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ECHL Wichita Thunder

Dance off Between Students and Sheriff County Deputies this Afternoon

October 11, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS - Sheriff's County Deputies will be on hand from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to pass out tickets for Saturday's weekend opener tonight outside the Thunder Front Office, at the Wichita Ice Center at 505 West Maple. Staff from the Sheriff's Office will conduct a dance-off with students and Sonic's Thunderdog.

The donated tickets were made available as part of the #ThunderBlue campaign to raise money for fallen Sheriff's Deputy Robert Kunze III. A large number of out-of-town donors made their tickets available for local students, parents, and teachers to go to the game.

While tickets last, all students from Wichita-area school districts, as well as their parents and teachers, may pick up their complimentary seats from the Thunder Front Office, through 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Thousands of tickets are expected to be given away over the coming days.

Wichita Thunder owners Rodney Steven II, Brandon Steven and Johnny Steven announced today that their rooftop fundraising effort to raise money for the family of fallen Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Kunze III has exceeded the initial goal of $50,000, with the current total over $60,000 and climbing daily.

Brandon Steven took an optimistic stance.

"The great thing is that we're not finished. We still have some upper bowl tickets available. We could still raise thousands of additional dollars between now and Saturday."

"If you'd like to support Deputy Kunze's family, please go to our website, buy a $10 discounted ticket and come enjoy the game. Or if you're a student, parent, or teacher, come pick up some complimentary tickets and get ready to dance off tonight!" Click here to do directly to the page.

Eldest brother Rodney Steven II, owner of Genesis Health Clubs, stressed the importance of positive role models for impressionable kids.

"Every kid needs a hero. Usually for us, they are looking up to the players on the ice. We want to show the kids of Wichita some real-life heroes by honoring the legacy of Deputy Kunze and all the men and women who keep us safe every day. That's why we're inviting every student, plus their families and teachers out to see the game on Saturday with the generously donated tickets. We'll all wear #ThunderBlue to show our support for law enforcement and honor the memory of Deputy Kunze."

Deputy Robert Kunze was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, September 16th. In his last moments, he heroically managed to save the lives of at least two other innocent bystanders. Deputy Kunze is survived by his wife and child.

During the first intermission of Saturday's game against the Allen Americans, Sheriff Jeff Easter and Deputies from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office will accept a check on behalf of the Kunze family and the final amount of the donation will be announced.

Sheriff Jeff Easter issued a statement:

"Thank you to the community for their overwhelming support given to the Kunze family and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office. I would like to personally thank the Wichita Thunder and Rodney, Brandon and Johnny for their dedication to raising money for the Kunze family. Your kindness during this tragic time is appreciated by the SCSO and the community."

To purchase tickets for $10 each to support Deputy Kunze's family, click here or call (316) 264-4625.

Photo Opportunities:

* Sheriff's Deputies Will Host a Dance-Off and Help Pass Out Complimentary Tickets to Students and Teachers

o Thursday, 10/11 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. @ Thunder Front Office, 505 W. Maple

* #ThunderBlue | Arena filled with spectators dressed in blue in support of Deputy Kunze & Local Law Enforcement

o Saturday, 10/13 7:05 p.m. @ Intrust Bank Arena

* Law Enforcement Section | Special Complimentary Section at Game Reserved for Law Enforcement Professionals in Uniform

o Saturday, 10/13 7:05 p.m. @ Intrust Bank Arena

* Check Dedication Ceremony to Sheriff Jeff Easter and Sheriff's Deputies on Behalf of Kunze Family & Announcement of Final Donation Amount

o Saturday, 10/13 Intermission (approximately 8:00 p.m.) @ Intrust Bank Arena

Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are on sale now. Get your seats for just $15 per month. All it takes is a $1 down per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!

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ECHL Stories from October 11, 2018


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.

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