Raise money for your non-profit group!

The Toledo Mud Hens have announced that area non-profit organizations will once again have the opportunity to raise money for their various causes by working at food stations at Fifth Third Field during the 2012 season.

The program is designed to give non-profit organizations a fun and profitable way to raise funds for their cause. Volunteers from the organizations come to Fifth Third Field to provide first-class guest service at the casual dining locations throughout the ballpark. It is with their assistance that the team is able to serve over 550,000 hungry fans annually. In exchange for their efforts, they receive a donation to their organization.

Over $1.6 million dollars has been donated to local non-profit organizations since the program's inception in 2002.

Each year, Toledo Mud Hens Concessions (TMHC) donates more than $160,000 to Toledo area non-profit organizations that participate in the fundraising program. Of the 38 organizations that volunteered during the 2011 season, Kids World Gymnastics and Cheerleading raised the most money at just over $13,000. There were four groups that raised between $7,000-9,000, eight groups that raised between $4,000-6,000, and 13 groups that raised over $4,000 for their efforts.

Mike & Lonna Meadows of Kids World Gymnastics and Cheerleading said, "Mud Hens Concessions has helped our cheerleaders get new uniforms, pom-poms, signs for both our special needs cheerleading squad and our competitive squads. Along with competitions, travel, and hotels, some of our parents would not be able to have their child compete in cheerleading or gymnastics without financial support."

Leading the fundraising efforts is Corey Pleasant, the Food and Beverage Manager at Fifth Third Field. "Our fundraising program has been a huge success since we began the program in 2002. We have a good core of groups that come back each year and it is a pleasure working with the different organizations and meeting so many people through this program. Being able to be a part of their efforts to raise funds for their cause is very important to us. Fundraising efforts have helped groups purchase uniforms or equipment as well as offsetting sports tuition fees for kids who wouldn't be able to participate if it wasn't for this program. It's truly a win-win situation for all parties involved."

The Hens are always looking to get local community organizations involved in this successful program. To be considered, groups must be a non-profit, tax-exempt organization as defined in section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Non-profit groups must operate for civic, charitable, religious, and/or educational purposes. They also need to provide friendly, hard-working, enthusiastic volunteers who are committed to providing our guests with a great experience.

If your non-profit group is looking for fundraising opportunities for 2012, contact Corey Pleasant at (419) 725-4396 or by e-mail at [email protected].