Lancers, Fans Raise over $15,000 on Leap-For-A-Cure Night
December 3, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
RALSTON, NE - On Saturday night, the Omaha Lancers teamed up with 3,698 fans inside Ralston Arena for their annual LEAP-for-a-CURE Night presented by Methodist Health System. The Lancers skated to a 4-2 victory over the Tri-City Storm while wearing specialty jerseys that were silently auctioned off during the contest to raise money for brain cancer awareness. After all was said and done, over $15,000 was raised for the cause.
"Methodist is incredibly grateful for all of the Lancers fans who support the work that LEAP-for-a-CURE does to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer patients in our community," said Stephen Zubrod, vice president and chief marketing officer of Methodist Health System. "Year-after-year, we continue to be impressed by the commitment to this cause by both the players and the fans."
After meeting their goal, players returned to the ice to have their heads shaved in front of the fans that remained.
"We're absolutely thrilled with how the night turned out," said Bryan Marshall, Lancers vice president of business operations. "We would like to thank everyone who helped make it a success and, in particular, Jon, Sue, and Heather Roberts, Jeff Degan, Stephen Zubrod, RyAnne Hastings, Tanya Patry, and all the volunteers from Methodist Health System. Finally, we would like to thank our great fans for their kind donations!"
All of the funds raised for the night will be used by LEAP-for-a-CURE to purchase and donate a therapy pool for patients of Methodist Health System. In addition to the silent jersey auction, specialty LEAP-for-a-CURE cups were used when drinks were purchased throughout the night. Those proceeds were given to LEAP-for-a-CURE as well.
It wasn't just the silent jersey auction and souvenir cups that helped. Lancers season ticket holder Andy Johnson, who is currently battling brain cancer, and his friends wanted to help as well. His friends raised their own money, and Johnson matched it.
"Overall it was a fantastic evening," said Johnson. "I would like to thank the Lancers and their fans for supporting this event and raising the amount of money they did. I had the honor to meet Heather Roberts and her mother, who back in 2008 founded LEAP-for-a-CURE, when Heather was first diagnosed with brain cancer. Once I heard Louie Rowe and the other players were willing to shave their heads for a great cause, I wondered how much I could raise myself for it. I have had great support from friends and members of the Nebraska Senior Softball League, since I myself was first diagnosed in June of this year. Also, thanks to Kelsey and the Lancers organization for allowing my grandson and I access to the ice for the shaving of the players' heads."
LEAP-for-a-CURE Night presented by Methodist Health System has been occurring annually since 2008.
Omaha returns to Ralston Arena this Friday and Saturday night! Friday, the Sioux Falls Stampede come to town for the first of two visits on the year while the rival Lincoln Stars play in town for the first of four meetings in Omaha this year. Can't make it? LIVE coverage begins 15min prior to the opening puck drop with the Valpak Pregame Show on "The Mighty" 1290 KOIL, "The Mighty" 1290 KOIL Mobile APP, www.1290koil.com, & www.FASTHockey.com .
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