Beyond its successes at the ball park, the Toledo Mud Hens organization is a community partner who works to make a positive difference throughout the region.

“For every home run hit at Fifth Third Field, the Mud Hens try to hit as many home runs for the Toledo community,” said Cheri Pastula, community relations manager.

Through their “Helping Hens” program, the Toledo Mud Hens organization focuses on two outreach missions. First, the Helping Hens seek to foster new relationships and further develop current relationships with groups and organizations that are committed to the education and recreational development of area youth.

Secondly, the organization makes a positive difference in the Toledo area community through the existing programs and sponsored events.

Among the many efforts of the Helping Hens programs is Muddy’s Knothole Club. The Mud Hens have developed partnerships with local businesses to provide tickets to underprivileged children from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The club was revived four years ago and has given several thousand tickets to kids, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of a professional baseball game.

Mud Hens also support charities in the region by allowing them to sell game tickets at a marked-up price and keep the profits. The organization must purchase a minimum of 25 tickets at a designated price and may mark up tickets to the $12 to $15 range. The group takes responsibility for selling the tickets. Depending upon the number of tickets sold, the charity may place a promotional table on the main concourse to display information, and a representative from the charity may throw out a ceremonial first pitch during pre-game ceremonies.

“Hey Bidder Bidder” auctions are held throughout the season and benefit pre-selected charities. The events are silent and the live auctions, held during and after the games, give fans the opportunity to bid on player-worn jerseys and other memorabilia. Local charities help staff the auction and receive a portion of the proceeds.

Gene Cook Foundation Baseball Camp provides opportunities to children ages 6 to13 without the financial means to attend a baseball camp. Mud Hens players teach baseball basics to 100 campers at Fifth Third Field and share skills in hitting, fielding, pitching and base running. The camp was founded by Cook’s family and friends with the mission of helping area youth participate and learn through athletics. The camp was created in memory of the former Mud Hens general manager, Gene Cook.

Finally, each year the Toledo Mud Hens receive thousands of requests for donated tickets and memorabilia. As a result, they have devised a lottery system to distribute donations. All nonprofit organizations submitting requests are entered into the lottery to win items for their event.

For more information on Helping Hens outreach programs, donations or to have a player or mascot appear at your event, contact Pastula at cpastula@mudhens.com or (419)725-HENS.

Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant helping nonprofit organizations and businesses work smarter together for the greater good of our community. Connect with her on www.facebook.com or follow at www.twitter.com/csenack.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am and is filed under Community, Great Giving.
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