Letter from the General Manager

Transcription

1 delmarva shorebirds community relations

2 Letter from the General Manager Dear Fans, The 2017 season has been an exciting & fun-filled season, both on & off the field for the Delmarva Shorebirds. It s been a pleasure to serve our fans & to work hand-in-glove with the Delmarva Peninsula community this year. This year, the Delmarva Shorebirds rebranded the Community Fund to the Fly Together Fund & strived to be involved with the community more so than ever before. The Shorebirds organization, front office staff, players & coaches are commited to serving & supporting the community that supports it, in any way possible. It is the Shorebirds goal to be a responsible, proactive force in the community. The Shorebirds are proud to be involved with & provide numerous community programs on the Delmarva Peninsula. As a special member of our Shorebirds family, you are among the first to receive our 2017 Delmarva Shorebirds Community Relations Annual Report. Inside, you wil find a summary of the Shorebirds community outreach throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. You will also see a detailed listing of the many organizations we have helped over the past year. I want to thank everyone in the Delmarva community who has been a part of the Shorebirds community outreach programs & events. We hope you will continue to join us in our Fly Together Fund & community relations initiatives in the future. Go Shorebirds! Sincerely, Chris Bitters General Manager Delmarva Shorebirds

3 Contents Rebranding Social Responsibility Youth Baseball Youth Education Ballpark & Community Events Donations

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5 Rebranding 1 The Shorebirds established the Community Fund in 2009, but rebranded this year to the Fly Together Fund, partnered with the Community Foundation of the Lower Eastern Shore. Along with the name change, a new logo was unveiled at the annual Hot Stove Banquet on January 26th. The logo shows an orange cutout of the Delmarva Peninsula in the background with two black shorebirds flying above the script that reads Shorebirds Fly Together Logo 2017 Logo We wanted to rebrand the Community Fund as the Fly Together Fund to go along with our social media usage of #FlyTogether but it also emcompasses support of the Delmarva Peninsula. We greatly appreciate the efforts from the Delmarva community & love giving back to it as much as we can. -Chris Bitters, General Manager

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7 Social Responsibility 3 The Shorebirds & Perdue partnered to raise awareness to the hunger problem on the Delmarva Peninsula. Fans that brought two canned food items to the Shorebirds box office received a Sunday Upper Reserved ticket for only $3. In addition, Perdue also donated $10 for each time a Shorebirds pitcher struck out an opposing batter during every Sunday game. This season there was a record breaking 180,000 meals delivered across Delmarva communities & $5,000 donated. It s amazing that the Strike Out Hunger campaign made such a significant jump (40,000 meals) over last season... The Shorebirds look forward to working with Perdue moving forward to surpass 200,000 meals next season. -Jimmy Sweet, Assistant General Manager

8 Social Responsibility 4 Each year the Shorebirds develop specialty jerseys for the players to wear. Following the game/season the Shorebirds auction off the game-worn, autographed jerseys for an associated charity. The July 4th jerseys raised $5, for the Veterans of Foreign War s Military Assistance Program & Operation We Care.

9 Social Responsibility 5 The Peninsula Regional Medical Center s Pink Pitch jerseys raised $2, for the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute.

10 Social Responsibility 6 A total of $2, went to the Fly Together Fund from the Maryland Pride Jerseys. The Shorebirds donated $1,000 from the Orange Friday jersey auction to Minor League Baseball Charities Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. $2, was raised from the Christmas in July jersey auction to benefit the efforts of the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund.

11 Social Responsibility 7 Each year the Shorebirds Front Office Staff teams up with Mountaire Farms for their annual Thanksgiving For Thousands event that provides Thanksgiving meals for needy families. The Shorebirds staff, along with hundreds of volunteers join together to pack meals the Monday before Thanksgiving. Approximately 7,000 boxes are packed which provides meals for 40,000 people on the Eastern Shore. In addition to volunteering to pack, the Shorebirds also donate $3,000 from the Fly Together Fund to help purchase supplies. In keeping our mission of being much more than just a baseball team, we re happy to be able to be a part of this event with Mountaire Farms... We hope to bring happiness to those who need it this time of year. -Chris Bitters, General Manager

12 Social Responsibility 8 Peninsula Regional Medical Center hosted it s 22nd Annual Drive-Thru Flu Clinic at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Thousands of area residents come to the stadium s parking lot to receive a flu shot while remaining in their vehicle. Every November & December members of the Shorebirds Front Office & Fan Club ring bells & brave the cold to help raise money for the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign at various Salisbury locations. Fans in attendance can announce their family or friends birthday over the PA for a donation of $2. The money raised from this goes towards Relay For Life. $235 was raised for Relay For Life this season.

13 Youth Baseball 9 The Delmarva Shorebirds pride themselves on being a significant supporter of local youth sports. Minor League Baseball teams have the ablity to help children feel as though playing professional baseball is not just a distant dream. The Shorebirds help support this by helping youth develop the fundamentals of baseball through their annual Baseball Camps. There are two seperate three-day sessions that the Shorebirds offer for children ages The camps allow children to improve their baseball skills while interacting with & learning from their favorite Shorebirds players & coaches.

14 Youth Baseball 10 It is exciting for us to see future Baltimore Orioles players training future Delmarva Shorebirds players. -Josh Knupp, Group Sales Manager

15 Youth Baseball 11 Following the conclusion of the lessons, campers take part in a question & answer session for the chance to win prizes provided by Eastern Shore McDonald s & then receive autographs from participating Shorebirds players & coaches. As a part of the camp, each camper receives two Shorebirds Picnic Pavilion tickets for a game during the baseball camp. Included in the tickets, the participants & families have the opportunity to parade on the field pre-game & enjoy an hour & a half buffet.

16 Youth Baseball 12 Each year the Shorebirds make monetary donations to help support area Little League teams from the Fly Together Fund. This money goes towards sponsoring the team, supporting fundraiser events & supplying banners for their fields. A total of $2,850 was donated to various Little Leagues in 2017.

17 Youth Baseball 13 This year, the Shorebirds decided to make a bigger impact in the Little League world than ever before. An $800 check was presented to the Lower Sussex Little League Challengers Division. This money from the Fly Together Fund was allocated towards new hats & jerseys for both teams along with concession stand vouchers & miscellaneous supplies needed for the children to play. The Shorebirds also worked in conjunction with the Challengers to develop a new logo for the league to utilize. Sherman paid a surprise visit during the Challengers Championship game to help cheer them on.

18 Youth Baseball 14 Sherman also loves to support Little League teams by attending nearly twenty Little League Opening Day Festivities across the Delmarva Peninsula. Sherman poses for pictures, rides in parades & cheers on the players as they begin their season.

19 Youth Baseball 15 Little Leagues are also given several opportunities to come out for unique experiences at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds offer the ability to raise money for their team via selling Shorebirds fundraiser tickets.

20 Youth Baseball 16 Little League Lineups are another unique opportunity that allows the teams to take the field & stand with the Shorebirds players during the National Anthem. Lower Sussex & Mid-Shore Challengers Leagues were a few of the teams that had the opportunity to participate in this experience.

21 Youth Baseball 17 In addition the Shorebirds also host an annual Little League Night where almost 2,000 youth baseball & softball players attended. The players participated in a pre-game parade, on-field promotions & even throw out a first pitch.

22 Youth Baseball 18 In 2007 the West Salisbury Little League team played in the Little League World Series. To honor the ten year anniversary of this amazing accomplishment, the Shorebirds invited players & coaches from the team to Little League Night. The Shorebirds recognized them on-field with a pre-game ceremony & head coach, Chris Yingling threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Shorebirds also hosted the 2017 Maryland Little League State Tournament participants. These teams were playing for the opportunity to represent the state of Maryland at the Regional Championship in Bristol, Connecticut. Maryland State Little League Commissioner, Leo Ehrisman threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

23 Youth Education 19 The Shorebirds, in partnership with Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, annually present the Hit the Books program. This program has been an important part of the Shorebirds education & coummunity outreach efforts & is one of the longest-running reading programs in the region. The program encourages elementary & middle school students to read outside of their regular classroom assignments. Students that complete their reading goals receive two free ticket vouchers to a Shorebirds home game during the season. On average, 100 area schools participate in the Hit the Books program with over 50,000 students taking the challenge. Sherman also visits over 20 schools to promote the program by acting out the story Sherman at the Bat.

24 Youth Education 20 For participating in the Hit the Books program, the Shorebirds reward the school that has the highest redemption percentage of Hit the Books tickets with a $1,000 donation to their school. The school with the second highest redemption receives $500. Students also partake in a banner & bookmark designing contest. Winners of the banner contest receive a visit from Sherman & the winner of the bookmark design contest has their drawing printed on 50,000 bookmarks.

25 Youth Education 21 The Field of Dreams program, presented by Chesapeake Health Care, is a program that started in The Shorebirds partner with local schools to provide educational field trips at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium three times a season. Students have fun learning through the game of baseball & teachers also enjoy incorporating the game into the classroom. The Shorebirds also include an educational packet for the students to complete. The packet includes activities such as; Help Sherman make change at the Flock Shop, Shorebirds Scoreboard Math, Healthy Food Choices, a coloring page & more.

26 Youth Education 22 Every summer the Shorebirds & Maryland 529 team up to provide incentives for our youth to participate in their local libraries reading programs. Children who complete the program receive two tickets to a designated Shorebirds game.

27 Youth Education 23 The Shorebirds Front Office Staff & players attended several elementary career fairs to help children learn more about working in the sport industry & the importance of education, pursuing your goals & following your dreams. I try to be 1% better everyday, it s a process, I know I can t improve 100% in a short time period, but I can improve 1% on a daily basis in an area of my life, I ll be the best version of myself by the end of it all. -Gerrion Grim, Shorebirds Outfielder

28 Ballpark & Community Events 24 Silver Sluggers is a premier senior club for individuals 55 & wiser. This season, the membership included a ticket to every Wednesday home game, two exclusive parties with food, the opportunity to meet & greet players, a Shorebirds hat, Baseball Bingo & the opportunity to throw out a first pitch.

29 Ballpark & Community Events 25 This season the Shorebirds featured a return appearance by former Delmarva Shorebird & Baltimore Oriole, Brian Roberts. A two-time Major League Baseball All-Star during his 14 year career, he & his wife Diana started the One For All Fund to improve the well-being & health of children through patient care, research, & education at The University of Maryland. In addition to Faith & Family Night being a great way to bridge pray & play, it also helps a tremendous cause within the local community. $1 from each ticket will benefit the Mountaire Farms Thanksgiving for Thousands. In addition, Mountaire Farms awards 12 local athletes with a $1,000 scholarship. The top female, male & military athlete was selected to receive an additional $2,500 scholarship.

30 Ballpark & Community Events 26 In conjunction with the MiLB, the Shorebirds took part in the second annual Play Ball Weekend. Play Ball is the initiative to encourage the youth to participate in baseball or softball related activities. The Shorebirds included children in additional game promotions such as junior public address announcer.. The BairFind Foundation teamed up with Minor League Baseball & the Shorebirds to help find missing children. Originated by Dennis Bair, former Chicago Cubs MiLB pitcher, he set out to reach the thousands of sports fans that enter the gates. Concourse signage along with pre-game PA announcments are made during each game to make fans aware of the missing children within the area. Over 100 children have been found due to BairFind s MiLB partnership.

31 Ballpark & Community Events 27 The Shorebirds were proud to participate in the MiLB CommUNITY initiative. On August 10th, Shorebirds & their fans stood as one to promote positivity, acceptance & love within the Salisbury & Delmarva Community. Fans had the opportunity to fill out their own sign that said what community meant to them. There was also a #MiLBCommUNITY picture frame that fans could take their photo with while at the game & out at community events.

32 Ballpark & Community Events 28 Our ballparks have long been a place of fun & enjoyment, providing a break from the ills of today s society... The CommUNITY Initiative aims to urge fans to take action in their communities & to promote unity, understanding, acceptance & inclusion. -Pat O Conner, MiLB President & CEO

33 Ballpark & Community Events 29 The Fly Together Fund Weekend is an annual event the Shorebirds host to raise money for community efforts. The weekend kicked off with a Silent Auction on Thursday, July 27th that included items such as a Manny Machado autographed bobblehead, Chris Davis autographed hat & collectible memorabilia from the Shorebirds & other MiLB organizations. The Silent Auction raised $ for the Fly Together Fund. On Friday, July 28th the Shorebirds hosted a Chinese Auction featuring items such as a Rafael Palmerio autographed baseball & a David Eckstein autographed photo. The auction raised $ for the Fly Together Fund.

34 Ballpark & Community Events 30 On Saturday, July 29th, the Shorebirds sold Mystery Grab Bags for $5 each. These bags included items such as autographed memorabilia, Shorebirds tickets, bobbleheads, promotional items & much more. The Mystery Grab Bags raised $950 for the Fly Together Fund. Also on Saturday, July 29th, the Shorebirds wore specialty Christmas in July jerseys that were auctioned off & autographed following the conclusion of the game. The jersey auction raised a total of $2, for the Fly Together Fund.

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36 Ballpark & Community Events 32 The Junior Shorebirds Kids Club presented by Eastern Shore McDonalds is for all fans ages 13 & under. The membership includes two free Upper Reserved tickets for the Shorebirds Kids Club Game on July 30th, access to run the bases after every Sunday home game, presented by Chili s Grill & Bar & the opportunity to throw out the first pitch or be involved in other in-game promotions on July 30th.

37 Ballpark & Community Events 33 The Shorebirds host two Bark in the Park Nights where fans can bring their furry friends to the stadium for free when they make a contribution to the Wicomico Humane Society. This season, $400 in cash & supplies were donated. On August 23rd, players & staff donned wristbands to bring light to prostate cancer awareness. In addition, men were encouraged to stop by the information table to learn more about prostate cancer & enter to win an Ed Randall 32 baby blue wooden bat with Bat for the Cure logo & signed by the 2017 Shorebirds team.

38 Ballpark & Community Events 34 Launch-A-Ball is a promotion played during select games. Following the conclusion of the game, fans had a chance to throw tennis balls at an array of targets on the field to win prizes. The Shorebirds sold 1 ball for $1 or 6 balls for $5. The money raised from the Launch-A-Ball promotion goes to the Fly Together Fund. Prizes included Papa Johns pizza, Dairy Queen Ice Cream, SportClips haircut, Shorebirds tickets, Shorebirds Suite, & the jackpot. Each night the jackpot target was not hit, the pot increased by $100. On June 24th, Hunter Conway hit the jackpot target winning $1,400. In total, the promotion raised $3,343 for the Fly Together Fund.

39 Ballpark & Community Events 35 With the installation of new seats in the Upper Reserved level, the Shorebirds also added a special POW-MIA Memorial Seat. This unoccupied seat is dedicated to the memory of the brave men & women & to the sacrifices each made in serving this country. The seat was unveiled on April 30th by the Brothers at Arms. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium annually host a stop for the Delmarva Bike Week attendees. Bikers can enjoy food, vendors, shows, demonstrations, & live bands in the Shorebirds parking lot. Thousands of bikers from across the country stop in during this three day event.

40 Ballpark & Community Events 36 The Shorebirds host a free event for fans to come meet & take photos with Santa Claus & Sherman. Other activities include coloring stations, complimentary cookies, hot chocolate & coffee. Fans are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Brooke s Toy Drive. The Shorebirds host Delmarva s largest safe & free trick-or-treating event. Families & children ages 12 & under are invited to come out in costume to collect goodies in the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium parking lot. In addition there are prizes, photo booths, free samples & other vendors present.

41 Ballpark & Community Events 37 Fans were given the opportunity to meet the team on April 30th. During this session fans could mingle with the players, get autographs, partake in a question & answer session & enjoy a lunch buffet. Signed name plaques were also auctioned off, this raised $245 for the Fly Together Fund. As a thank you to fans for their support throughout the season, the Shorebirds had a Fan Appreciation Day on the final home game of the season. Randomly selected fans are selected to win prizes every inning. Prizes include autographed memorabilia, & gift cards to local organizations for services & products.

42 Ballpark & Community Events 38 The Shorebirds & Dr. Susan Vickers at Seaside Smiles have a long tradition of honoring scouts at the ballpark. Scouts participate in a patch designing contest & the winner has their design printed on 1,000 patches that are given to each scout in attendance. Scout troops also have the opportunity to parade around the field pre-game.

43 Ballpark & Community Events 39 The Shorebirds hosted their 16th Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday, January 26th at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Those in attendance met the new Front Office Staff members, received updates on renovations to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, received raffle prizes & were treated to the unveiling of the new Fly Together Fund. Special guest speakers included Kent Qualls, Director of Minor League Operations for the Baltimore Orioles, Pat Filippone, President of 7th Inning Stretch, Chris Bitters, General Manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds & Gary Rajsich, Director of Scouting for the Baltimore Orioles. Attendees were also allowed to ask questions to the guest speakers. The Shorebirds also recognized the 2016 Fans of the Year & the Shorebirds Employee of the Year. The Hot Stove Banquet silent auction raised $1,970 in proceeds which were contributed to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. Additional proceeds of $1, were contributed to the Fly Together Fund.

44 Ballpark & Community Events 40 Shorebirds & Crown Sports Center introduced a new event, the Froggy 99.9 Easter Fest on April 1st. The event included Easter Egg Hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny & Sherman, inflatables, games & National Anthem Auditions. The Oriole Advocates Cardboard to Leather program provides new & used baseball & softball equipment to underprivileged youth in developing countries. Shorebirds have the collection box available for donation year round. In addition one game a year, representitives from Oriole Advocates attend the game to collect additional donations.

45 Ballpark & Community Events 41 To kick off the 2017 season, Sherman & the Shorebirds Front Office Staff visited local businesses. At these locations, fans could grab a Fan Guide or pocket schedule, take photos with Sherman & spin the prize wheel. Prizes included promotional items & tickets to Opening Day.

46 Ballpark & Community Events 42 The players are an integral part of the Shorebirds Community Relations efforts throughout the summer. From career days, to reading books, baseball camps & dance offs, players are always eager to make a lasting impression on the members of this community. The Shorebirds organization has been blessed with players who are compassionate, inspirational & dedicated to making a difference & volunteer in the community they play in. My dad always preached to me growing up Do good, be good, & good will follow you, that became my life motto. -Gerrion Grim, Shorebirds Outfielder

47 Ballpark & Community Events 43 As part of our Summer Reading Program, players visit area libraries to read a book & sign autographs for children to encourage them to read.

48 Ballpark & Community Events 44 On Saturdays, two players would meet in the Flock Shop for half an hour. This allowed an fans in attendance access to meet, take photos & get autographs. Gerrion Grim received the Mountaire Farms Community Service Award for Grim was the Shorebirds most dedicated player this season. Grim volunteered for every community event the Shorebirds took part in & was a fan favorite. Grim was also nominated for the Baltimore Orioles Minor League Community Service Award.

49 Ballpark & Community Events 45 Sherman is a Delmarva celebrity. No matter where he goes, there is always a flock of fans screaming his name. Sherman attends hundreds of events each year to help promote the Shorebirds & support community events. From parades to ceremonies, businesses, races, tournaments, libraries, schools and more. Sherman is always enthusiastic about supporting the community. On New Years Day, Sherman supported the brave souls that participated in the 23rd Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim in Ocean City. The event raised $110,000 for the AGH Foundation. Sherman spent several summer days at Jolly Roger Amusement Park for events such as; Pepsi Day, Worcester County Development Center Day & Perdue Day.

50 Ballpark & Community Events 46 Sherman got a check up at the 7th Annual Ocean City Community Health Fair. Easterseals Camp Fairlee for disabled & autistic individuals invited Sherman to their monthly Dinner & Dance Advocacy Meeting.

51 Ballpark & Community Events 47 Eastern Shore McDonalds visitors encountered a special guest during their lunch. Sherman helped kids stretch prior to the annual Rob s Run for Kids in Salisbury. All money raised from registration & donated went to the Live Life Like Rob foundation. Created in honor of local runner & community advocate, Rob Schultheis, who tragically lost his life while running.

52 Ballpark & Community Events 48 Sherman loves visiting schools to encourage reading, promote healthy living, participate in arts & crafts, take photos & making kids smile.

53 Ballpark & Community Events 49 Sherman visited Berlin Nursing Home for their Baseball Picnic Celebration. Sherman couldn t resist the cookies while visiting the Ocean City HMRA Trade Show. Sherman celebrated Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day at the Wicomico Public Library with the Salisbury Jaycees. Our friends at Wicomico Humane Society hosted their 23rd Annual Cause For Paws event where Sherman visited some furry friends.

54 Ballpark & Community Events 50 Sherman surprised children at the Wicomico Public Library Book Lovin Block Party. The Shorebirds & Sherman spread holiday spirit by attending several area Christmas Parades. Sherman flew down the street to Zion Methodist Church for thier Kidz Day. Sherman mingled with businesses at the Better Living Expo in Salisbury. The Shorebirds joined 15,000 fans in Baltimore at the annual Orioles FanFest. Wicomico County Fair goers were paid a visit from their favorite mascot.

55 Ballpark & Community Events 51 The Shorebirds Front Office Staff prides themselves on being active in the community off the clock as well. Several Front Office members volunteer & contribute to other community focused organizations on their own time. Josh Knupp, Group Sales Manager, is an active member in the Ocean City Young Professionals group. This group partakes in various community events such as the Christmas Spirit Campaign, group outings & regular beach clean-ups. Josh also joined the Delmarva Aces to coach two travel baseball teams to help incorporate fun into a quality level of baseball instruction. Chris Bitters, General Manager, is a member of the Rotary Club of Wicomico County. An organization that brings business & professional leaders together worldwide to provide humanitarian service & help build goodwill. In the past, Chris served as a Wicomico Rotary Board Member & was the recipient of the Rotarian of the Year in

56 Ballpark & Community Events 52 Brandon Harms, Director of Ticketing, is an active member in the Salisbury Jaycees, the oldest continuously active community service, social & leadership training organization for young professionals in Maryland. Brandon has also been a mentor for the YEA! Young Entrepreneurs Academy. The YEA! program transforms local middle & high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Jimmy Sweet, Assistant General Manager, is a current board member & past president for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore. Their mission is to provide children facing adversity with professionally supported one-on-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better. He was also awarded the Big Impact Award.

57 Donations 53 The Fly Together Fund was created to help fund local community projects, Little Leagues & nonprofit organizations. This year the fund donated over... $15,000!

58 Donations donations were made towards local community events. These donations included a voucher for four Upper Reserved Seats to one 2017 Shorebirds game. Some of the donations received a prize pack including various Shorebirds or Orioles promotional items. The value of these donations in ticket money equates to over... $17,000

59 Community Relations Contacts 55 Donating to the Delmarva Shorebirds Fly Together Fund helps us touch more lives, build more connections & help more of our community. To donate to the Fly Together Fund mail a check made out to Delmarva Shorebirds Fly Together Fund to the following address: Delmarva Shorebirds Attention: Fly Together Fund PO Box 1557 Salisbury, MD To request a donation for your nonprofit organization, schools, civic groups, etc., please visit theshorebirds.com & submit a request. To request a Sherman appearance, please visit theshorebirds.com & submit a request. Please make a request at least two weeks in advance of the event. If your organization would like to work with the Delmarva Shorebirds & the Fly Together Fund to better the lives of those in our communtiy, please reach out: Communtiy Relations Manager: Kathy Damato x168 kdamato@theshorebirds.com

60 Arthur W. Perdue Stadium 6400 Hobbs Road Salisbury, MD theshorebirds.com