Wounded Warrior Project

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report

January 24, 2017

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is pleased to share the second Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2016. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the many notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

The 50/50 Raffle and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2016 these two programs generated over $27,000 to support local causes including Anderson Animal Shelter, Hesed House, People’s Resource Center-DuPage County, West Suburban Community Pantry, Rush-Copley Foundation and YWCA Victims Support Services of Naperville.

A new charitable contribution for the 2016 season included the Paramount Fence Home Run for Charity. For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House in Aurora which was then matched by the Cougars organization, raising a total of $1,900.

Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K generated funds for the Ozzie’s Scholars program, which awarded $3,000 in scholarships to local students as well as the Waubonsee Community College Foundation. The Cougars Legacy Brick Program shares proceeds with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Kane County Cougars Foundation was pleased to present them with over $1,900 in 2016.

Each year the Cougars Reading Program encourages over 140,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for Ozzie’s Reading Club totaled $562,207 last year.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $14,689 in 2016.

Various other in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics, events and the Cougars on-going commitment to the senior citizen community added to the overwhelming donation total that the Kane County Cougars Foundation was able to provide in support of organizations across Kane County and the surrounding area. The Cougars hope to continue this outreach and remain active in giving back to its supporters and community members.

“As recipients of the prestigious Kane County ‘Sparkler Award’ which recognizes commitment to charitable work in the surrounding community, it’s important to us as an organization that we continue to find new ways to give back to the local organizations that help our community day in and day out,” said Cougars owner, Cheryl Froehlich.

“We are proud to once again share this information with our local community,” added Cougars owner, Dr. Bob Froehlich. “We are humbled by the generosity that has allowed us to support these initiatives and look forward to continuing our charitable outreach in the coming season.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal Financial Dreams Tour

July 25, 2014

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour

Come to the ballpark August 7 for a Night to Remember

The Principal Financial Group and the Salt Lake Bees will honor members of the military and the outstanding contributions they make to our country and communities during the 2014 Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour. The Tour will make 18 stops from coast-to-coast and will provide attendees with information to help them plan for a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

The first 2,000 fans through the gate on event day will receive a Replica Bees Batting Helmet souvenir.

Since 2004, The Principal^® has brought more than 450 events to minor league ballparks, attracting nearly two million fans. Past tours have given fans the chance to meet some of baseball’s biggest stars, including Steve Garvey, Dave Stewart, Tommy John, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, among others.

Additionally, at the Dreams Tour event, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project veteran’s charity supporting veterans employment programs.

“We’re thrilled to support hometown heroes.” said Steve Whitty, vice president of corporate marketing at The Principal. “We know these brave men and women are strong pillars of the community, and we’re honored to be able to give back to them through The Principal Dreams Tour, since they’ve already given us so much.”

“We are excited to be partnering with Principal Financial. Over the years we have seen a lot of success with the Principal Financial event and we are happy to continue that relationship,” Salt Lake Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “We appreciate their commitment to hiring our Veterans and helping give back to such a vital piece of our country.”

This year’s Tour will feature MLB All Star Aaron Boone as the Tour’s Social Media Ambassador. During his career Boone played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. He is best known for his walk-off home run in the 11th inning during Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, which gave the New York Yankees a 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. He is currently employed by ESPN as a game analyst and contributor to Baseball Tonight. Aaron will share Tour activities, media interviews and messages with his social media following throughout the tour to keep fans in the loop and part of the action.

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

Fort Wayne Military Members Celebrated at The Principal® Financial Dreams Tour

June 23, 2014

Come to Parkview Field July 14 for a Night to Remember

The Principal Financial Group^® and the TinCaps will honor members of the military and the outstanding contributions they make to our country and communities during the 2014 Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour on July 14 when Fort Wayne hosts South Bend at 7:05 p.m. The Tour will make 18 stops from coast-to-coast and will provide attendees with information to help them plan for a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

The July 14 game will feature postgame fireworks presented by The Principal and is a U.S. Foods Family Feast night. TinCaps fans also will have the opportunity to meet major league legend Bill Buckner for an autograph and photo at the Principal Dreams Tour autograph table. Buckner spent 22 years in the Majors from 1969 through 1990, accumulating nearly 3,000 hits. He played for six teams during his career, including the Cubs, with whom he won the 1980 National League batting title.

Additionally, at the Dreams Tour event, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project veteran’s charity supporting veterans employment programs.

“We’re thrilled to support hometown heroes,” said Steve Whitty, vice president of corporate marketing at The Principal. “We know these brave men and women are strong pillars of the community, and we’re honored to be able to give back to them through The Principal Dreams Tour, since they’ve already given us so much.”

“The Principal has been a tremendous partner for the TinCaps and supporter of our Fort Wayne community over the years,” TinCaps Vice President David Lorenz said. “Thanks to The Principal, we’re excited for fans at Parkview Field to have the opportunity to meet a legendary ballplayer like Bill Buckner.”

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

Staten Island Yankees to Host Megan’s Lemonade Stand to Support Wounded Warriors Project

June 11, 2014

On Sunday, June 15, the Staten Island Yankees are partnering with the Ajello’s to host a fundraising event at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. All funds generated will go to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Megan’s Lemonade Stand will start when the gates at Richmond County Bank Ballpark open at 3 p.m. Staten Island Yankees fans will be able to donate to the lemonade that is prepared by Megan Ajello to raise money for the Wounded Warriors. Also, the first 2,500 fans in the ballpark will receive a “Megan’s Lemonade Stand” souvenir cup.

About Megan’s Lemonade Stand

The lemonade stand for charity started over five years ago in the Ajello driveway. It was the idea of Megan’s sister, Erin. Erin decided the first lemonade stand would benefit West Shore Little League, which was the first Staten Island Little League to include physically disabled children, the Challengers. The 2008 Megan’s Lemonade stand went to the Strong Kids Campaign for the YMCA. The Ajello family, including parents Linda and Danny, has been members of the South Shore YMCA since 2000. The lemonade stands continued to make thousands of dollars for charities over the years. In 2011, Linda Ajello nominated Megan as a HOPE Week nominee as part of the New York Yankees HOPE Week initiative. The New York Yankees were impressed with Megan’s determination. Megan has cerebral palsy, has a seizure disorder, cannot walk, and has gone for more than five major operations, including a spinal fusion which placed metal rods and over 37 screws in her spine. Megan has never let that stop her, and she is always smiling. The New York Yankees not only picked Megan as their nominee for July 28, 2011, they made Megan’s Lemonade Stand for charity famous. The generous New York Yankees built a lemonade stand that is truly accessible for Megan, supported the Special Olympics and also the Seton Foundation for Education.

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

SKY SOX LOOKING FOR LOCAL HEROES TO BE HONORARY MANAGERS

June 11, 2014

Nominate Your Hometown Hero for the 2014 Heroes Classic on Saturday, June 21

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox will be hosting the 2014 Heroes Classic Charity Softball Game on Saturday, June 21 with Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson in attendance along with many other former Major League players. Despite the many former players that will be on hand to play along side members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members, the Sky Sox are still in need of one important position to fill out each roster, the manager.

In order to fill the all important manager position for each squad, the Sky Sox are asking the Colorado Springs community to nominate local citizens who have performed heroic acts right here in the Front Range region. If you know someone that deserves special recognition for a selfless act please go to www.skysox.com/heroes and fill out the online form created by Verizon Wireless to nominate that individual. The Sky Sox will be taking nominations all this week and will announce the two selected winners on Tuesday, June 17 at 5:00 PM.

The winners will be invited to the game as special VIP guests to serve as the honorary manager for one of the two teams. They will be in uniform in the dugout for the game and will be asked to enjoy the day with their players and work with Sky Sox staff to manage the various events going on throughout the game. Each hometown hero will also be recognized on the field during the game.

About the Heroes Classic: The event will raise funds for three outstanding charities, the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project. For each ticket purchased for the event, five dollars will go towards raising funds for these very worthy organizations. In addition, as part of the game day activities, the teams will don custom made uniforms and these unique, game worn jerseys will be auctioned off during and after the game with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the selected charities. To date, this event has raised close to $40,000 for charity.

During the game, there will be a special silent auction of all the players’ jerseys which will be held in the concourse at the main entrance of the stadium. Following the game, a live auction will be held on the Sky Sox dugout that will feature a select number of jerseys including Brooks Robinson’s. All jerseys will be autographed by the player that wore them and will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The MLBPAA will also auction off a variety of baseball memorabilia during the game with a portion of the proceeds benefitting all three charities.

The two teams playing the game will consist of members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members who will represent the Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition, each team will also include several former Major League baseball players, local media members and local dignitaries. Highlighting the former Major League players who will be attending the event is Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson who will be signing autographs for fans throughout the game. The night will culminate with a tremendous fireworks display following the game.

Tickets for the event come in two different options and can be purchased online at www.skysox.com, in person at the Sky Sox box office or by calling (719) 591-SOXX. Five dollars from each ticket purchased will be donated to and split evenly amongst the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

A limited number of special VIP package tickets are available for $30 and include:
- An Upper Reserved ticket to the game.
- Access to a special VIP autograph session before the game with the former Major League players, including Brooks Robinson
- Membership in the MLBPAA
- Upgrade to a box seat for just $3 more
Regular game tickets to the game will be $10 for Upper Reserved and $13 for Box Seats
Group tickets can be purchased in advance for groups of 20 or more through the Sky Sox group sales department for $7 each.

Former Major League players that will be participating in the game include:

Brooks Robinson: Hall of Fame third baseman, American League MVP in 1964, World Series MVP in 1970, 14-time All-Star, 16-time Gold Glove winner, played 23 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, won two World Series with Baltimore 1966 & 1970.
Bob Knepper: Two-time All-Star, pitcher played 15 seasons with San Francisco & Houston, won 146 games in his career including six season with 10 or more wins.
Mark Knudson: A member of the Rockies inaugural 1993 team, pitcher played in eight seasons with Houston, Milwaukee & Colorado.
Gary Krug: Mitchell High School grad and current Pine Creek JV Baseball Head Coach played for the Cubs in 1981, former Head Baseball Coach at Cheyenne Mountain High School.
Brian Fisher: A 2^nd round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 1980, the righty won 36 games in seven seasons with the Yankees, Pirates, Astros and Mariners.
Bobby Johnson: A catcher & first baseman who played three season with the Texas Rangers. He is also the nephew of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks.

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

Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game Raises $30,000 Locally

July 29, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Events announced for Armed Forces Weekend

April 19, 2013

The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce activities for the Chiefs’ Armed Forces Weekend. Events at NBT Bank Stadium will take place on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11.

4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament

September 28, 2012

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department announced today the date for the 4th Annual Braves Celebrity Shootout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. The golf tournament will be held on Friday November 9 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station or at the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves. Hole and team sponorships are available as well.

Celebrity participants include members of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff as well as minor league field staff. Past participants have included current Atlanta Braves third base coach, Brian Snitker, former Rome Braves manager and current Gulf Coast Braves manager Rocket Wheeler, current Rome Manager Randy Ingle, and former Rome Braves players.

The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to helping injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

For more information, please contact the Rome Braves at (706)369-9388 or Gary Conway at the Floyd County Police department (706)235-7766.

Click here to download a registration form now!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

November 18, 2011

The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.