Sky Sox Announce ‘Hope for Houston’ Raffle

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox, in partnership with Pikes Peak United Way, have announced a ‘Hope for Houston’ raffle which will take place on Saturday, September 2, during the team’s 6:00pm MDT game against the Memphis Redbirds at Security Service Field.

With the help of our corporate partners, Sky Sox players and staff, the organization will raffle off various items throughout Saturday’s game as well as donating 100% of the proceeds from Saturday’s 50-50 Raffle. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the ballpark and items will include but are not limited to:

  • Team autograph base, glove, jersey and bat
  • Sky Sox playoff pack which includes 2 tickets to each game, 2 Sky Sox playoff t-shirts and VIP parking
  • 4-pack of tickets to Elitch Gardens
  • Cheyenne Mountain Resort Stay & Play Package inlcudes choice of spa treatment or a round of golf for 2
  • 4 Champions Club tickets to the September 11th Denver Broncos game vs. Los Angeles Chargers (includes pre-game on field passes)
  • 4 Luxury Suite tickets to a 2018 Colorado Avalanche game (date TBD)
  • Pueblo Motor Sports VIP experience
  • 50-50 Raffle Cash Prize

“With eastern Texas and the Gulf Coast region in turmoil following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the Sky Sox organization, Minor League Baseball and the country as a whole are searching for ways to provide help to those in need,” said Tony Ensor, Sky Sox President & General Manager. “In conjunction with Pikes Peak United Way, we’re proud to do our part by raising funds through our Hope for Houston raffle at Security Service Field on Saturday. With the help and generosity of the Colorado Springs community, we can make a difference for those affected by this devastating storm. Thank you to our fans and corporate partners as well as the Sky Sox players and staff for their contributions to this humanitarian effort. Together we can help bring hope to Houston and the surrounding coastal regions.”

“Giving financially is one of the best ways to help right now,” said Cindy Aubrey, Pikes Peak United Way President and CEO. “We’re thankful for the opportunity partner with Sky Sox to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Houston needs us now and we will do all that we can.”

Gates will open for Saturday’s game at 5:00pm MDT. Fans can purchase raffle tickets at various marked locations throughout the ballpark. Saturday’s game also features the largest fireworks show of the season as part of Sky Fest 2017: Justice League. For more information, please call the Sky Sox at 719-597-1449.

About Pikes Peak United Way

Pikes Peak United Way works to advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key quality of life building blocks – education, income and health. Pikes Peak United Way creates long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes that prevent progress in these areas. For more information about Pikes Peak United Way, please visit ppunitedway.org.

 

The Sky Sox are the 2017 Pacific Coast League American North Division Champions and will be making their first postseason appearance in 20 years. To purchase playoff tickets, visit skysox.com or call 719-591-SOXX. For the latest Sky Sox news, go online to www.skysox.com, like us on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

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

Round Rock Express to Host Hurricane Harvey Donation Drive

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Following the continued devastation brought on by Hurricane Harvey, the Round Rock Express is teaming up with the United Way of Williamson County to host a donation drive in support of relief efforts.

The two organizations will be collecting donations at Dell Diamond Friday and Saturday starting at 6 p.m. and Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Fans will receive two general admission tickets for the Express’ season finale on Monday with their donation.

The list of items the United Way is asking for include:

  • Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, hairbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
  • Diapers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bleach, heavy-duty cleaners, dish soap, sponges, etc.
  • Contractor-grade trash bags
  • Mops and buckets
  • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • Latex/nitrile gloves
  • Box fans

They will not be collecting clothing, toys, furniture or taking monetary donations at this time. A detailed list of accepted donations can be found at www.UnitedWay-WC.org.

This drive is part of a larger effort by the United Way of Williamson County to collect cleaning supplies and personal care items for flood victims.

The Express close out the 2017 regular season with this final homestand. The team will face Colorado Springs for three games before welcoming in the Oklahoma City Dodgers for four games.

Single game tickets, season memberships, Flex Plans and Kids Club packages are on sale now. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!

Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

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.

Legends’ donations for 2016 top $1,000,000

Big L and the Legends welcomed Girl Scouts to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a campout May 6. More than 330 girls spent the night at the ballpark. The Girl Scouts were one of many organizations who received support from Legends’ community programs in 2016.

             (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends made donations totaling $1,000,763 in 2016 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky.

In its 16-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $15 million to the region.

“The Legends are proud to be part of this community and region,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We will continue to provide support to these great organizations that do so much good work.”

Among the organizations and causes who benefited from events and programs in 2016 were:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts:  Overnight campouts for Boy Scouts (August 18) and Girl Scouts (May 6) were held following Legends games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The scouts sold nearly 1,000 donated game tickets to raise funds for their organizations. About 700 scouts participated in the campouts.

                Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on July 9. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the Legends game that night, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Cancer Link, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a celebration lunch, with proceeds going to those same three organizations.

                Military Appreciation Night: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night was held on June 25. It included an auction of jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages with personal items and snacks to military personnel.

                Bark in the Park: The Legends held 12 “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2016 season. Dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to the game, and a two-dollar “admission” charge for each dog was donated to the Scott County Humane Society.

Guns and Hoses Softball Game:  The Legends provide the setting for the Guns and Hoses game, which matches the Lexington Police Department against the Lexington Fire Department in a softball game and home run derby. The winning team takes home a trophy, and the loser receives a toilet seat as the runner-up prize. More than 2,000 people attended the 2016 game.

Community Organization of the Night:  The Legends provide an opportunity for a local non-profit organization to step into the spotlight at a Legends home game. Organizations may set up an information table on the concourse, and a representative is interviewed on the field before the game and on radio during the game.    Organizations who purchased discounted tickets for re-sale as a fundraiser also received 25% of the proceeds from that night’s 50-50 raffle. (The Legends Charitable Fund also received 25%, and the fan holding the winning ticket received 50%.)

                Hit the Books Reading Program: Geared toward elementary schools, the Legends’ Hit the Books Reading Program is designed to encourage students to read, both in school and away from school.    The Legends gave away 33,000 Hit the Books bookmarks to students in central Kentucky in 2016. (A winning bookmark design is selected from students’ entries.) Those who complete the Hit the Books reading program are awarded two tickets to a Legends home game.

Field of Dreams: The Paul Miller Ford Field of Dreams program allows youth baseball and softball players to be part of pre-game festivities. Members of the youth teams are introduced to the fans and take the field along with the Legends starters. Teams are selected at random from registrations received at Field of Dreams sponsor locations.   Team members receive complimentary admission to the game. The Legends hosted 80 Field of Dreams teams in 2016.

           Legends Character Award at William Wells Brown Elementary:   Every nine weeks during the school year, 19 students from William Wells Brown Elementary School in Lexington are selected to receive the Legends Character Award. The award is designed to motivate students to demonstrate good behavior and a great attitude. The students are nominated by their classroom teachers. Winners are publicly recognized and personally congratulated by the Legends’ Big L.

Kids Area:   At every Legends home game in 2016, Lafayette High School cheerleaders volunteered to work in the Aetna Kids Play Area to raise money for their cheer program. The Legends made a $7,500 donation to the program.

Go Red Night: The American Heart Association and St. Joseph Health Care System sponsored a “Go Red” Night June 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, where fans received information on the dangers and risks of heart disease. Free blood pressure checks and presentations of information were provided throughout the game.

Donation requests:  The Legends donate tickets, memorabilia or merchandise to as many organizations as possible. Tickets are used by members of the non-profit organizations or for auctions to raise funds for those organizations. The Legends fulfilled more than 300 donation requests in 2016.

  United Way of the Bluegrass:  Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In 2016, the Legends donated 23,333 tickets for use by the United Way.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the jerseys worn by the players during home games. Proceeds go to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

                Fundraising tickets:   The Legends offer schools, teams and other organizations an opportunity to buy tickets at a discounted price and raise funds by selling the tickets at the regular price. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased at the discount rate for fundraising in 2016.

For more information on the Legends’ community programs, contact Sarah Bosso at 859-422-7847 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com

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

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Biscuits to Host Charities Night on August 26

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- The Montgomery Biscuits will celebrate Charities Night on Friday, August 26 when they take on the Birmingham Barons at 7:05 p.m. Charities Night will recognize and honor the Biscuits Charity Partners of the 2016 season, including River Region United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Easter Seals Central Alabama, Magic Moments and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. The evening will conclude with a MAX Fireworks Show!

“Charities Night is an important night that allows us to profile the organizations, chosen by the staff each year to support and move forward the Biscuits Charities mission to support youth. They auction is an effective fundraiser, but the celebration of awareness of all charities and their causes is a very honored privilege for us as well,” Biscuits Owner, Sherrie Myers, said.

Charities Night will also include a Jersey Auction in which the Biscuits will auction off their game-worn, home jerseys with proceeds benefitting the River Region United Way.

The auction will begin online, Monday, August 22, at noon and run through noon on Friday, August 26. Fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys by visiting http://biscuitsbaseball2016.eflea.ca/. The auction will pick back up in-park as a silent auction beginning when gates open at 5:50 p.m. and run through the end of the fourth inning. The starting bid for the jerseys online is $120; the starting bids for the in-park auction will start where the online auction concluded.

“The River Region United Way is honored to be included as one of the Montgomery Biscuits’ charity partners,” River Region United Way President and CEO, Jimmy Hill, said. “We are grateful for the Biscuits’ continued support and their commitment to benefit youth in the greater Montgomery community. Charities Night with the Jersey Auction is one of the highlights of our year.”

This year’s auction will feature player jerseys worn by nine of the Tampa Bay Rays Top-30 prospects, including the top three players, shortstop Willy Adames, pitcher Brent Honeywell and first baseman Jake Bauers. Adames, the Rays number one prospect, leads the Southern League in runs. At only 20 years old, the Dominican Republic native earned a starting spot on the Southern League All-Star roster and represented the World team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at the MLB All-Star Game. Honeywell, who was promoted to the Biscuits in July and is ranked as the Rays number two prospect, was drafted in the second round of the 2014 Draft. In 2015, Honeywell was named as Best Pitching Prospect by Baseball America. Bauers, the Rays number three prospect, is a versatile player, spending time in both right field and first base this season with the Biscuits. Bauers, a mid-season All-Star, leads the team in hitting.

Jersey auction winners will be announced following the game in a special on-field ceremony that includes a photo opportunity with the player whose jersey was won.

Payment for auction items is due at the Biscuits Box Office the night of the auction. All bids, online and at the game, must be held with a credit card but can be paid by credit card or cash following the auction. Jerseys will be available for pick-up at the Biscuits Administrative Office approximately one week after the last game of the regular or playoff season.

To purchase tickets to Charities Night or to learn more information visit the www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call 334-323-2255.

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KeyBank and Lake Monsters team up to recognize United Way of Chittenden County

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters, in partnership with KeyBank will be hosting 300 United Way of Chittenden County volunteers and partners July 23rd. The 7:05 PM game at Centennial Field will feature pre-game acknowledgement of this year’s annual campaign, in addition to featuring some of the United Way of Chittenden County’s partner agencies.

“Thank you to the Vermont Lake Monsters and KeyBank for hosting our volunteers and their families for a night out at the ballpark,” United Way Community Campaign Manager Reed Curry said. “United Way runs on the power of volunteers and we are excited to celebrate their important contributions and build momentum for our 2015 Community Campaign at one of Burlington’s best summer venues.”

In addition to the game day events that will include a first pitch and concourse tabling, the Vermont Lake Monsters will be wearing a special edition Home Jersey designed by the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. ALL proceeds of an in game jersey auction will benefit the United Way of Chittenden County, made possible through the partnership with KeyBank.

“Building a thriving community is a collective effort, and we are proud to partner with the Vermont Lake Monsters to support a night out at the ballpark in celebrating the contributions of the volunteers of the United Way of Chittenden County,” said Market President Don Baker.

Tickets for the July 23rd game against Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 are available by clicking here or by calling 802 655 6611.

For further information on how you can help assist the current United Way of Chittenden County contact Reed Curry at 802-861-7851 or reed@unitedwaycc.org.

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

Rome Braves Present Check to the United Way

romebraves_2015-05-11

Rome Braves presented a check to the United Way Saturday night May ninth just prior to the game at State Mutual Stadium. The check was for the amount of $5,000.00. General Manager Michael Dunn along with Manager Randy Ingle and Coach Nestor Perez presented the check to Executive Director Rich Lampkin and 2015 Campaign Chairman Frank Pinson. “The United Way is an organization that enriches many lives in Northwest Georgia by supplementing various nonprofit groups,” says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn. “Rich Lampkin and his team are wonderful stewards of our community.”

The United Way identifies and builds on community strengths and assets, helping individuals and groups with specific community interests find ways to contribute their time and talents, support direct-service programs and community-change efforts, and advocate public policy changes. The Rome Braves are proud to support the efforts of the United Way as well as many great causes throughout the NW Georgia community.

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

Legends celebrate 15th year with ’15 Days of Service’

Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends "15 Days of Service" program. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends players, front office staff and Big L made a visit to Greenhouse 17, the first stop on the Legends “15 Days of Service” program. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are celebrating their 15th year of operation of 2015, and part of that celebration includes a special campaign to continue giving back to the community.

The Legends’ “15 Days of Service” campaign will include volunteer work with 15 different organizations in the Lexington area. Legends players as well as front office staff will be involved.

The first of the 15 stops was made April 20 at Greenhouse 17, an advocacy agency in Lexington committed to ending intimate partner abuse in families and the community.   Legends players Alfredo Escalera, Kyle Pollock, and Michael Hill, along with Big L and front office staffers Rebecca Barnes, Anne Brenner, Ty Cobb, April Dietrich, Tim Vieira and Corie Roberts spent time with children at Greenhouse 17 and also helped out with some gardening chores.

Other agencies that will be part of “15 Days of Service” include the Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Blessings, Hope Center, Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Salvation Army, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, United Way, God’s Pantry, the Nest, GLEAN and Habitat for Humanity. More will be added as the 2015 season continues.

“Community service has always played a very important part of who we are as an organization here at the Lexington Legends,” said Barnes, the Legends’ director of community relations. “Being able to give back to the community that has supported us for the last 15 years is a great way to celebrate our 15th anniversary season.”

“Fifteen days of service really brings our community service efforts into focus,” added Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We’ll never lose sight of the importance of giving back, but the celebration of the 15th season of Legends baseball provides a special incentive for all of us.”

For more information, contact Barnes at 859-422-7855.

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

Legends’ donations top $715,000 for 2014

14-year total nears $13 million

Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)
Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

Boy-Scouts-logo3–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council:  The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Susan-G.-KomenConnection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.   The Legends and LBX held a dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

Military-Missions –Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund:  At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

United-Way–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer:  Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and siVs-Cancer-logogn of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game.

In the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

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

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-11-19

 

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoBlueClaws Charities has completed its 6th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

Dragons Host Human Services Fair Sunday

Dayton-DragonsThe Dayton Dragons will host a Human Services Fair on the plaza outside Fifth Third Field from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. The event will help raise awareness about Montgomery County’s Human Services agencies and provide more information about the specific services delivered by the agencies and related non-profits.

Visitors to the Human Services Fair on the plaza (prior to the Dragons game vs. Great Lakes) can browse 30 booths for more information about the work of Children Services; Developmental Disabilities Services; Public Health-Dayton & Montgomery County; and Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) as well as key senior services, the Job Center and selected social services delivered by non-profit agencies.

Montgomery-County-OH-Jobs-and-Family-ServicesFair booths will include volunteers from United Way of the Greater Dayton Area; Sinclair Community College Fast Forward; Alzheimer’s Association; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley; Center for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Services (CADAS); Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley; Suicide Prevention Center; Clothes That Work; Rebuilding Together; Dakota Center; Stillwater Center; Daybreak; Family Services Association; Homefull; Nova Behavioral Health; Parity, Inc; Places, Inc.; Project C.U.R.E., Inc.; Samaritan Behavioral Health; Senior Resource Connection; and United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton.

Montgomery County voters will vote on a Human Services levy this November 4. Based on recommendations by the Human Services Levy Council, Montgomery County Commissioners placed a renewal of an existing Human Services levy plus an increase of 1 mill on the November 4, 2014 ballot. If voters pass the levy request, the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay an additional $3 per month.

“For over 50,000 children, families and seniors in communities across Montgomery County, these services are vital,” said County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “We are thankful for the opportunity presented with the Human Services Fair on August 24 to raise awareness with residents and voters about the critical, effective, life-changing services funded by the levy.”

“Right now, displaced workers are getting the valuable help they need at the Job Center and thousands of children are receiving immunizations, counseling or care because of this critical human services funding,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman.

“Every service is reviewed regularly by a hard-working local panel, the Human Services Levy Council, that includes independent business leaders, financial experts, and citizen volunteers,” said County Commission President Dan Foley. “We are committed to providing quality services to the most vulnerable in our community.”

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

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

MidlandRockHounds_2014-08-20

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

YMCA-blue-&-purple“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the YMCA,United-Way United Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series eveGifts-of-Hopent, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – High-Sky-Children's-Ranch–

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – ContributBBBS-Midlandion
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

 

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

BlueClaws, United Way Book Drive on Friday

Donors will receive a ticket to a BlueClaws Saturday game in August

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-07-05

Lakewood-BlueClaws-Logo

United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up for a book drive to benefit area children. Fans attending the game on July 11th at 7:05pm are asked to bring a NEW book(s) appropriate for kids in grades K-3 to the United Way table inside the stadium. For each book donated, they will receive a voucher for a Saturday BlueClaws home game in August. Families can receive up to 4 ticket vouchers.

United-WayAbout The Game: The BlueClaws game on Friday night, July 11th begins at 7:05 pm with the gates opening at 6:00 pm. After the game, there will be a fireworks spectacular  thanks to Philadelphia Water Ice. For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

In Monmouth County, the books will be distributed through the Early Grade Reading Initiative. This effort provides high quality holistic learning opportunities in the summer. When children are not exposed to sufficient reading or enrichment experiences throughout the summer, it’s easy to fall behind academically creating a “Summer Slide” – and it’s very difficult to catch up. But with the right opportunities, including the ability to learn during the summer, all children can flourish.

These summer programs are designed to focus not only on learning, literacy and reading, but also additional enrichment activities, such as arts, music, physical activity and nature/outside play. Children participating in the program will receive books courtesy of community drives, like the one being held at the BlueClaws.

When children are out of school for the summer they often lose access to books. United Way of Ocean County is collecting books to provide mini home libraries to children of several of our partner agencies. Our goal is to inspire young people to remain engaged in learning while developing their communication skills and imaginations.

For more information about summer early grade reading grants, please contact United Way of Monmouth County at 732-938-5988 or info@uwmonmouth.org. To learn more about the United Way or its Community Impact agenda, please visit uwmonmouth.org.

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

Socks & Underwear Drive Set for Thursday

LehighValleyIronPigs_2014-06-25

 

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsThe IronPigs and the United Way are hosting a Socks and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Red Wings game on Thursday, June 26 at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the students of the 12 United Way Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley region.

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.

United-WayThose that donate an item will be entered to win one of five autographed items:

  • Darren Daulton Autographed Baseball
  • Tommy Green Autographed Baseball
  • Seth Rosin Autographed Baseball
  • Old Saturday Game Worn Jersey
  • 2014 Miracle League Jersey (size XL)

For more information on the Drive, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

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