|
The Kane County Cougars organization strives
to maintain their commitment to serving
communities throughout Chicagoland, and the
2011 season of Cougars baseball included
numerous examples of that philosophy.
Ozzie’s Reading Club. In its 17th
season, the Cougars’ reading program
included nearly 145,000 students from 427
schools who improved their reading skills
through Ozzie’s Reading Club. Regarded as
one of the most successful and rewarding
reading incentive programs in the
Chicagoland area, Ozzie’s Reading Club
allows teachers and reading specialists to
set goals for students at different grade
levels. Students receive rewards for reading
a certain number of books or pages, with
prizes awarded as they read their way to
first base, second base, third base and
finally, to home plate. Students hitting a
home run received a ticket to a Cougars
game, food voucher and a free t-shirt.
Graduates were also recognized in a pre-game
parade on the field.
Charity
Initiatives. Throughout the 2011 season,
the Cougars raised money for a number of
causes through ballpark promotions for fans
including the 50/50 raffle and Pitch In for
Charity ball toss. The Cougars donated a
total of $28,100 to four causes during the
2011 season: Susan G. Komen of Chicago,
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago,
Misericordia Home and the Glaucoma Research
Foundation. Representatives from each of
these organizations were invited to take
part in an on-field check presentation at
Elfstrom Stadium and were recognized for
their contributions in the community.
Ozzie and
Cougars In The Community. When the 2011
calendar year closes, Ozzie will have
visited nearly 100 events throughout
Chicagoland including hospitals, schools and
festivals. Cougars players and coaches
extended their presence with numerous
community visits this season as well.
Cougars staff lent a hand at Feed My
Starving Children, the Northern Illinois
Food Bank and other local causes.
Summer
Reading Program. Eleven community
libraries in Geneva and surrounding towns
took part in this year’s Roundtripper and
summer reading programs, which rewarded
children for their summer reading.
Donations.
Again this season, the Cougars assisted
non-profit organizations including churches,
schools, outing groups and others with
charitable donations for fundraising events.
When the 2011 calendar year closes, the
Cougars will have assisted more than 2,000
non-profit organizations through donations
of ticket vouchers, memorabilia and gift
certificates. Those interested in soliciting
a donation from the Cougars organization are
encouraged to visit the “Community” page on
kccougars.com to learn more.
 |
