There are many factors that make the Burlington Bees a unique organization within Minor League Baseball. The Burlington Baseball Association is the controlling body of the franchise and is set-up as a not-for-profit company that is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Operating in the smallest market in all of full-season, affiliated, professional baseball, cash flow can be a challenge - especially when it comes to making capital improvements on the facility. While city government contributes as much as it is able, most capital improvement projects are completed thanks to volunteer labor and money raised from fundraising projects through the Friends of Community Field.

The Friends of Community Field is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1998 to help the Bees raise money for capital improvement projects. The Friends is also run by a volunteer Board of Directors that helps to organize various fundraisers and the volunteer work force that helps maintain the stadium. Since 1998, money raised has helped with new bleachers, box seats, the sound system, brat garden improvements, and now the fund raising for the "Extreme Makeover" of Community Field. In addition to the funds raised to finish the current renovation, the Friends of Community Field aims to raise money to start an endowment for future work to be done at the ballpark without having to start another major fundraising initiative. All contributions to the Friends of Community Field are tax deductible. The current members of the Friends of Community Field Board of Directors are: Scott Zaiser - President, and John Wagner - Treasurer. The board is always seeking volunteers willing to contribute their time to help with projects at the ballpark or staffing and executing the various fundraising projects. Anyone interested in helping in any way is encouraged to contact the Bees at (319) 754-5705.

The following are the various fundraisers run by the Friends of Community Field. These fundraisers have been set up to allow participants to have fun and win great prizes while helping the organization.

NFL FOOTBALL CONTEST

The NFL Football Contest gives you 17 chances to win $500, and you don't have to know anything about football! For a $25 entry fee, each entrant is randomly assigned three teams for each week of the NFL season. The ticket that has the three teams that combine to score the most points each week wins $500. The top four scores and the lowest two scores all receive cash prizes each week totaling $750. During the course of the NFL season, the Friends of Community Field will pay out a total of $12,500. Contact the Bees' staff and enter the NFL Football Contest! (Must be 18 or older to play)

GOLF OUTING AT SPIRIT HOLLOW

You don't have to be a good golfer to enjoy a great day on Spirit Hollow's beautiful course. This four-player scramble tournament offers a chance to play one of Iowa's premiere courses, win great prizes, and support the Burlington Bees. The annual Golf Outing is held in July. Businesses can purchase flag sponsorships of the event. Opportunities to sign up your team will be made available within the month prior to the event.

WINTER BANQUET

The Winter Banquet is a great event for Bees' fans to gather together in the off-season, enjoy an outstanding dinner, listen to some great baseball stories, and bid on some neat memorabilia and merchandise. The Winter Banquet is held in January at the Pzazz Convention and Events Center. There will be a keynote speaker (to be announced) and the event will also include both a silent and live auction. Tickets are $50 per person. Please contact the Bees at (319) 754-5705 for more information.