Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Blue Jays highlight upcoming banquets and fundraisers

It's the time of year for fundraisers for baseball clubs, and there are a handful coming up in Alberta. Several of these have a Blue Jays related theme.

First of all, there is the University of Calgary Dino's baseball and fastball annual fundraiser dinner.  Last year, they had Hall of Famer Goose Gossage,  and in previous year's they've had such great as Tim Raines, Fergie Jenkins, Bill Buckner and more.  This year's guest is Gregg Zaun, who might be better known to Canadians as an analyst on Sportsnet than he was when he was a catcher in Toronto. He has some unpopular opinions, is sometimes controversial, but never dull!  Listening to him will certainly make for an entertaining evening. The dinner is on Thursday Feb 6th, tickets are $200 and can be purchased by calling (403) 220-7749.

The Lethbridge Bulls also have a former Blue Jay as their Legends of Sports Gala will feature Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. This event is being held on February 22nd and includes dinner, dance and silent auction.Tickets range from $100 to $200. To get your tickets or for more information, please contact  chelsea.mereska@bullsbaseball.com or call (403)320-2025 .

The Okotoks Dawgs annual awards banquet will feature another Blue Jay second baseman, Homer Bush. This event is on Saturday February 1st, tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling (403) 262-3294.

Another fundraiser is an online silent auction by the Vauxhall Academy, where you can get to watch the Jays home opener, a hockey game, and another Jays/Yankees game during a 4 night stay in Toronto which includes airfare. You need to submit your bid by noon on January 30th, details are here.

The Badlands Baseball Academy will be holding their annual Gala Evening & Fundraiser on Thursday January 30th. This reception will include dinner, a silent and a live acution. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling (403) 664-2200

As well, the Prairie Baseball Academy will be hosting their annual awards banquet on January 25th. Aaron Lavorato will be the guest speaker, and he will not only talk baseball but also share his experience with the Rickshaw run he was involved in to raise money for cancer. There will be a live and silent auction with items including jerseys of Mariano Rivera, Bo Jackson and Roberto Alomar as well as a fly fishing trip down the Missouri and lots more.  Tickets are $50 a plate or a table of 8 for $350.  Contact info@prairiebaseball.com for tickets or more information.

If you're a baseball fan all these events all promise to be a lot of fun, and are a great way to support local baseball.

If you have a baseball team, league or organization in Alberta that is holding a fundraising event, send me the details (to BaseballinAlberta@gmail.com)and I'll add it to here, and promote it on twitter @baseball_in_ab