5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 3

1. Baseball Factory’s annual National World Series at Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will take place from August 3 to 7 and August 10 to 14. Baseball Factory has teamed up with Roberto’s Kids, an international non-profit organization that strives to bridge the gap between different cultures through baseball. Baseball Factory is asking parents and players attending the Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City to please donate any new or gently worn baseball equipment to Roberto’s Kids. Others not attending the Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City can also donate by sending their used equipment to Baseball Factory Headquarters. Roberto’s Kids is named after the late Pittsburgh Pirate’s Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente. The organization honors Clemente’s memory by continuing his efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. Roberto’s Kids believes that growing up with baseball instills important lessons and values in a child. The non-profit's philosophy is that allowing youth in underprivileged areas to gain this experience and knowledge will ultimately lead to developing social and community responsibility for the children and their families. This past year, Roberto’s Kids sent 30 tons of donated baseball equipment to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and various areas of the United States.

2. Bradenton Sous Chef made it through another week in Hell's Kitchen. The blue team lost this week's kitchen challenge, saving the women from elimination. Gregorich continued her quest for professionalism over drama to stay for another week.

3.The Manatee Tigers Bay Club will examine the new Florida election laws and the affect of redistricting during its monthly meeting on Thursday at , 1200 1st Avenue. Guest speakers are: Pamela Goodman, First Vice President of the Florida League of       Women Voters; Dr. Craig Trigueiro, President Lakewood Ranch Republican Club; Richard O’Brien, Chairman of the Manatee Democratic Party and Bob Sweat, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. Each of the speakers is expected to address early voting, redistricting and changes in provisional voter requirements. This comes as Florida gains two congressional districts. Panelists will give a short presentation and Tiger Bay members  are allowed to ask questions of the panelists. The new voter registration and early voting rules could impact the outcome of our elections, said Greg Porges, Manatee Tiger Bay president. "The amendments to the Florida Constitution approved last year will impact the shape of the Congressional districts. This certainly affects our representation in Washington and it is crucial for the public to understand what that means for Florida and Floridians." The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. Make reservations by emailing manateetigerbay@aol.com or call 941.746.1151. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The meeting begins at noon.

4. International Cultural Exchange Services is looking for host families in Bradenton for high school students, ages 15-18. The students will attend area high schools, so need to be placed with families before the start of the school year. The students, who come from Germany, Brazil, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, South Korea, China, and Finland, want to experience life with a typical American family. Every student is anxiously waiting to find out where they will be going and to meet their new American families. They come with their own money and insurance.  Families may agree to a 30-day trial period. Interested families should contact Rhonda Scharnus, Regional Administrator, International Cultural Exchange Services at 888-656-9481 or by email at rscharnus@icesusa.org.

5. Visit any of the five Manatee County Applebee's on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Applebee's will donate 10% of your bill to Majical Miniatures animal sanctuary. This flyer must be presented when you order your meal to qualify for donation.