STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," is scheduled to host "Thunder Goes Pink 4" on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, highlighting two special 7:30 p.m. games against the Alaska Aces at Stockton Arena.A fan favorite series that has drawn rave reviews for a notable cause is back for its fourth annual run to headline the Thunder community outreach efforts for raising breast cancer awareness. The Thunder has raised over $113,000 in the last three seasons of the event's history and have a 5-1-0 record in the lifetime "Thunder Goes Pink" series.
Thunder Goes Pink 4 is presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center in association with Food-4-Less/Rancho San Miguel Markets and Antonini Freight Express will once again use two Thunder home games at Stockton Arena, to be played on a pink-tinted ice surface, to help spotlight and raise funds for breast cancer awareness and education efforts.
"Thunder Goes Pink" has become one of the most anticipated weekends of the season and a great celebration for our fans," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "It's become a showcase event, while at the same time delivering a powerful message and educating thousands of people that the battle against breast cancer is far from over and we must continue our important efforts."
Special pink-themed jerseys will be worn by the Thunder during both games and will be available via silent auction to fans at both games, while a handful of jerseys will be available for bidding via live auction following the Saturday, Nov. 7 contest. Fans in attendance will also have a chance to win a pink Thunder jersey, awarded via one of four free raffles to take place during the two games.
Free commemorative giveaway items for fans in attendance will help promote the cause and include pink-colored headwear for the first 2,000 women in attendance (ages 18 and over). Thunder Goes Pink 4-themed cheer cards will be given away to the first 2,000 fans in attendance, while the first 1,000 kids (ages 17 and under) will receive a pink glow stick.
Large crowds are expected once again for the event and two dollars from each ticket sold (excluding Season & Partial Season Tickets) will be donated from the Thunder to the event beneficiaries: American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services.
"St. Joseph's is so grateful for the continued support from the Stockton Thunder and the community," said Linda Philipp, Vice President, St. Joseph's Foundation. "The funds we receive from Thunder Goes Pink enables us to enhance St. Joseph's breast cancer services, which ultimately helps save lives."
"Breast cancer mortality in California has declined by more than 31% due to the combined effects of better treatment and earlier diagnosis," said Sandy Stoddard, Community Services Director of the American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office. "This event reaches thousands of people with information about prevention, cancer patient services, and community resources."
Last season's Thunder Goes Pink event raised over $40,000 for the event beneficiaries and nearly 18,000 fans (including a sell-out crowd of 9,737 on Nov. 8) attended the two games.
Additional Thunder Goes Pink 4 sponsors include: Vu Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Delta Health Care, SportClips, University of Phoenix and Bank of America Home Loans along with media partners; Comcast, The Record, KAT Country 103, 99.3 KJOY, KHOP 95.1, KWIN 97.7/98.3.
The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.
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