DiamondDawgs ‘strike out hunger’ with $286 donation

USSSA_Strike_Out_Hunger

The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs teamed up with the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition to benefit local food pantries.

As part of its “Strike Out Hunger” promotion, the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League team donated $1 for every batter a DiamondDawgs pitcher struck out during each regular season home contest to the hunger coalition, raising $286.

“On behalf of the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition and its board of directors, I thank the DiamondDawgs, their ownership, their management and their staff, especially general manager Travis Heiser, for once again stepping up and taking a swing a hunger,” said coalition board of directors member Ron Schoonmaker.

Schoonmaker added with every dollar donated the coalition is able to purchase $8 worth of food through the Food Bank of Central New York to assist those in need.

“It’s organizations like the DiamondDawgs that make a positive difference in people’s lives in the Mohawk Valley,” he said. “We hope we can continue this partnership with the hope someday we can eradicate hunger not only here, but everywhere.”

“Our goal is to not only donate money to assist those in need, but to also help raise awareness regarding hunger in our community, said Heiser in a news release.

The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs organization was presented with Fallen Star certificates in memory of Army SSgt. Marc Anthony Scialdo, a Herkimer native who died in Afghanistan in March, for their participation in the promotion.

“I’d also like to thank the DiamondDawgs organization for bringing great young talent to Little Falls and the Mohawk Valley to entertain us with fantastic baseball during the summer months. Job well done,” said Schoonmaker.