“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth.

One of the first events I wanted to plan as the new GCU Corporate Community Events Coordinators was a Scranton RailRiders fundraiser game. The RailRiders is the Triple-A affiliate of the NY Yankees. When I began my journey with the GCU in mid-May I immediately reached out to the RailRiders to try and get scheduled as the Featured Community Organization of the Game for their 2022 season.

We were in luck! The RailRiders had only one date left for their 2022 season: Friday, July 15, 2022. To sweeten the deal, it was also a fireworks night with a Margaritaville theme; the next best way to kick back and relax if a tropical island vacation isn’t on your calendar. How could we pass up the amazing promotion they offer the non-profit of the evening?

For those who aren’t familiar: the Community Organization of the Game (COG) receives: 100% of the proceeds from the RailRiders’ “Community Corner” memorabilia sales during the game; an on the field pre-game camera interview broadcast throughthe stadium; ceremonial “First Pitch” thrown out by a GCU member; on-air radio promotion - during the in-game radio broadcast on Bold Gold Media’s WICK - “The Mothership” stations (1400 AM, 1440 AM, 93.5 FM, 106.7 FM and 107.9 FM); discounted ticket price and an informational table for guests to stop by and learn more about the GCU.

GCU offered $5.00 tickets to members for the game. With seats typically costing $13-$15 per person this was a great opportunity for an affordable night out.

COG seats are typically further in the outfield but the GCU negotiated for great seats near the 1st base line. With the date locked in, great seats secured, and an exciting evening of baseball lined up, the only thing left to worry about was the weather; and weather turned out to be just one of the many highlights of the evening!

I recruited my fiancé and two brothers to help me set up the GCU table and hand out colorful leis to guests entering the stadium. The GCU “crew” showed Margaritaville theme wearing tropical sunglasses and hula skirts. Gina Keil, District 5 President, stopped by the GCU table to help hand out Margaritaville leis, interact with guests, and of course joined us for some photos with RailRiders mascot, Champ!

The GCU invited Camp Freedom (a non-profit based in Carbondale, PA to support veterans and first responders through social activities and recreation) to send a family to the game as our guests. We were thrilled to meet Mike, a member of Camp Freedom, along with his family for their first ever RailRiders game! Mike wound up winning a signed Gleyber Torres baseball and baseball card from our raffle as well!

Gary Pezak, Lodge 92 Athletic Director, won the raffle to throw out the first pitch and I took the field to speak with the RailRiders emcee on camera about the GCU being community oriented. With perfect weather, smiling guests, and the smell of park food in the air, it was time to sit back and enjoy the game. The RailRiders kept everyone moving with fun YMCA dances and in-between inning games for the kids. Amanda and her son Ryan were smiling ear to ear the entire game for their first ever in-person professional baseball game experience at a stadium.

The RailRiders claimed the big W over the Louisville Bats with a score of 9-0! The grand finale of the evening was the highly anticipated fireworks show to light up the sky for the perfect end to a wonderful evening. I’m happy to report that 100% of the RailRiders Community Corner store sales for the evening was donated to the GCU Foundation, totaling $505 for the evening. Thank you to everyone who attended the game and we look forward to joining the RailRiders again next year as the featured COG!

Did You Miss It?
Bartolo Colón, Eddy Rodriguez, & Gleyber Torres are just some of the signed merchandise items that we purchased from the RailRiders Community Store and raffled off to our attendees. Not to worry if you missed it, because we have exciting news! You will have another opportunity to win a RailRiders gift certificate for food and some more merchandise from the RailRiders Community Store if you plan on attending upcoming games with us in September! *Note: raffles are not allowed to be conducted inside the stadium. Please see our website or contact Melissa for more information*
More Upcoming RailRiders Games This Season: We have some extra passes from the game and scheduled an additional two games for members to enjoy for the same great price of $5. We want to give members the choice to either join us for an evening game with fireworks to follow on Friday, September 16th or an afternoon game on Sunday, September 18th, or of course for both games if you wish! Check out www.GCUusa.com for game details and to purchase tickets. *Note: all tickets will be digital and sent to your mobile phone* Please contact me with any questions 878-207-2327 mcohen@GCUusa.com.

Melissa Cohen | Corporate Community Events Coordinator NE, PA