PaddleHeads Commit $25,000 Match to YWCA Swing Big for Kids Campaign

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign “Swing Big for Kids” to support the YWCA Youth Activities Program and to “let kids be kids” despite experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. The fundraising campaign, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $25,000. The “Swing Big for Kids” campaign will run from May 6th to May 21st.

“At The Meadowlark, YWCA Missoula’s new family housing and domestic violence shelter, we will have anywhere from 40-60 children living in the building at any given time.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “We know that growing up in a home filled with the sights and sounds of domestic violence, or experiencing the stress of homelessness or food insecurity, can have a profound impact on children. But we also know that because of the brain’s ability to adapt and change, we can begin to help these children heal while they are still young and developing. We can’t erase painful memories but we can help them to build new positive memories and experiences. One critical way that we do this is by offering enriching, trauma-informed summer and after school programs— so that kids can just be kids.”

Supporters will have two ways/timeframes to donate to the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program.

The first, through May 6th and May 7th donate to YWCA Missoula’s “Missoula Gives” campaign here: (https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/ywca-missoula)

Second, May 6th through May 21st donate directly to YWCA Missoula here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=41)

During the Swing Big for Kids campaign, every dollar donated will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $25,000!

YWCA Missoula’s comprehensive Youth Services Program serves infants through teenagers. Contributions will cover general operations for the program.

Your contribution will help provide:

  • Weekly activities, including swim lessons and outdoor recreation, for young kids ages 0-5 to participate in with their parents.
  • Biking lessons and rafting/ water sports for older kids and teens.
  • Enriching afternoon programs during the week.
  • Drop-in child care; so that parents can attend meetings with case managers, support groups and counseling.
  • GUTS! leadership programs for girls and gender-diverse youth in the community.

Together, we can give kids in crisis the chance to learn new skills, build resilience, and regain hope for the future.

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is every child’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and to enjoy being a kid! We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.

Check on your neighbors and friends. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The “Swing Big for Kids” fundraiser for the YWCA Missoula Youth Activities Program will only run from May 6th to May 21st. Donate directly, double your impact, and support those in need.

Opening Day of the PaddleHeads’ 48-game home slate is tabbed for May 22, with the first month of games set at 50% capacity, and a limited number of season tickets available, fans are encouraged to act fast and purchase tickets online in advance, to secure their desired seating locations. Tickets are available now online at http://bit.ly/GETTIX21 or by visiting the PaddleHeads Post (140 N Higgins – 406.543.3300).

PaddleHeads + YWCA Campaign Raises $46,570

As the PaddleHeads & YWCA ‘Strike Out Domestic Violence’ came to a close on Sunday, the support in this wonderful community has never been more prevalent. Surpassing the goal of $20,000 fundraised, YWCA Missoula received $21,570 in direct donations!

The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, received a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match on donations to YWCA, up to $20,000 – with an additional match from the PaddleHeads to YWCA on all merchandise sold online during this time period, bringing the two week fundraising total to $46,570!

“We are blown away by the success of this campaign.” Said, YWCA Communications Coordinator Becky Margolis. “It’s truly a reflection of how generous this community is, and how we continue to show up and support one another through challenging times. Thank you to the Missoula PaddleHeads and to every single one of people who donated.”

“Our franchise has committed to being the best steward we can be for our community.” Said PaddleHeads’ Director of Merchandise & People Engagement Kim Klages Johns. “We are truly humbled by the response and support this campaign has brought about. This pandemic has turned everyone’s world upside down and we recognize some are more gravely affected than others. Because of COVID shutdown Missoula YWCA was seeing a growing gap between need and funding specifically for their Domestic Violence Program. We are incredibly proud to partner with the YWCA and can’t thank our fans and community enough for their unprecedented support of this campaign.”

Though the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign has come to a close, now more than ever it is important for us all to continue and create a positive impact in our community. If you are in a position to give, we urge you to visit https://ywcaofmissoula.org/donate/ and donate directly to any of the YWCA’s community programs. Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

PaddleHeads, YWCA Launch Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign

 

 

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to

The Missoula PaddleHeads, in conjunction with YWCA Missoula, have announced the fundraising campaign, Strike Out Domestic Violence. The fundraising campaign, developed to support the Missoula YWCA Domestic Violence Program, will receive a PaddleHeads’ $1-for-$1 match, up to $20,000. The Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign will run from April 27th to May 10th.

“Abuse happens behind closed doors. We often don’t notice that it’s happening, even when the victim is a friend or neighbor.” said YWCA Communications Coordinator, Becky Margolis. “Social isolation measures necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic make this an especially dangerous time for people trapped at home with an abuser. Now, more than ever, survivors and their children need access to safety and support.”

Supporters will have two ways to donate to the Strike Out Domestic Violence Campaign.

The first, donate directly to YWCA Missoula’s crowdfunding campaign here: (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341298&id=33)
Second, purchase any merchandise item from the Missoula PaddleHeads’ shop at: https://paddleheads.milbstore.com during this campaign. Every dollar spent, or donated during this campaign will receive a $1-for-$1 match from the PaddleHeads up to $20,000!

Your contribution helps meet critical needs at a critical time:

  • Operation of the YWCA’s secure domestic violence shelter
  • Crisis counseling and support to help survivors heal from abuse
  • Food, phone cards, diapers and other necessities for survivors and their children
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and other protective measures
  • Operation of our 24/7 crisis line: a lifeline that’s available anytime a survivor reaches out

“Our franchise is more than just a baseball team, we are an active community partner committed to using industry to help others rise, especially in times of difficulty,” said PaddleHeads’ Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Taylor Rush. “We feel privileged to support the YWCA Missoula. It is everyone’s basic right to feel safe, valued and protected, and we commend the work being done to support survivors of domestic violence who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We hope the great city of Missoula will rally behind this cause, and support this incredibly important program.”

Check on your neighbors and friends, while still maintaining social distance precautions. If you’re concerned that someone might be unsafe and you want to learn how to help support them, call the YWCA crisis line: 406-542-1944.

The Strike Out Domestic Violence campaign will only run from April 27th to May 10th. If you can, donate directly or purchase any item from the PaddleHeads’ store, double your impact, and support those in need.

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Cutters banquet raises over $4,000 for YWCA

Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus (left) was one of the featured guests at the Cutters Hot Stove event.
Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus (left) was one of the featured guests at the Cutters Hot Stove event.

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 7th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $4,000 for charity.

On a snowy winter night in Williamsport, Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus, 2-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain, local hero Tom O’Malley & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

The night, presented by HB Rentals, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat signed by Phillies all-star first baseman Ryan Howard, baseballs signed by Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, pitcher Cole Hamels, hall-of-famers Rod Carew, Dave Winfield and many others.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Lou Hunsinger, Jr. into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Hunsinger, the President of the Bowman Field Commission and longtime baseball historian was part of a group that helped salvage hundreds of historic baseball photos in danger of being lost to posterity from the files of The Grit newspaper and publishing company. Through those efforts, the Grit Baseball Photograph Collection was donated to the James. V. Brown Library and subsequently inventoried, organized and cataloged.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to YWCA of Northcentral PA whose mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. At the conclusion of the festivities, the YWCA was presented with a check for $4,075.

The Crosscutters 15th anniversary season opens on June 18 at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at ww.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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