Spikes, First National Bank form CCUW Home Run Club

Pledge donations for Spikes homers, earn free Spikes tickets!

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State-College-SpikesThe State College Spikes will be providing fans a new way to show their support for the Centre County United Way in 2014 with the Home Run Club, presented by First National Bank. Fans will be able to make a pledge for each time a Spikes player hits a homer at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this summer, and the donations will benefit the Centre County United Way and its 34 partner agencies.

Spikes fans will be encouraged to join First National Bank and the Spikes in making a pledge through public address announcements and videos during each game. Pledge cards can be filled out at Spikes games throughout the season at the Collegiate Pride Customer Service Center on the main concourse behind home plate.

United-WayAt the end of the season, businesses and individuals who have made home run pledges will be invited to participate in an on-field check presentation with First National Bank, Spikes and Centre County United Way representatives. Plus, any individual who joins the Home Run Club will receive two (2) free Spikes tickets to a future game.

“Our ability to improve lives in Centre County is a direct result of the support and advocacy of the Spikes and First National Bank,” said Tammy Gentzel, Executive Director of Centre County United Way. “We are having fun with this opportunity to ‘play ball’ and to Live United with two incredible community partners. We hope Spikes fans will join in the fun and make the Home Run Club a great success.”

The Spikes’ partnership with the Centre County United Way this season also includes the seventh annual Centre County United Way Partner Agency Series. The Partner Agency Series will shine the spotlight on 15 different organizations over the course of the summer.

The dates and spotlighted agencies for the Spikes’ CCUW Partner Agency Series are as follows:

  • June 27: Mid-State Literacy Council
  • June 29: Child Development & Family Council, Centre Crest Auxiliary and Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 6: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 10: The Arc of Centre County
  • July 12: House of Care and Centre County Child Access Center
  • July 13: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 22: Centre HomeCare/Crossing Hospice
  • July 24: Easter Seals
  • July 26: Centre County Youth Service Bureau – presented by Stocker Chevrolet Subaru
  • August 1: Juniata Boy Scout Council and Skills of Central PA
  • August 2: TIDES
  • August 3: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • August 4: Centre for Alternatives in Community Justice
  • August 14: Strawberry Fields

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes1. Click here to view the original story.

MiLB donates to Snohomish United Way

Contribution to help disaster recovery after Oso, Wash. landslide

MiLB-CharitiesMinor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish (Wash.) County’s Disaster Recovery Fund to aid in the relief efforts related to the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Wash. More than three dozen people have lost their lives and several others are still missing as a result of the devastating incident. The mudslide occurred just 30 miles from the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League Baseball club in the Northwest League.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

United-WayThe AquaSox will present the $10,000 check, on behalf of MiLB Charities, to the United Way of Snohomish County on Friday. A formal check presentation will be made to the organization prior to an AquaSox game this summer.

The club is also donating all walk-up ticket sales from its June 16 game to the relief and recovery efforts.

“As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation.”

Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Visit http://milbcharities.milbstore.com to make a tax-deductible donation to MiLB Charities or http://charities.milbauctions.com for additional opportunities to show your support.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Short Season Northwest League. Click here to view the original story.

AquaSox & MiLB Partner to Assist Oso Relief

Everett-AquaSoxThe Everett AquaSox announced today that they are dedicating their June 16 game towards relief efforts related to the Oso mudslide. All walk-up ticket sales from this game will go directly towards relief and recovery efforts caused by the mudslide that occurred only 30 miles from the AquaSox on March 22.

“So many families and businesses have been impacted locally by the mudslide,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer, “As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy.”

United-WayIn conjunction with the AquaSox’s efforts, Minor League Baseball™ Charities, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, has donated $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish County’s Disaster Recovery Fund for Mudslide Relief. The AquaSox will present the check to the United Way of Snohomish County on behalf of MiLB on Friday, April 25th.

“We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation,” said Backemeyer.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

A formal check presentation to the United Way will be made prior to an AquaSox game later this summer. To donate directly to the United Way’s Disaster Recovery Fund, and to find out how else you can help, please visit www.uwsc.org.

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

Bisons and United Way South Niagara team up to benefit South Niagara residents

Special Flex Tickets Sold in South Niagara to benefit United Way

BuffaloBisons_2014-04-09

 

Baseball fans in Niagara have even more of a reason to head across the river to watch the Buffalo Bisons. Not only are the Bisons the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, but in 2014, proceeds of Bisons Flex Tickets purchased at the United Way South Niagara will benefit the South Niagara region.

“We are thrilled that the Bisons are helping us out here in South Niagara,” says Tamara Coleman-Lawrie, executive director of United Way South Niagara. “There are a lot of baseball fans in our region, and when tickets are ordered through our office, our whole community will benefit.”

Bisons Flex Tickets give baseball fans the ultimate flexibility when planning for the 2014 season. Each ticket purchased at the United Way South Niagara costs just $12 and is undated, meaning it can be redeemed at any time at the Coca-Cola Field Box Office for any 2014 game (excluding special events). Plus, each ticket purchased will benefit the United Way South Niagara.

“The Buffalo Bisons are the top minor league team in the Toronto Blue Jays system and these players represent the bright future of the Blue Jays.” said Coleman-Lawrie. “Getting to see so many of the great young stars while also benefitting the United Way South Niagara is a perfect combination.”

For more information or to order tickets for the Buffalo Bisons, please contact deanna@southniagara.unitedway.ca, or call 905-735-0490.

 

-the herd-

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

Hit The Books underway in 31 area Elementary Schools

Annual reading program assists children in achieving goals

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MISSOULA, MONT. – The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners United Way of Missoula County & Sylvan Learning kicked off the clubs biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books in 31 area elementary schools on Monday.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and has seen participation grow over time. 5,276 students spanning 246 classrooms are participating in the 2014 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

“Learning should be fun and reading should be a joy for all kids,” said longtime supporter and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Missoula County Susan Hay Patrick. “We are happy to partner with the Missoula Osprey on Hit the Books to help give over 5,000 Missoula County kids not only baseball tickets, but a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement, a free ride at the Carousel of Missoula and is entered to win a Kindle Reader and a summer of tutoring at Sylvan Learning. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot, Ollie and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2013.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“Sylvan Learning is excited to partner with the Missoula Osprey to encourage young children in our community to develop a love for reading,” said Michael Hoag, Director at Sylvan Learning.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” said Griffin. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

 

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

Hit the Books underway in schools

Reading program helps children set and achieve goals

MissoulaOsprey_2013-03-18

 

The Missoula Osprey’s biggest and most successful community program is the Hit the Books Reading Program, which is underway in nearly 30 Missoula-area elementary schools.  The 2012 Osprey Hit the Books Reading Program encouraged nearly 5,000 area students to read over 50,000 books.  There are over 240 classrooms and almost 5,000 students signed up to participate in Hit the Books this year.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin.  “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a six week period.”

The Osprey started the program during their inaugural 1999 season and participation has grown each year.  At the time, no one knew how big the program would become and the impact it would make on the community.  The program has grown to become one of the best reading programs in all of minor league baseball.

“The program is great for the community and we are very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success,” said Griffin.  “Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), and students receive a different prize for each inning completed.  Each classroom is given Osprey reading charts, so students can track their progress.  Every student that participates also gets a certificate of achievement from the Osprey and the opportunity to win a Kindle reader.  Other prizes include pencils, erasers, pencil pouches, rulers, pencil sharpeners, Ollie Osprey magnets, an exclusive dessert party and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game.  Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2012.

Hit the Books is made possible in part by the United Way of Missoula County, who has been a strong supporter of the program over the years. The Hit the Books campaign gives students the opportunity to achieve goals and develop their reading and comprehension skills. The United Way’s “Live United” campaign’s current initiatives focus on helping children and youth fulfill their potential through education, improving financial stability for individuals and families, and improved health for all citizens.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of seven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

For more information on becoming part of the program, contact Griffin at jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

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

Drive Give Back Through United Way

GreenvilleDrive_2013-01-24

 

The Drive’s mission and goals go deeper than simply providing a postive entertainment experience. The Drive brand has been built around a commitment to being a part of the fabric of the community, and that community includes many individuals who rarely ever have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a game at Fluor Field.

All around the ballpark and across Greenville, there are children and adults who face quality of life challenges as fundamental as having the basic physical necessities and emotional support then need to even begin to enjoy life.

One very meaningful and important way that the Drive demonstrates our concern for our Community, beyond the fences of Fluor Field, is through the United Way. The United Way is a vital source of financial support for numerous charitable organizations who meet critical needs in the lives of people here in Greenville County, many of whom live right in our own neighborhood.

Once again, the Drive front office is participating in the United Way of Greenville County’s fundraising campaign. Please watch the video below, and consider making a pledge to the United Way of Greenville County by clicking here.

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

School Supply Drive Throughout July

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Throughout the month of July, the High Desert Mavericks are collecting school supplies for local students through Desert Communities United Way. Donations will be collected during all home games in July at the Customer Service Corral or the Box Office. For each school supply item donated, fans will receive one free Lower Box ticket. For more information, contact the Front Office at (760) 246-6287.

Desert Communities United Way (DCUW) is a local non-profit organization which participates and cooperates with other agencies to coordinate health and human services to best meet the needs of our communities in the Victor Valley. Their offices are located at 16192 Siskiyou Rd. #4 in Apple Valley.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

Lexington Legends donations top $800,000 for the 2012 season

The Lexington Legends announced donations for the 2012 season totaling $800,629.43 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, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of Minor League Baseball teams, including the Legends.

In its 12-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $11 million to the region.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the representatives of these organizations all year round,” said Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events Sarah Bosso. “We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013.”

“The Legends have always made community involvement a high priority,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “This event is a nice celebration that brings our business partners together with the organizations that we are proud to support.”

Among organizations receiving funds were:

Autism Society of the Bluegrass: Autism Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark was sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University, which purchased special caps worn by Legends players in that night’s game. The caps were auctioned after the game to support the Autism Society.

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation was made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.

Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) Kentucky Wounded Warriors: The Legends supported BMAC with an auction of autographed baseballs and equipment on Military Appreciation Night July 28.

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: Sleep Outfitters donated five dollars for every strikeout recorded by Legends’ pitchers during home games. The total donated was divided among three organizations: The Pink Connection, 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 For the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. The Legends and Sleep Outfitters also hold an annual dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities. In addition, pink jerseys worn by Legends players in that night’s game are sold through a silent auction.

Folds of Honor: For every run the Legends scored at home in 2012, Kentucky Eagle donated $10 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to spouses and dependents of military personnel who were killed or disabled in military operations.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital: For every stolen base by a Legends’ player during a home game, Insight donated $10 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced care for children, including specialized emergency transport and Level III Care at the Neonatal ICU.

LexArts: LexArts, Lexington’s cultural development, advocacy and fund raising organization, was a beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

P.A.W.S.: Sponsored by IncrediPet, two “Bark in the Park” nights were held during the 2012 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.)

Salvation Army: The Whitaker Bank Piggy Bank stationed on the concourse gave Legends’ fans an opportunity to make donations to the Salvation Army.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers was another beneficiary of the 2012 Whitaker Insurance Group W.I.G. 5K run/walk held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark August 25.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: 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.

United Way of the Bluegrass: The United Way was the beneficiary of the LexMark Softball Invitational in July. The Legends also worked with United Way on ticket giveaways to United Way donors, listed below.

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 2012 season, more than 38,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.

In-kind projects were also associated with YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Bluegrass Regional Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board, DanceBlue, a student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

The 66ers Welcome the Arrowhead United Way on May 21st

The Inland Empire 66ers welcome the Arrowhead United Way to the game on Monday, May 21st @ 7pm. This baseball game night event is to celebrate all high school students who attended the Teens Make a Difference Annual Awards ceremony held at the Inland Center Mall on May 10th, 2012. This ceremony recognizes local high school students for their outstanding volunteer service throughout the community.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate the POWER OF YOUTH! Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at the box office on the night of the event.

Arrowhead United Way is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health. These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change. The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country. Arrowhead United Way encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Arrowhead United Way is working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on education, income, and health, we strive to bring about lasting changes that address community problems. We all win when people emerge from crisis, achieve their potential and live independent lives.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate in the POWER OF YOUTH!

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media) Please contact:
Sheika Hurd, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
Sheikah@ahuw.org
(909) 884-9441 ext. 227
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

United Way Pancake Breakfast

United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Central Oklahoma Combined Federal Campaign, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign officially began their 2011 fundraising campaigns Friday, September 9 at a pancake breakfast at RedHawks Field at Bricktown.

At the morning event, Campaign Chair, Martha Burger, announced a fundraising goal of $21.2 million before a crowd of more than 850. The community campaign runs September 9 through November 18, 2011.

That evening, RedHawks Field at Bricktown held a movie night for the United Way of Central Oklahoma donors, volunteers, and employees. Guests enjoyed popcorn, snacks, and drinks while watching a movie from the outfield grass.

Guests enjoying pancakes cooked by local celebrities and public figures.

Shorebirds Raise Over $1,400 for United Way

The Delmarva Shorebirds, the class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, hosted a very successful 10th Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Jan. 30 at the Fountains Wedding & Conference Center. Through a silent auction that featured items such as a Matt Wieters autographed jersey and a Troy Polamalu signed picture, over $1,400 dollars were raised to benefit the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. The Shorebirds also collected over 200 food items to kick off the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign, the official initiative of the 2011 SAL All-Star Game, to be contested on June 21 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

One of the major announcements during the banquet came from 7th Inning Stretch, L.P. president Pat Filippone, who declared that Arthur W. Perdue Stadium will receive a significant upgrade in 2011. The Shorebirds will install a brand new Daktronics line scoreboard to replace the old one in left-center field. The board will feature all the traditional columns including: score by inning, runs, hits, errors and more. Installation of the scoreboard is expected to begin in the middle of February and be completed prior to opening day. The Shorebirds will post periodic updates of the installation process on our website, www.theshorebirds.com.

“I’m so pleased with how the hot stove turned out on many fronts,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “The speakers were awesome, the funds raised for the United Way and “Strike Out Hunger” were phenomenal and everyone was excited about the new line scoreboard.”

The Hot Stove Banquet served as an excellent precursor for the 2011 season. The nearly 150 people in attendance enjoyed speeches by: 14-year MLB veteran Mike Bordick, 2011 Shorebirds manager Ryan Minor, 2011 Bowie BaySox manager Gary Kendall, Orioles Assistant Director of Player Development Tripp Norton, former Shorebirds pitching coach Dave Schuler and more. Fans also had a chance to get autographs from the guests and ask additional questions after the event finished.

In addition to the speeches, guests had the opportunity to bid on the nearly 30 items in the silent auction that ranged from signed baseballs to collectable items from other Minor League Baseball teams. All the proceeds from the auction were donated to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. In addition, Kathleen Momme, the Executive Director of the United Way, was on hand to deliver a powerful message about the importance of the United Way.

All guests that contributed a canned food item to the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign received a free raffle ticket. The Shorebirds raffled off nearly 20 items such as: four tickets to opening day and paraphernalia from other minor league and major league teams. The “Strike Out Hunger” campaign will benefit the three local food banks along the Eastern Shore; Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware & Foodbank on the Eastern Shore.

Legends announce donations of $965,012 for 2010

The Lexington Legends announced donations for 2010 totaling $965,012 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, presented checks to organization representatives today in the Maker’s Mark Club at Applebee’s Park.
In its 10-year history, the Legends organization has donated more than $9 million to the region.
“This is truly one of our biggest events of the year in terms of importance,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “It’s a way to celebrate the good work done by these organizations. We’re pleased to support them in their efforts.”
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is using the enormous success and popularity of the Lexington Legends to be able to make our communities better,” said Legends President and CEO Alan Stein. “We could not be more proud of our community outreach programs and our fans and sponsors who make them possible.”
Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of minor league baseball teams, including the Legends.
Organizations receiving funds were:
–The Makenna Foundation. Established in 2001 in memory of Makenna David, who died of a rare lung disease in 1998, the Makenna Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Legends’ Charity Ball Toss event, sponsored by Copy Express, generates funds for general support of the Makenna Foundation.
–Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, and has worked for more than a century to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on young people. Raising Cane’s donated $25 to BBBS for every Legends win at Applebee’s Park. The Legends also worked with LM Communications to plan and present a “radiothon” to raise funds for BBBS.
–The Markey Cancer Foundation. The Legends’ campaign to “strike out breast cancer,” sponsored by ADI, provides five dollars for each strikeout recorded by Lexington pitchers during home games. The fight against breast cancer is also supported by the Legends’ Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys, also sponsored by ADI.
–Kentucky Pink Connection. The Breast Cancer Brunch and the sale of pink game jerseys also benefit the Kentucky Pink Connection program, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
–Junior Achievement. Donations were made to JA from the proceeds of the Brewgrass Festival, a beer-tasting and entertainment event held at Applebee’s Park in May. A bowl-a-thon also raised funds for JA, and several Legends employees volunteered and taught classes in the JA program.
-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. The sale of regular game jerseys worn by Legends’ players provides general support for the program, which provides one- and two-year scholarships to deserving nursing students at area colleges and universities.
–Lexington Humane Society. Sponsored by IncrediPet, the Legends held two “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2010 season. After making a donation to the Humane Society as an “admission” charge, fans could bring their dogs to the Legends game on “Bark in the Park” nights. Courtesy Acura donates to the Humane Society based on walks to Legends batters. Also, portions of proceeds from vendors who set up exhibits at Applebee’s Park on those nights went to the Humane Society.
-The Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council. Sponsored by Windstream, a $25 donation is made to the Boy Scouts for every double or triple by a Legends player during home games.
–Eternal Valor. The Eternal Valor Foundation’s mission is to facilitate and assist in the creation and management of scholarships, charities and events in order to honor the memory of deceased veterans. On Military Appreciation Night, the Legends sold fatigue jerseys to support Eternal Valor.
-“Guns ’n’ Hoses” softball game at Applebee’s Park. Sponsored by Gall’s, the game matches Lexington police officers against firefighters. In 2010, proceeds went to the family of Lexington police officer Bryan J. Durman, who died in the line of duty.
In-kind donations
The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In the 2010 season, more than 44,000 box seat tickets were given to United Way donors.
Other in-kind projects were associated with Special Olympics, the walk to defeat ALS, the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Smokeless Tobacco Education program, and Hit the Books, a joint effort between the Legends and Chick-Fil-A to encourage Central Kentucky students to read.

Legends’ Mascot, Big L, and General Manager, Andy Shea.

Royals, Team’s Advertisers and Fans Aid Several Worthy Causes

The Omaha Royals increased their giving to local charities, community organizations and schools during the team’s 2009 season. The Royals, with the help of several of the team’s advertisers and its fans, donated more than $861,000 this season, mostly in the form of tickets and cash. That figure was up almost $40,000 from 2008.

“We continually talk about being engaged in the metro community and 2009 was again proof of our mission,” said Martie Cordaro, Royals Vice President/General Manager. “We are excited about what we have planned for 2010 and hope that new sponsors will join us so we can even further impact the community.”

Two season-long promotions generated over $11,000 in cash for two charities. The “Hurl the Pearl” promotion, presented by Nissan of Omaha and McDonald’s, raised almost $8,200 for the Ronald McDonald House. Werner Enterprises donated $2,870 to PlaySmart through its RBI promotion, in which the Royals’ 2009 presenting sponsor pledged $10 for each Royals RBI at home.

Once again in 2009, the Royals held silent auctions of various specially-designed jerseys and caps – autographed by the players who wore them –  during several home games. On June 6, an auction of baby blue jerseys and caps raised $2,155 for the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program. The Royals wore red caps on June 27, with that auction and a $1 donation for every red item sold at the Royal Treasures Gift Shop netting $1,114 for the ALS Association. The fourth annual Strike Out Breast Cancer Night on August 7 featured an auction of pink jerseys and the sale of pink hats, providing $3,479 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. An auction of Royals black hats on August 28 raised almost $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, while a September 3 auction of baseball memorabilia generated over $1,400 toward the team’s $11,000 goal to support the AllPlay Foundation in 2010.

In 2009 the Royals donated thousands of tickets to their home games, with most of them being earned by school children through good work in the classroom. Almost 24,000 students from 74 area schools were encouraged to read books in exchange for tickets to Royals games in the Hit the Books program, which was presented by the Nebraska College Savings Program. Nearly 11,000 students from 70 area schools received tickets to the team’s April 20 game for the 10th annual Cox Communications Home Run for Youth Day. The Royals donated 25,000 Reserved Seat tickets for their August 8 game to the Omaha Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.  10,000 General Admission tickets went to the United Way for that organization to use as a “thank you” gift for their donors.  Also, businesses and season ticket holders donated over 2,800 Royals tickets to Baseball Buddies, with those tickets going to kids who normally wouldn’t be able to attend a game.

The team’s Community Organization of the Night program continued to grow in 2009. Partnering with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Royals provided over $53,000 worth of advertising, booth space and tickets to 72 non-profit groups and gave them a forum on-field and on the team’s game broadcasts to talk about those organizations’ work in the community.

Royals fans brought more than 2,200 cans and boxes of Our Family Brand food to Sunday home games, with all of it going to the Open Door Mission. In exchange, those fans received more than $15,000 worth of tickets.

The Royals staff, players and mascots were also busy away from the ballpark, with the staff giving more than 400 hours and the players and mascots chipping in over 200 hours to community service and appearances. On June 11 alone, Royals staff members committed more than 50 hours of community service, in honor of the team reaching the 11-million fan milestone earlier in the season. On August 22, a dozen staff members, family, partners from Lovgren Marketing Group and Casey took part in an ALS Walk at Elmwood Park, raising $4,500 in pledges. The team held its annual golf tournament on August 31 at Pacific Springs, raising more than $2,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Royals manager Mike Jirschele’s family.

Ports Thank Supporters for Book Giveaway aid

The Stockton Ports were proud to add to their efforts to promote literacy through baseball, by welcoming acclaimed author Larry Tye to Banner Island Ballpark on Thursday, June 18, to discuss his latest book about Negro Leagues star Satchel Paige, “Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend.”

The Ports and Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosted the appearance in support of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Summer Reading Program, The Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County, and The Friends of the Stockton Public Library.

The Stockton Ports would like to thank the following people for their generous support. Without them, the Ports would not have been able to give away 350 copies of the new biography, “Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend” by acclaimed author Larry Tye to fans at the June 18 game.

•The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
•Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Summer Reading Program
•Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County
•The Friends of the Stockton Public Library Stockton Sports Commission
•United Way of San Joaquin County in honor of Gordon Medlin
•Comcast
•Goldstrand Planning Group
•California Water Service Company
•Humphrey’s College
•Stockton Delta Rotary
•F&M Bank
•Servicemaster Building Maintenance
•Mayor Ann Johnston
•Doug Wilhoit, Frank Ferral, and Mikki Gilbert Melvin Boles
•John & Francesca Vera
•Andy & Carol Prokop in memory of Gordon Medlin
•Bill Loyko & Susan Mora Loyko
•William Murray
•Gary Gillis
•Stephen Barney
•San Joaquin Sheriff Stephan Moore
•Marilyn Bewley

…and all of the fans and community members that supported this event in hopes of raising literacy awareness and the history and story of Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues.

“We are very proud to be able to work with the Mayor, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and so many other groups to present this event,” said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. “Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues are an important part of baseball history, and we are excited to be able to share such a well-researched book with so many children.