Worcester Sharks Raise over $250,000 for Charities
May 10, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER - Worcester Sharks President Michael A. Mudd announced that the Worcester Sharks and their fan base helped raise over $250,000 for various charitable causes to the central Massachusetts community through Sharks Charities during the 2011-12 season.
"The entire Sharks organization, our sponsors, booster club, and our fans feel an obligation to do our part and support the Central Massachusetts and greater Worcester community," said Mudd. "Every little bit helps, whether it is monetarily or from a volunteer standpoint, we should all make an effort to support our community neighbors."
Highlights from the 2011-12 Worcester Sharks community efforts included:
- Through the Worcester Sharks new flagship community initiative with Saint Vincent Hospital; the FINZ Fit Kidz program provided the entire Junior Worcester Sharks youth hockey program with free impact testing and screening during the 2011-12 season.
- The FINZ Fit Kidz program visited several schools and youth organizations to emphasize the importance of healthy choices and exercise.
- Over 1,000 pounds of food were collected in part with the 6th Annual Worcester County Sheriff's Department Food Drive presented by Price Chopper, which was donated to the Friendly House of Worcester.
- Give "Moore" for the Holidays - Sharks player toy drive. Now in its 4th season, Sharks defensemen Nick Petrecki and Mike Moore rallied their teammates to participate by purchasing toys for children from the Rainbow Child Development Center of Worcester. Sharks players treated several families to a hockey game and a total of $3,000 of toys.
- Over $10,000 was raised for the Cup Crusaders during the first annual PINK in the RINK event held at the Worcester Sharks game on Feb 12.
- 5th Annual Hat and Mittens Holiday Skate with the Sharks presented by BayState Savings Bank. The Hat & Mittens Holiday Skate with the Sharks was free and open to the public. All participants were kindly asked to bring a new winter hat, mittens or scarf with them to the event, as all collected items were donated to Community Health Link, Inc. of Worcester.
- Over 2,000 students participated in the highly popular "Reading is Cool" program where a Sharks player and FINZ read to local school children to emphasize the importance of reading. Each child received a free Sharks ticket compliments Sharks Charities.
- The Sharks hosted fundraisers throughout the season for several local charitable groups including; Special Olympics Massachusetts, the 15-40 Connection, March of Dimes, the Jon Davies Children's Foundation, the Salvation Army, Why Me, and many others.
- Dozens of local school groups held fundraisers at Sharks games this season and raised money for various programs and activities.
Additionally; Sharks players, staff, FINZ, and the Street Brigade, made over 300 community appearances to schools, hospitals, hockey rinks, and special events throughout central Massachusetts and the greater Worcester area.
Over 10,000 Sharks tickets were donated to local organizations via Sharks Charities.
The Worcester Sharks remain extremely active during the offseason with over 100 community appearances throughout Central Massachusetts which includes player and mascot appearances, Sharks Street Brigades, and the SharkHead Shootout.
For more information regarding Worcester Sharks community efforts or Sharks Charities, please contact the Worcester Sharks front office at 508-929-0500 or visit SharksAHL.com.
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