Can you dig it? For the second consecutive year, the Pulaski River Turtles will welcome the Carolina Disco Turkeys to Calfee Park for a pre-season exhibition game for charity. “A Game for Hope” will be played Tuesday, June 3, with proceeds benefiting the Pulaski Community Partners Coalition (PCPC).

Last season’s inaugural installment marked the River Turtles’ first pre-season game since its inception in 2021. The River Turtles defeated the Disco Turkeys in the seven-inning exhibition, with $1,500.00 in proceeds benefiting the Pulaski Community Partners Coalition. The success of “A Game for Hope” spawned a renewed commitment from the River Turtles front office and the event’s partner organization, New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS), to hold the event again in 2025.

“This event proved quite popular with our fan base last year. It gave everyone an opportunity to see our new roster in action in a fun, competitive way. It was beneficial for the team, and it was very beneficial for our participating charity,” says Pulaski River Turtles general manager JW Martin. “These types of events are a win for everyone. The goal is to exceed our fundraising total from 2024 while enjoying another competitive game with the Disco Turkeys.”

Says Mike Wade, Community Wellness & Outreach Coordinator for NRVCS and current Chair of PCPC: “We are truly grateful to have established this wonderful partnership with the Pulaski River Turtles. The inaugural “Game for Hope” last year was a tremendous opportunity for our coalition to connect with community members and share the work we are doing to support the overall well-being of children and families in Pulaski County.”

Wade notes that several local/regional organizations involved with PCPC will be set up in the concourse prior to the game to share information and resources.

A $2.00 General Admission ticket will be sold at the gate on June 3^rd, with all proceeds benefiting PCPC. In addition, the River Turtles will wear a special themed jersey for the occasion, and all game-worn jerseys will be auctioned for charity. PCPC is the community prevention coalition for Pulaski County. The group is made up of community leaders and concerned citizens whose primary mission is to reduce substance abuse and misuse among youth by promoting healthy, thriving families and a safe community by connecting people, resources and ideas. PCPC is coordinated by New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS), the region’s largest public provider of behavioral health services. The theme of the charity game is borrowed from NRVCS’ ongoing “HOPE” campaign.

Though this event is not included in season ticket packages or box packages, seats for season ticket holders and box holders will be reserved for this event. General Admission seating will be observed in most sections of the park for this event, for the exception of seats and boxes reserved for season ticket holders. No advance tickets will be sold.

Formed in 2021, the Carolina Disco Turkeys finished the 2024 season with a record of 15-16 in collegiate wood-bat play. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, they are a member of the Southern Collegiate Baseball League.

“We’re very excited to take part in this game again this year. Playing at Calfee Park against the River Turtles provides a strong opponent and high-quality venue for the Disco Turkeys schedule, and raising money for a great cause is a wonderful bonus. We can’t wait to get back up to Pulaski,” says Greg Sullivan, team president of the Carolina Disco Turkeys.

Gates will open at 5:30 PM on June 3rd, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 PM. For more information on this event, visit www.pulaskiriverturtles.com.

“A Game for Hope” is one of many exciting special promotions scheduled for the 2025 Appalachian League season. The complete 2025 Pulaski River Turtles schedule is available for download online at www.pulaskiriverturtles.com.