Bravehearts

Fans at Worcester Bravehearts games have another reason to root for home runs in 2018: the news that a local credit union will be stepping up with a donation to another local non-profit for each long ball the Bravehearts hit this summer.

Southbridge Credit Union (SCU), a not-for-profit community credit union with four branch locations and a lending center, has partnered with the Worcester Bravehearts to support the Center of Hope Foundation, also of Southbridge. For each home run hit by the Bravehearts in their 56-game regular season and potential playoff matchups, SCU will donate $100 to the Center of Hope Foundation.

Since 1956, the Center of Hope has provided people with disabilities and their families the resources, services, and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible. The Center has done this through day habilitation programs, family and youth support services, and its 14 agency businesses in the Sturbridge & Southbridge area. These businesses train and employ hundreds of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in service and retail industries. For example, customers can plan a home construction project through “Fair & Square Construction,” get their vehicle cleaned through “Just the Details,” or simply pick up a box of fudge at “Hope Sweet Hope,” the agency’s sweetest business on Main Street in Sturbridge.

Erika Travinski, Assistant COO of CoHF states “The Center of Hope Foundation is very grateful for the support that SCU has shown us all through our 62 years, as well as through this endeavor.  Bravehearts General Manager, Dave Peterson, has been a friend and volunteer for our agency for many years and his continued support along with the whole Bravehearts’ team is spectacular.  We could not do the work we do with people with disabilities without the generosity of organizations like SCU and the Bravehearts.”

Historically, the Bravehearts have hit between 26 and 37 total home runs in their 56-game Futures League season. Last year the team smacked 36 home runs on the way to the championship series. Southbridge Credit Union will donate $100 for each Bravehearts’ home run hit either at home or on the road. A check presentation on-field is planned at the end of the season so that both Southbridge Credit Union and the Center of Hope can be honored.

“This is a partnership with some special meaning behind it,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “It reiterates the philosophy we’ve had since our inception that 1+1 = 3. Here you have two local small businesses working together for each other and for the benefit of a third organization; one that does so much to provide  individuals with disabilities the training and work opportunities that help them fulfill their lives.”

For SCU — known for community support that also includes the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton, Tri-Community YMCA, and even a functional branch at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School— this creates an exciting summer partnership that becomes a focal point as they celebrate their 80th year in business.

“Southbridge Credit Union has proudly been servicing this community for 80 years. We are thrilled to partner with the Bravehearts on this endeavor that supports the Center of Hope Foundation. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark and let’s hope for many home runs!” states President and CEO of SCU, Kate Alexander.

The Worcester Bravehearts begin play on Wednesday, May 30 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. Single-game tickets are now on sale at worcesterbravehearts.com, or by phone at 508-438-3773.