BlueClaws Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

LAKEWOOD, NJ — The BlueClaws today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BlueClaws fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and fill in Lakewood BlueClaws as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Jersey Shore community. For every $10 donated, the BlueClaws will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this program and help not just Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean Counties but also local heroes of the pandemic through ticket donations to future BlueClaws game," said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. "These individuals and organizations are on the front lines and we are happy to support them any way we can."

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from BlueClaws fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Lakewood BlueClaws at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have drawn over 7.7 million fans to FirstEnergy Park since their 2001 inception. Follow the BlueClaws on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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