Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game Raises $30,000 Locally

BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Lake Monsters are pleased to announce that $30,000 has been raised for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, as part of the June 29th event at Centennial Field. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, made up of Veterans and Active-Duty Soldiers and Marines who have lost a limb(s) in post 9/11 combat, tour nationally to raise awareness of the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, while giving communities across our great country an opportunity to show their support of our true heroes.

“It was an honor to assist in the creation of the Burlington, VT event.”, says Vermont Lake Monsters Vice President Kyle Bostwick. “The outpouring of support in both preparation and participation of this event, that showcases the sacrifices that these soldiers have made should make us all be proud to be a part of our community.”

Monies for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team were raised through a two day event that was highlighted by an exhibition softball game featuring former Major League Pitchers Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Len Whitehouse, Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling, Silver Screen Actor and Vermont resident Luis Guzman, actor, producer, and writer Rusty “The Logger” Dewees, country music star Jamie Lee Thurston, and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.

In addition substantial revenues for the event were raised through generous donations by The Pizzagalli Foundation, Jolley Associates, Farrell Distributing, Yankee Medical, Select Design, Lake Champlain Cruises, and REM Development.

A ceremonial check presentation will occur today with WWAST manager David Van Sleet in attendance, July 29th, prior to the Vermont Lake Monsters home game against the Lowell Spinners at Centennial Field at 7:05PM.

For further information, please call (802) 655 4200 or visit www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Samantha Haab Wins NYPL Scholarship

Stowe Resident One of Three $2,500 Scholarship Winners

BURLINGTON, VT — Samantha Haab, from Stowe, has been announced as one of three winners of a $2,500 scholarship through the 2012 New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation Scholarship program, the NY-Penn League and Vermont Lake Monsters announced today.

In addition to Haab, who was selected as the winner of the $2,500 scholarship among the four Stedler Division teams, Connor Grey (Jamestown) and Eleanor McCabe (Staten Island) were also selected as $2,500 recipients for the Pinckney and McNamara Divisions. The NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation also awarded $250 towards books to individuals representing the other 11 NY-Penn League teams.

The 2012 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact that their local team and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

Haab, who graduated from Stowe High School in June, says that her first memories of Vermont Lake Monsters/ Expos games came from the Lake Monsters’ Hit the Books program, which promotes reading among kids.

“I think I was in first grade at the time, and that was the first time that I had been acknowledged and awarded for my pursuit of education.” Haab said, “It felt good to be recognized, and the fun that ensued at the game helped me realize the importance and valued of education.”

In addition to working with Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence (SHAPE) and the Environmental club at her school, Haab was a three sport athlete in high school. She played field hockey, ice hockey, and softball all four years of high school, being selected to Vermont’s All State second team in both ice and field hockey, and was named a captain of her softball team her senior year. Haab will be attending St. Lawrence University in New York, where she will look to major Environmental Studies/ English or Conservation Biology.

Haab was honored by the Lake Monsters on Friday, August 17th before Vermont’s game with the Staten Island Yankees at historic Centennial Field.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Travelers Night July 4th Raised $5,000

Money Raised For Turning Point Center of Chittenden County

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BURLINGTON, VT — On Wednesday, July 4, Travelers, a leading provider of auto, home and business insurance, and the 2012 Vermont Lake Monsters hosted “Travelers Night at the Ballpark.” Mayor Miro Weinberger joined fans to “Chip for Charity” at the Travelers Chipping Challenge and Fan Zone, and later threw out the first pitch, helping Travelers raise $5,000 for the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County. Travelers and Mayor Weinberger presented the check on field following the first pitch at Centennial Field.
The Travelers Chipping Challenge is an interactive experience that includes taking a golf shot at a floating green in the shape of the iconic Travelers red umbrella for the chance to win some great prizes. Additional fan activities at the Travelers Night at the Ballpark included the Travelers Putting Challenge, where fans who made two out of three putts received a prize, as well as the Travelers photo experience, where fans posed for their personalized cover of the Lake Monsters game program.Be sure to sign up for the ultimate Travelers VIP experience out at Centennial Field at the fans relations table. The Travelers VIP Fan Experience includes 25 tickets for a lucky winner and his/her friends, on-field access to meet the Vermont Lake Monsters field manager and current players, and a signed Lake Monsters Jersey. The contest runs through Tuesday, August 21.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Team Urges Kids To “Hit The Books”

COLCHESTER, VT – At the Burnham Memorial Library in Colchester on June 28th, Vermont Lake Monster pitchers’ Kurt Wunderlich and Tucker Healy read to approximately 50 kids, promoting reading among children with the Lake Monsters ‘Hit the Books’ program sponsored by Price Chopper.

“It is so wonderful for the players to take time out of their schedules to read to children in different communities.” Youth Service Librarian Hannah Peters said. “I think it is important for the players to read to the kids too as it reminds them about the importance of education while pursuing your dream of being a professional athlete or any other vocation. The connection to literacy is an essential component to the program.”

Both pitchers believe that reading is an important activity for kids- Wunderlich saying that when kids read “they get to use their imagination… because sometimes they don’t have pictures.” Healy agreed with his teammate’s sentiments, saying that the “[kids’] vocabulary can grow from reading… [learning new words] and how those go together with other words and sentences.”

The ‘Hit the Books’ program, which is open to kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, calls for kids to read four books and send in an entry by August 1st. In return, the child will receive a ticket for a Lake Monsters baseball game this summer for their efforts. There is also an on-field recognition ceremony for all the kids who participated in the program on the September 1st game against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

For more information on the ‘Hit the Books’ program call the Lake Monsters at 802-655-4200. Forms may be mailed to the Lake Monsters at 1 King Street Ferry Dock, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Farrell/Monsters Team To Give Back

Two $5,000 Scholarships Through Folds of Honor Foundation

BURLINGTON, VT — Farrell Distributing and the Vermont Lake Monsters teamed up to raise money during the 2011 season to give back to those who gave so much for us. Now through Budweiser’s Folds of Honor Foundation, Farrell Distributing and the Lake Monsters will be giving away two (2) $5,000 scholarships to eligible applicants.

The mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation includes “giving back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country through scholarships and other programs”, according to the Foundation’s website.

The website also states that “the unique scholarships awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation are intended to offset the rising costs of post-secondary tuition and fees, textbooks, room and board, course-required tools, approved tutoring, and other school-related expenses. Scholarships can be used immediately, or can be held with the Foundation on behalf of young children until their time of enrollment.”

“Once we learned of the Folds of Honor Foundation it was clear we wanted to do more to support our nation’s heroes and establish a scholarship” said David J Farrell, President of Farrell Distributing. ” Our partnership with the Vermont Lake Monsters provided a perfect vehicle to build awareness and raise money for these honorable families.”

“It is an honor to team up with Farrell Distributing and the Folds of Honor Foundation to say thank you to those who have risked so much for us,” said Lake Monsters General Manager, Nate Cloutier. “It is a nice feeling knowing that there are organizations out there that can help these families realize their dreams and put a smile on their face.”

Interested individuals should complete and submit either an immediate or future-use application as appropriate, as well as satisfactory evidence that they qualify according to the existing eligibility requirements.

For more information and eligibility information, please visit the Folds of Honor Foundation website at www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Lake Monsters Partner With NY Life

Insurance Company Promoting Child Safety At Home Games

BURLINGTON, VT — In an effort to promote child safety within the Burlington community and the state of Vermont, the Vermont Lake Monsters and New York Life have teamed up to provide Child Identification services at Lake Monsters home games this season, both the New York-Penn League team and New York Life announced today.
Agents from New York Life’s local office will be at historic Centennial Field during approximately 20 home games over the summer to create and distribute personalized child identification cards for no cost. The Child ID card includes the child’s fingerprints, photo and other pertinent information to be helpful in case of an emergency.”New York Life and its Vermont General Office are excited to team up with the Lake Monsters this summer to bring their Child ID services to the people of Vermont,” the Insurance Company said in a statement. “Both New York Life and the Lake Monsters care about children and families and this is a natural partnership-as stewards of the community we want families to be healthy, safe and successful.””We are a team and venue that focuses children, families and the community and when New York Life approached us about this partnership, it was an easy decision,” Lake Monsters General Manager Nate Cloutier. “This free service will help keep children safe, and that is what its all about.”So come out to the ballpark, take in a game, and while there, stop by the New York Life tent and learn about how you can keep your children and family safe, both now and in the future.This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Monsters/Local Patrons “Share The Experience”

For the last three months, the Vermont Lake Monsters have reached out to their community partners inviting donations that have, in turn, brought thousands of children to historic Centennial Field to enjoy a Lake Monsters game and the family fun environment.

The “Share the Experience” program represents yet another way the Lake Monsters strive to place a focus on the Burlington community, as well the State of Vermont. Joining the “Hit the Books,” “Outstanding Students,” and countless other programs, this collaborative effort can be a powerful step in touching lives throughout the area.

Thus far in 2009, the LakeMonsters have allocated over $6,000 in donated tickets to various youth groups throughout the state and have hosted over 1,200 children at Centennial Field.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” activities coordinator for Essex CHIPS and TeenCenter, Diana Neidecker, said. “Our kids had a great time!”

Lake Monster’s director of community relations and promotions, Denny Madigan, added: “It’s great that a professional sports organization can do so much for the community, especially helping out kids who may not have ever had an opportunity to enjoy the LakeMonsters experience.”