PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Chiefs are teaming up with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department to award children who show “acts of kindness” in the community.
The Chiefs announced the “Golden Ball initiative,” which will be given to kids by various police departments in the area and can be redeemed for two free tickets to a game.
“Officers will keep baseballs on hand while on duty and will give them to kids after seeing acts of kindness in the community,” said Larry Larson, a team spokesman. “Kids can show the golden baseball at the Dozer Park box office to receive two free tickets to an August or September Chiefs’ home game. Plus, they get to keep the ball.”
Larson said that the initiative is inspired by longtime Chief owner Pete Vonachen’s belief that “there’s nothing like the smile on a kid’s face when you give them a ball.”
Chiefs General Manager Jason Mott said that the initiative took a hiatus last year, but he is happy to bring it back.
“Impacting our community beyond the walls of Dozer Park is one of the most important things we do, and encouraging goodwill through the game of baseball contributes to that mission,” he said.
Sheriff Chris Watkins said the department is committed to “building positive relationships with the young people in our community.”
“Recognizing kids for making good choices and rewarding them with a fun experience at a Peoria Chiefs game sends a powerful message that good character matters. We’re grateful to partner with the Chiefs to help celebrate our local youth,” he said.
Larson said there are more than 1,000 golden baseballs to be given out.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
