AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks And Knighthawks Raise Nearly $45,000 At Cystic Fibrosis Dinner

Published on March 6, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Americans and Knighthawks announced today that the teams raised nearly $45,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the 19th Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner & Auction. The event was held on February 25th at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.

"We are extremely pleased that the 2009 Amerks/Knighthawks' Celebrity Waiter Dinner & Auction, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raised just under $45,000," said Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive Director Susanne Perrone. "The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation deeply appreciates the overwhelming support and generosity from the Rochester Americans & Knighthawks organization, along with the Greater Rochester community, as overall donations in every area increased from the previous year."

Over the past 19 years, the event has raised over almost $700,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Rochester. This year the event shifted to the downtown home of the hockey and lacrosse teams as part of the teams' renewed commitment to the CF Foundation.

"'A New Day...for a Rochester Tradition' was the motto that we adopted when we arrived in Rochester last year. One of the longstanding traditions, aside from the hockey and lacrosse teams, has been our association with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I met Kyle (Schuhart) early on and his enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor as the CF ambassador was really something that came across. His ability to be dealing with CF along with all its challenges and his role as ambassador made it easy to see that this Celebrity Waiter event was another tradition that we needed to carry on," said Amerks and Knighthawks President Lewis Staats. "I would personally like to thank all the Amerks & Knighthawks staff and players who worked hard to make the night a success. It is truly gratifying to know in some small way we all helped in raising just under $45,000 to continue the research to beat CF one day."

The fun-filled event featured players trading in their jerseys for tuxedoes and serving guests their food and drinks for tips, with all proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The tipping did not stop after dinner, as players performed antics and tricks with their guests and fellow players for more money. Amerks Drew Larman and Kenndal McArdle tied for the most tip money raised, as they each collected $500.

Over 240 people attended the event on the arena floor and watched as Amerk Janis Sprukts sang the Latvian national anthem and Knighthawks John Grant, Joe Walters, Pat Cougevan, and Amerk Michael Duco rocked out to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

"I love to help out when a good cause is involved. The CF people and everyone else here have been amazing," said Grant. "I think the people got a good time out of it. They raised some good money for a good cause."

Knighthawks that joined Grant at the event included Assistant GM Tim Soudan, Director of Player Personnel Tom Cincebox, Gary Gait, Craig Point, Jason Henhawk, Mac Allen, Andrew Spack, Walters and Cougevan.

"It was a great time. It was a good chance to work with the Knighthawks and for fans to interact with two teams and have a great time," said Amerks forward Stefan Meyer.

Patrons also bid on great sports memorabilia items from the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, National Lacrosse League and the National Football League. Other items included game-worn jerseys and prize packages from the Amerks, Knighthawks, Florida Panthers, Rochester Rhinos and Rochester Red Wings. The Chris Chelios' replica Detroit Red Wings jersey went for $700, which was followed by Meyer's Amerks game-worn authentic jersey at $625.

One of the most anticipated auctions, however, was the stuffed animals created by the Amerks players at the Eastview Mall Build-A-Bear Workshop®. The furry friends ranged from bears to monkeys, each sporting special outfits portraying the personality of the players. The Build-A-Bear Workshop® creations were available as part of the silent auction. This year both teams built bears for the event, which was made possible through a donation from J.T. Genier Security Services. Amerks goalie Mike Brodeur and forward Dan Collins tied for the most money raised as their bears brought in $115 each.

One of the biggest fundraisers of the night, however, was the Bid for a Cure, which brought in $5,000. All the proceeds from the event go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Rochester and fund on-going, groundbreaking medical research aimed at curing and controlling Cystic Fibrosis. The CF Ambassador of Hope was again Kyle Schuhart.

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