MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

River Bandits, Rotarians and LumberKings team up for a great cause

Published on August 4, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Quad City Area Rotary Night will be far more than another pleasant evening on the ballpark, as the Quad Cities River Bandits are teaming up with Rotary International and the Clinton LumberKings to turn the evening into a major fundraiser to support PolioPlus, a program intended to immunize all of the world's children against Polio.

"During this historic season we have utilized a lot of games for fundraising, benefiting local charities and assisting our community in different ways," said team owner Dave Heller. "On August 12, we will be focusing on making a difference worldwide. Polio is a very serious disease in many parts of the world, and we take great pride in being able to help improve the lives of those who may not be as generously blessed."

The 7:00 p.m. game will take place on Tuesday, August 12, as Rotary Clubs from the Quad Cities and Clinton will be in attendance to help support their National Polio Eradication fundraiser. During the game the River Bandits will conduct both a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction, while the post-game Charity Ball Toss will provide additional funds to the cause.

"We are happy to be a part of Rotary International's admirable fundraising initiative," said River Bandits' Vice President/General Manager Kirk Goodman. "Taking one night and turning it into a fundraiser that can have a significant impact in improving the well-being of others is important to us, and the campaign to eradicate Polio is an extremely important one. The Rotarians do a great job in giving back to their communities, and we are proud to partner with them on behalf of such a worthy cause!"

As part of their friendly rivalry, the River Bandits and LumberKings are going to make their on-field battle even more interesting that night. The Eastern Iowa neighbors have made a wager as to the outcome of the ballgame, with the losing team to add an additional monetary donation to the funds raised during the evening.

"It is always a special time whenever the LumberKings face the River Bandits," said Clinton General Manager Ted Tornow. "We want to team up with the Rotary Clubs of Clinton and the Quad Cities area to help eliminate polio worldwide. Together, all of us can make this a reality."

The National Polio Eradication Fundraiser is the latest effort to raise funds for PolioPlus, a program created in 1985 that has contributed more than $600 million to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. These funds are providing sorely needed polio vaccine, operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment and educational materials for health workers and parents. As an additional incentive, if the National Polio Eradication initiative is able to raise $100 million, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that figure.

"August 12 will be a special night at the ballpark," said Assistant General Manager of Corporate Sales, Cory Howerton. "There are going to be a lot of people congregating for a great cause, and I think we're going to make a significant impact. As the operators of Modern Woodmen Park we have a special opportunity to facilitate, encourage, and participate in fundraisers like this one, and we are committed to fulfilling the obligation that comes with that."

UP NEXT: The River Bandits will start a four-game series in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday before returning to Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, August 9, to host the Clinton LumberKings for a four-game set. Bandit Wear featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and prorated versions of season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the popular You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDITS!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from August 4, 2008


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