Volunteering – Page 10

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

October 8, 2014

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

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

Shibuya recipient of Twins’ Killebrew Award

October 2, 2014

Miracle pitcher shows versatility on and off the field in 2014

In September, the Minnesota Twins announced that pitcher Tim Shibuya was selected as the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service recipient for the Fort Myers Miracle in 2014.

Shibuya, 25, was a 23rd round draft pick of the Twins in 2011 out of the University of California-San Diego. Shibuya participated in multiple youth baseball camps as an instructor and also appeared at numerous events in Lee and Collier County throughout the season.

“It was great having Tim join us on appearances this past season,” said Miracle Manager of Community Relations Ashley Adams. “He is a hands-on, personable and active with kids. Tim makes the time with the Miracle memorable for them and our staff too.”

On the field, Shibuya posted a 7-4 record with a 3.64 earned run average in 28 games, 10 starts. Tossing a total of 89 innings, Shibuya walked just 11 hitters and tallied 59 strikeouts. In his minor league career, Shibuya has made 74 appearances and has a career ERA at 3.62.

The Killebrew Award honors the long time Twins great and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Each season, the General Manager and Field Manager of the four full-season affiliates nominate a candidate that best exemplified the compassion and spirit of Killebrew through work in the local community.

Former Miracle pitcher Logan Darnell was the recipient for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Tony Thomas was awarded the honor for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and Tanner Vavra the winner for the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Cozens Among Phillies “Step-Up” Service Honorees

October 1, 2014

Phillies minor leaguers were presented with the Step-Up Community Service Award by Phillies Assistant General Manager Benny Looper and Director of Baseball Administration Susan Ingersoll Papaneri. (Miles Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies)

Former BlueClaws players were honored before a weekend Phillies game as part of the organization’s Step-Up Community Service Program.

The award is given to players in the Phillies Minor League system who have shown leadership through community service. The awards will be presented by Benny Looper, Assistant GM, Player Personnel and Susan Ingersoll Papaneri, Director, Baseball Administration.

OF Dylan Cozens was recognized from the BlueClaws roster this year. Among his service included the Bowling With the BlueClaws charity fundraising event, volunteering at the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps, and more.

Other honorees included Lehigh Valley RHP Tyler Knigge (2011 BlueClaw), Reading IF Carlos Alonso (2011 BlueClaw), Clearwater 1B Art Charles (2013 BlueClaw) and LHP Ethan Stewart (2012 BlueClaw) and Williamsport RHP Mitch Guellar.

Also pictured is Phillies pitcher David Buchanan (2011 BlueClaw) who did a significant amount of charity volunteer work with Lehigh Valley and the Phillies after his call-up.

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

Hooks Earn Community Service Nomination

September 25, 2014

The Hooks have earned the Texas League’s nomination for the John H. Moss Community Service Award, presented annually to a minor league team for its commitment to charitable service and support within the community and baseball industry.

In 2014, the Hooks continued their long-standing community initiatives and took on new initiatives. Whataburger Youth Sports Day stood out as the newest addition. At every April and May Sunday game, youth baseball leagues from around South Texas received free game tickets and participated in a pre-game parade around the warning track. Over 4,100 tickets were distributed among eight organizations.

Some of the longer running programs that continued in 2014 included the Get Hooked on Reading program, the Stripes Diamond and the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.

“One of the telling indicators of a club’s successful integration in their community is their commitment to good works,” Texas League President Tom Kayser said. “The breadth of the Hooks giving in the greater Corpus Christi area is stunning. With the willing cooperation of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have long been known to involve their players in a wide range of wonderful causes. Additionally, the Hooks and their staff have worked with a variety of causes, organizations and institutions that has resulted in wide ranging benefits to untold numbers of area residents.”

The team’s oldest initiative is the Get Hooked on Reading program, started in 2004 and sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, which encourages children in grades one through eight to read during the summer months. The Stripes Diamond gives youth teams a chance to play at Whataburger Field. Located beyond the center field fence, the diamond has hosted over 540 squads, including 36 in 2014.

The largest off-field baseball event in the Coastal Bend, the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet serves as the unofficial “first pitch” to high school baseball each winter. The event features recognition for high school baseball and softball players, college baseball players, pros and a lifetime achievement award recipient. Growing year after year, the annual dinner attracted over 700 attendees in 2014.

In addition to these community projects, the Hooks also participate in several fundraisers throughout the year, including AT&T Shirt off the Back Night and the Grande Grand Prize Game.

Shirt off the Back Night takes place during the final homestand of each season and postgame player jerseys are raffled off to fans, who receive one ticket upon entry with the opportunity to purchase more. The money raised from additional raffle ticket purchases is then distributed to a non-profit organization.

The Grand Prize Game, sponsored by Grande Communications, occurs once a month during the season. By purchasing a baseball for one dollar, fans have a chance to win or share $1,000 if they can chuck the ball into a wine barrel from the stands. Like Shirt off the Back Night, proceeds from this promotion also benefit a non-profit.

Each minor league may nominate one of its teams for the award and the nominees are then reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee, with recommendations being presented to MiLB senior management for a final decision.

The community service award’s namesake, John H. Moss, founded the South Atlantic League in 1957 and served as its president for 50 years. The Grand Junction Rockies earned the inaugural honor last season.

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

Blue Jays honor Taylor Cole & Stubby Clapp

September 24, 2014

RHP gets commmunity service award, hitting coach wins Mattick

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

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

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

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

RailRiders 2014 Community Report

September 24, 2014

Over $360,000 Given Back to NEPA, 66% Jump from Award-Winning 2013

Coming together for the greater good. All baseball teams try to accomplish it on the field. In the case of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) – the off-the-field efforts in that same vein added up to a whole lot of good to date in 2014.

Among the highlights:

– Five jersey auctions raised over $20,000 to benefit: Hunt of a Lifetime, IamMore Foundation, Allied Health Services, Fisher House and the Dave Miley HOF Scholarship Fund.

– The debut of the team’s Fit Track program, presented by Odak.

– Another successful HOPE Week in concert with the rest of the New York Yankees organization.

– An increase in charitable giving from $217,000 to over $360,000 including cash and in-kind gifts.

– Over 550 hours volunteered in the community by full-time staff, players and coaches.

– Over 200 mascot appearances.

– Support of our military with the Metlife Military Appreciation program, Honor Guard program, veterans parade appearances in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and a players/field staff visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

– The RailRiders and Kost Tire and Auto raised $14,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA with the Hurl the Pearl promotion (up $2,000 from 2013).

-The addition of several other new initiatives including: Breast Cancer Awareness Night which raised $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Girl Scouts of NEPA; an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs; and special school day themes for including an anti-bullying day and an anti-drug and alcohol day.

The RailRiders franchise prides itself on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 – the Fit Track program. Fit Track’s inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. It encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. The Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child received a free RailRiders jump rope to aid in their physical activity. Each child that completed the program received a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities.

The Community Organization of the Game program, presented by DePietro’s Pharmacy, came back for its second season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That COG had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

A standard from previous years, the Adopt-A-Field program, renovated four local fields (one high school field; one softball field; two youth fields). Front office staff and grounds crew members spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s website with fan votes deciding the lucky winners.

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many lives as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

HOPE Week 2014 in SWB included partnerships with the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Foundation to welcome children in for an unforgettable day; shaved heads and over $13,000 raised for childhood cancer research; a visit to the Gino Merli Veterans Center; and laser tag with the NEPA Boys and Girls Club.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation program was brought back to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The serviceperson and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued by Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) remains forever empty and unsold.

“2014 was a great year,” said community relations manager Rachel Mark. “Seeing the impact our community outreach makes in NEPA is priceless. We are excited to continue these efforts and watch them grow in 2015.”

Invested in the community, the RailRiders franchise has more than 30 full-time employees. Combined with concessionaire Legends, PNC Field boasts over 500 seasonal employees. The franchise prides itself on customer service and affordability as the bar-setting destination for affordable, family entertainment destination in NEPA.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

September 18, 2014

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

Grand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Blackmar Honored for Outstanding Community Service

September 4, 2014

Former Keys Pitcher Receives Elrod Hendricks Award

On Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles announced Mark Blackmar as the organization’s winner of the 2014 Elrod Hendricks Award. Given out annually since 1992, the award honors one player whose level of community involvement is worthy of special recognition and that truly stands out within the Orioles Minor League Organization. Blackmar will receive the award on Thursday night during a pregame ceremony at Camden Yards.

Blackmar, 22, becomes the third Key in as many years to win the Hendricks award. In 2013, Anthony Caronia received the award, while Trent Howard was recognized in 2012. Since 2004, seven Frederick players have been recognized with Orioles top minor league prize for community involvement.

During his time in Frederick, Blackmar visited the Frederick County libraries to read to children, spent time with fans at the Frederick Celtic Festival and served as a camp counselor at the Keys Youth Baseball Camp.

“Mark was always very eager to go out into the community and had a really positive attitude,” said Keys Promotions Manager Christine Roy. “He was friendly with everyone and was really a pleasure to work with.”

For his commitment to community service, Blackmar was honored with the Steve Bechler Award last Saturday, which recognizes the Keys player who best represents the value, character and commitment of Joel Stephens in community service.

On the same night he was recognized, Blackmar was traded to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Alejandro De Aza. Former Keys pitcher Miguel Chalas was also involved in the trade. One of the Orioles top minor league pitchers in 2014, Blackmar finished the year with the second-best ERA (3.18) among Baltimore minor leaguers. He was also tied for fourth in wins (10). The Corpus Christi, TX native ended the year with the fifth-best ERA in the Carolina League, and was third in WHIP (1.08) and batting average against (.229).

In addition to Blackmar, the Orioles will recognize former Keys Christian Walker and Tyler Wilson on Thursday night. Walker will receive the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year award while Wilson will be recognized with the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

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

Ege wins second annual Bruce Dal Canton Service Award

September 2, 2014

Award given to player with significant contributions to community

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that left-hander reliever Cody Ege was named the second-ever recipient of the Bruce Dal Canton Service Award for his efforts in the community this season. He was given the award before the Pelicans regular season finale on Monday at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Catcher Pat Cantwell won the award in 2013.

The award is presented to a player that has demonstrated significant contributions to the Grand Strand community, the Carolina League and the baseball industry as a whole. Cody showed an ongoing commitment to charitable service throughout the season with his involvement in the Pelicans 3-Day Youth Clinic as well as school and summer camp appearances, just to name a few.

“Cody has been an excellent influence on all of the young children that he has worked with this season,” explained Pelicans Senior Director of Marketing Jen Borowski. She went on to add, “most importantly, from our end, he has helped us with every activity that we have asked of him and done it with a smile on his face. I am sure that, if the award was not involved, he still would have been willing to help out; that’s the kind of personality he has-always willing to help out, and he’s a great community leader.”

This award is named after the late Bruce Dal Canton. Bruce Dal Canton was the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitching Coach from the inaugural season in 1999 until his passing in 2008. Before joining the Pelicans, Dal Canton was a Major League pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. He coached for 26 years, including ten with the Pelicans, until he prematurely passed away due to esophageal cancer on October 7, 2008. Dal Canton was heavy involved in charitable endeavors and constantly striving to make the community a better place to live, work and play. In 2009, the Pelicans named the home clubhouse after him and retired his number 43, one of just two past Pelicans retired numbers.

Ege was not alone. The Pelicans players and coaches donated countless man-hours in the community with events like the Home Run for Autism Camp, a day with Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, the 3-Day Youth Clinic, the Sanofi Healthy Living outings to two local YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand, as well as food packing initiatives with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Help4Kids’ Backpack Buddies program.

On a nightly basis, Pelicans players volunteered time before the games to sign autographs to fans behind home plate and caught ceremonial first pitches prior to each Pelicans home game. The Pelicans front office is grateful for all their hard work. Although Ege’s accomplishment is an individual award, the impact that the 2014 Pelicans achieved in the community mirrored the tremendous success of the group on the diamond.

On the field, Ege sported 3.88 ERA and a 4-1 record in 37 outings out of the bullpen for the Pelicans during the regular season. He punched out 76 batters and walked just 17 and had a 46-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio during the second half. He did not allow a run in 10 1/3 August innings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

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.

“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 Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters 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 event, 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.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
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.

Crawdads Serve at Hickory Soup Kitchen

August 14, 2014

Dads players helped prepare and serve food over two days

The Hickory Crawdads recently lent a helping hand at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, with the ‘Dads players helping to clean, prepare, and serve food on August 7^th & 8^th.

Six players and one front office member volunteered over four separate shifts during the two-day span. The Crawdads helped out with everything from peeling potatoes and bagging groceries, to serving food and interacting with the guests.

“We are always happy to help out in the community when we get a chance,” said Crawdads General Manager Mark Seaman. “It was a good opportunity for the players to give back and see first hand some of the challenges that our fellow citizens face on a daily basis.”

The Hickory Soup Kitchen began in 1983 with six downtown churches before moving to its current location in 1990. HSK serves an average of 152 people per day and more than 70,000 people every year. The kitchen is open weekdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen, contact Executive Director Austin Pearce at (828) 327-4828 or email hickorysoup@embarqmail.com.

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

Bees Visit Shriners Hospitals for Children

August 6, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees visited Shriners Hospitals for Children earlier today to take part in the hospital’s Summer Fest. Brennan Boesch, Tony Campana, Vance Albitz, Shawn O’Malley, Caleb Clay and Bumble all took part in the event and helped run games, played whiffle ball, danced with the children, took pictures and signed autographs.

Patients currently staying in the hospital as well as out-patients and their families were invited to attend and were able to enjoy carnival games, face painting, food, a rock climbing wall and a live DJ. The Bees group also took part in the activities themselves as everyone gave the games a try and Albitz and O’Malley sported super hero face paint.

“I almost forgot the event was for the kids. I was having so much fun!” said Albitz.

Campana has special ties to the event as he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was seven years old. After recieving treatment for ten years Campana was declared cancer free. He tries to visit hospitals whenever get the chance.

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

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

July 25, 2014

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

The Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17^th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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

RiverDogs Again Join Yankees HOPE Week Initiative

July 12, 2014

Outings Planned for July 15-19 throughout the Lowcountry

The Charleston RiverDogs are once again proud to partner with their parent organization, the New York Yankees, for the HOPE Week Initiative. The initiative runs from July 15-19, and RiverDogs players, coaches and front office staff will make appearances throughout the Lowcountry during the five-day outreach.

This will be the sixth year in which the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees have held their HOPE Week Initiative. HOPE is the acronym for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” and this will be the third time that the RiverDogs will bring the concept to Charleston. Contributing sponsors this year include Harris Teeter and Tideline Tours.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner once again with the New York Yankees for such a fantastic cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Lauren Allio. “It is a great way for us to continue to be active in the community and to recognize some truly amazing people.”

“This initiative in which we’re partnering with the Yankees has been part of our makeup for several years as we have hosted ‘Dogs With A Cause’ at every Monday home game and the Hope Initiative takes it to another level,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our overall marketing initiative stems from our being very active in our community, and this actively involves the players in which our fans will certainly enjoy.”

The RiverDogs will participate in events every day from July 15-19 to garner awareness for highlighted causes, individuals and organizations. In addition, every day over the five-day period, a different non-profit organization and/or family in need will receive an once-in-a-lifetime experience of interaction with RiverDogs players and an evening of fun at a RiverDogs game.

The RiverDogs and all of the Yankees’ affiliates received a citation from the President’s Volunteer Service Award for last year’s HOPE Week.

The schedule includes:

· Tuesday, July 15: Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation

o Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation provides emotional support and connection to women who have been diagnoses with breast cancer, are going through treatment and are survivors. They focus on quality of life for these women, their families, children and caretakers through their various programs.

o Players will help put together care packages for women currently receiving treatment, deliver those care packages and help with a make-over through the Warriors Wear Lipstick program.

· Wednesday, July 16: Therapeutic Foster Parents, SC Youth Advocate Program

o Carolyn & Martin Meier serve as the therapeutic foster parents for several years, serving the long-term needs of numerous medically fragile children in foster care.

o Players will join the Meiers and a social worker on a Dolphin Adventure boat tour through the Lowcountry marshes.

· Thursday, July 17: Lowcountry Food Bank

o The Lowcountry Food Bank’s primary mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the area with a vision to end hunger in coastal South Carolina.

o Players will work side-by-side with this summer’s Food Works apprentices to prep meals for Meals on Wheels.

· Friday, July 18: Mighty Mack and Scout

o Mighty Mack is a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of leukemia. His four-year-old sister, Scout, is his bone marrow donor.

o Players will surprise Mack and Scout with a fun day at the ballpark, joining in on batting practice and other pregame activities.

· Saturday, July 19: Fields to Families

o Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. When local farmers have fruit and vegetables that they can spare, either because they can’t harvest them in time or because they simply can’t use them, they contact Fields to Families.

o Players will go to the participating farms and pick/harvest unwanted produce that will then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry.

Visit www.RiverDogs.com or contact Lauren Allio at 843/723-7241 for more information.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

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