Rawlings, Shalom Project Honored at Coaches Luncheon
Published on April 7, 2015 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Winston-Salem Dash News Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 7, 2015) - The Winston-Salem Dash presented longtime Winston-Salem Journal reporter Lenox Rawlings with their Service Through Sports Award and announced The Shalom Project of Winston-Salem as their 2015 Charity Partner in front of a record crowd of approximately 220 attendees during the annual Coaches Luncheon on Tuesday inside the Womble Carlyle Club at BB&T Ballpark.
In addition to these special announcements, the Dash introduced the Opening Day roster to the community for the first time. New manager Tim Esmay addressed the crowd and previewed the season in advance of the first game on Thursday at Frederick, which starts a week-long road trip. The Dash's home slate begins next Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs).
Rawlings retired in 2012 after 36 years with the Journal. Before his time in Winston-Salem, the Wilson native worked for the Wilson Daily Times, Raleigh News & Observer, Greensboro News & Record and Atlanta Constitution. With these publications, Rawlings covered 33 Masters, 17 World Series and 31 Final Fours. He will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on May 15.
"This year's choice was an easy one," Dash president Geoff Lassiter said. "Lenox has been an integral part of the sports landscape in Winston-Salem, and he is tremendously worthy of this award."
The three-time North Carolina Sportswriter of the Year joins a prestigious list of former Service Through Sports Award winners:
2010: Clarence "Big House" Gaines, the late Winston-Salem State University men's basketball coach
2011: Tom Walter, Wake Forest University's baseball head coach
2012: Bob and Lisa Gfeller, creators of the Matthew Gfeller Foundation
2013: Rich Brenner, the late sportscaster at Fox 8 (WGHP-TV)
2014: Howard West, longtime high school boys basketball coach
The Shalom Project seeks to build a strong and healthy community by meeting the needs of people with compassion, celebrating diversity and working for justice. This non-profit 501(c)3 organization was established by Rev. Kelly Carpenter of the Green Street United Methodist Church in 2004. The Shalom Project compiles a Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, offers a Medical Clinic and Pharmacy, and holds a Welcome Table dinner each Wednesday night. More information is available at theshalomprojectnc.org.
"We would like to thank the Dash for hosting us in this beautiful venue," said Scott Chappell, Executive Director of the Shalom Project. "We couldn't do what we do without so many people."
The official charity partner benefits from the proceeds of the club's Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase engraved bricks that are installed outside BB&T Ballpark's main gates beyond right-center field. Here is a list of the Dash's past charity partners:
2010: Brenner Children's Hospital
2011: Centers for Exceptional Children
2012: Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem
2013: Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County
2014: Senior Services
The Coaches Luncheon preceded the Dash's Media Day. Esmay and a few Dash players chatted with members of the local media on the field and took their team photos.
The Dash's Opening Weekend is jam-packed with fun. Winston-Salem welcomes Myrtle Beach to BB&T Ballpark from April 16-19. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
The Winston-Salem Dash are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. To purchase tickets and for more information, please call (336) 714-2287 or visit www.wsdash.com.
Carolina League Stories from April 7, 2015
- Salem Red Sox Announce 2015 Preliminary Roster - Salem Red Sox
- Rawlings, Shalom Project Honored at Coaches Luncheon - Winston-Salem Dash
- P-Nats Announce 2015 Opening Day Roster - Potomac Nationals
- Loaded Outfield Headlines Hillcats Roster - Lynchburg Hillcats
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.
