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Iowa Stars Players And Apprentices "Stick Up" For Victims Of Domestic Violence

March 25, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL) - Iowa Chops News Release


DES MOINES, IA - The third and final Apprentice Hockey League challenge is upon us. The final two contestants Jerah Gallinger and Tony Dressen have now been tasked to give back to the community which has so graciously helped them in the first two rounds. The Iowa Stars have partnered with Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) for this event in which the two AHL finalists will raise money for CFI's Family Violence Center.

The Stars and CFI team up on Friday, April 4th at the game versus the Peoria Rivermen for the final Apprentice Hockey League challenge. Proceeds from funds raised by the AHL contestants will support victims at Children & Families of Iowa's Family Violence Center and the Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center in Adel, Iowa.

The Stars players will wear purple ribbon stickers on their helmets and fans are encouraged to wear purple attire to show their support for victims of domestic violence. Fans are also encouraged to bring a pair of new women's or children's socks for the "Sock Drop" to be given to victims staying at the Family Violence Center shelter.

The Apprentice Hockey League contestants and the Iowa Stars are helping to raise funds for and awareness about domestic violence by getting the word out about healthy family relationships. The Stars and players are helping spread the message that hurting your family and those you care about doesn't get you ahead in life, and they are encouraging others to "be a role model - speak out and stick up for victims of domestic violence."

"Task #3 is the most exciting task compared to the first two," said finalist Jerah Gallinger, "Having the final task dedicated 100% to the community feels wonderful. Plus, our family has a special place in our heart for CFI for if it was not for them, we would not be foster parents. Their information seminars, training, support, and programs help us provide caring homes for those in need."

CFI's Family Violence Center (FVC) provides a unique, holistic approach to helping victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives. The FVC is Iowa's largest safe, certified domestic violence center and the only such shelter in Polk County. In addition, FVC provides crisis counseling, outreach and support to victims and their loved ones. The FVC also works with schools, legal and medical professionals, and other community groups to provide domestic violence education to the community.

"Working to raise money brings it all together for me," said Tony Dressen, "Now I have a cause/charity to raise some money for and do some good for a great organization like CFI. The favorite thing for me is going to be handing money over to Children and Families of Iowa... knowing that my friends and families all gave their money to help children and families that need it!!"

The two finalists, Dressen and Gallinger, are busy raising funds through parties, silent auctions and other activities. The final tally from their efforts will be announced at the Iowa Stars home game on April 4 versus Peoria. The winner-that is, the contestant that raises the most money-will go home with an incredible prize package including Bon Jovi suite tickets, Iowa Stars season tickets, hotel stays, airline tickets and tons of other great prizes. According to John Campbell with the Iowa Stars, the contestants' activities have already raised over $25,000, all of which will benefit CFI's Family Violence Center.

STARS INFO: Happy Hour - Join Iowa Stars fans in the Principal River's Edge Restaurant from 5:30 to 6:30 before every weekday home game.

Join "the voice of the Stars" Jim Erickson along with Stars players, coaches and staff at Scooter and Babs Sports Bar and Grille, 918 E Euclid Ave, in Des Moines on Mondays from 7 to 8pm. Stop by to listen to the show while you enjoy some great food and drink. When you are at Scooter and Babs for the show, be sure to register for the chance to sit in the reserved front row and have dinner with the player guests. If you can't make it to Scooter and Babs listen on 1350 AM KRNT and at www.1350krnt.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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