DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS - COMMUNITY REPORT 2014
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DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
2014
COMMUNITY REPORT
OUR MISSION
The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching
the lives of those in our local community by giving
back to organizations who have given us continuous
support over the years. Through various community
initiatives, we are able to provide opportunities for
local charities to generate fundraising dollars,
create awareness and ultimately enjoy a fun day at
the ballpark! As a team, we strive to assist those in
need by increasing literacy, acting as positive role
models, and providing hope, fun and entertaining to
the communities of Dunedin, Pinellas County and
the Tampa Bay Area.
DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 1
Design and Content: Tyler Murray, Tim Vieira
Photography: Kathi Beckman, Jim Goins, Josh
Rojas, Jonathan Valdez, Tim Vieira, Dave Wright
At the Ballpark………………………………………….………… 3
Fundraising Program……………………………………....……...
Little League Involvement
Youth Baseball At the Facility Baseball Buddies
Relay for Life
Monthly Drives
Christmas in July/Fans for the Cure
Education Day
NSA Tournament Opening Ceremony
Wheely Fun Night
T.J’s Lemonade Stand
Initiative Programs……………………….…………………….. 15
Bookin’ it to the Ballpark
Summer Kickball Tour
Charity Bowling Tournament
Baseball Camp
Jays in the Community……………………………………….. 23
Pottery Painting/Burger Battle
Toys for Tots Shopping Spree
Jays Outreach
2 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
blue jays community team by the numbers
blue jays community team by the numbers
630+ HOURS
Volunteered by Blue Jays Community Team
$5,200+
$3,000 Volunteered by Blue Jays Community Team
Raised in support of the
772 STUDENTS
Allocated to District 12 Ronald McDonald House
Little League sponsorships Raised in support
Charities of the
of Tampa Bay
Allocated to District 12 Ronald McDonald House
during Charity Bowling
Little League sponsorships Reached in Bookin’ it to the Ballpark Reading Program Charities of Tampa Bay
Tournament
during Charity Bowling
Reached in Bookin’ it to the Ballpark Reading Program
Tournament
$8,600+
66
Raised by the Blue Jays Offsite community
Community Team for American events participated in
Raised by the Blue Jays
Cancer Society Relay for Life
Offsite community
Community Team for American events participated in
Cancer Society Relay for Life
OVER
OVER
400 FIELDS
$30,000+ $31,000
Donated throughout the
year for the use of Little Valued in item
Donated throughout the Raised for organizations utilizing our
League and High School donations to local
year for the use of Little Fundraiser Program at the Ballpark Valued in item and
Raised organizations
baseball programs duringfor organizations
Spring Training utilizing our
and Florida donations to causes
local
League and High School Fundraiser Program at the Ballpark charitable
baseball programs State League seasons organizations and
during Spring Training and Florida
charitable causes
State League seasons
4 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Fundraising Program
Spring Training & Florida State League
Each season, the Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training and Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State
League, offer local non-profit organizations the opportunity to raise funds at the ballpark through
a ticket sales program. Organizations can obtain tickets directly from the Blue Jays on
consignment at the fundraiser discount price, and sell them to their own customer base of family,
friends, community, at an increased amount. If a given organization reaches the minimum
number of tickets sold, they have the opportunity to host the 50/50 raffle during the game of their
group outing, in an effort to raise additional funds.
During Spring Training 2014, through the fundraiser program, the Blue Jays assisted area
organizations in raising $18,731. A total of seven area non-profit groups participated in the
fundraiser ticket program, while other
organizations hosted silent auctions and 50/50
raffles throughout the Blue Jays home schedule.
Participating groups also had the opportunity
to partake in on-field incentives, such as first
pitch ceremonies and performing the national
anthems.
During the Florida State League season, groups have the opportunity to make $3 per fundraiser
ticket sold, 50% of the ticket value. Many organizations have taken this opportunity to raise
additional funds in 2014 including the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Relay for Life team,
the Lady Outlawz fast-pitch softball team, and Wheelchairs for Kids.
“The team LOVES the fundraisers we do with the Blue Jays. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity
to raise money for the team, but it is a family-friendly day for everyone. Food, baseball, friends;
just an all-around great time. The stadium makes you feel like you are close to the players and
the Blue Jays organization is amazing. We look forward to this every year .”
-Sheryl Weisenberg, Team Mom, Lady Outlawz Softball
DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 5
District
DISTRICT12
12
LITTLE LEAGUE
Little League
The season at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium may not start until Spring Training in late
February, but that doesn’t mean baseball isn’t in full swing well before then. The Blue Jays
Community Team began their 2014 calendar with appearances at local District 12 Little League
Opening Ceremonies. Visiting 8 sites in two weekends, staff, alongside the Blue Jays mascot,
DJay, helped welcome baseball back for another season in Pinellas County.
The Blue Jays Community Team is also
committed to contributing financially to
youth baseball in its local community.
For the 2014 season the Blue Jays funded
area little leagues with over $3,000 in
allocated sponsorships.
Additionally, the Blue Jays make Florida Auto Exchange Stadium available as a host site for area
Little League’s Closing Ceremonies. On May 18, Oldsmar Little League held their end-of-season
trophy presentations and banquet at the ballpark. The Blue Jays opened their gates an hour early
for the ceremony and provided complimentary tickets for all of the coaches, players and parents
associated with the league.
6 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Youth
Youth Baseball
Baseball
Youth Baseball
At the Facility
At At
thethe Facility
Facility
Throughout the calendar year, the Blue Jays Exchange Stadium complete with PA
Throughout
extend use ofthetheir
calendar
stadiumyear,
and thefacilities
Blue Jays to Exchange Stadium
announcements, complete
scoreboard with
graphics and PAin-
extend use of their stadium and
area youth baseball, including Dunedin facilities to announcements, scoreboard graphics and
game music, giving the high school student in-
area League
Little youth baseball, including
and the Dunedin FalconsDunedin
High game music,
athletes a giving
taste the
of high
the school student
professional
Little League
School program. and the Dunedin Falcons High athletes a taste of the professional
atmosphere.
School program. atmosphere.
Each season the Blue Jays open their gates In total, the Dunedin Blue Jays donated their
EachLittle
for season the Blue
League Jays usage
baseball open on theirfour
gates
of In total,
fields to the
areaDunedin
baseballBlue Jays donated
programs for 413 their
free
for Little
their Leagueincluding
fields, baseball usage
Floridaon four of
Auto fields to area baseball programs for 413 free
uses.
their fields,
Exchange Stadium,including
and hostFlorida Auto
four Little uses.
Exchange
League Stadium,
District and host four Little
Tournaments.
League District Tournaments.
The Dunedin High School baseball team
The the
calls Dunedin
Blue JaysHighfacility
School baseball
home team
throughout
calls the
their Blueseason,
entire Jays facility
and hashome throughout
access to the
their 6entire
field days season,
a week for andpractice
has access to the
and games.
field 6season,
Each days a theweekBlue
for practice
Jays staff andDunedin
games.
Each season,
Falcons homethegamesBlue Jays staff Dunedin
at Florida Auto
Falcons home games at Florida Auto
Baseball Buddies
Baseball Buddies
Baseball Buddies
During the Florida State League home schedule, the Dunedin Blue Jays offer Little Leagues,
During the
softball Florida
teams and State League
birthday partyhome schedule,
groups the Dunedin
the opportunity BluetoJays
to take the offer
field Little Leagues,
with the Pros.
softball of
Groups teams
10 orandmore
birthday partyupgroups
can sign the come,
on a first opportunity to takebasis
first served to the
for field with the Pros.
this opportunity on
Groups of 10nights
promotional or more
andcan sign uphome
Saturday on a games.
first come,
The first
kids served
get thebasis for to
chance thishear
opportunity
their nameon
promotionalinnights
announced and Saturday
the starting lineup byhome games.
the Blue JaysThe kids get theand
PA Announcer chance to hear
run onto theiratname
the field their
announced in the starting lineup by the Blue Jays PA Announcer and run onto the field at their
favorite position.
favorite position.
DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 7
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
Relay
Relay For Life
for Life
Florida Auto Exchange has been the host site for the Dunedin Relay for Life, an American
Cancer Society event held annually in the spring for the past nine years. Each year the Blue Jays
Staff serves as the logistics committee as well as a fundraising team. For the 2014 Relay event,
the Blue Jays team raised $8,628.47. These funds were raised through 50-50 Raffles during
Spring Training, Silent Auctions and
other fundraising efforts.
In total, the Dunedin Relay held at Florida
Auto Exchange Stadium raised $64,987.40
for the American Cancer Society.
This year’s event was held on
May 16 at 6pm, lasting until 8am
the following morning. The event
is always free and open to the
public.
You can find more information on
Dunedin’s Relay for Life Event at
www.relayforlife.org/dunedinfl.
8 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Monthly Drives
For a Cause
Throughout the 2014 Florida State League Season, During the themed game, the Blue Jays presented a
Florida Auto Exchange Stadium served as a check to the Dunedin Doggie Rescue in the amount of
collection site for several not-for-profit $709.
organizations.
Over the course of the next four months the Blue Jays
Each month, the Blue Jays partnered with a teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast
different organization, and sought out the (May), Goodwill Suncoast (June), Pinellas County
compassion of their fan base to donate goods to the Toys for Tots (July), and the Backpack Lady Project
particular beneficiary of the month. Fans who (August). During the month of August, Platinum
donated to the cause had the option to receive a Bank sponsored the ‘Back to School’ drive.
complimentary ticket voucher, good for 2 tickets to
a future game, or a special D-Jays merchandise Each month, representatives from the beneficiary-of-
prize-of-the-month. the-month were invited out to the ballpark for a “Night
of Recognition” including first pitch ceremony
The Blue Jays kicked off the monthly drives in opportunities, and Public Address reads.
April, in support of the Dunedin Doggie Rescue.
The selection of this organization coincided with In total, the Blue Jays collected items to be donated
Bark in the Park Night, an annual event at Florida over the course of 140 days at Florida Auto Exchange
Auto Exchange Stadium, on April 12. Stadium.DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 9
Christmas
Christmas
Christmas
In July
On July 25, the Dunedin Blue Jays hosted
inInJuly
July
“Christmas
On July 25, the in Dunedin
July” atBlue Florida Auto
Jays hosted
Exchange
“ChristmasStadium.
in July” During
at the game Auto
Florida Blue
Jays players and coaching staff
Exchange Stadium. During the game Blue wore special
red jerseys andthat
Jays players were staff
coaching auctioned off
wore special
throughout the night, with proceeds
red jerseys that were auctioned off from the
auction
throughoutbenefiting
the night,Pinellas County Toys
with proceeds for
from the
Tots.
auctionThe Dunedin
benefiting Blue County
Pinellas Jays welcomed
Toys for
representatives from
Tots. The Dunedin Blue JaysToys for Tots and the
welcomed
Salvation Armyfrom
representatives to take
Toyspart
forinTots
the and
night’s
the
festivities. Santa Claus was on site
Salvation Army to take part in the night’s to throw
out the firstSanta
festivities. pitchClaus
and take
wasphotos,
on site and train
to throw
rides were available for all families
out the first pitch and take photos, and train in
attendance.
rides were available for all families in
attendance.
Fans
Fans for
for the Cure
the Cure
Fans for the Awareness
Cure
Prostate
ProstateCancer
Cancer Awareness
Prostate Cancer Awareness
On August 14, in conjunction
with Ed Randall’s
On August 14, in Fans for the
conjunction
Cure,
with Ed theRandall’s
Blue JaysFanshosted
for thea
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Cure, the Blue Jays hosted a
Night at theCancer
Prostate ballpark. Awareness
The team
and staff wore baby
Night at the ballpark. The team blue
wristbands
and staff to wore
show support
baby and bluea
team autographed bat was raffled
wristbands to show support and a
off
teamduring the game.
autographed bat was raffled
off during the game.10 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
“Keeping Kids Healthy & Fit…On & Off the Field”
Keeping Kids Healthy & Fit, On
EDUCATION DAYand Off the Field
Education Day
Each year the Dunedin Blue Jays host Education Day at the ballpark. The mission of the event is
to provide a FREE fun-filled activity for elementary school-aged children, promoting healthy
living on and off the field.
This season, the event was held on May 6.
By leaning on the players and community
partners as role models, the Dunedin Blue
Jays strive to make a positive impact among
those in attendance.
A pre-game exercise session and relay race
with Dunedin Blue Jays trainer Shawn
McDermott, allowed students to move their
muscles and prepare for the game just like
the pros. The choir from San Jose Elementary School kicked off the game with the singing of the
National Anthem.
In addition to the baseball game, there were several interactive activities set up throughout the
concourse to promote healthy living, healthy eating, and good exercise habits. Game Day
sponsors included Clearwater Gas, Crime Stoppers, Hair Cuttery and Walmart Neighborhood
Market. DJay and several players participated in the autograph session and the kids ran the bases
at the conclusion of the game.
2014 Education Day Stats: 21 schools attended with nearly 3,000 in total attendance.
The Blue Jays along with event sponsors were able to cover the cost of buses for roughly 1,300
of the 3,000 kids in attendance. The free event was made possible courtesy of Walmart
Neighborhood Market.ATTENDING SCHOOLS Academie Da Vinci Charter Frontier Elementary Athenian Academy Garrison Jones Elementary Belleair Elementary Gulfside Elementary Clearwater Intermediate School High Point Elementary Chester Taylor Elementary Melrose Elementary Cornerstone Christian Moon Lake Elementary Curtis Fundamental School Our Lady of Lourdes Cypress Woods Elementary Catholic School Dunedin Elementary Plato Academy Palm Harbor Dunedin Highland Middle School Seminole Elementary Dunedin High School San Jose Elementary
12 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
National Softball Association
National Softball Association
Southern World Series
On July 16, the National Softball Association held their Girls Fastball “B” Southern World
Series Tournament Opening Ceremony at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. The tournament,
which alternates sites each season, was held this summer in the Tampa Bay Area.
Prior to the Blue Jays game, all 100 teams participating in the NSA tournament paraded onto the
field, and remained on the field for the singing of the National Anthem.
During the game, Blue Jays staff honored recipients of the Miss NSA award with a presentation
on the home dugout, as well as a presentation for the winner of the NSA Scholarship. On the
concourse, a “pin swap” tent was set up for players and coaches to trade their team pins with
their tournament counterparts.
In total, a group of 1,500 people attended the ballgame, in support of the tournament beginning
the following day.DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 13
“Wheely Fun Night”
With the Blue Jays
On August 9, the Dunedin Blue Jays hosted Scott Kistner, Bradley’s father, stated, “it's
Wheelchairs for Kids, a Tarpon Springs based non- heartwarming to see members of the community,
profit organization dedicated to servicing, and like the Dunedin Blue Jays, give special-needs
positively impacting the lives of children bound to kids the same opportunities as the able bodied.”
wheelchairs. Several children supported by the
organization took part in the night’s festivities, along Wheelchairs for Kids raised $489 in total through
with their families. the ticket fundraising program and the evening’s
50-50 raffle at the game.
Bradley Kistner, 5, who was born with cerebral palsy
and spina bifida, took to the field at Florida Auto
Exchange Stadium to throw out the game’s first pitch.
“It was such a fun night! We can’t thank the Dunedin Blue Jays enough for hosting our kids
sports community.”
-Madeline Robinson, Executive Director, Wheelchairs for Kids14 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
T.J. Guerrero’s
Lemonade Stand
Before the Dunedin Blue Jays playoff game on September 3, the team extended an opportunity to
local 12-year old entrepreneur, T.J Guerrero. T.J’s Lemonade Stand made national headlines, at
the expense of an irritated neighbor who voiced his displeasure with the crowds the stand draws.
Instantly, the community rallied behind the young boy’s efforts and work ethic. The Blue Jays
took that crowd to Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, including media coverage from several local
outlets, giving T.J the opportunity to sell his lemonade at the ballpark. To make his experience
complete, the team presented T.J with his own customized Dunedin Blue Jays jersey, and handed
him the ball to throw out the game’s first pitch.
Making his story even more remarkable, T.J decided to donate profits earned during his big night
to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, which provides fundraising assistance and
family support for children and young adults in need of a life-saving transplant. In total, the
young businessman made $415 at the ballpark.772
STUDENTS REACHED DURING
THE 2014 BOOKIN' IT TO THE
BALLPARK PROGRAM
PLAYER READING VISITS
May 2: Danny Barnes and Arik Sikula visited Melrose Elementary
May 5: Matt Newman and Kevin Patterson visited Sutherland Elementary
May 19: Wil Browning and Kendall Graveman visited Jamerson Elementary
May 20: Taylor Cole and Arik Sikula visited Tarpon Springs Elementary
May 21: Taylor Cole and Ben White visited Dunedin Elementary
and Guardian Angels Catholic School
May 22: Daniel Norris and Justin Jackson visited Garrison Jones Elementary
May 23: K.C. Hobson and Christian Lopes visited Curtis FundamentalDUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 17
Bookin’ it
To the Ballpark
2014 marked the 4th year of the Dunedin Blue Jays annual Bookin’ it to the Ballpark reading
program sponsored by TD Bank. The six week program, which
ran from April 14 – May 23, is an initiative to encourage
consistent out-of-school reading habits among 2nd grade students.
This year, the Blue Jays expanded their program by 116% from
the previous year, reaching 772 total students in nine
participating schools.
The participating Pinellas County Elementary Schools in this
year’s program were; Anona (Largo), Curtis Fundamental (Dunedin), Douglas L. Jamerson (St.
Petersburg), Dunedin, Garrison-Jones (Dunedin), Guardian Angels Catholic School (Clearwater),
Melrose (St. Petersburg), Sutherland (Palm Harbor), and Tarpon Springs.
Throughout the friendly competition among classes
within each school, the students were given
program-specific designed bookmarks, with a
baseball diamond graphic at the forefront. For each
20 minutes of reading, the students were awarded a
base, culminating in one run with every 80 minutes
of reading. The students combined to “score” almost
1,200 runs, logging nearly 96,000 minutes – or
1,600 hours – of out-of-school reading during the six
weeks, in addition to their other requirements given by their respective school.
As an incentive for the participating students, ticket vouchers were awarded every time they
scored a run during the program. The vouchers, good for 4 tickets, were redeemable for one of
two TD Bank Reading Nights at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. In total, the participating
students redeemed over 330 tickets for the designated games.
In support of the Bookin’ it to the Ballpark program, Blue Jays players, staff and mascot DJay,
visited the schools to read to the students, encouraging them to continue with their own reading
efforts. At the conclusion of the program, the winning class of each school was awarded a pizza
party, courtesy of18 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Summer
Kickball Tour
The Dunedin Blue Jays Community Team kicked The first stop on the tour was the Boys & Girls Club
off the fun this summer at area camps with a Chi Chi Rodriguez site, in Clearwater. From there the
“ball”. Players and DJay toured Pinellas County on Blue Jays Community Team made stops at the Boys &
an 8-leg Summer Kickball Tour during a four week Girls Club Northside (St. Petesburg), Boys & Girls
timeframe spanning from July to August. In total Club Wood Valley (Clearwater), Boys & Girls Club
the D-Jays visited over 450 campers during their Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor Community Center, Palm
eight stops. Harbor Parks & Recreation, Boys & Girls Club
Ridgecrest (Largo) and Camp Kidz Summer Camp
The campers had the opportunity to play with and
(Clearwater).
against the Blue Jays players during the fun, yet
mostly competitive games. At the end of each
event the players and DJay took time to sign
autographs and take group photos.
“It’s always a blessing to start your day enjoying your time with the kids. I feel like I get more
out of them than they get from us. ”
-Jorge Saez, CatcherKICKBALL TOUR DATES
visited the Chi Chi Rodriguez Boys & Girls Club
July 18: Taylor Cole and Jorge Saez visited the Northside Boys & Girls Club
July 24: Taylor Cole visited the Wood Valley Boys & Girls Club in Clearwater
August 4: Aaron Munoz and Jorge Saez visited the Safety Harbor Community Center
August 11: L.B Dantzler and Jorge Saez visited Palm Harbor’s “Camp Adventure”
August 14: Jesse Hernandez and Ben White visited the Ridgecrest Boys & Girls Club
August 15: Tony Davis and Arik Sikula visited “Camp Kidz” in Clearwater20 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
First
AnnualAnnual
Charity
Bowling Tournament
Charity Bowling Tournament
“Thank you all, Blue Jays team, for everything you did to make this tournament a success! You
have helped make a serious impact on the lives of our families and we can’t thank you enough
for your support!”
- Ashley Johnson, Event Coordinator, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay
-Ashley Johnson, Event Coordinator, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay
The Dunedin Blue Jays hosted their 1st Annual Autographed bowling pins were up for auction – both
Charity Bowling Tournament in support of the individually and team signed – as well as donated gift
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa certificates and prize packs from various restaurants
Bay, on July 26 at Dunedin Lanes. The entire and retail stores in the area, and the artwork of several
Dunedin Blue Jays roster and coaching staff was on Blue Jays players who participated in the pottery
hand to mingle with the bowlers and guests. Some painting event on July 7.
players even took to the emcee microphone to pitch
their auction items up for sale. Lunch was served for all, courtesy of Smokey Bones
Bar & Grill.
The 24-lane bowling alley was completely sold out,
with at least five bowlers per lane. Participants An element of competition went into the event, as
received two games of bowling, a t-shirt, and a bowlers were competing for best individual score in
ticket to that evening’s Blue Jays home game. 22 each of the two games played, as well as best overall
lane sponsors chipped in to take part in this special team score. The winners of the individual
event, sponsored by Achieva Credit Union. 100% achievements in each of the three predetermined age
of the proceeds benefited the Ronald McDonald brackets received a team signed bowling pin
House Charities of Tampa Bay. customized with the event logo. The members of the
“best team score” were awarded two tickets per
bowler to a 2015 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training
game at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.
The 1st Annual Charity Bowling Tournament netted a
total of $5,203.94 in donation to the Ronald
McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.$5,203 Raised in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay
22 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Dunedin Blue Jays
Baseball Camp
““This was the best baseball camp I have ever been to! Playing with the Dunedin players was cool
and fun. They spent a lot of time working with me and my little brother to make us better players.”
- -Luke Unbehagen,
Luke Unbehagen, Age 11, Camper
Age 11, Camper
The 2014 Dunedin Blue Jays Baseball Camp, hosted
July 16-18, saw the biggest turnout in the history of
the program. The campers took part in three days of
drills, fun and teaching from the Blue Jays players
and coaching staff at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.
Players Danny Barnes, Justin Jackson, Christian
Lopes and Dwight Smith, Jr., provided the
youngsters, ages 6 to 16, tips in fielding, pitching and
hitting drills.
Manager Omar Malave and Hitting Coach Stubby
Clapp were on hand as well to lead the instruction.
Each morning started with a proper stretch and agility
training led by Strength/Conditioning Coach Jason
Dowes and Athletic Trainer Shawn McDermott.
Campers utilized the field, bullpen and batting cage for a full professional workout. On the final day all
campers participated in a scrimmage. Lunch was provided for the boys and girls each day, as well as a
ticket to each of the three night’s home games. Prior to the Blue Jays game on July 18, the camp
participants were welcomed on the field for a special pregame ceremony.24 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Art from the Heart Café
Art from the Heart Café
Art from the Heart Café
PotteryPottery
Painting
Pottery Paintingwith
Painting with
withthethe Players
Players
the Players
On July 7, D-Jays players traded in their bats and
On July
gloves for a7,paint D-Jays
brushplayers tradedwheel.
and color in theirIn bats and
support
of the 1st .Annual
gloves for a paint
st .
brushBowling
Charity and color wheel. In support
Tournament, the
team took to the Downtown Dunedin art studio to the
of the 1 Annual Charity Bowling Tournament,
team
paint took to
pottery to be
theauctioned
Downtown offDunedin art studio to
at the event,
paint pottery
benefiting to be auctioned
the Ronald McDonaldoff at theCharities
House event,
benefiting
of Tampa Bay. the Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Tampa Bay.
Players Danny Barnes, Chad Girodo, Kendall
Players Danny
Graveman, Christian Barnes, Chad
Lopes, Girodo,
Griffin Kendall
Murphy,
Graveman,
Dwight Smith,Christian
Jr., and BenLopes, Griffin
White took Murphy,
part in the
Dwight Smith, Jr., and Ben White
painting session to raise money for the charity. took part in
Atthe
thepainting
bowlingsession to raise
tournament on money
July 26,forthethe charity.
pieces wereAt All of the pottery was donated by the Art from
the bowling
auctioned off for tournament
a combined ontotal
Julyover
26, the pieces were
$200. theAll of the
Heart pottery
Café was donated
in Downtown by the Art from
Dunedin.
auctioned off for a combined total over $200. the Heart Café in Downtown Dunedin.
Smokey
SmokeyBones
Bones Bar
Bar &&Fire
FireGrill
Grill
Smokey BonesBattle
Burger Bar & Fire Grill
Burger Challenge
Burger Challenge
For the second consecutive year, the Dunedin Blue
For thetook
second This included a portion of all tabs for those in
Jays staff part consecutive
in the Smokey year, the Bar
Bones Dunedin Blue
& Grill This included a portion of all
Jays staff took partrestaurant’s
in the Smokey attendance that night, as well as atabs for those
portion in
of sales
Burger Battle. The 4th Bones
annual Bar & Grill
contest, attendance
Burger Battle. th throughout thethat night,
month as well
at the as a portion of sales
restaurant.
held on June 18, The
was restaurant’s
a one on one 4 annual
eat-off contest,
with throughout the month at the restaurant.
held on June 18, was a one on one eat-off
Florida State League rival, the Clearwater Threshers. with In total, the Blue Jays staff raised $365 for the Relay
Florida
Most State League
importantly, rival, the
pride aside, the Clearwater
burger eatingThreshers.
relay forIn total,
Life the BlueCancer
American Jays staff raised $365 for the Relay
Society.
Most importantly, pride aside, the burger
race was a charitable initiative to raise money for eating relay for Life American Cancer Society.
race
each was charity
team’s a charitable initiative to raise money for
of choice.
each team’s charity of choice.
The Blue Jays staff competing for the American
The Blue
Cancer Jays walked
Society staff competing
away with for the American
a win-win.
Cancer inSociety
Victorious walked
the contest, awayJays
the Blue withearned
a win-win.
75%
Victorious in the contest, the Blue Jays
of all local fundraising dollars from the event. earned 75%
of all local fundraising dollars from the event.DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 25
Toys for Tots
Shopping Spree
In conjunction with the Dunedin Blue Jays All toys collected throughout the month will be presented
support of Pinellas County Toys for Tots, Blue to Pinellas County Toys for Tots in November during the
Jays players, along with DJay, spent the organization’s sorting process. From there the presents
afternoon of July 21 browsing the aisles of will be distributed to area children during the holiday
Toys ‘R Us in search of new toys for boys and season. Additionally, the Blue Jays staff is set to “lend a
girls ages 0-12 years old. hand” to Toys for Tots during their Volunteer Day on
December 19, passing out toys to the families in need.
Pitchers Wil Browning, Taylor Cole, Chad
Girodo, Kendall Graveman, Griffin Murphy In 2013, Pinellas County Toys for Tots brought holiday
and Ben White racked up $1,000 worth of gifts joy to over 18,620 kids.
to be included in the Toys for Tots collection
bins.26 DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT
Jays in the
Community
$31,000
Throughout
Throughout the year,
the year, the Blue
the Blue Jays Jays The The
staff staff Blue Blue
Jays Jays are committed
are committed to assisting
to assisting
maintains
maintains a visible
a visible presence
presence in local
in the the local organizations
organizations by donating
by donating itemsitems and prize
and prize
community,
community, whether
whether at school
at school packspacks
festivals,
festivals, as contributions
as contributions to thetoefforts
the efforts of their
of their
recreation
recreation centers
centers or a ormyriad
a myriad of other
of other partner’s
partner’s financial
financial needs.needs. In total,
In total, the Blue
the Blue
community
community events.
events. Jays Jays Community
Community TeamTeam donated
donated over over
$31,000
$31,000 in merchandise,
in merchandise, memorabilia,
memorabilia, and and
In 2014,
In 2014, somesome of these
of these highlights
highlights included
included ticketticket donations
donations to local
to local organizations
organizations and and
the YMCA
the YMCA Healthy
Healthy Kids Kids
Day, Day, Touch-a-
Touch-a- charitable
charitable eventsevents throughout
throughout the season,
the season, in in
Truck,
Truck, LargoLargo
Teen Teen
Idol Idol
and and the annual
the annual addition to attending 66 offsite community
addition to attending 66 offsite community
Orange
Orange Fest
Fest in in downtown
downtown Dunedin.
Dunedin. events.
events.DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2014 COMMUNITY REPORT 27
On June 22, DJay took his talents to On August 13, DJay assisted teachers at
Tropicana Field for the Tampa Bay Rays Dunedin Elementary School prepare for the
Mascot Day, Raymond’s Birthday. DJay upcoming school year. Every August, the
learned a new trade from a “music DJ” and teachers at the school deliver backpacks and
even took time to co-host the pregame show needed supplies for the school year to their
on CSN Houston, for the Astros. incoming students.
On June 27, the Dunedin Blue Jays made On August 18, the Blue Jays Community
their second appearance of the season at the Team once again visited Dunedin
YMCA. After partaking in “Healthy Kids Elementary School. Pitchers Danny Barnes,
Day” on April 26, the community team and Griffin Murphy, catcher Jorge Saez, and
DJay returned to YMCA North Pinellas for a infielder Christian Lopes, arrived to school
day of tug-o-war and other fun games with bright and early for the first day of classes.
the summer campers. The players along with DJay were there to
welcome students back to school.
On August 1, Blue Jays pitchers Danny
Barnes and Jonathon Wandling joined Jr.
Jays Season Ticket Holders for an afternoon
at the movies. The group watched Planes:
Fire and Rescue at Cobb Theatres at
Countryside Mall.
“Giving back to the
community is a responsibility
that all professional athletes
share. Working with the kids
was a great joy for all of us!”
- Taylor Cole, RHPTH A N K YO U
Thank you to all who have helped brighten the days of the youth in our
community. Thank you to all of our community partners who have
assumed a vital role in creating lasting impacts on those we interact
with, learn from and are inspired by.
Because of all of your tireless efforts and selfless support, we are able
to fulfill our role as a contributor to the betterment of our community.
Lastly, thank you to YOU, the reader. We hope you have found the
f ollowing content inspiring, and share in our desire to make
our community a thriving source of future leaders.t h e D - J a y s
k o u t f o r 5 !
Loo y T e a m i n 2 0 1
Com m u n i t
'PSNPSFJOGPSNBUJPOPOUIF%VOFEJO#MVF+BZT$PNNVOJUZ$BSJOH5FBN QMFBTFDPOUBDU
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS
373 DOUGLAS AVENUE DUNEDIN, FL 34698
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