Quackerjack Goes To School
On Friday, January 18, the students at Huntington Intermediate School will get an education in fun when QuackerJack and Long Island Ducks first baseman Rob Cafiero pay their school a visit. The most popular kid at the school-wide assembly will be fourth grader Daniel Molitor. That's because Daniel wrote a winning essay on why his community is important to him for the annual Commerce Bank Take a Duck to Class program. The essay earned Daniel a chance to not only bring QJ and Rob to his classroom, but also to the entire school.
The assembly will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Rob will speak to the children about being a professional ballplayer, as well as what it means to play for his and our hometown team. Kids will have the opportunity to ask Rob and QJ questions on everything from their favorite moments in baseball to their favorite school subjects.
Daniel's essay was one of four winning essays in this year's Take a Duck to Class program, sponsored by Commerce Bank. Daniel wrote on the topic, "Why My Community is Important to Me," and turned in the essay to his local Commerce Bank. By having his composition selected, Daniel won the opportunity to have QuackerJack and a Ducks player visit Mrs. Lauter's fourth grade class, which consists of 26 students. But instead, he'll have the chance to show off in front of the entire student body of 508 children. It's sure to be an unforgettable day for both Daniel, the Long Island Ducks, and the students at Huntington Intermediate.
A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the Commerce philosophy. Commerce Bank's overall Corporate Giving Program has contributed more than $65 million to nonprofit organizations, helping to improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. In 2007 alone, Commerce made 4,800 different contributions and donated a total of $9 million, which equaled 2% of its pre-tax income, to beneficiaries - doubling America's average of 0.7%, according to the Giving USA Foundation. Commerce Bank provides financial and other support to educational, community, human service, arts, and health-related programs, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park, and have played eight seasons in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Season ticket packages for 2008 are currently available. For further information, visit
Long Island Ducks Official Site, or call (631) 940-3825.