Volunteering – Page 11

Cardinals having an impact on and off the field

June 24, 2014

Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads shaved their heads on June 17 to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Over $7,500 was raised for the event.

The Palm Beach Cardinals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have had a terrific first half to the 2014 season. The team landed five All-Star selections to the Florida State League South roster, individuals have won weekly league awards and have been promoted within the organization, and overall, the team has been winning a lot of games.

None of the individual honors or impressive team winning streaks come close to how the 2014 squad has impacted the community off the field.

Earlier this month the Cardinals teamed up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium hosted the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals lined up to get their heads shaved in front of the dugouts following the game that night against the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to the event, players on both the Cardinals and Hammerheads collected donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Once the Cardinals learned that half of all proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit national childhood cancer research and the other half would help local children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the team joined together to make the event a huge success.

The whole team took to social media right away, getting hundreds and hundreds of retweets from family, friends, and fans. Former college teammates and loyal supporters in the Cardinals organization took notice and helped spread the word. News about the team’s efforts spread like wildfire and the donations started pouring in.

The team goal of $5,000 was met after just three days of fundraising and was eventually shattered by more than one thousand dollars. Members of the team, led by Charlie Tilson and Joe Cuda, created an autographed ball giveaway for select fans who donated. The team spread the news via twitter that five autographed balls would be given away at random to those who donated to the cause.

“I’m just glad I could be a part of this,” Cuda said. “I never would have thought that it would have created this much buzz. It’s crazy how the baseball community is so connected together.”

On June 17th, the Cardinals gathered in front of the home dugout following the game to cap an extremely successful fundraising campaign by shaving select team members heads. Players who participated in the head shaving event were, Cuda, Tilson, Iden Nazario, Bruce Caldwell, Alex Mejia, Jesus Montero, Nick Martini and Jimmy Bosco. Even head trainer Keith Joynt stepped into the dugout barber shop to support the cause.

For the Cardinals, this wasn’t a one-time ordeal. Players have been giving back to the community all season long.

In early May, members of the team signed up to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital to spend time with children for a few hours before a home game. While just a few guys were asked to ride along for the visit, multiple players asked if they could go as well for fun.

While the fact that the Palm Beach Cardinals ranked in the top five in numerous batting and pitching categories among Florida State League teams in the first half of the season is impressive, the character of the guys in the Cardinals clubhouse is something to be commended.

The 25 players in the Cardinals locker room are truly making a difference in the Palm Beach community.

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

Tampa Yankees Recognize HOPE Week

June 18, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will be participating in HOPE Week (Helping Others Preserve & Excel) during the week of June 19-24, 2014. HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative designed to reach out to remarkable people who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities.

The Tampa Yankees players and staff will be visiting patients and their families at local area hospitals including:

Tampa General Hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital
All Children’s Hospital

The Tampa based minor league Yankees players will also be visiting the Children’s Home: a child-and family-centered organization that is positioned to care for struggling families and children seeking the comfort of a loving family.

Where Love Grows will be hosting a Victoria’s Good Table dinner in the Yankees pavilion at Steinbrenner Field. Where Love Grows is a Tampa based non-profit organization. They wanted to partner with the Tampa Yankees to benefit the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay in celebration of HOPE Week. Tampa Yankees players and staff will be in attendance to help serve food and mingle with the children.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information on the Tampa Yankees, and the Tampa HOPE Week Itinerary, visit www.tybaseball.com or call (813) 673-3055.

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

ALS Celebrity Waiter Event Returns June 4th

May 20, 2014

Fundraiser once again held at TGI Friday’s in Brick

The BlueClaws are proud to hold their 14th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on Wednesday, June 4th at TGI Friday’s on Route 70 in Brick.

The event, which started in 2001, raises money for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Philadelphia Phillies.

This marks the third straight year the event will be at TGI Friday’s in Brick. There will be two seatings: one at 5:30 and another at 7:00. As in years past, BlueClaws players will be serving as the waiters, and coaches will serve as bartenders.

20% of every check, plus 100% of all tips, will be donated directly to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 732-262-0937.

“This has been a wonderful partnership between the BlueClaws and the ALS Association over the last 13 years and we are looking forward to what is always a great event,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Director of Community Relations.

“The Phillies and their family have raised money to fight ALS for 30 years and here at the minor league level, the BlueClaws have been able to do the same since our inception in 2001,” he added.

The ALS Celebrity Waiter event has raised nearly $125,000 in its first 13 years.

There will also be a silent auction, while BlueClaws players will sign autographs and pose for pictures throughout the night.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all remaining BlueClaws games are on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

Dragons and Vectren Present Community All-Stars

May 8, 2014

BOGG to be honored at Fifth Third Field on May 9

Vectren Corporation and the Dayton Dragons will host Jason Barton and Jason Johnston during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne Tincaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor 35 “All-Stars”-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families with a VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.

Jason and Jason’s Story

Jason Barton and Jason Johnston met several years ago at their church leading a small group of high school students together and became fast friends. When searching for a place in Miamisburg to serve the community with their small group, they discovered a lot of need and not enough being done to meet the need. The two friends decided to do something about it.

“It was just something that was on my heart,” said Barton. “Anytime we go out with friends or family, it is always over a meal. And there are a lot of hungry people in our community. The best way to get out and reach them is to feed them.”

They both left their full time jobs and founded BOGG (Because of God’s Grace) Ministries in 2010, feeding about four families a week. Barton and Johnston, working unpaid for the first 18 months of BOGG, would go to each family’s house, have dinner, and provide them with groceries. The ministry rapidly grew and within seven months, BOGG was reaching 35 families. The next step for BOGG was mobile meals

Mobile meals is a system BOGG Ministries uses to reach the eight communities they now serve. They visit each area once a month with their mobile food pantry, fire up a grill, have a meal with the families, and provide groceries for one to two weeks.

“In 2013, we provided just under 250,000 meals,” Johnston explained. “Currently we are providing food for 1,500-1,800 people a month. It’s not just about the food though. Relationships are key. It is about being compassionate with our neighbors.”

For giving back selflessly to the community they are a part of, Barton and Johnston have been selected as Dragons Community All-Stars. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com. To learn more about BOGG Ministries and how you can help, visit www.thebogg.org.

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

Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup

May 6, 2014

May 10th Event is Part of the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful program

As part of the Great American Cleanup initiative, the Dayton Dragons and the Montgomery County Environmental Services will host a cleanup event on May 10th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at 624 Xenia Avenue in Dayton (East End Community Services). Dragons players, staff members, Heater, and the Dragons Green Team will pitch in to clean the surrounding neighborhood along with volunteers who can register at daytondragons.com/cleanup or by calling Nisha Jaga at (937) 228-2287 ext. 115.

The Dragons event is one component of the Great American Cleanup initiative and the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful program. It is a volunteer program for individuals or groups and a great way to give back to the community.

“We take a tremendous pride in the upkeep of Fifth Third Field,” Dragons President Robert Murphy said. “The Great American Cleanup is a great way for us to get out in the community and help with the upkeep of the city that surrounds us.”

All participating volunteers in the Dragons cleanup event will receive a Dragons hat and will be entered into a drawing for other great Dragons prizes.

About the Great American Cleanup

The Great American Cleanup is the largest organized volunteer litter cleanup and community improvement program in the country. This long standing Keep America Beautiful event, which runs annually from March 1 until May 31, is sponsored locally by the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) program. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful provides volunteers with cleanup supplies and can assist with litter disposal. KMCB can also help coordinate cleanup events and provide other resources for large scale community projects. For more information on KMCB programs, please visit www.kmcbohio.org or call (937) 225-4999.

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

The 9th annual Special Needs Camp is Saturday, April 26

April 8, 2014

Miracle, Dave Clark Foundation team up or special day at the ballpark

Click here to download registration form. Click here to download medical release form.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2014) – The Fort Myers Miracle are proud to team with Dave Clark Foundation for the ninth annual Special Needs Baseball camp on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at Hammond Stadium. The baseball camp is open to the first 25 individuals, with a physical or mental challenge, age 18 and under.

The entire Miracle team and coaches will teach kids the baseball skills of hitting, throwing, catching and fielding. The camp affords the opportunity for campers to experience the feeling of being a professional baseball player for a day.

Cape Coral resident Dave Clark hosts the camp. Suffering from the effects of Post Polion Syndrome (PPS), 61-year old Clark amassed over 600 wins during a 30-year baseball career that began in the early 1970s. Currently, Clark focuses his energy on public speaking, organizing disability events and is an envoy international coach for Major League Baseball.

As part of the Disability Dream & Do activities, Clark will present the “Pulling Each Other Along Award” prior to the 6:05 p.m. Miracle game versus the Palm Beach Cardinals on Saturday, April 26. The award is presented to an unsung hero(s) whose selfless acts have helped those with a disability. For more information about D3 or to nominate a worthy candidate, visit www.daveclarkfoundation.org or email: award@daveclarkfoundation.org.

“There are two types of dreamers. Dreamers that dream and dreamers that Dream & Do,” said Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches. “D3 Baseball with the Fort Myers Miracle gives the youth a wonderful chance to do both, Dream & Do.”

There is no cost associated with the camp. To register a child, please call (239) 768-4210 or send an email to aadams@miraclebaseball.com. Include your name, the child’s full name, full address, phone number, email address and any special needs for your child.

“This day always leaves an impression on all of our players, coaches, and our entire front office staff. To see the joy on the faces of the kids and our players while the camp is taking place is just priceless. This is one of the best events that we do all year long,” said Miracle President Steve Gliner.

Kids are asked to bring their own baseball gloves and one adult chaperone is required to be in attendance with each child attending the camp. Each participant will receive four tickets for the Miracle game that evening at 6:05 p.m. Lunch will also be provided following the camp activities.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Chasers in the Community: November 14th – November 30th

November 14, 2013

Storm Chasers staff to participate in Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Open Door Mission’s Drumsticks on Wheels

Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 14

The Storm Chasers staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Thursday, November 14^th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the third consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thursday, November 14

SilverRidge Assisted Living Visit (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Before their “Birthday Party” on November 15^thin the Storm Front Team Store, all three Chasers mascots will be visiting the residents of SilverRidge Assisted Living (sponsor of the Silver Chasers Club) to celebrate their “Birthday” in a private event.

Friday, November 15

Hands of the Heartland Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.
Stormy & Vortex’s Birthday Party (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) – Stormy and Vortex celebrate the third anniversary of their introduction as mascots at the Storm Front Team Store. Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and in exchange will receive a 40% coupon to the store (up to three toys max per person). Free refreshments will be provided and party games will be played.

Saturday, November 16

Westroads Mall Santa’s Arrival Event (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) – Stormy will join friends of Westroads Mall to await Santa’s arrival. Once Santa arrives, Stormy will be part of Santa’s parade through the mall.

Monday, November 18

Majestix Salon Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.

Saturday, November 23

Open Door Mission Drumsticks On Wheels – Members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the third consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants Release 2013 Community Report

November 5, 2013

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2013 Community Report. From charitable donations to mascot appearances to community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, the San Jose Giants were a consistent presence throughout the South Bay in 2013. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions in the past calendar year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for their tremendous support of the team and its place in the community”, said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “With over $450,000 raised for charitable causes, 2013 was another record-breaking year for the organization.”

The 2013 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both at and away from Municipal Stadium. Highlights of the report include hundreds of appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help underserved youth and in-kind donations to more than 650 local and national organizations totaling over $450,000.

“It is extremely exciting to see how this organization has grown in the community since our first report in 2006,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to touch as many lives as we do every season and we look forward to raising the bar again in 2014.”

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved in 2014, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2013 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

October 17, 2013

It’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5
Player hours volunteered: 202.5
Mascot appearances: 130
Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)
Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092
Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON 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.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The service person 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 with another new tip of the cap, 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) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers 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 Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

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.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, stopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting the Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

On Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

September 28, 2013

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

A pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

As part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

Shorebirds Asst. GM named President of BBBS

September 26, 2013

Jimmy Sweet to run Big Brothers Big Sisters locally

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce that team Assistant General Manager, Jimmy Sweet, has been named President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lower Eastern Shore. Sweet will continue his duties with the Shorebirds while serving as the president of BBBS on the Eastern Shore.

Sweet has been on the board of BBBS for five years in a variety of roles.

“I’m honored to take over for John Allen to help area youth prosper through the many outstanding programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers,” said Jimmy Sweet. “I’m very grateful to be in leadership roles for two great teams, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lower Eastern Shore.”

Sweet joined the Shorebirds front office staff in 2003. He has served in his current role of assistant general manager for eight years.

Sweet is pictured with BBBS outgoing president, John Allen.

For more information about the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112.

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

Kevin Nolan Named Blue Jays Community Service Winner

September 25, 2013

Nashua Native Honored as Blue Jays Community Service Winner

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Toronto Blue Jays, parent club of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, have announced that shortstop Kevin Nolan is this year’s winner of the Blue Jays Community Service Award. The 25 year-old New Hampshire shortstop has proven his commitment to the community through his tireless efforts and positive attitude.

“Kevin’s efforts in the community enhanced many lives beyond the diamond and this recognition is extremely well deserved,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “The Blue Jays and their players know the importance of giving back to the communities where they spend their summer, and Kevin represented himself, the Fisher Cats, and the Blue Jays with class all season long. We appreciate all of his efforts.”

Nolan participated in nearly all of the team community appearances, always representing the organization with class and professionalism. A native of Nashua, Nolan contributed his time in many ways, including;

* Joining 100+ kids at a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Baseball/Softball Camp as a camp counselor at the first camp of the season
* Visiting, speaking to, and signing autographs for 100+ kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua on August 6, 2013
* Inviting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua to two (2) Fisher Cats games during the 2013 season; greeting the kids, signing autographs and helping to provide ice cream during the 7th Inning Stretch
* Taking time out of his pre-game routine to host special meet-and-greets with kids that expressed a personal interest in meeting him and growing up to be “just like him”
* Greeting patients from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and families alongside WMUR’s Jason King for a special batting practice for CHaD Kids
* Appearing at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashua New Hampshire for the spring registrations for Nashua Little League providing well-wishes to kids for their season

Nolan will be coming back to New Hampshire as a guest of honor at the annual Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on Nov. 23. The event, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Expo Center in Manchester, raises money for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

September 12, 2013

Thousands of Hours, Over $200,000 Given Back to NEPA

Moosic, Pa. – It’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5

Player hours volunteered: 202.5

Mascot appearances: 130

Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)

Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092

Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season 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.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals). The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

Caronia Honored for Community Service

September 9, 2013

Shorebirds IF wins award from Orioles

Anthony Caronia recieved the Minor League Community Service Award

Salisbury, MD – Shorebirds utility infielder Anthony Caronia was honored on Sunday by the Orioles Player Development Department as the 2013 Elrod Hendricks Community Service Award recipient. Caronia represented the Shorebirds on numerous appearances during the summer and was a crowd favorite at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Caronia went on several appearances to local schools and community events. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand at games by catching a ceremonial first pitch.

Caronia became a crowd favorite during the season because of his willingness to sign autographs and talk to fans.

“Anthony was a great ambassador for Shorebirds baseball,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “He was quick to volunteer for community appearances and he was always ready to make a kid’s day by signing an autograph or giving a kid a high five.”

Former Shorebirds manager Gary Kendall was named the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award while former Shorebirds pitcher Mike Wright recieved the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.

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

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

September 9, 2013

Will receive award from Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on October 24th

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

Other honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

“This is very special for the BlueClaws and especially for BlueClaws Charities,” said DeAngelis, who has been with the BlueClaws since their 2001 inception. “We work very hard with a wide variety of non-profit organizations and of course this year, after the storm, was especially tough on everyone.”

BlueClaws Charities raised thousands of dollars for those impacted by Superstorm Sandy through t-shirt sales, Restore the Shore Fridays, a BlueClaws Restore the Shore jersey auction, and private donations. The organization then collected grant applications and was able to hand out over $50,000 in grants to help area families.

Meanwhile, BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partners, area non-profit organizations who raise money through the BlueClaws. These organizations also benefit through various BlueClaws Charities fundraising events throughout the year like jersey auctions, “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” the “BlueClaws Charities Nine and Dine” golf outing, and more.

Fans that are interested in attending the reception are able to do so through ordering a ticket to the event. The reception, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30, includes an open-bar passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold stations, and dessert. Please click here to download an order form.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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