Plymouth Whalers Assist Those in Need

Published on August 15, 2006 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


While the Plymouth Whalers compete to develop players and win games on the ice, there's another side of the hockey business that doesn't gain much notoriety - but in some ways is just as important.

To illustrate, the following letters recently came in to the office of the Plymouth Whalers:

"Thank you again for the Plymouth Whalers tickets donated to this year's Stoney and Wojo Radiothon. Thanks to everyone involved, we were able to raise a record $156,000 to fight blood cancers."

Whalers Rookie of the Year Chris Terry taught kids how to shoot a hockey puck at the Children's Center this summer. Sincerely,

Jeff Laskowski

Special Events, Michigan Chapter

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Madison Heights, MI

"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of the Arbor Hospice and Home Care's Thomas Misko Memorial Golf Outing. The Whalers' thoughtfulness and kindness will help support our hospice patients in the Downriver Communities. It is a true blessing to care for those in need of a special touch and to see the community come together to meet their needs. Please do not hesitate to call me if I can be of any service to you."

Sincerely,

Carol Crumpton

Community Development Officer

Arbor Hospice and Home Care, Downriver

Allen Park, MI

The letters come as part of the Whalers' continuing efforts in Community Relations, which often involve the donation of tickets, memorabilia, player and staff appearances or other scenarios.

With 45 donations through the middle of August, the Whalers have donated to over 325 different charities and organizations in the past 13 months.

In the case of the Stoney and Wojo Radiothon - heard on Sports Radio 1130-AM WDFN last July 13-14 - the Whalers donated more than 500 tickets to be used during the 2006-07 season. It was a way to acknowledge a couple of former employees of the team who are a huge part of the Telethon.

Detroit radio talent Sabrina Black lost her long-term battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma last spring. She performed some PA work for the Whalers for a couple of seasons when the team first moved to the Compuware Sports Arena in 1996. Her husband, Steve, currently works for WRIF-FM and hosts the syndicated program, "The Chop Shop," (www.chopshopradio.net/). Steve Black worked as the Whalers' in-house disc jockey in 2004-05.

The Whalers have a history with WDFN, too, hosting several events for the radio station at the Compuware Sports Arena over the years and into this season and at one time broadcasting games on sister station WWWW 1310-AM (formerly WXDX and WDTW). So the donation was a natural.

And although the Stoney and Wojo Radiothon happens once a year, Black and some colleagues have formed The Sabrina Black Foundation (www.sabrinablackfoundation.org/) to continue the fight against cancer. Check out the website to find out more.

In the case of Arbor Hospice, the Whalers' donation was four tickets. But the donation helps their cause while giving the ticket winners a chance to have a nice night out at a Whalers' game.

Whalers Joe McCann and Andrew Fournier read to a group of kids at Rosey's Romper Room in February. The Whalers' donations go to many places and events - schools, churches, libraries and charities of all kinds - especially when they involve children. Every request is considered. If you are interested in having the Whalers donate to your charity or fundraiser, please FAX, email or mail your request on company letterhead to:

Plymouth Whalers

14900 Beck Road

Plymouth, MI 48170

FAX - (734) 453-4201

Attention - Pete Krupsky

Email - peterk@plymouthwhalers.com

During the season, players are available for school visits, depending on their own playing, practice and school schedule. You can set up a player appearance by FAXing or mailing your request at the address and FAX number above, or by emailing Natalie Shaver at natalies@plymouthwhalers.com.

The Whalers are happy to get involved with your event. You will be, too.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from August 15, 2006


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