At a time when most Minor League Baseball teams are committed to charitable giving, the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) distinguished themselves by setting an all-time record in charitable giving for the third consecutive year: $686,137.
The total represents a $127,404 increase to the previous record set last year (up 18.6 percent). Nine of the 25 programs saw an increase in fundraising totals, which also included four new initiatives.
“Remaining a cornerstone of charitable giving is paramount to what this organization stands for,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “With the visible presence and community center that Werner Park has become, we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to use that position to help grow our community.”
The 2015 First National Bank Triple-A All-Star Game at Werner Park put a national spotlight on the Omaha Metro this summer. $12,304 was raised over two events which preceded the game.
The highest single-game total came during the “Let’s Go Miles” silent auction, which benefited the fund for three-year-old son of Storm Chasers pitcher Clayton Mortensen. $18,000 was raised including the 100-percent match by Storm Chasers CEO and Managing Owner Gary Green.
The Storm Chasers provided a platform for 73 nonprofit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. $16,025 was raised during three Game Worn Jersey Auctions where the team competed in specialty jerseys. The “McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl” promotion raised $17,021 for the Ronald McDonald House. “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” delivered a value of $29,790 to the Heartland Hope Mission.
The Storm Chasers Players and Mascots combined to make 353 appearances in the community. The Front Office staff donated 707 hours throughout the year.