The Kane County Cougars have announced a community outreach partnership for the 2014 season in which four organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds from in-game charitable events along with a contribution from the Cougars organization. 

Those organizations are TriCity Family Services (April/May), Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation (June), the Dempster Family Foundation (July) and Lazarus House (August).

TriCity Family Services, located in Geneva, is a private, non-profit human service agency serving the community members and organizations of central Kane County. TriCity Family Services serves area residents with counseling and other mental health services for teens, their families and community members across all income levels and life stages. 

The Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation has helped preserve the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, providing support for veterans and active military through a variety of services since 1945. The Cougars will be partnering with several local chapters in the west suburban area including Aurora and Elgin.

Lazarus House is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and connected to mid-Kane County. The organization is an emergency shelter that is open 365 days a year and is the only transitional housing program in the Tri-Cities and western rural Kane County area.

The Dempster Family Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the growing community of those affected by 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The disorder is caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome, which can affect every system in the human body and cause over 180 health and developmental issues. 

The foundation took its cause after Ryan Dempster’s daughter Riley was diagnosed just two days after her birth. Dempster is a 16-year Major League veteran who pitched for the Cougars in 1996, and most recently won a World Series with Boston last fall.

“The Dempster Family Foundation is very proud to partner with the Kane County Cougars. As a former player, to see the bond and friendship with Kane County still there almost 20 years later is incredible,” Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster said. “Thank you to the Cougar front office, the players and most importantly the fans, for the amazing support of our foundation’s mission.”

During the 2013 season, the Cougars donated a total of more than $12,000 to five causes. In addition to the monthly community outreach initiatives, the Cougars will again assist hundreds of non-profit organizations this year with the donation of tickets, memorabilia and gift certificates. 

Now in its 20th season, Ozzie’s Reading Club will welcome nearly 150,000 students from 500 schools to April and May games who have participated in the Cougars’ reading incentive program. 

Last month, the Cougars hosted a free community Coaches Clinic for youth baseball and softball coaches as professional instructors from the Cougars’ parent club Chicago Cubs were on hand to meet with area youth coaches and provide pointers.

–News Bulletin news sources