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South Carolina Stingrays

Military Appreciation Night Raises over $30,000 for America's Mighty Warriors

February 13, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 23 seasons in the Lowcountry and proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals, held Military Appreciation Night presented by APECS Aerospace last Saturday, and in total, the evening raised over $30,000 to benefit America's Mighty Warriors.

"APECS Aerospace is honored and humbled to be able to support America's Mighty Warriors and Debbie Lee in supporting our troops, our veterans and the families of those who gave their lives for our freedom," said Peter Stonefield, President and CEO of APECS Aerospace.

On the special evening, the Stingrays welcomed Debbie Lee, the President and Founder of America's Mighty Warriors who participated in the Ceremonial Puck Drop and spoke before the game. Additionally, APECS Aerospace provided complimentary tickets to all military members, veterans and Gold Star Families who requested them, totaling nearly 2,000 men and women of the armed forces who claimed tickets and attended the game.

In front of a crowd of 7,299, the Stingrays wore special military themed jerseys that were auctioned off after the game. The uniforms featured stars and stripes accents to signify our great country, plus a digital camouflage design on the uniforms in blue, gray and white to honor the military. The jerseys also featured the logo of all five branches of the armed services on the front of the jersey to recognize the men and women who defend our freedom.

The post-game jersey auction, and a jersey raffle of defenseman Ryan Ruikka's jersey, raised a total of $29,791. Goaltender Mark Dekanich's jersey gained the highest bid at the live auction, raising $2,000.

Proceeds from the auction and evening benefit America's Mighty Warriors. The non-profit organization's mission is to honor the sacrifices of our troops, the fallen and their families by providing programs that improve quality of life, resiliency and recovery. Lee started the organization shortly after the death of her son Marc, who was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq in 2006.

The evening also featured a patriotic CD giveaway courtesy of APECS Aerospace, plus merchandise sales at the Booster Club table which raised $300 for American's Mighty Warriors.

"We'd like to extend our appreciation to the South Carolina Stingrays for hosting our event and allowing us the opportunity to provide nearly 2,000 tickets to our active duty military families, our veterans, and Gold Star families," said Stonefield. "We would also like to thank the Stingrays Booster Club for their support, as well as the Patriotic Rock Band Madison Rising, their producer Richard Mgrdechian, and former Stingray Rob Bellamy for their participation in producing the CD we gave out before the game. To all of you, your dedication and support of our men and women in uniform and our veterans is humbling and so very appreciated."

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