Checkers Announce Fifth Annual "Salute To Heroes"Â
March 16, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC-The Charlotte Checkers announced today that the fifth annual "Salute to Heroes", presented by The Pita Pit and Time Warner Cable, will take place on Mar. 27 with proceeds benefitting the families of injured and fallen public service workers.
Last year's event raised more than $20,000 for the families of the Charlotte Fire Department, Mecklenburg EMS agency, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, bringing the four year total to over $80,000.
The "Salute to Heroes" game concept was created to honor those who serve and have served the community and to acknowledge those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Additionally, the event helps raise funds for families from each of the organizations involved and demonstrates to children a greater respect for public service workers.
"The Checkers are proud to be hosting the Salute to Heroes game again this year," said Checkers senior vice president Aaron Osborne. "This game has become our signature event each season and is the epitome of what our organization represents - affordable family entertainment, great hockey and serving our community."
The game will feature a special opening ceremony with a performance by the CFD pipe and drum band and a repelling demonstration by CFD High Angle Rescue Team and CMPD SWAT. During the intermissions, there will be demonstrations and tributes honoring heroes of past and present.
Following the Checkers game will be the annual "Salute to Heroes" hockey game in which members of CMPD and MCSO will take on CFD and MEDIC. At last season's event, more than 3,000 spectators stuck around for the match and witnessed a 6-1 CFD/MEDIC victory, giving the team a 3-1 record over four years.
"We are all very appreciative of the tremendous support that is shown for the men and women who work so hard to serve and protect this community," remarked Mecklenburg EMS Agency director Joe Penner. "The Heroes hockey game is a terrific opportunity for all of us to get together and celebrate the hard work and commitment of our employees, present and past, while raising money for a good cause along the way. I'm looking forward to another great game and victory for the Medic/CFD hockey team."
"We remain grateful to the Checkers for their support in our community and are excited about what the hockey future holds," said CFD chief Jon Hannan. "What a great event to have competition among public safety agencies with the end result of taking care of those in need."
CMPD chief Rodney Monroe added "This spirited rivalry is quickly becoming a local tradition. I can think of no better cause than to support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line."
"I would like say thank you to the Checkers and their fans for their support of the brave men and women who serve our community and I look forward to team CMPD/Sheriff winning this year's game," stated Mecklenburg County sheriff Chipp Bailey. "We anticipate the trophy coming back home to us where it belongs."
Other supporters of "Salute to Heroes" include: AutoTrader.com, Harris Teeter, American Airlines, BlackFinn, NOVA Office Strategies, TW Telecom, Mac's Speed Shop, Diamond Springs, Dixie's Tavern, Connolly's on 5th, Hawthorne's NY Pizza & Bar, Rotary Scholarship Golf Classic, Lou Lagana State Farm Insurance, Italian Heritage Society Charlotte and The Charlotte Touchdown Club.
The Checkers will host the Reading Royals on this special occasion and fundraising tickets are available for $20 with $10 going back to the families of injured or fallen workers from each organization. To purchase tickets, please visit www.gocheckers.com/salutetoheroes and click on the logo of the organization of your choice. For more information please contact the Checkers' ticketing department at 704-342-4423 or tickets@gocheckers.com.
The Checkers (34-20-7) will travel to Elmira and Reading before returning on Friday to host Trenton. The puck drops at 7 p.m. and ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com. Season tickets for the inaugural 2010-11 AHL season are now on sale and 40-game packages start as low as $200.
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