Royals Finalize Strikeout Hunger Campaign
BURLINGTON- Over the 2014 Burlington Royals season, the Royals pitchers struck out a total of 510 batters. Prior to the season, the Royals partnered with County Ford and DreamAlign Ministries in an attempt to Strikeout Hunger in Alamance County. Rick Irby, General Manager of County Ford led the charge and agreed to donate $1 for each Royals strike out in 2014. If the Royals pitchers were able to strike out more than 450 batters, he would double his donation. The 2014 season has come and gone and now County Ford is donating $1,020 to local non-profit, DreamAlign Ministries. Royals General Manager, Ryan Keur stated that, "meeting Rick (Irby) was a blessing and within minutes knew there was something special that could be done. It took plenty more minutes and meetings to actually get it done but we're so happy to have partnered with County Ford and can't wait to build on this for next year." The $1,020 raised has been donated to DreamAlign Ministries and will be able to provide over 5,000 pounds of food for local families. Jesse London, Executive Director of DreamAlign Ministries went on to "thank the Royals and County Ford for all they do and continue to do in this community. We will be able to help hundreds of folks put food on the table."
2014 was an unbelievable season not only in the stadium where over 40,000 fans took in a Royals game but also in the community. The Strike Out Hunger campaign led the charge for the Burlington Royals in terms of increasing community involvement Increased community initiatives included a large summer reading program in the schools, first ever Little League Takeover, fourth annual 5K walk/ run benefitting the Autism Society of North Carolina. The Royals open up the 2015 campaign on Father's Day, June 21st for an Exhibition Game versus the Kernersville Bulldogs at 6 pm. 2015 will be 30th season of Burlington Baseball in the Appalachian League.