camden riversharks community book

BEYOND THE BOX SCORERIVERSHARKS IN THE COMMUNITY

Index

Dear Friends,

Campbell’s Field and your Camden Riversharks are much more than just baseball.Since Campbell’s Field opened in 2001, more than 3 million fans have come through the gates to enjoy

wholesome, affordable family fun. In addition, your ‘Sharks provide 20 full-time and over 250 part-time

jobs each year at an annual payroll of over $1.5 million. Further, more than $2.2 million has been raised

for South Jersey civic and charitable organizations by your ‘Sharks. Campbell’s Field and the Riversharks are a true public-private partnership among the State of New Jersey,

DRPA, ERB, Coopers Ferry, the City of Camden, and our many corporate partners including Campbell’s

Soup, Rutgers University, Adventure Aquarium, Susquehanna Bank Center, Cooper Hospital, and the NJEA.Sure, the Camden Riversharks play baseball, but your hometown team is, and always has been, about so

much more than just the game of baseball. Campbell’s Field is an oasis of family entertainment here in

Camden, a place where all ages can come together to enjoy the great American pastime in a beautiful

location, at affordable prices. Your ‘Sharks reach out to underprivileged youth with positive messages,

acknowledgements, and rewards; play a role in transforming our community’s identity; and assist in building

confidence in Camden, South Jersey, and Philadelphia. Whether it is providing children the opportunity to

take the field with professional ballplayers, having scout sleepovers in the outfield, raising money and

awareness for well-deserving charitable organizations, or simply providing Mom, Dad, Grandma and

Grandpa an excellent choice for family fun, Campbell’s Field and the ‘Sharks are always there.We hope you will enjoy this publication -- and indulge us in acknowledging the “underwriters” of the

fabulous programs and activities on the pages that follow. The Riversharks take great pride in providing

wholesome family entertainment here at Campbell’s Field -- a venue where not only baseball is played, but

a place where great memories are made! Take a look... and feel the pride in Your Team.Sincerely,

Adam LorberGeneral Manager, Camden Riversharks

www.riversharks.com2

Community Programs .......................Page 3Charitable Initiatives .......................Page 10

More Than Just Baseball .................Page 13Stadium Events ................................Page 17

Community ProgramsCharity events and programs at the ballpark are just a small part

of the Riversharks’ community outreach efforts. Theorganization uses its resources, facilities, and public visibility to

help other groups raise money and generate awareness in creative ways. The team also has programs to encourage reading and youth

fitness. Additionally, Riversharks players, coaches, and mascots make nearly 300 appearances each year, supporting non-profits,

civic and professional organizations, and schools in the community.

www.riversharks.com 3

4 www.riversharks.com

Online Fundraising ProgramSince the year 2001, the Riversharks have worked with thousands of localorganizations, non-profits, schools, little leagues, and charities to help raise money and generate awareness. Fundraising groups earn $5 for each Riversharks ticket they sell, and the program is easy, risk free and completely internet based. In 2009 alone, over 300 groups took advantage of the program, and since the team’sinception, nearly $1,000,000 has been raised for organizations in the community.

Reading WithThe RiversharksReading With The Riversharks, founded in 2003, has grown into one of the Riversharks’ largestcommunity initiatives, serving nearly 100,000 students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania each year. Theprogram challenges students in the region to read five books in addition to their assigned school curriculum throughout the academic year. Students whocomplete the program earn a free ticket to aRiversharks game, where they are recognizedduring a special pre-game ceremony.

Concessions FundraisingAnother popular program at the ballpark is the Riversharks Concessions Fundraisingprogram. This program offers local organizations an opportunity to earn a portion ofconcessions proceeds during a Riversharks game by volunteering to work for thestadium vendor. Each year, the program raises an average of over $40,000 for localorganizations. Volunteers have come from groups such as:

• The Ronald McDonald House• The Volunteers of America• Habitat for Humanity• The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation• AmeriCorp• Medford Education Foundation

• Rancocas Valley High School• ALS Hope Foundation• Lenape High School• Saint Joseph’s University• Somerdale Baseball Club• Concord Dance Center• Emmanuel Methodist Church

5www.riversharks.com

Ticket Donations“Everyone has a baseball memory.”-Peter Kirk, Chairman, Opening Day Partners

The Camden Riversharks want to make sure that everyone does, in fact, have a baseball memory. That is why we collaborate with several corporate partners each year to donate thousands of tickets to local organizations that could otherwise not afford to attend baseball games. The tickets are typically given to schools, little leagues, youth centers, and non-profit organizations that use their limited resources to benefit those in need.

Campbell Soup CompanyAs the naming rights owner of the Riversharks’ ballpark, theCampbell Soup Company is the consummate supporter of the team’s community improvement efforts. Each year, the company donates 7,000 Riversharks tickets to local organizations that workto assist those who are poverty stricken or in need of assistance. In 2009, the Campbell Soup Company extended its partnershipwith the Riversharks for 10 additional years, signifying thecompany’s dedication to the positive impact that bothorganizations have within the local community.


Wawa Shorties Get In FreeThe Wawa Food Markets “Shorties Get in Free” program sponsors the free admission ofthousands of children, aged 12 or younger, who wear their youth athletic league uniform, jersey,or T-shirt to a Riversharks home game. Theinitiative is designed to promote active andhealthy lifestyles.

Volunteers Of AmericaIn 2009, the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley partnered with the Riversharks to provide all veterans with free ticketsto a Riversharks game. The organization is also the official sponsor of the singing of “God Bless America” during theseventh inning of all Riversharks home games.Volunteers of America®

Delaware Valley

Honorary Bat ChildOf The GameOne of the more unique experiences offered at Riversharks games is the opportunity to be the Honorary Bat Child of the Game. The Bat Child is given four free tickets to a Riversharks game and a free T-shirt. He or she is then introduced to the entire crowd from the field level and allowed to sit in the home team dugout during pregame warm-ups, where Riversharks players and mascots stop by to say hello and signautographs. Being the Honorary Bat Child is a veryspecial experience that most kids will not forget.


Most Improved StudentEach season, the Riversharks host three Most Improved Student events to honor students who have shown marked academic improvement and to encourage all students to focus on scholastic success. Nearly 15,000

students are provided with a free ticket and on-field recognition during a Riversharks game through theMost Improved Student program.

Baseball In EducationEvery season, the Riversharks host three Baseball in Education days, which are designed to incorporate baseball into school curriculums. These games

have an early 11:05 a.m. start time so that students can attend, and all schools are offered discounted tickets that include lunch at the ballpark and

educational packets for students. Between innings, the game announcer reviews the answers to the questions in the packet, and participating schools are recognized on the scoreboard. Since 2005, Baseball in Education games

have been showing students that the lessons they learn in school can beapplied to fun subjects, like baseball!


New York LifeKids In SportsThe New York Life Kids in Sports partnership is a career development program, originated in 2007, that gives children between the ages of 6-13 an opportunity to join the Riversharks staff for a day. The experience teaches children about the behind-the-scenes career opportunities in the sportsindustry and helps them develop a sense of direction as they matureinto young adults.

Carrabba’sHometown HeroCreated in 2008, the Carrabba’sHometown Hero program recognizesordinary people from the communitywho have helped their neighborhood inextraordinary ways. Each month, onehero is honored during a Riversharksgame with on-field recognition, anin-game video, the chance to throw outa ceremonial first pitch and dinner forten at Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Susquehanna BankStrikeout For Straight A’sStarted in 2007, the Susquehanna Bank Strikeout for Straight A’s outreach initiative aims to encourageacademic achievement in the Camden community.For every strikeout that the Riversharks record at homeduring the season, Susquehanna Bank donates $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Camden County. In three seasons, the program has donated more than $15,000.

Susquehanna Bank

Susquehanna Bank


Mascot AppearancesFinley and Blooper are the Riversharks’ mascots, and around town, they are extremely familiar faces. Each year, they make nearly 300 appearances across the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. They visit schools, hospitals, fundraising events, little league games, and charity golf tournaments. They also appear at retirement homes, charity walks, check presentations, and local fairs and festivals in aneffort to spread the spirit of baseball throughoutthe community.

Baseball ClinicsSince it opened in 2001, Campbell’s Field hashosted hundreds of hours of baseball clinics and camps. Following each of the four annual Scout sleepovers, Riversharks players teach youngScouts the fundamentals of hitting, pitching, and fielding. Players also host a baseball clinic for all members of the Riversharks Kids Club.

Player AppearancesRiversharks players truly become a part of thecommunities that they call home. They have appeared at school assemblies, run clinics for young baseball players, and helped celebrate new business openings in the South Jersey area. Not only have the Riversharks signed good players, they have signed good people, too -- people who are willing to make time in their busy travel and game schedules to support their friends and neighbors. The most common stops for Riversharks players include schools, where they teach children about the importance of maintaining active lifestyles, and hospitals, where they attempt to lift the spirits of those who are not feeling well.

Charitable InitiativesWhen it comes to charity, the Riversharks are, in many ways,

simply a resource for the tremendous generosity of their fans. In

nine seasons, Riversharks fans have helped to raise approximately

$2.2 million through the team’s various charitable initiatives.



Jersey AuctionsSpecial auctions for game-worn jerseys remain popular among Riversharks fans, and they are one of the most successful fundraising programs that the team offers. Through the first three seasons of the program, theRiversharks have raised over $30,000 for various charities with jersey auctions.

On select nights, the Riversharks have worn jerseys ranging from Pink (Breast Cancer Awareness), to Teal (Ovarian Cancer Awareness), to Yellow (Livestrong), to Navy Blue (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), to Camouflage (Military Appreciation). Fans can bid on the jerseys of their favorite players, silent auction style, and then pose for pictures and get autographs with Riversharks players after the game.

Season-Long InitiativesFan support and enthusiasm for theRiversharks continues to be overwhelming, and that is why the Riversharks top priority is to give back to the communities that we call home. Each year, several season-long initiatives raise nearly $250,000 for local charities and organizations.


Blood DrivesThe Riversharks have joined forces with the American Red Cross and the Community Blood Council of New Jersey tocollect blood for area hospitals and medical centers. Eachseason, the team hosts several blood drives at the ballpark, yielding hundreds of pints of usable, life-saving blood. Fanswho sacrifice their time and wellbeing to save the lives of others are rewarded with a free ticket to a future Riversharks game.

Food DrivesThe Riversharks have worked closely with the Food Bank of South Jersey to host dozens of food drives since the conception of the team. Collecting non-perishable food products for the annual Stamp Out Hunger initiative has become a tradition at Campbell’s Field, and every fan who donates to the food drive is given a free ticket to a future Riversharks game. In the past, the ‘Sharks have also held food drives for Preston and Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger campaign (93.3 WMMR Philadelphia), which benefits the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank.

More Than Just BaseballAffordable Family Entertainment

From scout sleepovers, to concerts, to dogs in the ballpark, the Riversharks focus on creating an environment that parents, children, and even pets can enjoy. Since 2001, Campbell’s Field has been more than just a place where baseball is

played. It has been a place where memories are made.



RiversharksKids Fun ZoneAll baseball stadiums have hot dogs and fireworks. But not all baseball stadiums have rock climbing walls, carousels, inflatable sports games, and a 5,000-foot play-scape; and that’s what sets Campbell’s Field apart. The number of entertainment options offered in the Kids Fun Zone ensures that children of all ages enjoy their time at Riversharks games.

Kids Run The BasesAt Campbell’s Field, the only people who roundthe bases more than Riversharks players areRiversharks fans. Every Saturday, after home games, all children in attendance are invited onto the infield where they have the chance to imitate their favorite players as they run around the bases. For many kids, spending a few minutes playingon a professional baseball field is the experience of a lifetime and the best part of coming toRiversharks games. Over the years, Kids Run the Bases has become one of the most popular events at Campbell’s Field, with thousands ofchildren participating in the fun each season.


Promotional NightsPromotional nights are a staple at Riversharks games,and they are a great way to get fans more involved withthe team and celebrate the hard-working citizens of ourcommunity. Special uniforms, food options, scoreboard graphics, music, and on-field ceremonies are carefully planned out for all promotional nights, and fans are always encouraged to participate in the fun. In fact, fans whopartake are often given special prizes, discounts, or evenfree tickets to future games. Many theme nights featurespecial giveaways, including bobblehead dolls, seatcushions, hats, picture frames, and snow globes. Over the years, some of the more popular promotional nights have been Medical Professionals Night, Baseball in Education, EMT Night, Scout Sleepovers, and Summer Camp Days.

Dream TeamThe Riversharks Dream Team is the ultimate experience for young Riversharks fans. Dream Team members get a chance to find out what it feels like when players have their names announced for starting lineups and what it’s like to listen to the National Anthem under the lights in front of thousands of fans. Plus, Dream Teams can take pictures on the field with mascots Finley and Blooper before the game and get autographs from their favorite Riversharks.


Scout NightsThe Riversharks host four overnight sleepovers for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts each year. Over 1,800 Scouts and their families attendthe events annually, and their commitment to service is honoredwith a pre-game parade around the field. After the game, there is afireworks celebration and a movie presentation. The followingmorning, Scouts are provided with a full breakfast, and Riversharks players host a baseball clinic for all attendees. Scout Nights are a great way to reward Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their hard workand dedication, and they even receive a special Scout patch fortheir participation.

Player AccessibilityPlayer autographs are as much a part of baseball as home runs are. Fans bring their gloves, jerseys, and baseball cards to games, hoping for a chance to get an autograph from their favorite player. At Riversharks games, we take chance out of the equation. Before every single home game, several players are stationed on the stadium concourse as part of the Riversharks Autograph Corral. On Sundays, it is even easier for fans to get autographs from their favorite players, as the whole team is made available for autographs and pictures before the game.

Stadium EventsCampbell’s Field is much more than just a ballpark. The stadium has

become a true meeting ground for South Jersey and Philadelphiaresidents from all walks of life. It is a business conference center that

hosts gatherings such as corporate luncheons and community meetings.It is a 10,000-seat concert venue, a place for youth baseball, celebrity

softball, and even professional wrestling. With a year-round calendar ofdiverse events, Campbell’s Field is the place to be and be seen.



RegionalMunicipality EventsThe Riversharks have always been and will always be very conscientious neighbors. The organization takes great pride in being a part of the South Jersey and Philadelphia communities and is always looking for ways to improve the surrounding neighborhoods. For this reason, Campbell’s Field has hosted numerous events, at no cost, for the surrounding municipalities. Some of the more notable events include:

• Mayor’s Youth Council educational event

• D.A.R.E. program graduation ceremony

• Job Fairs for Northgate Towers and Camden city residents

• Woodland Community Center Job Fair

• Camden City Veteran’s Appreciation Day

• Department of the Public Advocate Strike Out Lead Night

• Camden City National Ovarian Cancer Night

• Camden Board of Education Celebration Day

Charity WalksCampbell’s Field is a popular venue for charity walks, thanks to its waterfront location and spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. Many walks also like to utilize the ballpark’s close proximityto the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Overthe years, Campbell’s Field has been anintegral part of the following charity walks, just to name a few:

• American Cancer Society Relay for Life• City of Hope Walk of Hope• Lymphoma and Leukemia Society Light the Night Walk• National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Walk• Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run• March of Dimes March for Babies• American Diabetes Association Walk• Norcross/Cooper Health Bridge Run


ConcertsWith over 10,000 seats and an unbeatable view to offer, Campbell’s Field is a great outdoor concert venue in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. Through the years, the ballpark has attracted some of the most well-known legends of music, such as Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, as well as other culturally based shows, such as the La Voz de Mexico concert. By bringing top talents to the stadium, the Riversharks offer South Jersey and Philadelphia residentsa wide variety of entertainment options.

Baseball TournamentsOne of the more powerful and common uses for Campbell’s Field is hosting baseball tournaments. The pristinely cut grass and fine infield texture at the ballpark are rarely duplicated by public parks or local schools, so the experience of playing on a professional sports diamond is one that student athletes thoroughly enjoy and likely never forget. In the past, Campbell’s Field has been the home of several baseball tournaments, including: • Jonas Brothers Celebrity Softball • Leap HS Baseball Tournament • Atlantic 10 Tournament • Camden City All-Star Game • School District of Philadelphia Playoffs • McNabb Wallace Celebrity Softball • American Legion Baseball Tournament • Hero Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia Softball Game • Jon Runyan Celebrity Softball Game

See you at the ballpark!

401 N. Delaware Avenue, Camden, NJ 08102

1-866-SHARKS-9 • www.riversharks.com

camden riversharks community book

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