Suns announce community partnership programs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As they prepare to open the gates to affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Suns are also inviting businesses and organizations to partner with the club in two unique community initiatives - Charity Begins at Home and the Corporate Care Program - the team announced on Wednesday.
"These philanthropic partnership opportunities put our mission into practice, making an impact in the community while finding more ways for people to enjoy affordable family fun at the ballpark," said Suns owner Ken Babby. "Our role is more than that of just a baseball team. We must be a great public citizen and active organization, focused on education, wellness and community connections. These programs will bring well-deserved recognition to our partners who share in fulfilling our mission in Northeast Florida."
With Charity Begins at Home, nonprofit organizations can utilize Suns games as fundraising opportunities. Through the Corporate Care Program, businesses can give back to the community by donating game tickets for youth.
"The ballpark serves as a special community venue, and we are excited to have it benefit outstanding charitable work in the greater Jacksonville region," said Suns General Manager Harold Craw. "In addition, our corporate sponsors can be examples of generosity and caring for our local youth, who will make lasting memories of fun at the ballpark."
Charity Begins at Home
For each Monday home game, the Suns will feature a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as the Charity Begins at Home Partner of the Night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The organization may raise funds by purchasing and selling tickets for its designated game. The organization will be able to purchase tickets (a minimum of 150) at a significant discount from the Suns. The organization may then give away or sell the tickets at face value to raise funds.
For its designated night, the organization will have a chance to raise additional funds through the Launch-A-Ball promotion, a concourse table to promote its cause, space to display banners, recognition on the stadium video board, public address, radio broadcast and team website, as well as a ceremonial first pitch.
Corporate Care Program
Any business or organization may support youth in Northeast Florida by underwriting the cost of tickets to be donated to local children and their families who otherwise cannot afford to attend a Suns game. A Corporate Care program sponsor may choose one of three donation levels - $300 (100 tickets), $500 (250 tickets) or $1,000 (500 tickets). The Suns will handle selection of ticket recipients, although sponsors may indicate suggested or preferred charities.
As a Corporate Care Program sponsor, each business or organization will be recognized during every Suns home game on the video board, through public address announcements, in the game program and on the team website.
More information about each program is available at www.jaxsuns.com, and by contacting Suns Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at (904) 358-2846, Ext. 106 or [email protected].
"Our community programs offer a chance for everyone to be involved and make a difference," Williams said. "Guests at the ballpark have a new opportunity each week to contribute to great causes, nonprofit organizations have a unique setting to raise funds and awareness, and businesses can impact, and even inspire, local youth in a visible and memorable way."
ABOUT THE SUNS: A new era of affordable family fun will dawn on the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville on Opening Day, April 7, 2016, with the Jacksonville Suns under new ownership. The Suns have already unveiled a new lineup of ticket packages for the upcoming season, and you can get part of the action by calling the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxsuns.com.