Dallas Tigers 14U Difference Makers on and OFF the Dirt!

The expression “pay it forward” is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead. Across the DFW Metroplex, hundreds of teen-age girls have purchased a dress for one of the most anticipated events of their high school life: Prom…sadly many will go without. Some will wear their high school “dress of a life time”, once, maybe twice and then the gown will likely enter the abyss known as the closet.

Prom is rite of passage for many American high school students. However, not everyone can afford the signature formal wear. The Dallas Tigers 14 ~ Grider are on a mission to change that. The Dallas Tigers are hoping to connect with the community and area schools to start collecting previously worn prom dresses to eliminate future possibilities of some young women going without during the up coming prom season.

Dallas Tigers 14 U ~ Girder is offering the community a chance to “pay if forward” by supporting the Tigers ~Grider in donating slightly used prom dresses. “Hopefully, by pooling  the community resources and reaching out to the community at large, we can reach our goal of 500 dresses allowing many young women on enjoy their 2011 prom,” said Grider, head coach for The Dallas Tigers 14U.

The collection is under way with about 30 dresses collected; with a goal of a collection of 500 by the end of April 2010, the Tigers have a way to go!  All dresses collected will be delivered to a number of South Dallas High Schools for delivery to students for the 2011 prom season. Those making a donation will not only being “paying it forward”; it will give you opportunity to make more room in your closet!

The Dallas Tigers Softball Organization is a select Softball organization that focuses on the overall development and readiness of players to play at the collegiate level and beyond.   The Dallas Tigers understand the importance of deleveloping players to be tough competitors on the dirt, but more importantly, the Tiger organization understands the significance of delivering an empowering message to each player that it is just essential to provide a positive impact on someone or something else, thus paying it forward.

If you would like to join with the Dallas Tigers 14u ~ Grider in “paying it forward” with your prom dress donation, please contact Nesa Grider @ nesag@gmail.com or nesag59@verizon.net.

The DALLAS TIGERS (Hernandez) softball team understands that investing in their community is a great way to give back to those who may need a little helping hand. While the Dallas Tigers (Hernandez) hosts a number of volunteer efforts and non-profit organizations that widely support our community, the DALLAS TIGERS recognize that they can’t do it alone.

The Dallas Tigers ~ Hernandez team is made up of successful members of the surrounding communities, and has made a committment to accept the responsibility to help those that are less fortunate and contribute to the common good. “The Dallas Tigers players and families understand that while they may not always be able to provide dollars, giving their time is just as important and often times much more in need than money”, said Nesa Grider, Team Administrator.

One of the Dallas Tigers’ recent community projects was in support of Books for Troops. Camp Al Sayliyah is the main R&R base for troops throughout the Middle East; including Iraq, Kuwait and, Afghanistan. Troops who arrive there for their 4 day R&R visit are an amazing mix of Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. They have four brief days to relax, try to remember what being a civilian is like, often just wanting to kick back and enjoy a good book.

The Dallas Tigers (Hernandez) collected in excess of 900 books for the US Troops and were thrilled to provide some enjoyment to our troops, even for a short time. The Dallas Tigers (Hernandez) anticipates a strong spring season, but more importantly are excited at the prospect of being united to make a difference in the our community one step at a time.

Dallas Tigers softball was represented Sunday, March 14th by the 16U (Burwell) and 18 Gold (Foust) teams at the DFW Airport as they met incoming troops from Iraq.

Anywhere from 150 to 250 troops come through DFW airport each day on their way home for a two week R&R (Rest and Recuperation). One flight arrives daily at DFW and one departs each day. A small portion meet their families here but the majority have NO one welcoming them and thanking them for their service. Volunteers gather each day to welcome these troops off their flight, thanking and encouraging them for their service to our Great Nation.

The Dallas Tigers softball teams were excited to be a part of this great opportunity to shake the hands of the men and women returning home.  Many players and parents agreed that this was a worthwhile cause and they were very moved by the experience.

Dallas Tigers 16u and 18u players that met returning soldiers at DFW Airport

The world knows that on January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti leaving a wake of devastation killing more than 200,000.  Already a country living in extreme poverty, the massive earthquake caused incalculable loss of life and destruction to the homes and live hood of millions of people.  A Dallas Tiger 14 U Player ~ Chandler Hoagland heard the call to action, joining in the recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist earthquake victims.   Chandler set out on a mission to be a difference collecting “Survival Kits“.  Chandler collected over 100 kits containing a variety of personal items for use by the Haitian people. Chandler and the Dallas Tigers Softball Organization have the power of many and understand that there is no promise of tomorrow, embracing that it is important to be a difference maker today.

“When a group rallies and provides this type of support, it provides a tangible experience that will benefit many people forced to endure the unspeakable torment every single day.  The survival kits are on their way to our friends in Haiti who are struggling to rebuild their shattered country,” stated Nesa Grider.

Ready to do some spring cleaning?  We are collecting old cell phones, computers, laptops, ink cartridge etc. WORKING OR NON WORKING! These items will be collected and proceeds donated to Dallas Tigers! Reach out to all your friends, office mates and start collection.  EASY RIGHT?

The Dallas Tigers Baseball and Softball Organization understand that part of being an outstanding athlete is providing a significant impact both on and off the dirt. When selected to play as a Dallas Tiger, it is a given that you are a top performer on the dirt. While that is important, the Dallas Tigers acknowledge and embrace that it is also important to carry that same passion and drive in their communities ~as pro-active community service leaders. As a top athlete it is anticipated that each Dallas Tigers players will be called on to do a number of things, but the President of the Dallas Tigers, Tommy Hernandez, acknowledges “That no request will be as great as being a difference maker in our community”.

With a continued effort to be stewards of the community Dallas Tigers Operation Paperback was launched. The Dallas Tigers Organization is collecting gently used books to send to American troops deployed overseas. With a goal of collecting 5000 books the Dallas Tigers know that they face a daunting task, but are ready to meet the challenge.

Many of our troops are serving far from home and living in facilities that provide few of the comforts of home. At the end of the duty day, the opportunity to escape into a good book is welcomed. Our service members make sacrifices every day for our country. It takes so little to let them know that we appreciate what they are doing for us. With a donation to Dallas Tigers Operation Paperback, you will let our troops know that you support them, and you have not forgotten them.

As coach of the Dallas Tigers Softball 18 – Gold, James Foust has witnessed firsthand what a well-rounded athlete can bring to the team. “As a difference maker and community service partner the rewards often are beyond the obvious and tangible, even with the possibility of changing a life not only of those being helped, but of the athlete.” said Coach Foust.

If you would like to make a donation to the Dallas Tigers Operation Paperback, please contact Nesa Grider at nesag59@verizon.net.