Fisher Cats Team with Youk's Kids, E&R Cleaners for Manchester Public Schools D
MANCHESTER, NH - In a time when school budgets are being slashed and squeezed, often at the cost of educational field trips, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats partnered with two local foundations to provide thousands of Manchester school children with a school day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Youk's Kids, the foundation of former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, and E&R Cleaners purchased tickets so that nearly five thousand students could enjoy a field trip to the ballpark-turned-classroom for Manchester Public Schools Day on Wednesday morning.
"Youk's Kids and E&R Cleaners have been tremendously generous in providing their support for this initiative this year," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. "Without them, it's likely that these children would've missed out on a unique educational experience in what is undoubtedly one of largest and most fun 'classrooms' they will enjoy this year."
In addition to enjoying the action on the field, the school children were introduced to a variety of learning elements throughout the ballpark. The Fisher Cats invited several local attractions to provide learning stations that covered a wide range of subjects, including astronomy, wildlife, fire safety, financial education, and math and science.
"As a foundation, Youk's Kids is constantly striving to provide opportunities that enhance the health and well-being of children in New England," said Youk's Kids Board Co-Vice President Tina Cantu. "Teaming with the Fisher Cats for this special day game provides these students with an activity that is not only fun, but can lead to a greater interest in learning."
"Being a family-run business that started here in Manchester, we know the value and importance in creating educational opportunities for the children in our city," said E&R Cleaners President Rick Botnick. "We hope that these students had a lot of fun and were able to experience something new at the ballpark for the very first time."
In addition to the support provided by Youk's Kids and E&R Cleaners, the following attractions and businesses provided booths and displays during Manchester Public Schools Day:
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
- Carriage Shack Farm petting zoo
- CU4 Reality Financial Education Program
- Seacoast Science Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester
- Smokey the Bear
- Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
- The NHHEAF Network Organizations
- New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute
- Coca-Cola Recycling
- The W.I.L.D Center & Zoological Park of New England
- Manchester Fire Department
- Manchester Police Department
The Fisher Cats open their next homestand on Thursday, April 18 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). The first game of the homestand features a fleece blanket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans courtesy of Heritage Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric. For tickets, visit www.nhfishercatas.com, stop by the Box Office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, or call 603-641-2005.
The mission of Youk's Kids is to create a community of support, increase awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of children. Growing up surrounded by the precious gifts of family, friends, community and religion, Kevin Youkilis has long been passionate about giving back to the community. Over the years, he has sought opportunities to make a difference and has participated in a variety of philanthropic efforts. In 2007, he took his commitment to the next level and founded Youk's Kids. Since its inception, Youk's Kids has raised over $3 million to support more than 1,000 children.
E & R Laundry and Dry Cleaners was established in 1921 as a family owned and operated business and remains so today. A commitment to our customer is what originally defined E & R as being "not your typical laundry and dry cleaner" and it has continued to distinguish us from the competition for over 75 years. During that time, our family has established a foundation which continues to support the local communities we call home.