Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools Dr. David P. Meaney threw a ceremonial "first ball" at the final Sacramento River Cats baseball game September 12 at Raley Field in West Sacramento. That night, when the River Cats clinched the Pacific Coast League championship, schools won, too.
Dr. Meaney and representatives from eight surrounding county offices of education were invited to participate in pre-game ceremonies in conjunction with the River Cats' new "Champions for Education" outreach program. "Champions for Education" is a program that helps provide support for local schools. As part of "Champions for Education," schools were eligible to purchase River Cats playoff tickets at a reduced rate and sell them for their actual value, keeping the proceeds for their own school programs. More than 60 schools raised funds in this manner. The River Cats and local sponsors also donated a portion of proceeds from every playoff game ticket for a special fund to help schools. Fans were encouraged to donate new school supplies for student and classroom use.
Commencing in October, the River Cats will offer schools the opportunity to apply for funding grants through "Champions for Education." For information, contact the Community Relations Department of the Sacramento River Cats at (916) 376-4729.
Participating in the River Cats' ceremonial baseball toss on September 12 were:
- Dr. Vicki Barber, Superintendent, El Dorado County Office of Education
- Dr. Terence K. McAteer, Superintendent, Nevada County Office of Education
- Alfred "Bud" Nobili, Superintendent, Placer County Office of Education
- Dr. David P. Meaney, Superintendent, Sacramento County Office of Education
- Mick Founts, Deputy Superintendent, San Joaquin County Office of Education
- Dee Alarcon, Superintendent, Solano County Office of Education
- Jeff Holland, Superintendent, Sutter County Office of Education
- Dr. Jorge O. Ayala, Superintendent, Yolo County Office of Education
- Richard "Ric" D. Teagarden, Superintendent, Yuba County Office of Education.