Tennis Ball Toss Proceeds Go To Community Program

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have partnered with Sears Hometown Store and Rapids Family Backpacks for the inaugural “Fill The Backpacks” tennis ball toss promotion for the 2016 season. On nine dates during the 2016 regular season, fans will have the opportunity to purchase numbered tennis balls and then take aim at a washing machine positioned on the field near the third baseline, during one promotional break of the Rafters game each night. Any fan that gets their ball into the washer will received two free tickets to attend the August 12th game for a chance to win a new washing machine from Sears Hometown Store, by completing one final toss into the machine.

Rapids Family Backpacks is a weekend meal in a backpack program for families facing hunger at select Wisconsin Rapids Elementary Schools. Backpack meals are intended for the whole family, not just the child, and encourage nutritious family meals. The program is in its fifth year and currently serves four schools: Grove, Howe, Mead, and Washington Elementary Schools. In total, approximately 45 backpacks are filled weekly, serving nearly 200 people between October and May. The program is run completely through grants and community donations.

All proceeds from the tennis ball sales will go directly towards purchasing food that will be used to “Fill the Backpacks.” Rapids Family Backpacks include nutritious, non-perishable foods for a complete family meal. Each backpack includes:
    – Whole Grains
    – Low Sodium Vegetables
    – Low Sugar Fruits
    – Canned Protein
    – Meal Stretching Items (i.e. peanut butter and cereal)
Backpacks also include a recipe card, a list of community specific resources (such as how to access the food pantry) and educational opportunities.

Sears Hometown Store, located at 910 Huntington Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids, is the local destination for all of your home appliance and mattress needs as well as a great selection of home and garden products. Sears Hometown Store in Wisconsin Rapids offers the best in quality, brand name washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, stoves, power tools, lawn mowers, fitness equipment, and more! At the Wisconsin Rapids Sears Hometown Store, you’ll find everything you need for your home and outdoor space, all at great prices and with the support of our friendly and knowledgeable staff who can expertly guide your projects and purchases. Wisconsin Rapids Sears offers a personalized shopping experience tailored to our community, with the support of the Sears name you know and trust!

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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2016, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.