The Move For Hunger team was invited to FirstEnergy Park as the Lakewood BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation teamed up to help us Strike Out Hunger.
All fans attending last night's game were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help fight summer hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Additionally, the OceanFirst Foundation pledged to donate $100 to Move For Hunger for each strikeout by a BlueClaws pitcher!
[caption id="attachment_46230" align="alignleft" width="250"]
BlueClaws' pitcher Harold Arauz recorded 7 strikeouts.[/caption]
Luckily for us, the BlueClaws are among the South Atlantic League-leaders in Ks. Last night's starter, Harold Arauz, tied a season-high with seven strikeouts in six innings of work. He was relieved by Edgar Garcia in the seventh, who fanned two batters over the final three frames. This dominating pitching performance earned the BlueClaws a 6-1 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers and provided $900 for our hunger relief and food waste reduction efforts!
[caption id="attachment_46229" align="alignright" width="150"]
Our volunteers with the Philly Phanatic.[/caption]
On top of that, we had the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, were interviewed on air by BlueClaws radio broadcaster Greg Giombaresse during the second inning, were featured on the scoreboard throughout the game, and our volunteers were visited by the world famous Philly Phanatic. We also had the pleasure of speaking with dozens of fans in attendance about our programs and how they can get involved in the fight to end hunger.
Lowy's Moving Service, a Wheaton agent, provided boxes for the food drive and will deliver the donations to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
There are nearly 120,000 people who struggle with food insecurity in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including 1 in six children. Thank you to the Lakewood BlueClaws for providing us with a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about our cause, and to the OceanFirst Foundation for its continued support of Move For Hunger. Let's do it again next year!
Hunger Action Month is just one week away. How will you get involved?