ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Present Third Annual Salute To Heroes

Published on February 21, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Pita Pit and Time Warner Cable are partnering with the Charlotte Checkers to present the 3rd Annual Salute to Heroes Night on March 8 as the team battles the Dayton Bombers.

The Charlotte Fire Department, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are joining forces to help raise funds for scholarship programs and families from each organization. The night will also benefit the Hometown Heroes Foundation and many other Heroes related charities. Last year, this event helped raise $25,000.

The opening ceremony will feature performances from Charlotte Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band, and a repelling performance from CFD High Angle Rescue Team and CMPD Swat. The national anthem will be performed by Noah Rice, a Tenor of Opera Carolina. During the intermissions, there will be special ceremonies honoring all fallen men and women who served as police officers, firefighters, medics and sheriffs. Also, a special rendition of God Bless the U.S.A. will be sung by the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus.

Following the Checkers contest that night will be the third annual Heroes Game. The past two games have been won by CFD and Medics over the CMPD and MCSO. The winner of the game is presented with The Pita Pit Heroes Cup. The trophy is put on display at each of the headquarters of the winning team. The most valuable player is awarded the Hawthorne's MVP trophy and the Grand Central Deli and Spirits Sportsmanship trophy will also be given out.

"We established this event because we wanted children in the community to see the men and women of public service in a different light. We hope that their experience from the evening will allow them to grow up with a greater respect for the individuals of public service and perhaps one day, they might be one of Charlotte's finest," said Marc Bochicchio, Special Events/Corporate Partner Coordinator.

"I expect the outcome will be different than last year for the CMPD/Sheriff team," says Sheriff Chipp Bailey, "And the biggest reward of all is not just winning but assisting community charities at the same time."

"Mayhem, disorderly conduct, objects flying through the air and red lights flashing. For the Sheriff, Police, Fire and Medic, it will seem like another day at work-until a hockey game breaks out," says Joe Penner, Executive Director of Medic.

"This has always been a great match-up and like every great match-up, we have healthy competition," says Police Chief, Darrel Stephens, "I expect we will be taking the Cup this year."

"Just a few years ago we were taking to the ice on Independence Blvd, now the Heroes Cup is prime time Saturday night after a Checkers game where many families will enjoy the benefits of this competition," remarked Fire Chief, Jon B Hannan

To purchase tickets, please go to www.gocheckers.com and click on the "group promo code" box on the main page. You will be directed to the Ticketmaster Monthly Calendar. By selecting the game on March 8 and entering the code "VIC" in the box labeled "promotions and special offers," a portion of your purchase will go to help local Heroes charities. You may also purchase tickets by calling 800-495-2295 and be sure to mention the VIC code at the beginning of the call. You can also show a Harris Teeter VIC card at the box office to purchase tickets. For information on being a sponsor or to purchase group tickets, please contact Marc Bochicchio at 704-444-1875 or mbochicchio@gocheckers.com

The Checkers began their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game takes place on Feb. 21 against the South Carolina Stingrays. 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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