Blue Rocks & Janssen's Market Partner to Help Feed Those in Need

WILMINGTON, DE - This season, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have teamed up with Janssen's Market to provide food to needy families in the First State. The collaboration has already provided approximately 200-pounds of non-perishable food items to those in need and the efforts continue to grow, as Rocks fans have helped the cause, donating their food items at the ballpark.

The partnership between the Blue Rocks and Janssen's started with the Blue Rocks Director of Media Relations, Matt Janus, who first reached out to Janssen's Market for a possible partnership. From there, the idea grew into what it is today: Blue Rocks fans who bring a non-perishable food item to Sunday home games at Frawley Stadium will receive a ticket half-off the original price with the purchase of a regular priced ticket.

The Blue Rocks and Janssen's are not the only key contributors in this relationship. The Rocks and Janssen's Market have worked to collect the food, but the Food Bank of Delaware has distributed the food to those in need. All food received by the Food Bank has been given out locally in the Wilmington-area.

"The whole objective is to create goodwill in the community, while bringing fans to the ballpark and giving them a special opportunity they would not have otherwise," said Kevin Linton, Wilmington's Director of Community Affairs. Linton has played a key role in helping the Food Bank of Delaware distribute the food, along with the help of his sidekick Rocky Bluewinkle. On Wednesday, May 27, Linton and Rocky made an appearance at the Food Bank of Delaware to deliver all of the contributions made by fans and members of the Wilmington community so far.

This collaboration is based strongly on the connections between both the Blue Rocks and Janssen's with the Delaware-community. "Janssen's Market is proud to partner with another family business, the Wilmington Blue Rocks, to support the Delaware Food Bank, just as families in the community support each other," said Paula Janssen, co-owner of Janssen's Market. Janssen's is a family-owned and operated business based out of Greenville, Delaware, known for their personable service and fresh products.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the success we've had so far," said Stefani Rash, the Director of ticket sales for the Blue Rocks. Rash's department is providing the ticket deals, which have led to many of the contributions so far. "Obviously, it's good for the fans who can take advantage of this deal, but all of the support we've gotten so far has been truly amazing."

Blue Rocks fans can continue to take advantage of this partnership for the rest of the season, while also helping those in need in the state of Delaware. Fans can still bring their non-perishable food items to Sunday home games for the rest of the season in order to receive the half-off ticket offer. The next chance Rocks' fans will have to take advantage of this opportunity will be Sunday, June 7 to take on the Frederick Keys.