An appearance from the Orioles' General Manager Mike Elias, a donation to a new Wicomico County project, and funds raised for the United Way and Fly Together Fund became highlights of the 19th annual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet, held on Thursday, January 23, at the Wicomico Civic Center. In front of a crowd of almost 300 people, the Shorebirds kicked off the 2020 year and their 25th season.
Delmarva Shorebirds Fly Together Fund
The Delmarva Shorebirds' Fly Together Fund, established during the summer of 2009, is designed to help fund local community projects, with a focus on youth centers and youth sports. Each season your Shorebirds donate thousands of dollars in merchandise and tickets to non-profit organizations, and now, thanks to the support of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the team is able to raise cash funds, which will all be put back into the community in the form of cash donations.
The charitable fund reflects our commitment to strengthen our community using Arthur W. Perdue Stadium and family fun as a backdrop. It will also enable local businesses to make tax-deductible donations in their efforts to support youth projects in the area.
Monies raised by the Shorebirds Community Fund will go to benefit youth sports programs, although the fund will not be limited to this. Most area charitable organizations will be considered as potential beneficiaries of the fund.
How to Get Involved?
The Fly Together Fund has been used for many organizations, little leagues, and projects over the years. The Shorebirds take pride in being active in our community and will continue to help grow our surrounding areas through the support of the Fly Together Fund.
Current beneficiaries of the Shorebirds' Fly Together Fund:
- Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
- Delaware Storm
- Delmarva Aces
- Delmar Little League
- Snow Hill Little League
- Berlin Little League
- Fruitland Little League
- West Salisbury Little League
To see how you can get involved or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Shorebirds' Fly Together Fund, contact Sam Lehman at 410-219-3112 or [email protected].
Recent Shorebirds Community Initiatives
Hot Stove Banquet
Fly Together Virtual 5K
The Shorebirds hosted their first ever Fly Together Virtual 5K in 2020 and raised $740 to benefit Operation We Care. Fans from over 11 states stretched across the country participated to help raise money to support people who were fighting on the front lines of COVID-19. Operation We Care is a local non-profit and you can learn more about their mission by clicking the button below!
Field 7.5
Bitters announced during his presentation that the Shorebirds were donating $25,000 to Field 7 ½, a new initiative from the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Bitters presented a ceremonial check on-stage to Department Director Steve Miller.
Flock for a Cause
In the Shorebirds first-ever Flock for a Cause Online Auction, the Shorebirds were able to raise over $1,200 with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Fly Together Fund. Fans had the opportunity to bid on items like a team autographed jersey, playing a little league game on the field, lunch with a Shorebirds player and so much more. To learn more about what we are doing in the community, click the button below.
Wreaths Across America
On the morning of December 14, the Delmarva Shorebirds front office got the opportunity to participate in the annual Wreaths Across America, held locally at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury. In addition to the Shorebirds providing $3,000 to help fund the event, front office members helped place wreaths on over 900 tombstones of fallen veterans across all branches of the armed forces.
United Way Pack
The Shorebirds partnered up with the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore on a special ticket package where half of every ticket package sold would go back to the United Way. To learn more about the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, please visit their website by clicking the button below.