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High Desert Mavericks Give Back to the Community in 2015

November 20, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
High Desert Mavericks News Release


ADELANTO, Calif. - The High Desert Mavericks, Advanced-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, gave back $90,775 in charitable donations to the High Desert community in 2015. The total represents complimentary tickets and suites, in kind donations and monies raised through auctions. Heritage Field also served as a venue for several other fundraising opportunities to benefit various organizations during games throughout the 2015 baseball season.

"Giving back to the community is paramount to what our organization stands for," said Ben Hemmen, General Manager of the High Desert Mavericks. "We have a responsibility to the High Desert to help our community grow and make Heritage Field a cornerstone of charitable giving."

The Mavericks introduced the "Community Organization of the Night" in 2015, a program designed to offer non- profit organizations a chance to host an informational table in the concourse of Heritage Field during a game, available at all 70 home games. In addition, a member from the organization was provided the opportunity to participate in an on-field, pre-game interview and a ceremonial first pitch. Four complimentary tickets were given to those working the information table. Thirty-six organizations took advantage of this program and participated.

FUN-Raising Nights, a new program for 2015, provided schools the opportunity to raise funds through the buying or pre-selling of fundraising tickets at $3 per ticket and selling each for up to face value of $8, allowing the schools to earn $5 per ticket sold. This program gave students a free ticket and chance to participate in a FUN, on field, one-of- a-kind experience, which was a high-five line for players as they took the field. In the program's first year, over 2,200 complimentary tickets were given to these students and faculty, coming out to $17,928 in tickets donated.

In addition, little leagues, churches and non-profit organizations throughout the High Desert purchased over 6,000 fundraising tickets throughout the 2015 season. Over $3,300 worth of complimentary ticket certificates and gift baskets were also donated for non-profit events, raffles and silent auctions, as well as nearly 100 hours donated in Wooly Bully, player and staff appearances in the community. In total for the 2015 season, over 10,500 fundraising tickets were utilized by organizations with the opportunity to fundraise over $52,000 in the High Desert community.

Other various events were held at the ballpark that had a fundraising component or that included ways to otherwise benefit our community. On April 18, the Mavericks donated 700 complimentary tickets to the Greater Hope Foundation for foster children and families to enjoy a night out together at the ballpark. The Mavericks also hosted a "Star Wars Night" and organized a charity ball toss for Sunset Hills Children's Foundation. Later in the season, on July 18, a silent auction of team autographed baseballs, bats, as well as Texas Rangers autographed memorabilia was organized in support of Jana Almendarez, wife of the General Manager of the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Inoperable Brain Cancer.

Additionally, the Mavericks were the in-kind sponsor of the Summer Reading Program of the Marine Corps Community Services - Barstow, California, and awarded winners and their families with complimentary tickets to Military Appreciation Night on August 15. Later in the month, on August 28, the Mavericks hosted Cancer Awareness Night. The Mavericks auctioned off game-worn, special Purple Ribbon Jerseys, sponsored by Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group. All 29 jerseys worn throughout the game were auctioned in a silent auction and raised over $2,300 for the American Cancer Society. Next, on September 11, the Mavericks offered $1 tickets to all first responders including EMT, Military, Firefighters, and police. As the final contribution of the 2015 season, the Mavericks donated the rental of the stadium to the Conquer Chiari Charity Walk held on September 19, which brought out over 300 walkers to support their fundraising efforts.

The Mavericks are looking forward to 2016 and look to eclipse over $100,000 in charitable contributions.



California League Stories from November 20, 2015


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