MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Van Down by the River to Leave Berm for Good Cause

Published on May 4, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Early in the 2009 season, the Quad Cities River Bandits made headlines with their "Van Down by the River," a unique new seating area inspired by Chris Farley's popular Saturday Night Live sketch.

On Tuesday, the van will leave its perch on the right field berm to deliver gift boxes to area children at Genesis Health System locations, including local hospitals, Gilda's Club and Rick's House of Hope. The boxes were assembled by volunteers at Modern Woodmen of America's Join Hands Day event.

"The Van Down by the River is not just a fun promotion," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "It is great way for us to drive around town and let people know that when we're not playing baseball, the River Bandits are out and about in the community doing our part to make the Quad Cities a better place to live and work. Modern Woodmen of America and Genesis Health System are great partners, and we're delighted to be a part of this important activity."

On Saturday, which was also Join Hands Day, Modern Woodmen of America held a volunteer event on the suite level at Modern Woodmen Park to assemble gift boxes for hospitalized children. More than 350 volunteers of all ages participated in the event, putting together approximately 425 boxes. The gift boxes, which were prepared for five different age ranges, included toys, games, crafts and stuffed animals that were brought by volunteers.

On Tuesday, those boxes are being hand delivered by the Quad Cities River Bandits and Modern Woodmen of America. The Van Down by the River will leave its spot on the banks of the Mississippi River for a great cause, spreading gifts and good will to children being cared for by Genesis Health System.

"Modern Woodmen's tagline says ‘touching lives,' and these boxes will truly do this for area children," said Modern Woodmen of America President W. Kenny Massey. "When volunteers of all ages come together for a community cause, great things can happen."

Ken Croken, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Genesis Health System, added that "this collaboration among the Quad Cities' leading corporate citizens; Modern Woodmen of America, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Genesis Health System, reflects the caring spirit of the community by joining forces in support of our kids who need our help."

UP NEXT:

The River Bandits continue their road trip on Monday with the rubber match of a three-game series against the LumberKings in Clinton before heading to Great Lakes on Tuesday. They will return to Modern Woodmen Park for a three-game homestand against the Cedar Rapids Kernels that begins on Friday, May 8. The series kicks off with Going Green Night, featuring an Aluminum Water Bottle Giveaway from the Waste Commission as well as a fireworks show on a Fireworks Friday. One night later the first 1,000 fans will get a free hat from the Association of the United States Army on Military Appreciation Night, while Spatterdash takes the stage for a live post-game concert on a Rockin' Saturday. The series concludes with the first Tailz ‘Er Waggin' Dog Day of Summer on a U.S. Bank Family Sunday, which will also be Make-a-Wish Night at the ballpark!

ABOUT THE BANDITS:

Under new ownership and management in 2008, the Quad Cities River Bandits topped 207,000 fans for only the sixth time in team history and the first time in 12 years. Having recently completed one of the most successful seasons in the history of the franchise - and with a renewed dedication to fans, sponsors and the Quad Cities community - the return of the River Bandits has brought a resurgence of support for the team. BanditWear, season tickets and mini-plans, and individual game tickets are on sale for the 2009 season by calling (563) 3-BANDIT or heading to www.RiverBandits.com. But hurry - good seats are going fast!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

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



Midwest League Stories from May 4, 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