SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation Unveil "Home Runs for Heroes"

Published on February 12, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up with OceanFirst Foundation to launch a "Home Runs for Heroes" program in 2009.

Throughout the season, each time a BlueClaws player hits a home run at FirstEnergy Park, a charity that provides emergency financial assistance to local soldiers - active and retired - and their dependents will receive a $1,000 donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

"Our military personnel give the ultimate sacrifice while defending our freedom and liberty here at home," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "We thank OceanFirst Foundation for their contributions and for giving us the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind program."

"OceanFirst Foundation is proud to partner with the BlueClaws and provide much needed support to organizations that help local soldiers and their families overcome financial and other unique challenges due to their service or deployment," said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

Charities that are interested in being considered for participation must have tax-exempt (501c3) status and agree to use 100% of grant funds awarded to provide support to veterans and members of the United States military and their immediate family members that reside within the OceanFirst service area (Ocean and Monmouth Counties). Grants must be used to meet emergency basic needs, especially those that have resulted from service or extended deployment.

Charities may apply for consideration from February 15th - February 28th. Interested organizations must apply online during that period only at the following address: https: //www.grantrequest.com/SID_372/? SA=SNA&FID=35010

The program ties nine positions (including designated hitter, not including pitcher) with nine charities. Each time a BlueClaws player hits a home run at FirstEnergy Park, the charity representing the corresponding position of the hitter will receive a $1,000 donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

Results will be updated throughout the year on BlueClaws.com, OceanFirstFdn.org, and during all BlueClaws home games at FirstEnergy Park.

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst's contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2008, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.6 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstFdn.org.

The Lakewood BlueClaws welcomed 425,166 fans to FirstEnergy Park during the 2008 season which upped their eight-season total to 3,595,378. They have led the South Atlantic League in average or overall attendance in each of their eight seasons.

For more information call 732-901-7000 or visit the BlueClaws website at www.BlueClaws.com.

Check out the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from February 12, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central