The Rockland Boulders - Not Just Team Players,
But Community Supporters
Since coming to the county, the Rockland Boulders have made community activism acore part of their mission. From their annual Charity Challenge in conjunction with Active International that has brought thousands of dollars to Rockland-based non-profits, to being one of the first businesses at the front line of response to Tropical Storm Irene and Super Storm Sandy, the Boulders have demonstrated time and again their commitment to making a difference.
Now, as they prepare to start their third season, the Boulders are moving their charitable activities into overdrive, with the installation of an electronic 50/50 scoreboard at their home in Provident Bank Park.
"We're really excited about this concept as a way to get the fans engaged while helping to raise money for our supported charities," explains Steve Balsan, Coordinator of Public Relations and Media for the Rockland Boulders. "Hand-held scanners will allow fans to purchase tickets anywhere in the ballpark. Sales will be boldly displayed in real time on the electronic 50/50 board, and fans can watch as the total builds. In the middle of the 8th inning, the 50/50 winning ticket will be announced. Half of the proceeds will go to the winner, and the other half to the evening's designated charity, as well as to the team's own charitable arm, the Boulders Benefits Fund." As one of the funds under the umbrella of the Rockland Community Foundation, the Boulders Benefits Fund makes grants in response to community needs.
In addition to the electronic 50/50, the Boulders will once again be hosting the Active International Charity Challenge. This year, 13 charities will each be given the opportunity to host a home game, and raise money through ticket sales and other game day activities. The charity raising the most money will be given a second fundraising night as they host the first home game of the following season.
The Boulders also work closely with the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, hosting a pet parade during every Saturday evening home game to showcase dogs available for adoption, plus PA announcements during all home games to remind attendees about animals needing homes.
After Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011, the Boulders agreed to donate one dollar for each ticket sold for their final two home games to aid those in need. When Super Storm Sandy hit, Provident Bank Park was opened to the community as a temporary shelter, and used as a staging center for collections of food, coats and other emergency items. Local businesses and non-profits also had a presence at the park to facilitate collection and distribution efforts.
"One of the foundations of our organization is service to the community," says Steve. "We take this mission very seriously, and use the services of our ballpark to help the people around us."
With 50 home games, there will be plenty of chances to catch our local team in action, while supporting our local non-profits. For ticket information, or to learn more about the Active International Charity Challenge, visit rocklandboulders.com. To donate to the Boulders Benefits Fund, visit the Rockland Community Foundation website.
About the Community Cares Blog and the Rockland Community Foundation
The Community Cares Blog, hosted by the Rockland Community Foundation, celebrates the spirit of giving in our community. Each week, we will post a story of philanthropy or shine a spotlight on an activity that is making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We invite Rockland non-profits, individuals and businesses to contribute to the Community Cares blog by sending an email to .
As the umbrella charitable organization for the county, the Rockland Community Foundation is working to connect donors with the causes they care about most. Our grants support a wide range of interests and, with the support of Rockland residents and businesses, we are committed to a path of growth that will enable us to help the non-profit community continue their vital work. You can learn more by visiting us at
Like us on Facebook