BRADENTON, FL – On Saturday, July 22, The Bradenton Marauders will host a Star Wars Night at LECOM Park as the Marauders take on the Clearwater Threshers. The game takes place at LECOM Park in Bradenton (1611 9th Street W.). Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; the first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the baseball game, the evening will feature Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming organization that makes frequent appearances at charity events, a Star Wars-themed jersey auction benefiting Goodwill, and post-game fireworks.
The public is encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters. If they buy items from one of Goodwill Manasota’s retail locations for their costume, they are encouraged to bring their receipt in order to be eligible to enter the costume contest during the game – the contest winner will receive a $50 Goodwill gift certificate.
In order to support Goodwill, the general public is invited to purchase tickets at experiencegoodwill.org/marauders for $15 each – $5 per ticket will go back to Goodwill. Each ticket purchased through Goodwill includes a free Marauders hat and 32 oz. souvenir cup with one free fountain drink fill-up. Tickets must be purchased in advance (deadline is Monday, July 17 before midnight) to take advantage of this special offer.
“Goodwill is looking forward to partnering with the Bradenton Marauders on this wonderful event, combining America’s favorite pastime with an American classic like Star Wars,” said Goodwill Manasota vice president Veronica Brandon Miller. “We thank the Bradenton Marauders for their generosity and contributions to Goodwill and the community.”
The Marauders are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and a member of the Florida State League.
“We are proud to partner with Goodwill Manasota to raise awareness and funds for its important mission,” said Marauders general manager, Rachelle Madrigal. “The Bradenton Marauders are grateful to be a part of such a philanthropic and caring community and feel privileged to show our support through programs like this.”
For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 Veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
About the Bradenton Marauders
The Marauders are currently playing their eighth season of Florida State League baseball in Bradenton. The team plays 70 home games each season at historic LECOM Park. For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.