Volunteering – Page 12

Premera Care-A-Van Provides Smiles

July 18, 2013

SpokaneIndians_2013-07-18 — Spokane Indians players and OTTO visited Sacred Heart on July 17. (Otto Klein)

Spokane, WA – For over 10 years the Spokane Indians and Premera Blue Cross have teamed up for the Premera Care-A-Van, a program where children in local hospitals receive a visit from OTTO the Mascot and current Indians players. The first of three Care-A-Van visits was July 17th at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“We love supporting these types of events and are thankful for our partnership with Premera Blue Cross,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “These brave kids are going through more than we know and it’s rewarding for everyone to see them smile.”

In addition to the visit from players Travis Dean, Cody Ege and John Straka, OTTO The Mascot also made an appearance. The children received a Care-A-Van Backpack full of Spokane Indians items courtesy of Premera Blue Cross. The Indians also provide tickets for former patients who have now recovered and are living in the Spokane area.

The Indians and Premera Blue Cross have two more Care-A-Vans planned for this year, including August 20th at at Shriners Hospital for Children. All media are invited to attend.

For more information about the Premera Care-A-Van program, please call (509) 535-2922, or send an email to dtoms@spokaneindians.com.

The Indians will return home next Tuesday, July 23rd, for a quick three-game homestand against the Vancouver Canadians to start the second half of the Northwest League season. That night will be Triple Play Sweepstakes presented by Triple Play Family Fun Park, 103.9 BOB FM, 790 KJRB and Kids Newspaper. If the Indians complete a triple play during the first nine innings of the game, one lucky fan in attendance will win $33,333! Sign up at the game for your chance to win!

Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office, spokaneindians.com or ticketswest.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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

RiverDogs Buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

May 20, 2013

On Saturday, May 11th, the Summerville Miracle League welcomed the Charleston RiverDogs to their facilities in Summerville for a morning of fun, and baseball. Ten players from the 2013 RiverDogs team volunteered as “Buddies” for the league, assisting the young players hit the ball, run the bases, and play the field.

“It was amazing to watch these kids on the field,” says Community Relations Intern, Lily Belter. “They were having so much fun! And it was great to see them interacting with the RiverDogs players.”

The goal of The Summerville Miracle League is to enhance the lives of people with special needs. The league uses primarily the national pastime of baseball, as well as other activities, to bring together the athletes and their families and enrich their lives in a meaningful way. For more information about the Summerville Miracle League, how to join or how to volunteer, please visit http://www.summervillemiracleleague.org/

The Charleston RiverDogs join the Summerville Miracle League RiverDogs for a team cheer!

The Charleston RiverDogs buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

Dash to hold annual Community Build May 18

May 7, 2013

Joint effort to include Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (MAY 7, 2013) – The Winston-Salem Dash will partner with Lowe’s Home Improvement and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County to assist in the annual Community Build on Saturday, May 18, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dash players, staff members and front office team members will join volunteers from both Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity in the construction of five houses at two separate locations in the Winston-Salem area.

The build project is truly a community effort, so Dash fans are encouraged to help, too. To register as a volunteer, call Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County at (336) 765-8854. Everyone’s efforts will be honored during the Dash’s game on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. A special video will be shown at BB&T Ballpark in dedication to this year’s Community Build.

The first location at 1825 Willow Oak Way features three houses, one of which is very near completion. The other two homes are at 922 and 924 Roosevelt Street. One of these houses, donated to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, is undergoing a complete reconstruction, while another home will be built on the property. This donated lot was big enough to divide in half to accommodate a second house.

All five houses are at various stages of their construction, so volunteers will be assigned to a number of different tasks. Volunteers will assist with flooring, installing trusses, installing shingles into the roof and landscaping, among other things.

The Dash are continuing their drive toward one million fans at BB&T Ballpark, and this milestone will be reached sometime in May. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on May 29th

May 6, 2013

Annual event raises money for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The 13th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event will take place at TGI Friday’s in Brick on Wednesday, May 29th.

The annual event raises money for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Philadelphia Phillies, and has brought over $120,000 to the organization in the event’s first 12 years.

BlueClaws players will serve as servers and hosts while coaches, including Lakewood manager and former Phillies second baseman Mickey Morandini, will serve as bartender helpers.

“Last year’s event at TGI Friday’s in Brick was a great success,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We’re excited to bring the event back to TGI Friday’s and continue what was been a tremendous event for a great cause.”

There will be two dinner seatings: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Fans can reserve a table by calling TGI Friday’s directly at 732-262-0937.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, including 15% of every dinner bill (excluding alcohol) from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm and all tips from dinner bills during the same three hour period.

In addition, there will be a silent auction with a series of great items, from which all proceeds will be donated to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia. Companies wishing to donate items for the gift auction can do so by contacting TGI Friday’s of Brick at the number above.

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is a 501c3 organization that has donated over $500,000 in the last four years to area non-profit organizations and fundraising events.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Adopt-a-Field Program Returns

April 29, 2013

Four Area Little League Fields to Receive Much-Needed Help

Moosic, Pa. – When the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre baseball franchise spent 2012 on the road, it still had its home at heart. The team christened a program that focused on rejuvenating area Little League fields. Even though the now-RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) have a home of their own in the beautifully reconstructed PNC Field, the Adopt-a-Field Program is back and better than ever.

What began with two teams getting the annual makeover, one each from Lackawanna County and Luzerne County, has blossomed into a four-team program in 2013. A Facebook contest chose the four lucky recipients. It gets underway Wednesday, May 1 when Scranton’s Marvine Dutch Gap Little League gets some love for its field. On June 3, the attention shifts to the Avoca/Dupont Little League. Come June 14, the RailRiders will adopt the South Scranton Little League field before closing things out on June 27 at Staback Park in Archbald.

“Let’s spread the wealth a bit and bring the beauty of the new PNC Field to the Little League fields right here in our communities,” said RailRiders team president/GM Rob Crain. “I love this program. We as a franchise are committed to doing what we can for our neighbors and this is one of the most fun and directly impactful efforts we can provide.”

The program provides an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen leagues. More than the initial facelift the RailRiders’ raw manpower provides, the teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come. Last season, Moosic Little League and Kingston/Forty Fort Little League were the benefactors of the program’s launch.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local Little League fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don’t have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

The makeover will get underway at 8 a.m. on each date listed above and will run until around 5 p.m. Media members and fans are invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day. Below are the addresses of the four sites:

Marvine Dutch Gap, 170 Wells, Scranton 18508

Avoca/Dupont, Mill & Commerce Streets, Avoca 18641

South Scranton, 430 Meadow Ave., Scranton 18505

Staback Park, Eynon Jermyn Rd., Archbald 18403

The RailRiders are in the midst of a nine-day, eight-game road trip before returning home for an eight-game homestand on Monday, May 6. It starts with the first of four against the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) at 6:35 p.m. Fans will be able to dine on just a few dimes with dollar hot dogs all night long at PNC Field. Great ticket packages, group deals and single-game tickets are available. With no upper deck at PNC Field anymore, every seat in the ballpark provides the supreme views and intimacy that make minor league baseball so special at incredibly affordable prices. For more information, please visit the team’s official website, www.swbrailriders.com, or call 570-969-BALL (2255).

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

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

Tides to renovate Shore Little League Wednesday

April 23, 2013

The Norfolk Tides organization will be renovating the Shore Little League field in Northampton County on Wednesday, April 24. Shore Little League was a participant in the 2012 Field Renovation Contest, with the Eastern Shore community garnering over 2,700 votes for the field.
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Phoebus Little League makeover photos

Members of the Tides front office staff, including head groundskeeper Kenny Magner, will take part in the field makeover, which will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts. The staff will spend 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday working on the field.

“We were extremely impressed by the number of votes Shore Little League field received in our inaugural Field Renovation Contest last year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “The outpouring of support the small community received was overwhelming, and we are very happy to do our part in helping city of Nassawadox have a field their children can be proud to call their own.”

Shore Little League, which is the only chartered league in the county of Northampton, is the fifth youth field the Tides have renovated since the beginning of 2012. The Tides helped to renovate three fields in 2012 – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield) and Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk) – before renovating the Phoebus Little League field in Hampton last week.

The project is possible because of the Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses.

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

3 R’s Program With Charleston County Schools Returns

April 14, 2013

The Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District began their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program in select Charleston County Schools in 2009 to emphasize the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

This year, third graders from Pinehurst, Blaney, Lambs, Burns and North Charleston elementary schools will be involved. Twice a month, a RiverDog staff member will come to the assigned school for a “read aloud” in each third grade class. The staff member will spend 15-20 minutes with each third grade class and then rotate between classes for about an hour. There will be approximately eight visits per school from February to May.

Students may earn points by reading and exercising beyond the school day. Students earn a point for every 20 minutes they read and/or exercise. If students conduct “works of kindness” (such as reading to a youngster, helping mom with housework, carrying groceries for an elderly person or helping in the yard) while exercising or reading, they may earn two points for each 20 minutes. Students will record the minutes they read and exercise on a log and their parents/guardians will verify activities by initialing the log. The logs are reviewed by the teacher on a weekly basis, and point totals are tallied monthly. Students are awarded monthly the following:

• 101+ points: Free meal ticket at the game-hotdog, chips, drink;
• 100 points: RiverDogs t-shirt and two tickets to the Charleston RiverDogs game on May 10 (additional tickets for family members may be secured at a reduced rate);
• 75 points: Book donated to school library in the student’s name;
• 50 points: RiverDogs souvenir drink cup;
• 25 points: “Top Dog” ribbon

Additionally, there will be competition among the schools as they will also compete against each other for the highest monthly total points and the top school will receive a trophy that will rotate among the participating schools.

“Our ongoing partnership with the RiverDogs supports our continued efforts with literacy and helps to sustain our district Vision 2016 for academic achievement of all students”, said Mary Ann Dieter, Curriculum Specialist for the CCSD Literacy Based Learning Division.

“This program is a win-win opportunity for all involved,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We remain pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District and it is our goal to make an impact with child development.”

For more information on this innovative “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, please contact Lauren Allio at the RiverDogs at (843)577-DOGS (3647).

RedHawks Join Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium

March 30, 2013

Organization to enhance city’s profile through sports and special events

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City RedHawks announced they have joined the newly-formed Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium. The non-profit organization’s goal is to raise the economy and overall profile of the Oklahoma City metro area through sports and special events.

The organization will be governed by a 15-member board. The RedHawks will occupy one of 12 permanent slots, featuring the area’s most influential members in the sports and special event industry. RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes will serve as the team’s representative on the board.

“We’re very happy to be part of this initiative,” Byrnes said. “Annually we host 72 RedHawks games, the Bedlam Series, and the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, so anything we can do to continue to attract large-scale events to Oklahoma City will benefit the entire sports community.”

Other permanent members of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium include All Sports Association, Amateur Softball Association, City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State Fair, Prodigal, SMG, and University of Central Oklahoma.

“This is another great example of private industry, government, and sports franchises coming together for the betterment of Oklahoma City and its surrounding communities,” said Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium Bob Funk, Jr. “The Sports Consortium will provide a platform for communication and collaboration between the various entities involved in sports and special events.”

The RedHawks begin their 2013 home schedule Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. against the Memphis Redbirds. For more information on single-game tickets, partial season ticket packages or group outings, please call the RedHawks at (405) 218-1000 or visit okcredhawks.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City RedHawks. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs help out at Windwood Farm Home for Children

February 25, 2013

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In February, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Windwood Farm Home for Children. Members of the staff helped to complete various chores around the campus.

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children,” says Promotions Intern Haley Kirchner. “The best part was getting to spend time with some of the boys, they were all so great!”

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers Help, Hope and Healing to abused, neglected children and their families.

Windwood Farm Home for Children was founded by local philanthropist and businessman, Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. and opened its doors in 1985. Every member of the nonprofit organization is actively involved in the growth, and success, of their mission to offer an environment of healing that is geared to stamp out multi-generational child abuse and neglect.

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers therapies geared to increase problem solving, anger management, and frustration tolerance, increase the child’s ability to achieve a successful completion of our program and return to a community living situation. Other services include the Family Reunification program, Family Therapy sessions, and an equine assisted learning program.

The RiverDogs staff helps build a shed at Windwood Farm Home for Children.

Special Events Manager, Kristen Wolfe and Promotions Intern, Haley Kirchner paint during their time volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children.

‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations set for April 12

January 24, 2013

BlueShield of Northeastern New York partners with ‘Cats on Community Grounds Crew

TROY, NY- As the Tri-City ValleyCats prepare to usher in a new season of affordable family fun and professional baseball to the Capital Region, they will be teaming up once again with BlueShield of Northeastern New York on the Community Grounds Crew and the 3rd Annual ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovation Program. In a 24 hour time period, four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and homeplate areas rebuilt. The simultaneous renovations are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 12.

Mud Hens players score smiles with local kids!

January 23, 2013

The Hens have won six straight games on the field, but off the field the team has been winning, too. On Monday, 8/13, Audy Ciriaco read to Latino children at the TMC Migrant Seasonal Head Start in Millbury, in support of the Books 4 Buddies program. Later that day, Thad Weber, Adam Wilk and Danny Dorn made a visit to Toledo Children’s Hospital. PHOTOS

Founded by 14-year-old Touré McCord II, Books 4 Buddies encourages children and teenagers, especially boys, to read for pleasure and personal development. A native of the Dominican Republic, Ciriaco read two Spanish language books to the children & assisted with a free book distribution for the children and their families.

Later that day, pitchers Thad Weber, Adam Wilk and infielder Danny Dorn made a visit to Toledo Children’s Hospital. They played air hockey & foosball with some of the patients and handed out autographed baseballs. They were even spotted hanging out with some chipmunks!

“The Mud Hens feel it’s important to have a strong presence off the playing field as well,” says Cheri Pastula, manager of community relations. “The players really enjoy interacting with children and we are thrilled to have to have them makes visits likes this throughout the community.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Raise Money for Salvation Army

December 23, 2012

The Charlotte Knights’ season of giving continued on Thursday, December 20 at the Six Pence Pub in Fort Mill. For over three hours, front office staff members volunteered their time to raise money for the Salvation Army.

The Knights arrived around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, eager to learn a new trade and give back to the community. With help from seasoned professionals – a.k.a Six Pence Pub bartenders, the crew quickly got the hang of things.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., staff members served drinks and food to the crowd.

Becka Leveille, Knights Merchandise Director, and Justin Fulbright, Knights Assistant Groundskeeper, both stepped right in and began making drinks.

“It was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Leveille. “I learned a few things about bartending and I got to talk to some passionate Knights fans. I may have found my second career!”

Erik Hassy, GM of Ovations, and Knights Media Relations Director Tommy Viola, were also on-hand to help with the volunteering efforts on Thursday. Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski came out to support the Salvation Army and his team’s efforts on Thursday.

Every 30 minutes, Viola rang a bell located behind the bar and announced a raffle prize. Lucky fans won shirts, tickets to a 2013 Knights game, a Knights jersey signed by the 2012 team, a Brian Anderson autographed bat, and more.

“It was great to get behind the bar, serve drinks, announce raffle prizes, and talk to our fans,” stated Viola. “There’s nothing like getting out in the community and meeting Knights fans. It was especially gratifying to know that all of the money we raised was for the Salvation Army.”

Knights Community Relations Director Lindsey Roycraft also played a key role on Thursday. Thanks to her strong ties with the community, events like the one on Thursday are made possible.

“It was a very positive event,” said Roycraft. “I look forward to working with Ray and the entire Six Pence Pub staff again during our upcoming 2013 season. Next time, we’ll bring a Knights player or two.”

Overall on Thursday, the Knights and Six Pence Pub raised $625.00 for the Salvation Army.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.Earlier in December, the Knights held a toy and coat drive at Knights Stadium during the team’s first-ever “Winter Wonderful” event. The team also worked with Angel Tree this year to make sure two boys received all of the presents they asked for this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff members will volunteer at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Classroom Central.

“Volunteering and giving back is a big part of what we enjoy doing,” added Roycraft. “We look forward to keeping that going in 2013 and beyond.”

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

RiverDogs volunteer with Crisis Ministries

November 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In November, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Crisis Ministries. Members of the staff prepared and served nutritious meals to guests of the shelter.

“I really enjoyed our time at Crisis Ministries,” says RiverDogs Special Events Manager Kristen Wolfe. “It was a very humbling experience.”

Founded in 1984, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency with the mission to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

Along with serving a daily meal to community members in need, Crisis Ministries’ services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services, and Veteran services. Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding Crisis Ministries has served over 1,800,000 meals, sheltered over 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.

Our visit to Feed My Starving Children

November 15, 2012

The Kane County Cougars front office staff has been fortunate to send their staff to do a 2-hour shift at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, which is about 20 minutes from their ballpark in Geneva. FMSC is a non-profit Christian organization that relies on volunteers to hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. Those meals go to nearly 70 countries around the world.

The photo below shows how many meals Cougars staff packed during their shift. FMSC has several locations. It’s an incredibly fun atmosphere. Everyone has a role in the packing process – some are pouring the ingredients into the bag, others are weighing the items, others are boxing up the meals and placing the boxes in their warehouse. Upbeat music is playing the entire time and it really builds up a sense of camaraderie among our staff who are offering their time. We’d encourage any other minor league team to see if they are close to a FMSC, and have their staff and players volunteer to help.

Oftentimes during the busy portion of the season, it’s tough for our staff to simply be around each other, outside of the ballpark. These monthly initiatives we’ve set up really build team morale among our staff. More importantly, the giving of our time for these causes and seeing the impact we can make in the community (and in the case of FMSC, the world), it’s incredibly rewarding.

RiverDogs volunteer with Fields to Families

October 27, 2012

Each month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In October, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Fields to Families. Members of the staff gleaned vegetables from a local farm to donate to local food banks and soup kitchens.

“It was awesome to get out there and get our hands dirty,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was rewarding, and fun, and I hope we get to do it again soon.”

Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2006, that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Fields to Families’ operates as a three step process. The organization depends greatly on local farms who generously offer unused fruits and vegetables to Fields to Families, which are then harvested by volunteers, like the RiverDogs staff. Those fruits and vegetables then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry, including food pantries, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, shelters and churches. It is these recipient agencies who complete the process and distribute the harvested foods to the hungry and needy.