Frisco RoughRiders Community Development Department 2007 Annual Report COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS RoughRiders MVP Student Program: A Tool for Teachers The RoughRiders MVP Student Program is designed to be a means to provide local teachers with a unique addition for their classroom. The program has been targeted at fifth grade teachers since its inception in 2005. The program uses RoughRiders tickets as the “tool” for the teachers. The teachers award students in their classroom with the tickets. Each student who is awarded the tickets is known as a “RoughRiders MVP.” Each student is provided with four tickets for their family to attend selected “MVP Student” games. Each student who was named an MVP Student received a package with the 4 tickets, a certificate recognizing their achievement, a letter of congratulations, an invitation to the pre-game party and a voucher for an MVP cap. This year, we were also able to include each participating teacher in the MVP festivities. Each teacher received 4 tickets and 4 invitations to the MVP games, as well. In addition to the classroom poster promoting the program, each teacher received a gift for each student in their classroom – each student received a RoughRiders logo pencil. 2007 MVP Student Ticket Design As the program continues to grow, we have added districts outside of Collin County – Garland ISD and Denton ISD participated for this first time in 2007. Back for another year were schools from Frisco, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Little Elm, as well as the Wylie Preparatory Academy.
Transcript
Frisco RoughRidersCommunity Development Department
2007 Annual Report
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMSRoughRiders MVP Student Program: A Tool for TeachersThe RoughRiders MVP Student Program is designed to be a means to provide local teachers with a unique addition for their classroom. The program has been targeted at fifth grade teachers since its inception in 2005. The program uses RoughRiders tickets as the “tool” for the teachers. The teachers award students in their classroom with the tickets.
Each student who is awarded the tickets is known as a “RoughRiders MVP.” Each student is provided with four tickets for their family to attend selected “MVP Student” games. Each student who was named an MVP Student received a package with the 4 tickets, a certificate recognizing their achievement, a letter of congratulations, an invitation to the pre-game party and a voucher for an MVP cap.
This year, we were also able to include each participating teacher in the MVP festivities. Each teacher received 4 tickets and 4 invitations to the MVP games, as well. In addition to the classroom poster promoting the program, each teacher received a gift for each student in their classroom – each student received a RoughRiders logo pencil.
2007 MVP Student Ticket Design
As the program continues to grow, we have added districts outside of Collin County – Garland ISD and Denton ISD participated for this first time in 2007. Back for another year were schools from Frisco, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Little Elm, as well as the Wylie Preparatory Academy.
The program was utilized in 52 schools and 234 classrooms this year. Many of these teachers provided their feedback about the program to us. 100% of these teachers said they would participate in the program if they have the opportunity again. One teacher said that this program is her favorite awards program that she has used in six years of teaching!
Todd Donovan signs autographs during the pre-game party.
MVP students and their families enjoy the pre-game party.
A few of the MVP students showing off their MVP caps
One of the MVP students and her family at the game
2214 people attended a RoughRiders game through the MVP Student Program this season.
What did the teachers say?“The program was very successful at our school and I can hardly wait for next year!” – Tonia Roemmich; Powell Intermediate School, Little Elm ISD
“It was wonderful to be able to reward five of my students that had worked so hard and come so far this year.” – Brook Pattavina; Watson Center for Math and Technology, Garland ISD
“I want to thank you for allowing the students to be rewarded for a job well done. Some of our students only get to go the game because you all provide a way.” – LaSonjah Ribak; Christie Elementary School, Plano ISD
“I think it is a great incentive program for the students.” – Cathy Gleason; Corbell Elementary School, Frisco ISD
“This is my favorite awards program that I have had the opportunity to offer my students in the six years that I have taught!” – Hope Angell; Walker Elementary School, McKinney ISD
Kids’ Night OutThe 2007 Kids’ Night Out games were held on Sunday, July 15th and Thursday, August 23rd. 3975 tickets were donated to local children and families, thanks to the generosity of 89 sponsors.
Each Kids’ Night Out guest received a free ticket to the game and a free Kids’ Night Out t-shirt. After the Sunday game, each child had the opportunity to run the bases.
Some of the attendees taking advantage of the balloon artist
Kids’ Night Out attendees get their turn to run the bases
51 non-profit organizations were represented at Kids’ Night Out. These organizations serve children and families that come from disadvantaged situations, as well as chronically ill children and children who are considered “at-risk.”
“We appreciate you sharing the fun with our children and families!” – Ellen Hotlon; Director, Child Life Department - Children’s Medical Center Dallas
“We are so delighted for this opportunity for our kids. We know that this will have a positive impact on our kids.” – Pamela Coit; Director of Development - Juliette Fowler Homes
“Many thanks to you and the Frisco RoughRiders for the opportunity for some of our foster children and their families to have a night out at the ball game. They really appreciate it and so do we.” - Debbie Kirkpatrick; Vice President of Operations/Programs – Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation
A few of the Kids’ Night Out attendees in their free t-shirts
“The kids and Advocates had a ball. I can’t wait until the next event.” – Tim Sexton; Volunteer, Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
One of the families that attended Kids’ Night Out
“Kids’ Night Out was especially wonderful because all of the foster children, from toddlers to teenagers, could enjoy the same activity together…The foster moms have told me how friendly the players were while giving autographs to the children.” - Jacqueline Ahlfors; Case Manager – Refuge House
Deuce’s Birthday Club presented by GattiTownDeuce’s Birthday Club entered its second year in 2007. The program allows the young RoughRiders fans to have a unique link to the team. Children who join the birthday club receive a free ticket to a RoughRiders game, a game card that may be used for $7 in game play at GattiTown and birthday card from Deuce.
Children age 12 and under may join the birthday club. Almost 2700 children have registered since the program started last year. Parents can register their children for the birthday club at a RoughRiders game or at GattiTown. This year, an online registration system was also introduced, which has provided an additional registration method and allows us to continue growing the club in the off-season months.
PlayBall Art ContestFor the second year, local students had the opportunity to turn their creativity into a cover for one of the PlayBall game programs. Students were asked to create artwork based on the theme of “My Favorite Thing About Baseball Is…” This year, we received 60 entries. Frisco City Councilman, Matt Lafata, served as the guest judge
for the program. Mr. Lafata selected his favorite three pieces for the cover. The top three students’ artwork was featured on the cover of the August 8th PlayBall program.
First Place – Zachary Evans Second Place – Joseph Brown
Third Place – Maurielle Yao
The winning students were Zachary Evans of Plano and Joseph Brown and Maurielle Yao of Frisco.
“Paint the Park Pink”This year, we partnered with the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation to put on a unique night at the ballpark and fight cancers that affect women and domestic violence. “Paint the Park Pink” was held on Saturday, August 11th. The team wore one-of-a-kind pink jerseys during the game, which were auctioned off during the
game in a silent auction. After the game, each player autographed their jersey for the winners.
Some of Mary Kay’s top producers that were featured on the PlayBall cover that night
The profits from the “Paint the Park Pink” ticket package and the jersey auction raised $10,000 for the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.
Community AppearancesThe RoughRiders are a fixture in the community and one of the ways we accomplish this through appearances by the players and our mascot, Deuce. Each year, we visit numerous community events.
German Duran and Doug Mathis sign autographs andtake pictures at the Stonebriar Community Church
Summer Sports Camp
Jake Blalock and Steve Murphy sign autographs ata Frisco Miracle League game
Deuce meets DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboysat the Children’s Cancer Fund Fashion Show and Luncheon
Deuce “coaches” one of the athletes from the FriscoMiracle League
German Duran and Matt Farnum visit the residents of theCollin Oaks Retirement Home in Plano.
Deuce and Ken Chenard visit the residents of Stonebrook Village for the Frisco Family Services Free Lunch Program
Speaking EngagementsThe RoughRiders continue to spread the word about the organization throughout the year. In the off-season, Scott Garner, the RoughRiders’ radio broadcaster, tours the Metroplex speaking to different organizations about the team and the life on a minor leaguer. During the season, Cristal Rollins, the RoughRiders’ Director of Community Development, takes over for Scott. We speak at numerous events, such as civic group meetings, galas and benefits, career days and more!
Cristal Rollins serves as a “Reading Ambassador” at Curtsinger Elementary’s Reading Ambassadors Week
Scott Garner serves as the keynote speaker for the HuntCounty United Way annual luncheon
ToursEach year, we open the ballpark to groups that would like to tour the ballpark. Guests get the chance to see the First Horizon Club, one of our suites, the players’ tunnel and sit in the RoughRiders dugout; they also learn about the team and the different areas of the ballpark. In 2007, we gave tours to 50 groups – ranging from day cares to sports marketing classes.
DonationsSince January, the RoughRiders have donated items to 1,000 organizations. We donate RoughRiders merchandise and game tickets to the various organizations that make donation requests.
We have continued our relationship with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children by participating in the annual KidSwing Golf Tournament. This year we donated 150 vouchers for four game tickets for each child who participated in the golf tournament. This donation was valued at $9,000. This is the third year that we have been involved with the hospital and this event.
The RoughRiders also contributed the use of our hospitality areas to major area fundraisers. We donated six suite nights and seven nights in the Riverbend Sandler Pool Pavilion. These donations were valued at a total of $13,000 of donated hospitality.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS FOUNDATIONIn 2007, the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation donated almost $35,000 through our scholarship program and charitable donation program.
Mike Coolbaugh Memorial FundAlmost $21,000 was donated to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund through the RoughRiders Foundation.
The fund was established after Tulsa Drillers’ coach Mike Coolbaugh died after being hit by a foul ball. Scott Coolbaugh, Mike’s brother, served as the RoughRiders hitting coach during the 2007 season. After the incident occurred in late July and the fund was established, the RoughRiders elected to donate 100% percent of the donations made through “pass the boot” to the fund for the remainder of the season.
Scholarship ProgramThe Frisco RoughRiders Foundation honors five students each year with a scholarship award to be used toward higher education. We received a record number of applications this year.
The 2007 scholarship program awarded scholarships to:
Dominique Bostic (Centennial High School, Frisco ISD)
Angela Walker (Centennial High School, Frisco ISD
Tania Foster (Sachse High School, Garland ISD)
Abigail Burns (Denison High School, Denison ISD)
De’Marko Grant (West Mesquite High School, Mesquite ISD)
Monetary DonationsEach year, the RoughRiders Foundation makes monetary donations to charities and other non-profit organizations in our area. These donations allotted to almost $9,000 this year.
The organizations that the RoughRiders Foundation contributed to in 2007:City of Frisco “Freedom Fest”Dallas Baptist UniversityFC Dallas FoundationFrisco Association for the ArtsFrisco Family Services CenterFrisco Fellowship of Christian AthletesPlano ISD Education FoundationPlano Family YMCARogers Elementary School PTA (Frisco ISD)Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for ChildrenWest Dallas Community School
Secret Autograph SaleThis year, we introduced a new fundraiser for the RoughRiders Foundation. The “Secret Autograph Sale” was held during the July 25th game. Fans had the opportunity to make a $25 donation to the Foundation and they would receive a wrapped, unmarked package. Inside each package was either an autographed baseball or an autographed PlayBall program. The items were signed by members of the RoughRiders roster, such as German Duran and Brandon Boggs; and also current Major League players, such as Eric Gagne, Mark Teixeira and Ian Kinsler.
The Secret Autograph Sale was locatedon the concourse
The Secret Autograph Sale raised $750 for the RoughRiders Foundation.
“Shirts Off Their Backs” Jersey AuctionThe third annual “Shirts Off Their Back” jersey silent auction was held during the Sunday, August 26th game. During the game, fans had the opportunity to bid on autographed, game-worn jerseys from their favorite RoughRiders player.
RoughRiders fans place their bid on their favorite player’s jersey
The auction has become a fan favorite over the past three seasons and it is also the RoughRiders Foundation’s largest fundraiser. This year, fans took home the team’s gray jerseys that the team wears on the road. Each jersey was autographed by the player.
This year’s auction raised almost $4,000 for the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.
