Northwoods Kalamazoo Growlers

Kalamazoo Growlers to Host Purple Community Night Presented by Van Andel Institute

Published on June 9, 2014 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Kalamazoo Growlers News Release


Kalamazoo, Mich. (June 9, 2014) - The Kalamazoo Growlers will host the first annual Purple Community Baseball Game presented by Van Andel Institute on Friday, June 13th at Homer Stryker Field. Van Andel Institute is a world-class biomedical research and science education facility headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI., and the Growlers game is another of the Institute's efforts to foster relationships in Kalamazoo.

Exclusive ticket packages are offered for just $15 and include a ticket, hot dog and a drink or a Growlers hat and the opportunity to be part of an on-field photo following the game. A portion of every ticket package sold is donated to Van Andel Institute to support biomedical research and science education.

"We've all been affected by cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's," said Nikki Outhier, Purple Community National Programs Manager. "With Purple Community we can rally behind the hope that life-changing treatments can be discovered when we work together."

There will be a "purple out" at Homer Stryker Field for the game against the visiting Rochester Honkers, and fans are encouraged to wear purple to the ballpark. Players will wear special purple uniforms to commemorate the night which will be available for sale through a silent auction on the concourse. The field itself will be colored purple with purple infield bases and chalk lines, and Purple Community's logo will be displayed in center field. After the game, fans can bring blankets onto the field to watch the spectacular Friday night fireworks display presented by Walmart-Sam's Club.

Cancer survivor and "Voice of the Growlers" Mike Coleman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch in celebration of his brave defeat of cancer.

"I can't help but often think of all the people and their families who struggle battling cancer, or the often harder part of watching loved ones go through it all and sometimes not be able to do anything about it," says Coleman. "Purple Night is an empowering observation of just how many lives in our community are affected, and it represents the one ideal that we are not alone in this fight against cancer."

Fans are invited to come out to Home Stryker Field on Friday, June 13 at 7:05 p.m. and help fight against cancer with Van Andel Institute and the Growlers.

To purchase ticket packages visit the Van Andel Institutes website at http://bit.ly/VAIGrowlers or call the Growlers Box Office at (269) 492-9966.

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