Grizzlies to Raise $25,000 for Non-Profits

From the CPL
The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today their plans to raise $25,000 for area non-profits. The program designed by the Grizzlies Director of Fun, Emily McDonald is the most ambitious fundraising program set up by the Grizzlies in their franchise history.

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The program called F.A.M. stands for fundraising, awareness and momentum and was first introduced by McDonald with her previous teams, the Augusta GreenJackets and the Vermont Lake Monsters.

The F.A.M. program gives area non-profits the opportunity to purchase tickets at a special rate and sell them throughout the community. In addition to the fundraising tickets, groups that team up with the Grizzlies will now have the opportunity to lead the 50/50 raffle at the ballpark. The program also gives non-profits a presence at the Stadium throughout their night to gain awareness and start momentum for their cause.

“This is personally the most rewarding experience that I have been involved with,” said Director of Fun, Emily McDonald. We are able to offer the perfect combination of raising funds and awareness for some of the most important and influential community groups. With over 150 non-profits in Gaston County alone, the opportunity to make a difference is there and I can’t wait to be a part of it!”

The Grizzlies were 11th in the country in attendance in 2011, averaging 1,848 fans per game and McDonald sees this as a great opportunity to introduce their non-profit to a wide range of people in the community.

McDonald joined the Grizzlies in December and has experienced a great response from non-profits since announcing the F.A.M. plan.

“This is the most excited I’ve been with a program since I joined the Grizzlies in 2007,” said Managing Partner Jesse Cole. “Our 50/50 raffles have brought in pots of over $750 and I can see this definitely growing this season. Emily brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to helping non-profits and I know she will be very successful with this program and reaching the goal of $25,000 raised!”

There are currently some of the biggest games of the year available for non-profits to team up with the Grizzlies. Groups can learn more about this program and take advantage of the opportunity by calling the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622 or emailing Emily at emily@gastoniagrizzlies.com.

The Grizzlies are proud members of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both the players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 930 alumni drafted and 46 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague).