As part of September Hunger Action Month, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies teamed up with the American Dairy Association North East to make a difference in their community. Together, they donated $2,500 to The Salvation Army of Binghamton through the Fill a Glass with Hope® campaign, which helps provide fresh, nutritious milk to families in need—an item often missing from food pantries due to its perishability.

Bringing the Community Together

The donation originated from an auction held by the Rumble Ponies on September 15, the same day Hispanic Heritage Month began. As part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative, the team wore special edition Cóndores de Binghamton jerseys during their Hispanic Heritage games. Afterward, they auctioned off the jerseys to raise funds for The Salvation Army of Binghamton.

“We celebrated Latin American culture while raising money for a great cause—ensuring families have access to fresh dairy products,” said Rumble Ponies General Manager Richard Tylicki. Fans loved the blue and yellow design of the specialty jerseys. With additional support from the Rumble Ponies Foundation, the auction raised $2,500.

Tylicki highlighted the team’s deep community ties, “We aim to enrich our community, whether through memorable experiences at the ballpark or supporting important causes. Partnering with the Salvation Army and ADA North East helps bring our community together.”

“This donation is going to go a long way for our food insecurity programs and buying dairy for our clients who do not have that as a staple in their diet,” said Captain Joseph Hansen, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army.

Why Dairy Matters

Milk is one of the most requested items at food banks, but it’s also one of the least donated due to its short shelf life. Fill a Glass with Hope® addresses this by connecting dairy farmers and retailers with food banks to supply fresh milk, packed with essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D—critical for children’s growth and development.

Food insecurity remains a major issue across the U.S. In New York alone, one in seven people faces hunger insecurity, including nearly 750,000 children. These numbers highlight the urgent need for programs like Fill a Glass with Hope®, which helps provide families with healthy, nutrient-rich food options.

Captain Joseph Hansen emphasized how critical this donation is. “Many families we serve lack regular access to dairy. This donation goes beyond feeding them—it improves their health and gives them hope,” he explained. Dairy, particularly for children, provides vital nutrients they may not get otherwise.

From left: Ruby, Binghamton Rumble Ponies General Manager Richard Tylicki, Salvation Army Corps Officer Captain Joseph Hansen and Rowdy.

From left: Ruby, Captain Joseph Hansen (The Salvation Army), Greg Szklany and Steve Terzo (ADA North East), Richard Tylicki, Rowdy, Hannah Mikulski and Amy Fancher (Binghamton Rumble Ponies).