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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Auction, reception planned to help RiverKings' Parsons in separate charitable drives

March 4, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—RiverKings team captain Don Parsons has a good deal going on, between his family (wife Kristen and three children under the age of four), his professional hockey career and two fund-raising campaigns, one to help cancer patients and the other to benefit children's charities.

Parsons continues to champion the cause of lymphoma and leukemia patients, including his father, through his recent outside nomination for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year race.

After watching his father battle cancer of the lymph nodes, Parsons decided last year to see if he could help in the search for a cure. With the help of fans and corporate sponsors, he raised $15,000 for the Society.

Because of his dedication, Parsons was nominated to participate in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year race, which he will run in honor of four-year-old leukemia patient Brooklyn Fielder.

The man who raises the most money in the Mid-South chapter, which covers five states, will compete nationally. The RiverKings are helping Parsons by selling special ball caps bearing the RiverKings logo on the front with Parsons' number, jersey style, and his signature embroidered across it on one side. On the other side will be The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society logo. These specially designed caps will be available beginning March 12.

The RiverKings will also hold a special auction to help Parsons in his Man of the Year race. The organization has ordered two individualized ball caps for each player on the team, similar to Parsons except that it will bear their name in block letters, with a hand-written signature on the bill.

On March 12, the players will wear the caps on the ice for warm-ups and during full-team introductions. This set will be taken off that evening and put on the concourse for auction through the team's final game on March 14 (Each player will receive one hat for himself). All proceeds will go towards Parsons' Leukemia and Lymphoma Society campaign.

PARSONS' PLEDGE

Completely separate is Parsons' personal goals-for-charity program, "Parsons' Pledge," which benefits children's charities.

Parsons is hosting a reception for fans and friends at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall (the Jackson Room) on March 15 from 7-9:30 p.m. to benefit Parsons' Pledge.

The reception will feature an abundance of hors d'oeuvres of the most sumptuous variety, cash bar and a silent auction with great Southern and hockey memorabilia. This includes a set of autographed books by John Grisham, a Mario Lemieux autographed jersey, a week-end stay at Sam's Town, various autographed items of RiverKings memorabilia, and more.

Parsons is asking for a $10 minimum donation at the door. Children are welcome. Attendance to the event is limited to 100 people and requires an R.S.V.P. to the RiverKings office.

Sam's Town began a partnership with Parsons' Pledge last year, donating $5,000 to the program to help Parsons start an endowed fund with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Parsons' desire was to leave a legacy that would continue to help others, especially children, even after his career ends.

This year, Parsons' Pledge will benefit local children's charities including Palmer Home for Children orphanage and Memphis Oral School for the Deaf.

"I want people who share similar interests to come and enjoy themselves," Parsons said. "They are going to be able to eat great, meet the RiverKings players, get some autographs and have a good time. And at the same time, they will be helping children learn to hear and will help provide a loving home for other children who are alone in the world."

To reserve a place at the reception, call Carol Ayers at the RiverKings office, 662-342-1755.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 4, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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