BEYOND THE BOX SCORE RIVERSHARKS IN THE COMMUNITY
Dear Friends, Campbell’s Field and your
Camden Rivers harks are much more than just ba Since Campbell seball. ’s Field opened in 2001, more th wholesome, affo an 3 million fans rdable family fu have come thro n. In addition, yo jobs each year at ugh the gates to ur ‘Sharks prov an annual payr enjoy ide 20 full-time oll of over $1.5 for South Jersey and over 250 pa million. Further, civic and charita rt-time more than $2.2 ble organizations million has been by your ‘Sharks. raised Campbell’s Field and the Riversha rks are a true pu DRPA, ERB, Coo blic-private partn pe ersh Soup, Rutgers U rs Ferr y, the City of Camden, and our many co ip among the State of New Je niversity, Adven ture Aquarium, rsey, rp orate partners in Susquehanna Ba cluding Campb nk Center, Coope ell ’s Sure, the Camde r Hospital, and n Riversharks pl the NJEA. ay baseball, but much more than your just the game of baseball. Campb hometown team is, and alway Camden, a plac s has been, abou e where all ages ell’s Field is an t so oa can come togeth location, at affo er to enjoy the gr sis of family entertainment here rdable prices. Yo eat American pa in ur ‘Sharks reach acknowledgemen stim out to underpriv ts, and rewards ileged youth with e in a beautiful ; pl confidence in C positive message amden, South Je ay a role in transforming our co s, rsey, and Philade mmunity’s iden take the field with tity; and assist in lphia. Whether professional ballp building it is providing ch awareness for w layers, having sc ildre ell-deser ving ch aritable organiza out sleepovers in the outfield, ra n the opportunity to Grandpa an ex ising money an tio cellent choice fo d r family fun, Cam ns, or simply providing Mom, Dad, Grandma pbell’s Field and and the ‘Sharks are We hope you w always there. ill enjoy this publ ication -- and in fabulous progra dulge us in ackn ms and activities owledging the “u on the pages that wholesome fam nderw ily entertainmen follow. The Rive t here at Campb rsharks take grea riters” of the a place where gr ell’s Field -- a ve eat memories ar nue where not on t pride in providing e made! Take a ly baseball is play look... and feel ed, but the pride in Your Team. Sincerely,
Adam Lorber General Manag er, Camden Rive rsharks
Index Community Programs........................Page 3 Charitable Initiatives........................Page 10
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More Than Just Baseball..................Page 13 Stadium Events.................................Page 17
Community Programs Charity events and programs at the ballpark are just a small part of the Riversharks’ community outreach efforts. The organization uses its resources, facilities, and public visibility to help other groups raise money and generate awareness in creative ways. The team also has programs to encourage reading and youth fitness. Additionally, Riversharks players, coaches, and mascots make nearly 300 appearances each year, supporting non-profits, civic and professional organizations, and schools in the community.
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Reading With The Riversharks Reading With The Riversharks, founded in 2003, has grown into one of the Riversharks’ largest community initiatives, serving nearly 100,000 students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania each year. The program challenges students in the region to read five books in addition to their assigned school curriculum throughout the academic year. Students who complete the program earn a free ticket to a Riversharks game, where they are recognized during a special pre-game ceremony.
Online Fundraising Program Since the year 2001, the Riversharks have worked with thousands of local organizations, non-profits, schools, little leagues, and charities to help raise money and generate awareness. Fundraising groups earn $5 for each Riversharks ticket they sell, and the program is easy, risk free and completely internet based. In 2009 alone, over 300 groups took advantage of the program, and since the team’s inception, nearly $1,000,000 has been raised for organizations in the community.
Concessions Fundraising Another popular program at the ballpark is the Riversharks Concessions Fundraising program. This program offers local organizations an opportunity to earn a portion of concessions proceeds during a Riversharks game by volunteering to work for the stadium vendor. Each year, the program raises an average of over $40,000 for local organizations. Volunteers have come from groups such as: • The Ronald McDonald House • The Volunteers of America • Habitat for Humanity • The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation • AmeriCorp • Medford Education Foundation 4
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• Rancocas Valley High School • ALS Hope Foundation • Lenape High School • Saint Joseph’s University • Somerdale Baseball Club • Concord Dance Center • Emmanuel Methodist Church
Ticket Donations “Everyone has a baseball memory.” -Peter Kirk, Chairman, Opening Day Partners
The Camden Riversharks want to make sure that everyone does, in fact, have a baseball memory. That is why we collaborate with several corporate partners each year to donate thousands of tickets to local organizations that could otherwise not afford to attend baseball games. The tickets are typically given to schools, little leagues, youth centers, and non-profit organizations that use their limited resources to benefit those in need.
Campbell Soup Company As the naming rights owner of the Riversharks’ ballpark, the Campbell Soup Company is the consummate supporter of the team’s community improvement efforts. Each year, the company donates 7,000 Riversharks tickets to local organizations that work to assist those who are poverty stricken or in need of assistance. In 2009, the Campbell Soup Company extended its partnership with the Riversharks for 10 additional years, signifying the company’s dedication to the positive impact that both organizations have within the local community.
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Wawa Shorties Get In Free The Wawa Food Markets “Shorties Get in Free” program sponsors the free admission of thousands of children, aged 12 or younger, who wear their youth athletic league uniform, jersey, or T-shirt to a Riversharks home game. The initiative is designed to promote active and healthy lifestyles.
Volunteers Of America Volunteers of America
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Delaware Valley
In 2009, the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley partnered with the Riversharks to provide all veterans with free tickets to a Riversharks game. The organization is also the official sponsor of the singing of “God Bless America” during the seventh inning of all Riversharks home games.
Honorary Bat Child Of The Game One of the more unique experiences offered at Riversharks games is the opportunity to be the Honorary Bat Child of the Game. The Bat Child is given four free tickets to a Riversharks game and a free T-shirt. He or she is then introduced to the entire crowd from the field level and allowed to sit in the home team dugout during pregame warm-ups, where Riversharks players and mascots stop by to say hello and sign autographs. Being the Honorary Bat Child is a very special experience that most kids will not forget.
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Baseball In Education Every season, the Riversharks host three Baseball in Education days, which are designed to incorporate baseball into school curriculums. These games have an early 11:05 a.m. start time so that students can attend, and all schools are offered discounted tickets that include lunch at the ballpark and educational packets for students. Between innings, the game announcer reviews the answers to the questions in the packet, and participating schools are recognized on the scoreboard. Since 2005, Baseball in Education games have been showing students that the lessons they learn in school can be applied to fun subjects, like baseball!
Most Improved Student Each season, the Riversharks host three Most Improved Student events to honor students who have shown marked academic improvement and to encourage all students to focus on scholastic success. Nearly 15,000 students are provided with a free ticket and on-field recognition during a Riversharks game through the Most Improved Student program. www.riversharks.com
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New York Life Kids In Sports The New York Life Kids in Sports partnership is a career development program, originated in 2007, that gives children between the ages of 6-13 an opportunity to join the Riversharks staff for a day. The experience teaches children about the behind-the-scenes career opportunities in the sports industry and helps them develop a sense of direction as they mature into young adults.
Carrabba’s Hometown Hero Created in 2008, the Carrabba’s Hometown Hero program recognizes ordinary people from the community who have helped their neighborhood in extraordinary ways. Each month, one hero is honored during a Riversharks game with on-field recognition, an in-game video, the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and dinner for ten at Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Susquehanna Bank Strikeout For Straight A’s Started in 2007, the Susquehanna Bank Strikeout for Straight A’s outreach initiative aims to encourage academic achievement in the Camden community. For every strikeout that the Riversharks record at home during the season, Susquehanna Bank donates $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Camden County. In three seasons, the program has donated more than $15,000.
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Mascot Appearances Finley and Blooper are the Riversharks’ mascots, and around town, they are extremely familiar faces. Each year, they make nearly 300 appearances across the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. They visit schools, hospitals, fundraising events, little league games, and charity golf tournaments. They also appear at retirement homes, charity walks, check presentations, and local fairs and festivals in an effort to spread the spirit of baseball throughout the community.
Baseball Clinics Since it opened in 2001, Campbell’s Field has hosted hundreds of hours of baseball clinics and camps. Following each of the four annual Scout sleepovers, Riversharks players teach young Scouts the fundamentals of hitting, pitching, and fielding. Players also host a baseball clinic for all members of the Riversharks Kids Club.
Player Appearances Riversharks players truly become a part of the communities that they call home. They have appeared at school assemblies, run clinics for young baseball players, and helped celebrate new business openings in the South Jersey area. Not only have the Riversharks signed good players, they have signed good people, too -- people who are willing to make time in their busy travel and game schedules to support their friends and neighbors. The most common stops for Riversharks players include schools, where they teach children about the importance of maintaining active lifestyles, and hospitals, where they attempt to lift the spirits of those who are not feeling well. www.riversharks.com
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Charitable Initiatives When it comes to charity, the Riversharks are, in many ways, simply a resource for the tremendous generosity of their fans. In nine seasons, Riversharks fans have helped to raise approximately $2.2 million through the team’s various charitable initiatives.
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Season-Long Initiatives Fan support and enthusiasm for the Riversharks continues to be overwhelming, and that is why the Riversharks top priority is to give back to the communities that we call home. Each year, several season-long initiatives raise nearly $250,000 for local charities and organizations.
Jersey Auctions Special auctions for game-worn jerseys remain popular among Riversharks fans, and they are one of the most successful fundraising programs that the team offers. Through the first three seasons of the program, the Riversharks have raised over $30,000 for various charities with jersey auctions. On select nights, the Riversharks have worn jerseys ranging from Pink (Breast Cancer Awareness), to Teal (Ovarian Cancer Awareness), to Yellow (Livestrong), to Navy Blue (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), to Camouflage (Military Appreciation). Fans can bid on the jerseys of their favorite players, silent auction style, and then pose for pictures and get autographs with Riversharks players after the game.
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Food Drives The Riversharks have worked closely with the Food Bank of South Jersey to host dozens of food drives since the conception of the team. Collecting non-perishable food products for the annual Stamp Out Hunger initiative has become a tradition at Campbell’s Field, and every fan who donates to the food drive is given a free ticket to a future Riversharks game. In the past, the ‘Sharks have also held food drives for Preston and Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger campaign (93.3 WMMR Philadelphia), which benefits the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank.
Blood Drives The Riversharks have joined forces with the American Red Cross and the Community Blood Council of New Jersey to collect blood for area hospitals and medical centers. Each season, the team hosts several blood drives at the ballpark, yielding hundreds of pints of usable, life-saving blood. Fans who sacrifice their time and wellbeing to save the lives of others are rewarded with a free ticket to a future Riversharks game. 12
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More Than Just Baseball Affordable Family Entertainment
From scout sleepovers, to concerts, to dogs in the ballpark, the Riversharks focus on creating an environment that parents, children, and even pets can enjoy. Since 2001, Campbell’s Field has been more than just a place where baseball is played. It has been a place where memories are made.
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Kids Run The Bases At Campbell’s Field, the only people who round the bases more than Riversharks players are Riversharks fans. Every Saturday, after home games, all children in attendance are invited onto the infield where they have the chance to imitate their favorite players as they run around the bases. For many kids, spending a few minutes playing on a professional baseball field is the experience of a lifetime and the best part of coming to Riversharks games. Over the years, Kids Run the Bases has become one of the most popular events at Campbell’s Field, with thousands of children participating in the fun each season.
Riversharks Kids Fun Zone
All baseball stadiums have hot dogs and fireworks. But not all baseball stadiums have rock climbing walls, carousels, inflatable sports games, and a 5,000-foot play-scape; and that’s what sets Campbell’s Field apart. The number of entertainment options offered in the Kids Fun Zone ensures that children of all ages enjoy their time at Riversharks games.
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Promotional Nights Promotional nights are a staple at Riversharks games, and they are a great way to get fans more involved with the team and celebrate the hard-working citizens of our community. Special uniforms, food options, scoreboard graphics, music, and on-field ceremonies are carefully planned out for all promotional nights, and fans are always encouraged to participate in the fun. In fact, fans who partake are often given special prizes, discounts, or even free tickets to future games. Many theme nights feature special giveaways, including bobblehead dolls, seat cushions, hats, picture frames, and snow globes. Over the years, some of the more popular promotional nights have been Medical Professionals Night, Baseball in Education, EMT Night, Scout Sleepovers, and Summer Camp Days.
Dream Team The Riversharks Dream Team is the ultimate experience for young Riversharks fans. Dream Team members get a chance to find out what it feels like when players have their names announced for starting lineups and what it’s like to listen to the National Anthem under the lights in front of thousands of fans. Plus, Dream Teams can take pictures on the field with mascots Finley and Blooper before the game and get autographs from their favorite Riversharks.
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Scout Nights The Riversharks host four overnight sleepovers for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts each year. Over 1,800 Scouts and their families attend the events annually, and their commitment to service is honored with a pre-game parade around the field. After the game, there is a fireworks celebration and a movie presentation. The following morning, Scouts are provided with a full breakfast, and Riversharks players host a baseball clinic for all attendees. Scout Nights are a great way to reward Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their hard work and dedication, and they even receive a special Scout patch for their participation.
Player Accessibility Player autographs are as much a part of baseball as home runs are. Fans bring their gloves, jerseys, and baseball cards to games, hoping for a chance to get an autograph from their favorite player. At Riversharks games, we take chance out of the equation. Before every single home game, several players are stationed on the stadium concourse as part of the Riversharks Autograph Corral. On Sundays, it is even easier for fans to get autographs from their favorite players, as the whole team is made available for autographs and pictures before the game.
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Stadium Events Campbell’s Field is much more than just a ballpark. The stadium has become a true meeting ground for South Jersey and Philadelphia residents from all walks of life. It is a business conference center that hosts gatherings such as corporate luncheons and community meetings. It is a 10,000-seat concert venue, a place for youth baseball, celebrity softball, and even professional wrestling. With a year-round calendar of diverse events, Campbell’s Field is the place to be and be seen.
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Regional Municipality Events The Riversharks have always been and will always be very conscientious neighbors. The organization takes great pride in being a part of the South Jersey and Philadelphia communities and is always looking for ways to improve the surrounding neighborhoods. For this reason, Campbell’s Field has hosted numerous events, at no cost, for the surrounding municipalities. Some of the more notable events include: • Mayor’s Youth Council educational event • D.A.R.E. program graduation ceremony • Job Fairs for Northgate Towers and Camden city residents • Woodland Community Center Job Fair • Camden City Veteran’s Appreciation Day • Department of the Public Advocate Strike Out Lead Night • Camden City National Ovarian Cancer Night • Camden Board of Education Celebration Day
Charity Walks Campbell’s Field is a popular venue for charity walks, thanks to its waterfront location and spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. Many walks also like to utilize the ballpark’s close proximity to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Over the years, Campbell’s Field has been an integral part of the following charity walks, just to name a few: • American Cancer Society Relay for Life • City of Hope Walk of Hope • Lymphoma and Leukemia Society Light the Night Walk • National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Walk • Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run • March of Dimes March for Babies • American Diabetes Association Walk • Norcross/Cooper Health Bridge Run 18
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Baseball Tournaments One of the more powerful and common uses for Campbell’s Field is hosting baseball tournaments. The pristinely cut grass and fine infield texture at the ballpark are rarely duplicated by public parks or local schools, so the experience of playing on a professional sports diamond is one that student athletes thoroughly enjoy and likely never forget. In the past, Campbell’s Field has been the home of several baseball tournaments, including: • Jonas Brothers Celebrity Softball • Leap HS Baseball Tournament • Atlantic 10 Tournament • Camden City All-Star Game • School District of Philadelphia Playoffs • McNabb Wallace Celebrity Softball • American Legion Baseball Tournament • Hero Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia Softball Game • Jon Runyan Celebrity Softball Game
Concerts
With over 10,000 seats and an unbeatable view to offer, Campbell’s Field is a great outdoor concert venue in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. Through the years, the ballpark has attracted some of the most well-known legends of music, such as Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, as well as other culturally based shows, such as the La Voz de Mexico concert. By bringing top talents to the stadium, the Riversharks offer South Jersey and Philadelphia residents a wide variety of entertainment options.
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! k r a p ll a b e th t a u o y e e S
401 N. Delaware Avenue, Camden, NJ 08102 1-866-SHARKS-9 • www.riversharks.com