SAGE Awards Come Up RailRiders

Moosic, Pa. - The good times keep on rolling for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees). Last night at The Theatre at Lackawanna College, the club claimed a SAGE Award for "Best Practices in Community Involvement". The SAGE Awards (Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence) recognize the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity and innovation within the northeast Pennsylvania business community. They are administered by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and MetroAction and are announced annually at the Chamber Gala.

"One of our main missions is to make a difference locally in our community," said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. "This is a team award for everyone in our organization and community alike. Special nods go out to our community relations manager, Rachel Mark, for spearheading these efforts and to director of field operations, Steve Horne, and operations manager, Rob Galdieri, for championing the legwork with our Adopt-A-Field program."

"Best Practices in Community Involvement" showcases a company that demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and philanthropy as part of its core business values. The RailRiders also earned finalist status for "Best Practices in Customer Service", for the "Hometown Star Award" for the team's Opening Day 2013 festivities, and in the "People's Choice" category. Each year, Chamber members are asked to nominate their peers for the various award categories. These categories apply to new and emerging businesses, seasoned veterans and various industries. Applications are judged by independent panels of volunteer judges. Three finalists are selected for each category.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight donation totals in 2013:

Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5

Player hours volunteered: 202.5

Mascot appearances: 130

Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)

Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092

Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

The RailRiders' 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

- SWB RailRiders - All Aboard! -