Pelicans team up with HTC and Backpack Buddies

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (APRIL 18, 2014) - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo. 

"The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we're honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need," remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. "Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She's a true hero and we're fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community."

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

On the field, the Pelicans play the first of four games against the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday night at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information about the upcoming homestand or Backpack Buddies Monday, call 843-918-6077.