Pelicans Collect “Pennies from Heaven”

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are teaming up with Coastal Federal Bank to collect “Pennies from Heaven” for a good cause. The team is collecting pennies to raise money for the DARE program. DARE is a drug and alcohol resistance program offered in local schools, in an effort to help children resist peer pressure and to live an alcohol, tobacco and drug free life.

Collection containers are located at several prominent areas at the ballpark. The team is also hosting Penny Nights on April 30. During those games, lucky fans can get a general admission ticket for just a pound of pennies. The event will be televised by WPDE-TV in an effort to include the support of the entire community. Ed Piotrowski, chief meteorologist, has agreed to be the campaign’s television spokesperson.

In addition, Coastal Federal Bank has donated more than 1,000 3-liter bottles to be placed in Horry County Schools. “We will also have ‘penny bottles’ in all of our banking centers,” stated Steve Sherry, Executive Vice President of Coastal Federal Bank.

Several additional community events are scheduled for Coastal Federal Field in 2004. These events include National Kids Day, Youth Baseball League Night, Teachers Appreciation Night, Education Night and Scout Night.

In addition, the team will host National Night Out, a nationwide crime and violence resistance event. Last year was the first year for the Pelicans to hold a local National Night Out and the ballpark was overflowing with citizens and local fire, police, EMT and military units.

The ballpark will also be the site for Dingers Home Run Reading Club Nights, in which local school children will be rewarded for their reading accomplishments.

The Pelican Pro-Am golf tourney is just another example of the team’s commitment to supporting the local community. The outing will feature players, coaches and Braves representatives as part of the foursomes, and monies raised will benefit the Youth Diamond Fund.

Thanks to MBBC’s Angela Barwick & Matt O’Brien for this capcom story & photo.