Announcing the
Johnny Price IV Memorial College Scholarship 2018 Recipients
This year marked the third year of the Johnny Price IV Memorial College Scholarship. The Johnny Price IV Memorial College Scholarship is open to high school senior baseball players who exemplify the characteristics of the late Johnny Price IV, a Lakeville standout who often spoke of his desire to help others experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. Johnny's kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness towards others will always live on.
Congratulations to the following recipients!
Seth Miller (Blaine High School)
Seth is a three-time letter winner at Blaine High School. Seth's primary role is pitching but will also log innings at the corner infield positions. Seth has been extremely involved in the community during his time at Blaine High School. He has been involved in the high school community service group for over two years, continues to volunteer at the local elementary schools and serves as a tutor at his own high school. Seth also looks forward to helping younger baseball players as he enjoys coaching and always being a positive role model for the up and coming players.
Seth will be attending Augustana University (SD) in the fall.
Derrick Winn (Duluth Marshall High School)
Derrick spends most of his time playing third base for Duluth Marshall High School. He credits his outlook to "Kaizen"- something he personally lives with and preaches to his teammates regularly. Derrick believes if his team is not getting better in small increments and working hard then he has not completed his job as a leader. Derrick tries to make peoples' day better any way he can. He enjoys helping out at a local nonprofit called the Valley Youth Center. What he enjoys the most about the opportunity to give back is helping kids with their homework as well as teaching them how to play sports. He credits his smiles during volunteering to finally seeing a child understand a math problem or finally getting a spiral when they throw a football.
Derrick will be attending Angelo State University (TX) in the fall.
Cal Hanson (Champlin Park High School)
Throughout his years as a baseball player, Cal has felt that he has made a large and positive impact
on the lives of people on and off the field. On the field Cal has impacted his teammates by creating a positive environment; they feel comfortable and are able to talk to him if they need
help with something on or off the field. Cal uses baseball as a way to lift others up and be there for one another. Off the field Cal has impacted people thousands of miles away by volunteering at places like Feed My Starving Children and also with other organizations in his community through volunteering his time at youth sports camps. Cal understands the importance of setting a good example for younger players.
Cal will be attending Gustavous Adolphous College (MN) in the fall.
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Three Local High Schools Come Together for a Common Cause
While the snow-packed spring season forced Minnesota baseball teams to take up indoor practices while waiting for temperatures to rise, earlier this month, the Blizzard Foundation created a different alternative for three local high school baseball to practice serving others
Legacy Christian Academy (Andover),
Maranatha (Brooklyn Park), and
West Lutheran (Plymouth) all stepped away from practice for a day and gathered to pack meals for malnourished children across the globe. Each team was eager to partcipate, seeing this as an opportunity to create relationships and give back.
These schools compete in the same conference during the season and this night served as a fantastic way to have opponents come together to work for a common goal.
The Blizzard Foundation believes baseball is more than just a game but serves as a vehicle to teach life lessons and build relationships with others through a common experience. The baseball community extends beyond the players of a specific team on a specific field at a specific time.
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Bolder Options and the Blizzard Foundation Connect for Mentoring through Baseball
The goal of making baseball accessible for all families looked a little different half way through the month of April. The Blizzard Foundation hosted
Bolder Options for a night of mentoring through baseball.
"Baseball was used as a vehicle for relationship strengthening by having the youth and their mentors communicating, empathizing, and competing." Lucy Bossert, Health and Wellness Program Coordinator, continued, "Having baseball-based activities with a little bit of a competitive spin helped pairs rely on each other like they would a team. They had to encourage each other and deal with both defeat and triumph."
Bolder Options is an innovative organization focused on healthy youth development. The comprehensive mentoring program and wellness activities help support youth who are at-risk of dropping out of
school or becoming involved in delinquent or unhealthy behaviors. Bolder Options engages youth and mentors in physical activity and encourages healthy life skills.
The connection of these two organization came over a year ago when Blizzard Foundation director, Jeff Huth, volunteered at a Bolder Options event. There Huth connected with Bolder Options president, Darrell Thompson.
During the course of the night the Blizzard Foundation provided activities for the mentor groups to participate in that was focused around strengthening their relationships. Once the
groundwork was laid, the baseball instruction began. Mentor groups were split up and given individual instruction while participating in different baseball drills competing with each other. It was a fantastic night that allowed mentor groups to bond through the game of baseball.
The night was a great success as Bossert observed,
"The night was beneficial for the pairs because it gave them a taste of the sport of baseball in a low-stress environment. They had time to develop new skills and were encouraged to try things, even if they might fail a few times."
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Blizzard Foundation is set to Host an 8-Week Camp for St. Paul Students
The Blizzard Foundation is pleased to announce a summer-long baseball camp for current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Battle Creek Middle School. The camp aims to teach life lessons through the game of baseball. Equipment will be supplied. Snacks, water, and lunch will be provided at all sessions.
The camp will meet every Tuesday (10AM-12PM) starting June 12th through August 7th at Battle Creek Middle School. Battle Creek's own Mr. Sam Shoemaker will be helping coach throughout the summer.
The camp will consist of 20 dedicated campers who are willing to make an 8-week commitment.
We believe baseball has a unique way of teaching the concepts of trust and relying on others, how to deal with adversity, and how to succeed and fail with dignity. Our goal is to develop these social and emotional skills while learning the game of baseball.
This camp is free of charge, thanks to the generosity of local business sponsors and will be facilitated by experienced baseball instructors from around the Twin Cities. The Blizzard Foundation believes in providing access to baseball for all families and empowering baseball players with the tools they need to be outstanding community members on and off the field. We look forward to working with the students of Battle Creek Middle School!
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Save the Date - Third Annual Blizzard Foundation Golf Tournament is Set!
Monday, August 20th will mark the Third Annual Blizzard Foundation Golf Tournament. This year, the tournament will be held at
Legends Golf Club
in Prior Lake. Last year over 140 golfer made it out for the tournament and over 300 guests made it for dinner. The Blizzard Foundation is hoping to see even more of you out at the event this year. Details to come!
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Looking to Help?
Visit our Facebook -
A quick and easy way to help out. Like our page and share our latest post.
Summer Interns - The Blizzard Foundation is seeking interns who are looking to build their resumes or portfolios over the summer. Ideal interns are working toward or have graduated with a degree in marketing, nonprofit management, web design, or business.
Speaking Engagments - Need a speaker at your next Rotary meeting or Chamber event? The Blizzard Foundation frequently visits these gatherings to share the work and vision of the foundation with the community.
Reach Out - It is our goal to impact as many families as possible. If you or someone you know may be in need of support from the Blizzard Foundation, please connect them with director, Jeff Huth at Jeff.Huth@theblizzardfoundation.org
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UPCOMING DATES
June 1st
This marks the deadline for families to apply for Summer assistance from the Blizzard foundation.The Blizzard Foundation is dedicated to helping make baseball accessible for all families, regardless of affiliation. More information regarding the assistance application and process visit http://theblizzardfoundation.org/apply-for-financial-assistance/
August 20th
The Blizzard Foundation Third Annual Golf Tournament at
Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake. The day will consist of a 18 hole scramble followed by dinner. All proceeds will go to further the mission of the Blizzard Foundation
December 15th
Circle this date on your calendar! The Blizzard Foundation will be hosting the first ever Blizzard Foundation Holiday Party. This will be a time for us to share accomplishments of the Blizzard Foundation, connect with other donors, and build momentum for an even better 2019! Details to come!
*If you know a baseball team or association looking for service learning opportunities contact the Blizzard Foundation today! |
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The Blizzard Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
EIN: 81-2968738
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