ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers In The Community

March 9, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers have been busy on the ice this season but in March, the team will be just as busy off the ice. Players, coaches and front office staff will make their presence felt in the Charlotte community during the entire month. Last month, the team awarded Lee Falardeau with the Lions Jeweler community player of the month award.

During the course of the season, the Checkers are proud to announce many of their community efforts have paid off handsomely. The team was able to raise $4,292 with the 4th Annual Tip-A-Checker which helped raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Charlotte. The Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) held their 4th Annual "Out for Blood" blood drive presented by Presbyterian Hospital and Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The event helped generate 18 units of blood for the center which is a record number for this event. Hardee's presented the 2nd Annual Pink in the Rink event which raised over $20,000 for cancer research charities including the American Cancer Society, Carolina Breast Friends and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Charlotte Affiliate. Checkers president, Jeff Longo was able to raise $2,504.00 for Second Harvest Food Bank during the Saturn Hybrid Highway Challenge.

The Checkers also put on their 2nd Annual Race Night which helped raise $50,000 for Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Hendrick Marrow Program. Other events included Veterans Night which raised $12,000 for Military Families Lifestyle Charitable Foundation, Coalition Salute to America's Heroes and Charlotte USO.

March 10: The Checkers will hold their 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to help raise money for Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital. The tournament will take place at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation.

March 11: From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Checkers players and CheckMates will be on hand to serve as guest bartenders at the Attic Bar. During the event, $1 from each drink purchased will go to benefit Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center Inc. The media are invited to attend.

March 13: Checkers front office staff, head coach and entire team will help build a Habitat for Humanity house. There will be a press conference to begin at 2 p.m. at the location of the new home at 813 Wainwright Ave Charlotte, NC 28206. The media are invited to attend.

March 19: Checkers head coach and general manager, Derek Wilkinson, will appear at Beef O' Brady's in Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC. for Coaches Corner. Fans are invited to ask coach Wilkinson questions in an open microphone format.

March 22: Checkers players and staff will be on hand at Hooters located on South Blvd. The event will take place at 7 p.m. during happy hour. Players will be available for photographs and autographs.

The Checkers began their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game takes place on March 20 against the Augusta Lynx. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their third season of play at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $175. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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ECHL Stories from March 9, 2008


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