Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Rangers' giving spirit on display
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers see themselves as more than just a sports franchise. They see themselves as a contributing part of the community, and that giving spirit was on display again in 2005.
"I think we have built a great tradition in Arlington, and it is our responsibility to use our assets to give back to the community," said former Rangers catcher and current executive director to the president Jim Sundberg. "For years, we have helped by doing our part, and I think with the recent hurricanes, it's important for the community to know we are there for them. They are there for us."
The Texas Rangers Foundation, a non-profit organization created in 1991 to support community endeavors, has been a success. Again.
The events sponsored by the Texas Rangers Foundation included: the first Cancer Awareness Day at Ameriquest Field in Arlington; Fight Hunger at the Plate, a partnership with the Tarrant Area Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank; Firefighter/Officer Appreciation Night; the Diamond Boot event to benefit the Texas Chapter of the American Society for Autism; and silent auctions.
Other programs included the Mark Holtz Hello Win Column Fund, the organ donor awareness softball game and Shoes for Orphan Souls. The Rangers also honored the Teacher of the Year as part of Teachers Appreciation Night.
In conjunction with outfielder David Dellucci's foundation (Catch 22 for Blue) and Brookshire's, the Rangers recently provided 30 Thanksgiving baskets to families that had been relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex from the Gulf Coast area because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Being from Baton Rouge, La., I take a lot of pride in saying that I am from there," Dellucci said. "It touches my heart when I think of families going into the holidays away from home and separated from family members. It really drives me to help."
Additionally, Catch 22 for Blue and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation are teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves and FSN Southwest and KLUV radio in the Toys for Tots program to collect toys this holiday season -- primarily to benefit the several thousand Gulf Coast residents who have relocated to the area because of the hurricanes. The Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive will kick off on Nov. 28.
The holiday drive will conclude with a special Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive Celebration on Dec. 15 from 5-7:30 p.m. CT in Vandergriff Plaza at Ameriquest Field in Arlington. The Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive Celebration will feature autographs, caroling, Santa, Rangers Captain and the Legends of the Game Museum craft area. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to bring toys to help the families of North Texas.
Baseball's Giving Spirit 2005 | MLB in the Community
Texas Rangers players, front office staff, Santa Claus and Rangers Captain will once again visit Children's Medical Center of Dallas, on Dec. 15 from 10-11:15 a.m. The Texas Rangers Annual Holiday Sale will take place at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on Dec. 9-10. The sale will feature cracked bats, Rangers jerseys, flags, former Texas Rangers Alumni autographed items, publications and a variety of other items.
"When you help out or you visit a child in the hospital, it does something to the person who is helping, and that is positive," Sundberg said. "For some people, these are trying times, and we will help with support. Especially with the hurricane victims, rebuilding is not going to happen overnight. It's something that is going to take time. We want to do our part to make the transition easier."
Martha Stewart to serve autographs to local fans
If you're a Martha Stewart fan, you'll fit in just fine Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in downtown Minneapolis: She'll be there from noon to 2 p.m., signing copies of her new baking handbook. Come early — as early as 7 a.m. — to try to get a wristband for the long line that's sure to form.
"She mentioned on her talk show that she'd be in downtown Minneapolis, so we've been getting calls from all over the country from people seeking signed books," says store spokeswoman Kathy Kaysen.
Martha, says Kaysen, signs very quickly, so she should plow through a lot of copies of "Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook" (Clarkson Potter, $40). She also will not pose for photos with fans, so that should further speed the line. The store is at 801 Nicollet Mall.
After she's done talking about Tarte Tatin and Torta della Nonna, Martha will move on to Edina in the evening, where she'll appear at an invitation-only event at the Marshall Field's Southdale Home store. There, she'll talk about the Opal Point Collection, the latest offering in her furniture line with Bernhardt Furniture Co.
Make sure to read the Sunday edition of the Pioneer Press for a story about Martha's visit, as well as an interview with her. In the meantime, the domestic diva recently dished with the Pioneer Press via e-mail, talking about fern fronds and steel blue hues.
Crede available to sign autographs on Saturday
Crede will be in the cafeteria on the lower level of the Information Technology Center. The event, which will help raise money for a LSTC Drafting Club field trip, will end with a raffle that includes an autographed White Sox hat, baseball, baseball bat and World Champion pennants.
Autographs are free. There is no entry fee and no personal cameras will be allowed.
Those who attend can bring cards or gloves to be signed, while cards and baseballs with Crede's signature will be available for purchase. Fans can also purchase an 8x10 photograph with Crede for $10.
For more information, contact Brad Crede at (573) 897-5113.
