Checkers Continue Their Giving Ways
January 8, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC -The Charlotte Checkers continue to be one of the most philanthropic organizations in all of minor-league sports and, during the 2009 calendar year, donated $360,808 to local charities and non-profit organizations.
Since the summer of 2006, the Checkers have raised over $1,400,000 for groups such as the Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, Carolina Breast Friends and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, among others.
Using hockey games as platforms, the team is able to partner with charitable organizations and contribute to their fundraising initiatives by means of jersey auctions, ticket and event proceeds, sponsorships and donations.
On Jan. 24, the Checkers held their third annual AutoTrader.com Race Night where Checkers players wore special Race Night jerseys. The jerseys were then auctioned off live after the game and proceeds were given to Speedway Children Charities and then distributed to Victory Junction Gang Camp, Hendrick Marrow Program and B.R.A.K.E.S.
The Queen City's only professional hockey team then partnered with the Pita Pit and Time Warner Cable on Mar. 8 to host its fourth annual Salute to Heroes game. The Charlotte Fire Department, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office joined forces to help raise over $20,000 for families from each organization and the Hometown Heroes Foundation.
Although the Checkers raise funds at games, the team also hosts charitable events away from the rink. On June 30, the team partnered with Sutter Home Family Vineyards, Goodrich Corporation, Empire Distributors, Inc. and Marsh to present a Habitat for Humanity home to a deserving Charlotte family. Over $65,000 was raised and Checkers front office staff members constructed the house's frame and drywall, making it the first time in ECHL history that a team completed not only one but two homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Other similar off-ice events included the team's annual golf tournament in March benefitting Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital and CheckMate Charities and Tip-A-Checker in January which raised funds for Junior Diabetes Research Foundation of Charlotte.
Upcoming charitable games and events for 2010 include: AutoTrader.com Race Night on Jan. 22, Blue Line to Finish Line at Victory Lane on Jan. 24, Pink in the Rink on Mar. 13 and Salute to Heroes on Mar. 27.
The Checkers (18-10-4-0) will host the Gwinnett Gladiators Wednesday at Time Warner Cable Arena. Game time is 7 p.m. and ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com.
ECHL Stories from January 8, 2010
- Condors complete come-from-behind win, down Stockton 6-4 - Bakersfield Condors
- Reign Snap Winless Streak With OT Win Over Wranglers, 3-2 - Ontario Reign
- Wranglers Snapped by Reign in OT, 3-2 - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Thunder finish four-game road trip at 2-2-0 - Stockton Thunder
- Salmon Kings victorious over Steelheads - Idaho Steelheads
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Special teams battle won by Walleye in OT, 6-5 - Trenton Devils
- Jackals defense steps up in victory over Everblades - Elmira Jackals
- Nailers battle past Cyclones 4-2 - Wheeling Nailers
- Gladiators Fall to Stingrays 4-3 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Stingrays Score Early Third Period Goals to Defeat Gwinnett 4-3 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Kalamazoo Win Coupled with Cincinnati Loss Moves K-Wings Atop North Division - Kalamazoo Wings
- Checkers jumped by K-Wings - Charlotte Checkers
- Cyclones' Winning Streak Ends In 4-2 Loss - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Everblades fall 3-1 to the Jackals - Florida Everblades
- Walleye Win In OT, 6-5 - Toledo Walleye
- Campbell Named AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month for December - South Carolina Stingrays
- 30th Annual Women's Center Luncheon Coming Mar. 31 - Stockton Thunder
- Cyclones Forward Dustin Sproat Loaned To Milwaukee - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Countdown To Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- Everblades Acquire Capraro From Wheeling - Florida Everblades
- Daavettila Returns to K-Wings - Kalamazoo Wings
- Nailers Host Cincy And Johnstown Friday And Saturday - Wheeling Nailers
- Game Preview: Condors Vs. Stockton - Tonight - Bakersfield Condors
- Game Preview: Stockton Thunder At Bakersfield Condors - Stockton Thunder
- Neal Heads To AHL As Former 'Head Is Recalled To NHL - Idaho Steelheads
- Royals Ben Gordon AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer Of Month - Reading Royals
- Four Players Share AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performers For December - ECHL
- Pitton Back To Edmonton, Demers Recalled To San Jose - Stockton Thunder
- Matt Marquardt Recalled To Providence - Reading Royals
- Jackals Receive Goaltender Chiodo, Loan Gratchev - Elmira Jackals
- Nailers Make Roster Moves - Wheeling Nailers
- 4 Inches Of Snow = $4 Off Tonight - Wheeling Nailers
- Lower Level Sold Out For Ring Ceremony On January 23 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Checkers Continue Their Giving Ways - Charlotte Checkers
- Stingrays Start Weekend In Gwinnett - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - ECHL
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.
