B-Sens Partner with MHAST, D.I.F.D. for Power to the Purple Night

Published on January 22, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Binghamton Senators News Release


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The Binghamton Senators announced today that they have partnered with the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) and D.I.F.D. (Do It For Daron) for Power to the Purple Night on Sunday, Feb. 10, when the B-Sens host the Albany Devils at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

Power to the Purple Night seeks to inspire conversations about youth mental health and promote mental well-being. Mental health isn't always easy to talk about but it's definitely worth talking about - the earlier a mental illness is recognized and treated, the better the chances are for recovery. Power to the Purple empowers people to start these important conversations with their friends, family, and community. During Power to the Purple Night, the B-Sens in conjunction with MHAST and D.I.F.D. will highlight issues surrounding youth mental illness and promote resources within the Binghamton community which offer mental health support services to youth and their families.

The event was created in honor of Daron Richardson, the 14-year-old daughter of B-Sens head coach Luke Richardson, who lost her life to suicide in November 2010.

All fans are encouraged to wear purple to the game in support of youth mental health.

The first 1,750 fans in attendance that night will receive a purple D.I.F.D. rally towel courtesy of Tioga Downs Casino & Racetrack and Hackerthreads.

Fans are encouraged to visit the MHAST tables throughout the arena concourse where information and professional support will be available for those in need.

Select D.I.F.D. merchandise will be available for purchase including bracelets, pins, t-shirts, mittens, toques and mental health kits. MHAST will have a limited number of bracelets and t-shirts available for advance purchase beginning today and up through Feb. 8 at their office located at 153 Court Street in Binghamton.

While the Devils and B-Sens will be competitors on the ice that evening, both teams will be united in showing their support of youth mental health. In an effort to generate awareness and inspire conversations, all players on both teams will wear special purple warm-up jerseys. All B-Sens players will wear D.I.F.D purple heart stickers on their helmets and don purple laces in their skates. Additionally B-Sens coaches and staff members will all be wearing purple that evening. Again all fans in attendance are encouraged to join the players, coaches and staff members by wearing purple to the game. Purple was Daron Richardson's favorite color and is the designated color for the initiative.

During the game the B-Sens will auction and raffle off both teams' warm-up jerseys. The autographed jerseys of three fan favorite players will be up for bid in a silent auction on the main concourse of the arena. All other jerseys will be raffled off. Fans can obtain raffle tickets in three ways:

* With the purchase of a ticket to the Feb. 10 game at the B-Sens executive offices located on the third floor of the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

* By wearing purple to that night's game (ticket obtained at the raffle ticket table located on the main concourse of the arena).

* With the purchase of D.I.F.D. merchandise.

Fans need not be present to win. Winners of the silent auction and raffle will be determined at the conclusion of the second intermission and announced during the third period. Winners of the B-Sens warm-up jerseys who are present at the game will be presented their jerseys by the Binghamton Senators players. Winners of the Devils warm-up jerseys who are present will be presented their jerseys by the B-Sens game night staff.

All proceeds from the sale of D.I.F.D. merchandise, the silent auction and in-arena donations will go to the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier in partnership with D.I.F.D.

At the conclusion of the game all fans in attendance that are wearing purple are invited down to the ice. Individuals wearing purple will form the shape of a heart on the ice and a commemorative photo will be taken by Just Sports Photography, appearing on the B-Sens social medias the following week.

Fans are also invited to participate in a post-game open skate following the photo. Those who wish to participate must bring their own skates.

For more information on the Power to the Purple event and youth mental health please visit the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier at www.yourmha.com and D.I.F.D. at www.difd.com.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. Game time is 5:05 p.m. Discount tickets are available for $15, with $2 being donated back to the cause. To purchase tickets call 607-722-SENS (7367) or visit the B-Sens executive offices located on the third floor of the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

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