Wisconsin Rapids, WI – November 5, 2012. The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League and local businesses teamed up this summer to raise money for non-profit organizations during the 2012 season. Unique promotions during the summer with the Rafters have raised money for various local organizations that surround the Wisconsin Rapids area communities.

“We want to send a special thank you to our corporate partners and our fans for being very generous in their contributions to these local organizations throughout the year,” said Rafters general manager Liz Kern.

The Rafters teamed up with Marshfield Clinic again this summer to provide to local youth baseball organizations based on the Rafters on-field success. Marshfield Clinic made a charitable donation for every double, triple, and home run hit by the Rafters this summer, benefiting multiple area little league organizations including WRYSA, Vesper, Pittsville, Nekoosa, Rudolph, and the Marshfield Little League.

This season, every home run hit by a Rafters player at Witter Field again meant a bit more than just tacking another run on the scoreboard. Thanks to West Bend Mutual Insurance, a charitable contribution of $50 was made to Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. every time a Rafters player circled the bases at historic Witter Field. Lester & Smart Insurance also added an additional $25 contribution for every home run. The Rafters ended up hitting a total of 25 home runs at Witter Field in 2012.

The Rafters again partnered with Incourage Community Foundation this year by donating $1 from every bag of cotton candy sold to the community fireworks fund. The Incourage Community Foundation mission is to empower local people and organizations in ways that create opportunities for all. The staff and board are using this strategy in community-wide efforts to transform the local economy, culture, and invigorate civic engagement in southern Wood County’s rural cities, villages, and towns.

On June 21st the Rafters hosted Veolia Environmental Services “Summertime St. Patty’s Night”. Along with the Irish theme around the ballpark, food specials and green beer, players wore green uniforms to highlight the event and were auctioned off following the game. All proceeds benefited the Wisconsin Rapids Boys & Girls Club.

The Rafters were out of town the weekend of June 30th which presented the perfect opportunity to host a benefit concert courtesy of Element Mobile, featuring Tuscan Road. It was a great evening to lay in the outfield grass at Witter Field and enjoy some favorite tunes for a great cause. Proceeds from the concert benefited the Wisconsin Rapids Boys & Girls Club.

The Rafters held Fey Printing “Turn Back the Clock Night” on July 3rd, with all Rafters players sporting jerseys to commemorate the Rapids Twins teams of the past. All of the game-worn jerseys were auctioned off following the game against the Madison Mallards, with proceeds from the auction benefiting the The Family Center of Wisconsin Rapids. The Family Center is a non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence and their children.

On July 15th the Rafters partnered with Marshfield Clinic to hold “Cancer Awareness Day” at the ballpark. As part of this promotion, Rafters players wore pink jerseys, hats, and socks in the contest against the Madison Mallards.  Pink bats were also used for this special occasion.  The Rafters hosted a silent auction during the game and fans were able to bid on the game-worn uniforms, with proceeds benefiting the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. The jerseys were autographed by the Rafters players and presented, after the game, to the highest bidders from a silent auction.

On August 10th the Rafters partnered with Schierl Tire & Service to host their final jersey auction of the season to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Wood and Portage County. The Rafters players wore blue and white jerseys that evening that were auctioned off following the game against the Lakeshore Chinooks.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2013. Reserve your 2013 ticket packages today by calling 715-424-5400, or in person by stopping by the Rafters office at historic Witter Field. The offseason office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.