The Fresno Grizzlies believe it's important to support the community, just as the community supports the team. We also know that as one of the most visible members of the community, we have a responsibility to lead by example and be an active participant in efforts to keep the communtiy strong. While we're continually striving to grow our community efforts, here are a few of the ways in which we're already making an impact: The 2007 Hot Stove Banquet Junior Grizzlies Field Ground Breaking Junior Grizzlies Junior Grizzlies was established in 2006 as the flagship program of the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF). Junior Grizzlies is a baseball league specifically designed for kids with mental and physical disabilities. In 2007, the GCF, Granite Construction, and Clovis Unified School District built a “Field of Dreams” especially for this league. This custom baseball field is designed with a synthetic turf surface that accommodates wheelchairs and children of all abilities. This unique baseball league allows all kids to enjoy America's favorite pastime. For more information go to click here click here Community Relations Report Each year the Grizzlies publish a season end report of their efforts in the Central Valley community. To download the 2007 Grizzlies Community Relations Report click here Supporting Schools Through our educational programs, we provide a number of ways for schools to earn financial support and enrich their students' education. We are currently in our 5th year of our “Wild About Reading” program, which reaches more than 40,000 students each year. With programs like these we encourage education and always make sure the kids have a good time! Home Run Tours Home Run Tours give students a behind the scenes look at Chukchansi Park. This tour also includes an educational outlook on careers involved in sports. For more information contact the Grizzlies at 559-320-HITS. Youth Baseball Programs We team up with the Central Valley's numerous youth baseball leagues because we know how important extra-curricular and team-oriented activities are to a child's development. Nearly 100 kids joined Grizzlies Manager Dan Rohn and Grizzlies players for our 2007 Baseball Camp. Campers work on skills ranging from pitching, fielding, hitting and much more! In addition, all Campers attended a camp picnic, autograph session, and a Grizzlies game. An experience the campers will never forget!!! For more information and 2008 Baseball Camp dates, contact the Grizzlies Community Relations Department at (559) 320-HITS. Fundraising Efforts We provide non-profit groups the opportunity to use our tickets for fundraising purposes. For each ticket sold, the organization gets to keep $3! Additionally, the Grizzlies host an annual Hot Stove Banquet each February to raise money for the community. During the 2007 Hot Stove Banquet nearly $40,000 was donated to the Junior Grizzlies Baseball League and Field Project. This year, the Hot Stove Banquet proceeds will go to benefit the Grizzlies Community Fund. To find out how we can assist your non-profit organization's fundraising efforts, call (559) 320-HITS. Donations The Fresno Grizzlies donate tickets and memorabilia to hundreds of organizations each year. During the 2007 season the Grizzlies Community Fund donated to over 500 organizations and charities throughout the Central Valley, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Make A Wish, Children’s Hospital of California and Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Swing for Kids The Grizzlies Season Ticket Holders once again stepped up to the plate in 2007 and donated 2,298 tickets to local non-profit throughout the Central Valley. Some of this year recipients included: Karing for Kids, PAL of Fresno, United Way, and Genises Family Center. Thank you to all of the Season Tickets Holders who donated to Swing for Kids! Public Appearances Sometimes the best way to support a cause is to be there in person. The Grizzlies (and in particular our mascot Parker) make an effort to be present at major Central Valley events, visit hospitals during the holiday season, support blood drives, and much more! No matter what time of year it is - during the season, during the holidays - you'll always find the Grizzlies involved in the community. Our commitment to the community is as strong as our fans' commitment to us!