FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2013) – In partnership with the Minnesota Twins and Shoeless Joes Sports Café, the Crowne Plaza at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers will be sponsoring the second annual Batting Practice with the Twins.

Batting Practice with the Twins invites 25 lucky fans to be on the field during batting practice before every home game during this year’s spring training season. Interested fans must have a ticket to the present day’s game and be at Hammond Stadium by 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 per person for each game.

All proceeds from the practice event will be donated directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County. Last year’s event raised more than $7,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“This is the ultimate experience for any baseball fan,” said Jim Larkin, general manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers. “Participants will enjoy excellent photo opportunities and be close enough to hear player conversations. It is a great experience for friends and family and also a unique way to entertain important clients or reward your best employees.”

Now in its 39th year of providing quality youth programs in Lee County, the Boys & Girls Clubs will use the funds raised to provide more than 30,000 hours of service to more than 420 young people in our community. More than 1,300 youth demonstrated academic success, character and leadership and healthy lifestyles last year from the agency’s programs.

“These youth rely on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to provide a safe place to explore their interests and learn valuable life skills,” said Shannon Lane, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “This cannot be accomplished without the generous support of businesses and individuals in our community.”

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Membership dues are $10.00 per school year so that all children can have access to our programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County relies upon the philanthropic support of individuals, corporations and foundations in order to sustain and grow its services.

Tickets are available by calling the Boys & Girls Clubs at 239-334-1886 to reserve your spot or by arriving three hours prior to the first pitch on game day and purchasing at the ballpark.