IL1 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

Railiriders Announce Hope Week Activities

Published on June 16, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders News Release


Moosic, Pa. - What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Saturday, June 20, the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2015, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its sixth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, June 28 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2015 marks the fourth straight year that each of the Yankees' six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders' Relay for Life event at PNC Field from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday morning. The Relay for Life of Lackawanna County partners with the American Cancer Society as part of the world's largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer.

The RailRiders will host the Father's Day Legends Game presented by Mohegan Sun Pocono on Sunday, June 21 at 2:05 p.m. New York Yankees' legends such as "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson, Don Larsen, Bucky Dent and others will be on hand to support Parkinson's disease research. Donations will be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation and National Parkinson's Foundation in honor of Brian Doyle.

On Monday, June 22, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will partner with the Voluntary Action Center to surprise five outstanding volunteers in the community by a visiting their place of employment to thank them for their efforts in making our area a better place.

The RailRiders will show gratitude to the Scranton Fire Department for their efforts in the community by hosting a lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 prior to their tilt with the Louisville Bats at PNC Field.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Thursday, June 25 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $14,000 for the event.

The RailRiders head to Camp St. Andrew's in Tunkhannock on Friday, June 26. SWB has partnered with United Neighborhood Centers as part of their Project HOPE visit. RailRiders' players and staff will visit and play kickball with the campers from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, June 27, fans can participate in ZUMBA, benefitting the Greater Scranton YMCA. With a minimum $5 donation, fans can participate in the event at PNC Field from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 28, the Challenger Little League wraps up HOPE Week with a game from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at PNC Field. The RailRiders will also hold their annual food drive. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 1:05 p.m. contest against the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders' community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

The RailRiders return to PNC Field on Monday, June 22. The seven-game homestand features four games with the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds) and three against the Buffalo Bisons. The team will give away a Rob Refsnyder bobblehead to the first 2,500 fans in attendance on Saturday, June 27. For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

Check out the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Statistics

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



International League Stories from June 16, 2015


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