of CHSofNJ. “The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey is honored to have the opportunity through their generosity of offer the Gift of Baseball to so many of our children and families. The emphasis on family values that the Thunder and CHSofNJ shares has remainined a high priority for both organizations throughout our partnership.

“Family outings are often too rare for our children,” said Pressma. “Spending a day at the ballpark watching our home team play with determination and heart gives hope and makes memories that our children will keep for the rest of their lives. Thank you Trenton Thunder and all of your caring fans who make this possible.”

2018 Mini Plans are on sale now. Mini Plans include five to ten of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each game, savings off game-day pricing, and complimentary tickets to Opening Night, and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS.

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any ten or more games that best fit their schedule. This flexible plan includes a savings off game-day pricing, a free food option, and complimentary tickets to Opening Night. More information can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS.

Season Tickets are available as either a full (70 games) or half (35 games) and include added value like early entry, a picnic with players, bus trips and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS.

All plan holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the 2018 Eastern League All-Star Celebration before they go on sale to the general public.

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey provides at-risk children and their families with a range of services that empower them to achieve their potential. They are child-oriented, family focused, community based and outcome-oriented.

Thunder To Support Hurricane Harvey Relief

August 29, 2017

The Thunder, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and their 501(c)3 The Grand Slam We Care Foundation announced today that it will make a contribution to relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

“I’m sure that throughout the 24 years of Thunder baseball we’ve had players, coaches, staff or fans that have visited or were raised in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many people displaced from their homes, lose all of their belongings and we want to provide relief to those in their time of need.”

Thunder fans will have the opportunity to support relief efforts on every ticket order placed online at www.TrentonThunder.comfor the remainder of the 2017 season. The optional donation can be made for any amount before entering payment information. During their online ticket transaction, fans will be prompted with the option to donate to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort. If fans have already purchased tickets for the games this upcoming weekend, they can visit or call the Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300 ext. 101 and a donation can be entered without having to purchase additional tickets.

Fans purchasing tickets to Saturday or Sunday’s game against the Reading Fightin Phils may purchase a wristband for $3 to watch fireworks from the field. Wristbands may be purchased online with your tickets or in-person at ARM & HAMMER Park for either of the final two post-game fireworks shows in 2017.

The donations collected from The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, online ticket sales and wristband sales will be distributed to the MiLB Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

The Thunder return to ARM & HAMMER Park on Friday, September 1 for a four-game series with the Reading Fightin Phils. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

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

Thunder Team Up with AUVI-Q® (Epinephrine Injection, USP) to Host a Peanut-Free Game This Season

August 21, 2017

TRENTON, NJ – It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without peanuts, but in a new collaboration between Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) and AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP), fans that suffer from peanut allergies can enjoy America’s national pastime with less concern.

On Friday, Aug 25, the Trenton Thunder will be hosting a peanut-free game, sponsored by AUVI-Q. The game will feature no in-park sales of peanuts or products containing peanut ingredients. Throughout the game, in-park messaging and informational displays will be available for fans to learn more about AUVI-Q.

“With the help of AUVI-Q supporting our commitment to fans, we can create an environment where fans with peanut allergies can come to the ballpark and enjoy a game to its fullest,” said Jeff Hurley General Manager/COO of the Thunder. “We hope to see many new faces experiencing their first Minor League Baseball game because of our peanut-free night.”

Earlier this month, Minor League Baseball and AUVI-Q announced a multi-year agreement, making AUVI-Q the “Official Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI) of Minor League Baseball,” where a number of MiLB teams across the country will host “Peanut-Free Game Days” this season and next season. AUVI-Q is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions. AUVI-Q is the first and only EAI with an auto-retractable needle and includes innovative features such as voice instructions. AUVI-Q is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. AUVI-Q, manufactured by kaléo, is available by prescription nationwide. To learn more about AUVI-Q, please visit www.auvi-q.com.

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

Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

June 1, 2017

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

Thunder Partner With Sunrun To Educate Fans On Home Solar Power

April 12, 2017

Leading Residential Solar Company Selects Thunder Infielder Gleyber Torres to its “The Future is Bright” Lineup (Martin Griff / PinstripedProspects.com)

The Thunder today announced they will be one of 16 teams featured in Minor League Baseball’s a multi-year partnership between Minor League Baseball and Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. The partnership, now in its second year, was inked in 2016. As the “Preferred Residential Solar Power Provider of Minor League Baseball,” Sunrun will help educate baseball fans across the country on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar.

The Thunder join a list of clubs in all classifications of MiLB to support Sunrun’s campaign to educate fans on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Sunrun brand, showcasing that it can provide homeowners access to technology that enables energy generation, storage and management.

As part of the campaign, Thunder shortstop Gleyber Torres has been selected to Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup. The list, compiled by participating clubs, highlights one top prospect in each of the 16 communities that Sunrun serves in partnership with MiLB. Torres is one of the most exciting players in Minor League Baseball and was the centerpiece of the trade that sent left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs in 2016. One of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball, Torres, 20, set career highs in hits, home runs and RBI in 2016.

“Gleyber Torres is a top prospect in the Yankees organization and certainly deserves to be included in Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright lineup,” said Thunder COO/GM Jeff Hurley. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrun again this season to educate our fans on the benefits of using solar to power their homes.

This season, the Thunder will also host “Sunrun Sundays,” giving young fans the opportunity to escort players to their on-field positions as part of Sunrun’s Jr. All-Stars program.

To learn more about the partnership between Sunrun and Minor League Baseball, visit Sunrun’s website.

Thunder Eclipse $6,000,000 in Community Engagement in Franchise History

January 26, 2017

Throughout the 23 years that your Thunder have brought affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the greater Mercer and Bucks County region, the team has engaged in community partnerships and projects to aid people and organizations.

The Thunder are pleased to announce that the team’s, 501(c)(3), Grand Slam We Care Foundation has donated over $6,000,000 in goods, services and monetary donations in its history.

“Since our first game at beautiful ARM & HAMMER Park, we have engaged with non-profit organizations, fundraisers, and community organizations to support those in need,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled with the programs and intitiatives that we have currently and look forward to our Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci, building on the momentum of this past season to help even more familes and organizations in 2017 and beyond.”

In 2016, the Thunder engaged in more than 20 community related programs such as the NJM Safe at Home Program, PNC First Strikeout, Good Deed Day, HOPE Week, and Group Sales Fundraising to donate more than $400,000 in goods, services and monetary donations. The team also added new initiatives, one with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and the F.I.E.L.D. Program.

On June 18th, Thunder front office staff members and Thunder players Daniel Camarena, Dietrich Enns, and Jose Rosario shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research through the Vs. Cancer Foundation. The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. Money raised from the event at ARM & HAMMER Park went to national childhood cancer research as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. See photos from the event by clicking here.

The Thunder debuted their F.I.E.L.D. Program on Wednesday, July 20. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development. The program supports youth baseball in the area and in partnership with Merck, a health care leader worked to help the world be well for 125 years, Thunder front office members and volunteers came together to rebuild the fields at West End Little League in Trenton, NJ. As part of the rebuild, Diamond Pro provided professional infield materials and Finch Services Inc. donated equipment delivery in support of the rebuild. See a video recap of the program by clicking here.

The Thunder’s annual Community Grant Program supports organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children in our surrounding area as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. The Grant Program will disperse $10,000 equally to five different organizations this year. In the five-year history of the program, the Thunder have donated more than $50,000 to grant recipients.

Your Thunder will again take part in many community-related programs during the 2017 season.

Friday, April 21 – F.I.E.L.D. Program. The Thunder will again renovate a Trenton-area Little League.
Saturday, May 20 – Trenton Thunder Treasure Hunt. Take part in the annual scavengar hunt around Bucks and Mercer County for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize! To sign up to be a sponsor of the Treasure Hunt, click here.
Tuesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 10 – HOPE Week. A New York Yankees initiative that is designed to reach out to remarkable people and organizations who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities. HOPE Week stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel, the Thunder will honor an outstanding organization and take part in outreach programs during each day of the week.
Saturday, August 5 – Good Deed Day. Do good for those in your community by bringing donations to various non-profit organizations at ARM & HAMMER Park.
Tuesday, August 22 – Vs. Cancer. Following that night’s game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Thunder front office members and players will shave their heads to raise money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation and a local research partner.
Wednesday August 23 – Trenton Economic Development Networking Extravaganza. Join the Thunder for a day of networking at the ballpark and enjoy a night visiting some of the brightest night life in the city of Trenton.

The Thunder will also continue to engage in more than 20 community-related programs throughout the 2017 season. For more information on these programs, contact Director of Community Affairs, Vince Marcucci at 609-394-3300 x118 or at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The 2017 season, the 24th in franchise history, will begin at ARM & HAMMER Park on April 13 when the Thunder host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at 7:00 p.m. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2017. For more information on the Thunder, visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Support The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey with Ticket Purchases This Holiday Season

November 23, 2016

The 12th annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of cheering on the hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased before January 2, the Thunder will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey to attend a 2017 Thunder game.

“Sharing the experience of a baseball game with family and friends is special and we are thrilled to partner with the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey to provide that opportunity to deserving families,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley.

In the first 11 years of the Gift of Baseball program, the Thunder have donated 7,924 tickets to CHSofNJ.

The emphasis on family values that the Thunder and CHSofNJ shares has remained a high priority for both organizations throughout their 11-year partnership.

2017 Mini Plans are on sale now. Mini plans include five or six of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each a game, a free Thunder gift, complimentary tickets to Opening Night and a select night in the picnic area, and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any 10 or more games that best fit their schedule. This flexible plan includes, a $1 savings on every ticket, a free food option, free tickets to Opening Night and a complimentary ticket in the Picnic Area as well as a limited edition Thunder gift. More information can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS

Season Tickets are available as either a full (70 games) or half (35 games) and include added value like early entry, a picnic with the players, bus trips and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

December 12, 2014

The Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization	Program	Grant Amount
Every Child Valued	After School Program	$2,500
Mercer Street Friends	Trenton Digital Initiatives	$2,500
NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc	Just Kids	$1,500
Hope Loves Company	Camp HLC	$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to see fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

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

Holiday Purchases Will Benefit The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

November 25, 2014

The tenth annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of cheering on the hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased between November 24 and December 19, the Thunder will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by Children’s Home Society to attend a 2015 Thunder game.

“Our fans and corporate partners deserve a big “thank you” for supporting this initiative every year,” said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. “We’re hoping even more families can visit ARM & HAMMER Park next season thanks to our fans’ holiday shopping.”

In its first nine years, the Gift of Baseball program has allowed the Thunder to donate a total of 6,344 tickets to the Children’s Home Society.

“We are so grateful to the Trenton Thunder for once again sharing this wonderful ‘Gift of Baseball’ with the children we serve,” said Donna C. Pressma, CHSofNJ President and CEO. She continued, “This gift allows hundreds of our children to experience a live baseball game. It is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime, and we cannot thank the Trenton Thunder enough for always thinking of our CHSofNJ children and families.”

2015 Trenton Thunder Mini Plans go on sale December 1st. Mini plans include five or six of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each game, a Trenton Thunder hat, a complimentary ticket to Opening Night and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any 10 or more games and like Mini Plans include free food, a limited edition hat and a free Opening Night ticket. More information about Pic-A-Plans can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS

Season Tickets are available as either a full (71 games) or half (36 games) and include a lot of perks such as early entry, special events and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS

The Thunder will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit TrentonThunder.com.

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

Thunder & NJM Score For T.A.S.K.

November 24, 2014

(Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM's Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM's donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK. — (Caption:) Paying a visit to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) along with Boomer, the Trenton Thunder mascot, are, from left, Patricia Hartpence, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Giving, NJM Insurance Group; Cindy Berger, NJM’s Community Outreach Events Coordinator; and Will Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Thunder. Boomer hands NJM’s donation check to Xiumei Chen, Manager of Finance and Administration for TASK.

The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, scored 298 runs on their way to 31 victories at ARM & HAMMER Park this season, but the real winner this season was the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) thanks to NJM Insurance Group and their Safe at Home program.

As part of the Safe at Home program, NJM made a $14,900 donation, based on $50 per run scored at ARM & HAMMER Park, to TASK. With this season’s donation, NJM’s Safe at Home program has donated more than $45,000 to local non-profits over the last three years.

“Thanks to the hard work of the Thunder offense this season and NJM Insurance, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen can continue their mission of feeding those that are hungry and offer programs that encourage self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of their patrons,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations T.J. Jahn. “This program is precisely the type of program that the Trenton Thunder strive to promote; one that includes a great corporate partner, NJM, and enriches our community and its residents.”

“In their 21 seasons in Trenton, the Thunder have truly become an institution,” said NJM Corporate Communications Administrator Eric Stenson. “We share the Thunder’s commitment for our capital city. The Safe at Home program provides NJM a wonderful opportunity to benefit an institution like TASK, which makes such a big difference in the lives of so many people in our community.”

The 2015 season, the 22nd in franchise history, will begin on April 9 at Erie with the home opener scheduled for April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs. Season tickets and group outings are on sale now by calling 609-394-3300. For the full schedule and more team information, please visit trentonthunder.com.

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

THUNDER FANS DO “GOOD DEEDS”

August 19, 2010

On Saturday, August 14, the Trenton Thunder hosted the first ever “Good Deed Game” with over 200 fans participating by making at least one donation to the four drives held outside the stadium.

The event featured a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey, a school supplies drive to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-perishable food drive to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and a toiletries drive to support HomeFront.

Of the over 200 fans who made donations, 25% supported one organization, 40% made two donations, 31% supported three drives and 4% donated to all four.

“We always say we have the best fans in baseball and their giving nature really backed up that statement,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations Patience Purdy. “It was a lot of fun to see families with little kids getting excited about making a donation to help others.”

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey Blood Mobile collected 20 pints of blood, enough blood to potentially save 60 lives. The 20 pints collected is the highest of the three drives held at Waterfront Park this year.

The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank collected 814 pounds of nonperishable food. Mercer Street Friends notes that the amount is enough to supply a family of four with food for two months. In the last two years, Thunder fans have donated over 1,700 pounds of food for the food bank through Trenton Thunder drives.

While quantifying the amount of school supplies collected is difficult, Patty Hughes, the Development Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area said, “The Habitat volunteers were overwhelmed with the response from the game attendees. They mentioned that the bags of school supplies filled their car. Please know how much the HFH-TA staff and the community appreciates the generosity of the Trenton Thunder and the fans. The work and the commitment of all of the non-profits in Mercer County is amazing in these tough economic times. ”

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, collected over 250 personal care items – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

“Trenton Thunder fans are fun people with great big hearts! The personal items that were collected cannot be bought with food stamps and provide a lot of comfort to people in genuine need,” said Anita Hanft, Director of Mission Advancement for HomeFront.

The Thunder provided incentives to fans who supported these local non-profit organizations. Fans who donated to any one of the causes received a ticket to the Thunder’s Fan Appreciation Night vs. Akron on Thursday, September 2 at 7:05 pm. People who donated to any two of the drives received the game ticket and a Thunder hat. Individuals who supported three causes got the ticket, hat and on September 2nd they will be recognized on the field and throw a ceremonial pitch before the game. Those who support all four drives got everything plus a food voucher.

Trenton Thunder Players Help Build A Home

April 28, 2010

Seven players for the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity home build in East Trenton this morning.

The players who took part in the event were: RHP Grant Duff, RHP Eric Wordekemper, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP David Phelps, RHP D.J. Mitchell, OF Austin Krum and IF Justin Snyder.

The players worked on a duplex that has been under construction since March 2009. They helped put the “finishing touches” on the home including the installation of lattace to the back porch and working on the ceiling of the front porch. One of the homes is expected to be completed and turned over to the new owners on Friday, April 30. The Thunder front office staff spent December 2, 2009 at the same location installing sheet rock and siding.