"Building a generation of character for today and tomorrow." 
Newsletter - July 2018

Supporting Access to Baseball in Africa



The Blizzard Foundation is teaming up with the Blizzard Baseball Academy for an equipment drive. All gently used equipment can be dropped off at the Blizzard Baseball Academy  thru Saturday, August 4th. A donation box for used equipment can be found in the player's lounge. Gloves and cleats are the biggest need right now. Several of Benin players actually play in their bare feet. Please help us in making a difference and bring in your used equipment today!
 
Little League Baseball Team from Benin, West Africa arrived in Minnesota July 23, 2018
Twelve Little League aged baseball players who have never ventured outside of their hometown in Benin West Africa arrived in the Twin Cities on Monday July 23 to prepare to compete in the 14th Annual Robbinsdale Wood Bat Tournament (Aug 2-5).
 
For more infromation on Benin baseball check out  http://baseballinbenin.org
 
Blizzard Baseball Academy Address
3200 Labore Road #102
Vadnais Heights, MN 55110


Join Us for Dinner!

Non-golfers invited! Following the 3rd Annual Johnny Price IV Memorial Golf Tournament we will gather f or a dinner and program to reflect on the work of the Blizzard Foundation in the past year, and preview our plans for the upcoming year. Dinner will start around 5:30PM with a short program to follow. Legends Golf Club will be opening their doors and catering a beautiful night for us.
 
Join us as we work towards building a stronger community and continue to celebrate the legacy of Johnny Price IV!
 
Tickets Below:
 
Questions? 
Contact Blizzard Foundation's executive director, Jeff Huth at (763) 242-2125


10 Baseball Players Needed - Volunteer Opportunity with Pinky Swear Foundation 

The Pinky Swear Foundation is in need of volunteers interested in helping with their annual 5K & Fun Run. The Pinky Swear 5K is a family fitness festival to benefit kids with cancer and their families! 
 
Before nine-year-old Mitch Chepokas died from cancer, his dad made a pinky swear promise with him to continue to help children with cancer and their families by providing immediate needs support and unique family programs.

Volunteers will be in charge of 'Water-Stop Stations'. Job duties will include assisting with setup and teardown of the Aid Stations on the course including tables, water, cups; distribute water to participants during the event. Volunteers are needed to arrive at 8:00am and will finish their day around 12:00pm. 

Date and Time:
Saturday, August 18, 2018
8AM-12:00PM

Date and Location:
Lake Ann Park
Chanhassen, Minnesota

How to Register:
Email volunteer@theblizzardfoundation.org with volunteer name and phone number.


A Duo Greater than Ruth and Gehrig in the
Making!

The Blizzard Foundation Partners with Team Tucker
Earlier this summer, the Blizzard Foundation partnered with Team Tucker to provide coaching for kids attending Tucker's Sandlot. The fun-filled afternoon brought the game of baseball to kids who had never played before! The Blizzard Foundation looks forward to beocming an even bigger part of Tucker's Sandlot in 2019. Stay Tuned!
 
History of Team Tucker and Play Laugh Love
Tucker Helstrom was a boy living in the Hopkins community. He spent his short 9 ½ years playing sports, laughing with friends and family, and showing love to all, even after cancer forced the amputation of his leg. Tucker showed everyone how to live during his heroic battle with osteosarcoma. Now, his mother, family, and his "team" are continuing his legacy. Tucker, with his amazing strength and attitude, created an explosion. Team Tucker ensures more children Play, Laugh, and feel Love.



Twin Cities Orthopedics' CEO, Troy Simonson, Set to Throw Out First Pitch

On August 12th, the Blizzard Foundation will bring together two baseball teams to play in an exhibition game solely for the friends and families of HopeKids and Crescent Cove. The event will take place at the University of Northwestern. We intend to provide these special families a day of baseball and family fun without the need to navigate massive stadium crowds. Just like the big leagues we will have tailgating before and during, a ceremonial first-pitch, national anthem, and a great time! The Blizzard Foundation is dedicated to making baseball accessible for families and accessibility sometimes means participating as a fan. In this way, we are honored to sponsor a game of baseball exclusively for the friends and families of HopeKids and Crescent Cove.

HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-­threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine.

Around the United States, there are over 4,700 hospice homes for
adults,  but Crescent Cove is the third of its kind designed just for children and th eir unique needs, and the only home in the Midwest. Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy, and to their families who love them.




Although closed to the public, we have an open opportunity for volunteers to serve or otherwise support the tail-gaiting/concessions. Contact Jeff Huth for additional information


Looking to Help?
 
Visit our Facebook -
A quick and easy way to help out. Like our page and share our latest post.

Silent Auction Baskets -  We are collecting silent auction baskets for our upcoming golf tournament in August. This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, or businesses who are looking to give back in a new way! 100% of all money raised will be used for the development of the infrastructure, programs, and services of the Blizzard Foundation. I f you are able to donate auction-ready baskets, please contact Jeff Huth at 

Speaking Engagments - Need a speaker at your next Rotary meeting or Chamber event? The Blizzard Foundation frequently visits these gatherings to share the work and vision of the foundation with the community.

Reach Out - I t is our goal to impact as many families as possible. If you or someone you know may be in need of support from the Blizzard Foundation, please connect them with director, Jeff Huth at 
Jeff.Huth@theblizzardfoundation.org

UPCOMING DATES

A ugust 12th
The Blizzard Foundation will bring together two baseball teams to play in an exhibition game solely for the 
friends and families of HopeKids and Crescent Cove. The event will take place at the  University of Northwestern. We intend to provide a day of baseball and family fun without the need to navigate massive stadium crowds.

August 20th
The Blizzard Foundation Third Annual Golf Tournament at Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake. The day will consist of a 18 hole scramble followed by dinner. All proceeds will go to further the mission of the Blizzard Foundation.

September 1st
This marks the deadline for families to apply for fall assistance from the Blizzard foundation.The Blizzard Foundation is dedicated to helping make baseball accessible for all families, regardless of affiliation. More information regarding the assistance application and process visit  http://theblizzardfoundation.org/apply-for-financial-assistance/

December 15th
Circle this date on your calendar! The Blizzard Foundation will be hosting the first ever Blizzard Foundation Holiday Party. This will be a time for us to share accomplishments of the Blizzard Foundation, connect with other donors, and build momentum for an even better 2019! Details to come!

*If you know a baseball team or association looking for service learning opportunities contact the Blizzard Foundation today!