Polar Express Event Helps Benefit Over 17,000 Children

Covered in fuzzy pajamas and thick blankets, children and their families huddled together on the outfield of the IE 66ers homefield at San Manuel Stadium Friday evening, Dec. 13, to keep out the cold and enjoy a showing of Polar Express in the 4th Annual Polar Express event, hosted with the collaboration of the Inland Empire 66ers and Santa Claus Inc. The fourth annual event featured a toy drive that aimed to benefit over 17,000 underprivileged children in the local area and also included a showing of "The Polar Express," presented the LED Video Board on the San Manuel Stadium field - the largest of its kind in the California League. More than 200 families came out for the event. "Over 100 toys this year were donated to Santa Claus Inc.," said Ryan English, Assistant General Manager, IE 66ers. Kids and their parents were encouraged to dress in their coziest pajamas and bring their thickest blankets while enjoying the film. Families were also encouraged to donate at least one unwrapped toy to Santa Claus Inc. The 66ers mascot Bernie was also out and about to greet children, along with Santa Claus. The two also posed for photos throughout the evening with their littlest fans. The event was topped off with the scent of popcorn and other goodies from the open concession stands. English talked about the reasons the team have made a point to connect with other community-based organizations. "The 66ers enjoy being a community gathering point for all events, not just baseball. So when we sat down with the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency we came up with the no-brainer of an idea to show the Polar Express free of charge to all people. This movie in particular really showcases what this time of year is all about." The event, organizers felt, accomplished the two goals set out this year, as well as those in the past: "The first (goal) is to provide a family-affordable event. The second is to raise awareness for the charities that the team has partnered up with," said English. "It is important for us as an organization, as it re-emphasizes our commitment to the community as all professional sports teams should have. This area in particular has always supported us and the events that we hold are just another way in which we say thank you to the best fans in all of minor league baseball." [END] 4th Annual “Polar Express” Date: Friday, December 13, 2013 Time: 6:30 p.m. Google Map Event Location: San Manuel Stadium Address: 280 South E St. San Bernardino CA 92401 Description: Enjoy "The Polar Express" on LED Video Board! Families encouraged to donate 1 unwrapped toy to benefit Santa Claus Inc. CONTACT INFO Phone: 909-888-9922 Website: www.66ers.com Hello Helena, I would like to thank you for the City News Group’s coverage on the Inland Empire 66ers logo unveiling party. As you may already know, the 66ers take great pride in their community and have arranged an event wrapped around the holiday spirit of giving. The 66ers is teaming up with Santa Claus Inc. to host their fourth annual holiday event that includes: a toy drive that will benefit over 17,000 underprivileged children and the showing of the new holiday classic, “The Polar Express,” presented on the largest LED Video Board in the California League! Below, I have attached a media alert that includes further information in regards to the event. Thank you for your time and consideration. Happy Holidays! Best, Brenda Toro Quintana, of the Inland Empire 66ers Westbound Communications 1505 S. D Street, Ste. 201 San Bernardino, CA 92408 O: 909.384.8188 | C: 909.561.5169 l F: 714.663.8181 Learn more about us… Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Inland Empire 66ers Class ‘A’ Partner of Angels Baseball 280 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401 •(P)•(909)888-9922 •(F)•(909)888-5251 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Inland Empire 66ers Contact: Brenda Toro Quintana, (909) 384-8188, iestaff@westboundcommunications.com All Aboard the 4th Annual “Polar Express” WHAT: The best memories of the holiday season are tied to traditions - and one of San Bernardino’s favorite traditions is returning to San Manuel Stadium next week. Grab your coziest blanket, put on your warm pajamas and enjoy the “The Polar Express” shown on the largest LED Video Board in the California League! Families in attendance are encouraged to donate one unwrapped toy to benefit children aided by Santa Claus Inc. Fan-favorite Bernie will be making an appearance along with the one and only, Santa Claus. Concession stands will also be open for purchases of food and drinks to enjoy during the movie. WHEN: Friday, December 13 – gates open at 6:00 p.m. and movie starts at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: San Manuel Stadium 280 South E Street San Bernardino, CA HIGHLIGHTS: • Kids and families encouraged to wear their jammies and bring their blankets to watch the holiday classic from the outfield • Appearance made by Bernie accompanied by special guest, Santa Claus FOR MORE INFO: For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers or the Polar Express event, visit www.66ers.com or call (909) 888-9922. Attached are the answers for your questions. Please credit them to Ryan English Assistant General Manager. 1. What are the details regarding the start to the annual event four years ago? - The 66ers enjoy being a community gathering point for all events, not just baseball. So when we sat down with the city of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency we came up with the no brainer of an idea to show the Polar Express free of charge to all people. This movie in particular really showcases what this time of year is all about. 2. Overall, what is the goal of hosting this event for the last four years? There are two goals for this event, the first is to provide a family affordable event. The second is to raise awareness for the charities that the team has partnered up with. 3. Why is it important to the IE 66ers as a whole that community-based events such as this are held? It is important for us as an organization as it reemphasizes our commitment to the community as all professional sports teams should have. This area in particular, has always supported us and the events that we hold is just another way in which we say thank you to the best fans in all of minor league baseball. 4. Approximately how many families came to visit during the event? 200 Families 5. Any last thoughts/details you’d like to add? Over 100 toys this year were donated to Santa Claus Inc.