Kernels Host 16th Annual Hot Stove Banquet

The 16th Annual Hot Stove Banquet held by the Cedar Rapids Kernels concluded in a great success on January 28th. The banquet included silent and live auctions featuring sports memorabilia and local items as well as the induction of the Class of 2012 into the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame. This year's Hall of Fame Class included former Kernels GM Jack Roeder, KCRG-TV9's John Campbell, and Kernels baseball legend Reggie Jefferson.

This year's event raised over $8,500 and all the proceeds went to the Kernels Foundation. With this money, the Kernels Foundation will help ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience athletic and recreational activities. Some of the programs supported by the Kernels Foundation include: the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids YMCA, Taylor Elementary, the Jones Park Baseball Diamond Project, and the Cedar Rapids School Foundation. The efforts to raise funds for the Kernels Foundation were greatly supported by the Kohl's Cares Associates in Action program with their wonderful contribution. The Kohl's Cares program helps enhance the lives of youth in our local communities. The Cedar Rapids Kernels would like to thank the many local businesses who contributed to the Hot Stove Banquet and to the many volunteers who made the event possible.

The Kernels open the 2012 MWL season on the road at Wisconsin on Thursday, April 5. They open the 2012 home season in Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Monday, April 9 vs. Clinton at 6:35 pm. Season tickets and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium or on-line at www.kernels.com. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 19 at 10 am.