PORTLAND, MAINE — Oakhurst Dairy, Northern New England’s largest independent family-owned dairy company, and the Maine Red Claws announced today that they will once again join forces to help support Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. During the upcoming season, Oakhurst Dairy will donate $500 to the Clubs each time the Maine Red Claws score more than 100 points at one of the team’s 24 home games. Oakhurst has pledged to donate up to $5,000. The first home game is set for Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, against the Springfield Armor.
“Oakhurst has been a great partner for the Maine Red Claws, and we are thrilled they are joining us in supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine again this season,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings.
Oakhurst Dairy has been a sponsor of the 100+ program since 2009. Based on the team’s scoring performance last season, Oakhurst Dairy will present a $5,000 check to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, as part of the Kids & Claws Welcome Back Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Portland Expo. The event raises money and awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs and features a chance for guests to “shoot hoops” with the players, seek autographs and enjoy dinner with a short presentation introducing the team and Coach Leitao.
Bob Clark, CPO of Boys & Girls Clubs commented, “Generous support from Oakhurst Dairy and the Maine Red Claws continues to help the Clubs make great strides to serve more children and teens at our five Clubhouses in Greater Portland and Lewiston/Auburn. These funds will be used to support our 2,600 members and help them reach academic success, build on their character and lead healthy lifestyles.”
Additionally, Oakhurst Dairy 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk has been named the “Official Milk of the Maine Red Claws.” Milk is packed with nine essential nutrients that are good for the whole body. This includes calcium, which helps build and maintain strong bones, and vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption and uptake into bone. Additionally, sports nutrition research suggests that lowfat chocolate milk can be effective in helping athletes recover and rehydrate. The combination of high-quality protein and carbohydrates in milk can help refuel exhausted muscles and repair them more quickly. Finally, all Oakhurst Dairy milk products are sourced and produced locally. The company was also the first major dairy in the country to reject the use of artificial growth hormone in the production of its milk –– and to put this information on its label in the form of a Farmers' Pledge: No Artificial Growth Hormone Used.
Throughout the basketball season, young fans are in store for a special treat while they learn about the health benefits of milk. They will have the opportunity to track their growth when they visit the life-size Oakhurst Dairy growth chart featuring Mike Tisdale (#42) located next to the concession stand at the Portland Expo. Tisdale is entering his rookie season and joins the team from the University of Illinois.
“Educating kids early on about healthy eating habits and encouraging them to enjoy an active lifestyle is important and something we are committed to as a company,” said Bill Bennett, president and CEO of Oakhurst Dairy. “Collaborating with the Maine Red Claws to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine — an organization dedicated to positively impacting our state’s youth — is a perfect fit for our company’s mission to promote health and fitness in the communities we serve throughout Northern New England and we believe the 100+ program is a fun way to deliver that message to kids.”
About Oakhurst Dairy
Oakhurst is northern New England’s truly local brand of milk. As the region’s largest independent family-owned dairy company, Oakhurst is committed to the health and wellbeing of the community and the environment. For 90 years and three generations, the Bennett family has stood behind every glass of Oakhurst milk, while contributing 10% of profits to local organizations through their Living Natural Goodness program to support healthy kids and a healthy environment – just another reason to choose Oakhurst, The Natural Goodness of Maine. For more information, visit www.oakhurstdairy.com.
About the Maine Red Claws
2011-12 will mark the third season for the Maine Red Claws, the minor league affiliate of the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats and Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA Development League team plays its home games at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the retired chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr., owner and operator of Oxford Plains Speedway. Jon Jennings, a partner in Maine Basketball, LLC and former Boston Celtics assistant coach, serves as the team’s president and general manager.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine
Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, particularly those who need us most, to realize their full potential as responsible, productive and caring citizens. BGCSM has five locations in Greater Portland and Lewiston/Auburn and serves 2,600 members annually, ages 5-18, with an annual membership fee of just five dollars. Visit us online at www.bgcmaine.org.
Source: Oakhurst Dairy
