YMCA – Page 3

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

December 16, 2014

With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:

STARS – Tuesday, Dec. 16

Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17

YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22

Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

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

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

November 19, 2014

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

BlueClaws Charities has completed its 6^th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15^th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. 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.

YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium

June 2, 2014

Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class to happen during the game

The Hickory Crawdads and the YMCA are teaming up to host Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class during YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium on Tuesday, June 3^rd.

Open to both members and non-members of the YMCA, Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class will take place during the Crawdads game against the Charleston RiverDogs beginning at 7 pm. Stationary bikes will be positioned throughout the ballpark, allowing fans to participate in the event while still watching the game. Participants in the class will receive free admission to the game.

There are three riding options for the class participants, including one rider for all two hours, a team of two riders for one hour apiece, or a team of four riders for 30 minutes each. Those wishing to register for the class can do so by visiting or calling any of the YMCAs of Catawba Valley.

YMCA baseball and softball players are encouraged to wear their jerseys to the game, or wear blue or purple in support of the Y.

Tuesday is also Dollar Day at the ballpark presented by 1290 WHKY. Fans can buy one ticket and get the second for $1, with $1 hot dogs and Pepsi products available as well.

For more information regarding YMCA Night and Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class, call Naomi Mitchell at (828) 464-6130.

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

Spirit of Boston Run to be Held on Monday

March 31, 2014

Timed 5K will benefit City of Greenville Youth Baseball Program

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive, emediagroup, Caine Halter YMCA and Setup Events have combined forces to coordinate the Spirit of Boston Run, a timed 5K, on Monday, April 21^st. The 5K will begin at 5:30 PM, and the run leads into the Drive’s game against the Asheville Tourists at 7:05.

All funds raised will go to the City of Greenville Community Youth Baseball Program, which provides inner city children with an opportunity to play baseball in a structured program at their community park.

“We are thrilled to host the Spirit of Boston Run on April 21^st,” commented Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “With over $20,000 raised, last year’s Run for One event was a huge success in support of the events at last year’s Boston Marathon, and making this an annual event will be a great step as we continue our efforts to bring the Greenville community closer to the city of Boston.”

Jarinko continued, “We are proud of our affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, and the run will live up to its namesake by channeling the spirit of Boston on the same day as the Boston Marathon. That combined with all funds benefitting the City of Greenville’s Youth Baseball Program will make this an exciting day for everyone involved.”

Runners and walkers will start at the Caine Halter YMCA at 5:30pm. The course will wind its way through Cleveland Park from the YMCA and have its own version of Boston Marathon’s “Heartbreak Hill”. Runners and walkers will finish by entering Fluor Field, running by its own version of the iconic Green Monster, and crossing home plate while high-fiving players and coaches from the Drive.

“We believe that having Drive players and coaches greeting runners as they finish adds a nice touch to the event,” said Jarinko. “They have aspirations of playing or coaching in Boston one day, so they understand the significance of this event and how much the Red Sox organization means to Boston.”

The Drive collected new and lightly used equipment at the Hot Stove event in January, and partly because of the Drive’s efforts, the league is all set for play in 2014.

“Having the Greenville Drive as the Title Sponsor of the Community Youth Baseball Program has been a huge benefit as the program continues to grow,” said Dana Souza, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Greenville. “The Drive is such a positive force in the entire Upstate Region, and we are pleased that their generous support allows so many children to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle through baseball.”

The Drive will provide all participants with a complimentary ticket to attend that evening’s game against the Tourists. Participants and fans will be given the opportunity to purchase t-shirts with the Spirit of Boston logo on them for just $10.

“emediagroup is thrilled to partner with the Greenville Drive and Setup Events on an event that will do so much good for the Greenville community now and in the coming years,” said Bill Bishop, co-owner of emediagroup.

“The Spirit of Boston Run is very important to the Drive organization with our ties to Boston,” added Drive Co-Owner and President Craig Brown. “We are pleased to channel the energy of the wonderfully lively city of Boston, and we are excited to make this inspiring event for a great cause an annual tradition here in Greenville.”

Registration and packet pickup for the race will begin at 4:30 PM. For more information, and to register before the day of the race, click here.

WHAT: Spirit of Boston Race

WHEN: Monday, April 21^st

WHERE: Fluor Field at the West End, Downtown Greenville

DETAILS:

-4:30 PM: Packet pickup/Registration

-5:30 PM: 5K begins

-7:05 PM: Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists

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

Gwinnett Braves Award June Grant to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA

August 4, 2013

“Summer Safety” themed grant will help fund swimming lessons throughout the community

The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of June to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. The “Summer Safety” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that promote safety programs for children.

The J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been serving the Gwinnett community since 1974. The program offers wellness facilities for adults and families, while also assisting the community with non-member programs. J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA continues to empower and transform lives around the community, serving over 12,000 Gwinnett residents through these programs.

The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA in its continued mission to teach members of the community how to swim. Since 1986, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults to swim and instructing their participants with life-saving techniques. The classes are intended for all ages, even young children as the YMCA offers a “SPLASH” program for ages 6 through 10. The program introduces children to the fundamentals of swimming and basic water safety.

“For over 15 years, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults the ability to swim and importance of water safety,” said Kimberly Nelson, Executive Director of J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. “The education and instruction of water safety is crucial for all communities including Gwinnett County. Because of the generosity of the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, the YMCA is able to assist families that could not afford to participate in swim lessons and empower them with skills to be safer. As a community, we need to be especially cautious during the summer months when water incidents increase compared to the rest of the year. Together, the Y and Gwinnett Braves are making an impact and helping to save lives.”

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.

Captains Will Now Donate 100% of All Ticket Proceeds From June 30 Game to the Cleveland Courage Fund

June 17, 2013

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, will donate 100% of ticket proceeds to The Cleveland Courage Fund of the Cleveland Foundation for tickets purchased using the on-line promo code COURAGE for the Sunday, June 30 game. The Captains had originally planned to donate the proceeds of their May 28 game and then their June 10 game but both games were postponed due to inclement weather.

Sunday is also a Family Fun Sunday, presented by the Lake County YMCA, featuring a pre-game player autograph session, concourse entertainment and activities, the Kids’ Zone area and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after the game. All kids in attendance will receive a Captains activities book and crayons, presented by the YMCA and Lake County Job and Family Services.

The Cleveland Courage Fund of the Cleveland Foundation was established by Cleveland council members Brian Cummins, Matt Zone, and Dona Brady after the discovery of three local women who were held captive in a Cleveland home for a decade. The Fund, so named because of the courage shown by these remarkable women, will directly benefit Gina DeJesus, Michelle Knight, and Amanda Berry and her daughter. 100% of the monies raised by the Fund will benefit the survivors.

Ticket may be purchased on-line at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, at the Classic Park box office or by phone at 440-954 WINS (9467).

Fans may also contribute cash donations, which will be donated to the Fund, on the night of the game at the Classic Park PNC Fans First Center.

Individual game tickets for all Captains games, may be purchased at the Captains official website www.CaptainsBaseball.com

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

“Run for One” June 12 to Benefit One Fund Boston

May 6, 2013

2.62 mile run to end at home plate of Fluor Field; Drive to wear commemorative jerseys

The Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox affiliate), and emediagroup, along with the Caine Halter YMCA, Go Magazine, Set Up Events, and Fatz, have combined forces to coordinate a 2.62 mile, run/walk on June 12th to raise funds for The One Fund Boston – the official central fund to help the families affected by the tragic events that occurred at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. 100% of proceeds raised will go to The One Fund Boston, who will distribute all collected donations to these families on June 30, 2013.

2013 Grant Beneficiaries Announced

January 26, 2013

IronPigs Charities presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, will award a total of $85,700 in cash grants to 20 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s sold-out Phillies Winter Banquet featuring 1,100 guests at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2007, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $550,000 in cash grants and $215,000 in in-kind donations to dozens of local non-profit entities.

“Without question, this is the most rewarding night of the year for our organization,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “Make no mistake; these contributions would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and business partners. We are truly humbled by the generous backing that IronPigs Charities receives and we look forward to continuing to make a tangible impact in our wonderful community.”

One of the annual highlights of the Winter Banquet event is the distribution of grants to local non-profit organizations. In fact, over $280,000 has been distributed at this event alone since debuting in 2008.

The 2013 beneficiaries along with a brief synopsis of their benefitting programs are listed below:

Allentown School District Foundation: An after-school intra-district middle school baseball program will be started in Allentown School District. At current, the Allentown School District does not have a baseball program at the middle school level. This program will allow for dozens of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to play baseball.
Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem: Mind, Body and Soul are the three components of the Triple Play program. The multi-faceted program is designed to help young people become healthy and active while forming new relationships.
Boys and Girls Club of Easton: The Triple Play program consisting of the Mind, Body & Soul components, addresses a need for low-income youth to get more structured exercise in sports, explore healthy nutrition and learn social skills.
Community Bike Works: Children participate in a three month “Earn a Bike” program in which they receive instruction on bike mechanics, bike safety, employment skills and business concepts. At the successful conclusion of the program they earn a bike and a helmet.
Easton Police Athletic League: New uniforms and equipment will be purchased for the Easton Police Athletic League’s wrestling program. This program serves 50 youth from the Easton area.
Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity: The Family YMCA Summer Youth Basketball League serves boys and girls ages 8 to 18. This program supports 80 youth and focuses on low income families.
Friends of the Allentown Parks: The Queen of the Court will give girls in the city of Allentown the opportunity to play basketball. Nearly 100 girls are expected to participate in the four week program.
Lehigh County Conference of Churches: The Aspires mentoring program addresses the health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Allentown School District. The IronPigs Charities grant will fund ten weeks of recreational and educational group activities.
Lehigh County Youth Association: LCYA serves over 100 youth who participate in a variety of sports, including baseball. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide new catchers equipment, a pitching machine, new bases as well as field maintenance equipment.
Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Wildlife & Wellness Program is a nature inspired health and fitness after-school program to benefit primarily disadvantaged, school-age youth in our community.
Lower Macungie Youth Association: After receiving a 2012 grant for field maintenance related items, Lower Macungie Youth Association will now receive funding for a storage shed for the items that were purchased last year.
Mikayla’s Voice: This June, Mikayla’s Voice will be hosting a one-of-a-kind triathlon for children with and without disabilities. Children with physical disabilities will participate in all three phases of a triathlon with a little help from their friends.
Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Their mission is to provide an all-inclusive baseball program for children with various special needs. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide uniforms and equipment for the nearly 300 players in the league.
Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: Golden Dippers Ice Cream Parties will take place at the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network for children battling cancer who are hospitalized. Additionally, PCFLV will celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments with a Last Round of Chemo party.
Sacred Heart Hospital: An afternoon program of health and wellness will provide over 400 low-income youth with fitness activities, healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and a backpack giveaway filled with school supplies.
Salvation Army: The Breaking Barriers Fitness Camp will teach youngsters how to get fit, how the body works and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Each child will receive a personalized workout routine after the instructional sessions.
Special Olympics Lehigh County: A full course of track and field events will be setup for over 500 Special Olympics Athletes at Whitehall High School.
Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House will be building “Pigtown” as the fifth element of the adventure course at Camp Fowler. Throughout the year nearly 850 youth will participate in the adventure course.
YWCA of Bethlehem: The YWCA will give over 50 girls the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Held at Southmoore Golf Course and Wedgewood Golf Course, the young women will learn the necessary skills needed to play in tournaments throughout the area.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Charlie Manuel along with Dave Brundage (IronPigs manager), C Erik Kratz and INF Kevin Frandsen headline the sold-out 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Coca-Cola and the Lehigh Valley Health Network to be held on Thursday at the brand-new Sands Events Center in Bethlehem. Other Phillies dignitaries include Benny Looper (Asst. GM), Joe Jordan (Dir., Player Development) and Steve Noworyta (Asst. Dir., Player Development).

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level.

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

BVCHC hosts Childhood Obesity Awareness Clinic at McCoy

June 29, 2012

This past Saturday, June 23rd Blackstone Valley Community Health Care of Pawtucket, Rhode Island hosted children from surrounding community organizations such as Hockymock YMCA and Boy’s Town New England, among others, to attend a private baseball skills session. The theme of the day was ‘Get Active’ as BVCHC has joined in the fight against the epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States.

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the percentage of children 6-11 who are obese in this country has risen from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, in the adolescent 12-19 age group the number has risen from 5% to 18%. Healthy eating and physical activity are essential to lowering these percentages and keeping the children of this country healthy and ready for bright futures.

On the 23rd the children were greeted at McCoy Stadium with complimentary PawSox t-shirts commemorating that day and were soon ushered onto the field where PawSox players greeted and took them through stations that worked on pitching, fielding, and hitting skills. Pitcher Alex Wilson took up in the visitor’s bullpen to teach the basics on different pitch grips and wind-up mechanics. Infielder Tony Thomas went over some basic batting stances and how to “squish the bug” with your back foot and use the core for a powerful swing. Finally infielder Jon Hee took out a fungo bat, hit the participants some grounders and reminded everyone to look the ball all the way into their gloves.

After the physical part of the camp was over the players took the time to sign anything and everything for the kids including t-shirts, bats, balls, and gloves. To wrap things up the kids were fed a healthy lunch of salad, grilled chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob and watermelon. Every child who participated was also encouraged to come back for the game at 6:05pm that evening when the Pawtucket Red Sox hosted the Louisville Bats. Two reserved box seats were presented to each child, again, courtesy of BVCHC.

Blackstone Valley Community Health Care was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign that has similar interests in raising a generation of healthy kids. You can find more information about this movement at www.letsmove.gov. Please also visit Blackstone Valley Community Health Care’s website www.blackstonechc.org.

PawSox BVCHC 2012 — PawSox infielder, Jon Hee instructs the kids at the Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Clinic.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. 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.

The Staten Island Yankees Host the First Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

May 28, 2011

The Staten Island Yankees helped support the Staten Island Children’s Campaign by hosting a fundraising event on May 22, 2011. The fundraiser was held both inside and outside of Richmond County Bank Ballpark, gathering the community together in an effort to support the local non-profit organizations of Staten Island.

Touch-A-Truck events take place throughout the country and allow children to participate in a fun-filled day of exploring and learning about their favorite trucks and other vehicles. Guests were allowed to climb inside, honk the horns, sit in the passenger seat, and take pictures with the twenty plus trucks that were located in the parking lot. While the trucks and majority of the event took place in the parking lot, other events such as face painting, tattoos, coloring, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, and the excitement of inflatable’s were held on the field and were enjoyed by kids of all ages.

The Staten Island Children’s Campaign is a charitable trust sponsored by the Staten Island Advance to raise funds for 17 non-profit organizations that provide educational, health, recreational, and counseling services to 60,000 underprivileged children on Staten Island.

Every dollar raised by the campaign is equally distributed among the following groups: American Cancer Society of Staten Island, Catholic Youth Organization, Camelot Counseling Center, Children’s Aid Society-Goodhue Center, Community Resources, Geller House-Jewish Board of Family & Children Services, Grace Foundation, Have a Heart Foundation, Jewish Community Center, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mt. Loretto, Project Hospitality; Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island Mental Health Society, the YMCA, United Activities Unlimited, and the Universal Temple of the Arts.

Over 2,300 tickets were sold for the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event, raising over $17,000 for the Staten Island Children’s Campaign. The Staten Island Yankees would like to thank the following companies for their support: The Staten Island Advance, AFL-CIO, Spectra Energy, Manfredi Auto Group, Verizon, Atlantic Express, Scaran Heating, Staten Island Towing and all of the non-profit organizations that are part of the Staten Island Children’s campaign. We are looking forward to next year’s event!

Staten Island 05-21-11 Truck — Kids of all ages enjoyed the trucks and activities at the First Annual Touch-A-Truck event.

Gwinnett Braves Donate Over $150,000 to Local Non-Profits During Inaugural Season

September 7, 2009

During the Gwinnett Braves inaugural season, the team donated over $150,000 to local non-profits as a result of fundraisers completed during the team’s season. The G-Braves showcased the groups during a pre-game presentation on Saturday, September 5 when the team took on the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) at 6:00 p.m.

“Gwinnett County is known for its strong sense of community and since our team arrived, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed into this close-knit population,” said Gwinnett Braves General Manager Bruce Baldwin. “It is only right that we give back to the people that not only brought us here, but also to the people that continue to make Gwinnett County our home.”

Volunteers from Exodus Outreach, Collins Hill High School (Band Boosters, Spirit Club, Takedown Club and Lacrosse), St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus and Grayson Takedown Club worked with ARAMARK, the food and beverage provider at Gwinnett Stadium, to staff select concession stands throughout the season. In return, the groups earned a portion of that stand’s profit. Heading into the final weekend of the season the groups raised a combined $142,204.75 for their efforts.

In addition to the concession fundraiser, the Gwinnett Braves partnered with local non-profits to hold 50/50 raffles at each weekend game. Combined the 50/50 raffles resulted in over $7,000 for the following groups:
233rd Seabee Battalion
American Diabetes Association
Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends
Autism Speaks
Beta Sigma Phi
Caminar Latino
Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Restoration Network
Family Promise of Gwinnett
Foster Children’s Foundation
Gwinnett Ballet Theater
Gwinnett Choral Guild
Gwinnett County Special Olympics
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity
Gwinnett Humane Society
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation
Happy Tails
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March of Dimes
Metro Atlanta YMCA
Operation Homefront
The Hope Clinic
Toys for Tots

Every season, the Gwinnett Braves players and coaches combine to make one special gift to a local charity. This year, the team will donate the funds necessary to build a portable bocce court for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics.