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Gems Deliver "Gems Christmas" To Three Area Families

December 21, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems players, mascot and staff took time away from the rink Tuesday to surprise three deserving families with the second annual "Gems Christmas", complete with decorated trees donated by A. Brown & Son's Nursery, supplies for a family Christmas dinner provided by Gordon Food Service and merchandise courtesy of the Gems.

After a successful "Gems Christmas" was given to the Blair family in 2010, the Gems decided to step up their giving this year by selecting three families out of the many nominations that came from across the Miami Valley.

Once the trees and supplies were loaded up, the Gems hit the road to make their first delivery of the day to the Hausmann family in Huber Heights, who despite being tasked with raising their ten month old grandson, remain avid Gems supporters. With a knock on the door, Gems players carried in the tree and other donations, and quickly took to the job of setting up the live tree and decorating it while the family watched in joy. Working part time at his second job in the Hara Arena concession stand on gamedays, Michael Hausmann was excited to see the generosity of the team he gets glimpses of, all while taking in the flurry of activity in his living room clutching the Gems team signed stick presented to him. In thanking the Gems for coming, he noted "It was very humbling. I could tell looking at my wife she was overwhelmed. Bradly slept with his stick and Blade Jr. God bless all involved for their efforts." Once the tree was complete and glowing in the corner of their living room, the family took photos with their players before leaving them to settle into their newly festive surroundings.

The night of giving would just be getting started as the Gems made their way east to Fairborn to surprise the Powell family, who were affected in last month's tragic house explosion. Now living in a new apartment unit, the Powells remained unaware that the Gems and local news crews were positioning themselves right outside their door, ready to give back to a family who had lost so much. Blade would do the honor of knocking, and after opening the door, a shocked Megan Powell welcomed their guests in, tree and trimmings in tow. Perhaps nobody was as excited to see the Gems as daughter Mya, who stood in awe as the Gems began setting up the family's beautiful new tree. While the local news crews from Dayton's News Source and WDTN interviewed her parents, Mya raced to bring out two handmade posters she had made for the Gems home opener and had recovered from the wreckage after the house explosion, proudly showing them to the Gems players and cameras with a smile on her face. While still recovering from his injuries sustained in the tragedy, Sean Powell remained nearly speechless at the Gems Christmas generosity, saying that it was "Incredible. I'm totally flabbergasted, It's really, really awesome for the team to do something like this". After finishing up the tree, the Gems presented the family with the dinner supplies from GFS, and finished with photos to capture a night nobody would ever forget.

With two families Christmas brightened when they needed it most, the Gems made the trek down to Germantown for the final delivery of the night to the Smyczek family. Both Brandon and Marissa Smyczek were with family when the Gems came knocking on their door just past 8:00pm, welcoming in Blade and players who carried in the last tree of the evening, before having to take it back outside momentarily to trim off the top to make it fit in the family's living room. After a few steady hands help set the tree, the players began decorating their final tree of what was a very special night for everyone involved in the Gems organization. After photos with the family, the Smyczeks thanked the Gems, saying "we are very thankful for what you guys have done. It meant a lot to us and I'm sure it will mean the world to (daughter) Kiyla. I can't thank you guys enough."

With the second annual Gems Christmas a smashing success, the Gems hope their efforts helped brighten the holidays for some of the Miami Valley's needing families. For Gems president Joe Greene, the event went far beyond just being a hockey team, noting "this is about being a positive influence on our community, and being able to give back to those who have supported us is something really special for us as individuals and as an organization." "We would like to thank the generosity of those who nominated our families, and give a special thank you to Gordon Food Service and A. Brown & Son's Nursery for helping us make this possible".

The Gems get right back to work as they prepare for a huge pair of games on Cassano's Italian Ice inside the historic Hara Arena, hosting the Texas Brahmas on Thursday night and the first place Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night. Both games begin at 7:00pm.

Thursday night features the return of "Thirsty Thursday" promotion and select $1 drafts, while college students can pick up special 2-for-1 tickets with their college ID at the Hara Box Office. The first 500 fans will also receive a limited edition Greg Labenski stadium cup starting at 6pm.

Friday night is the much anticipated "Angry Birds Night", with the first 500 lucky fans getting their very own Angry Birds plush doll as their greeted by life size Angry Birds roaming the concourse. Fans will have the chance to win Angry Birds prizes throughout the night, and even participate in a life-sized game on the ice during intermission. Fans are also encouraged to bring a stuffed toy or animal to donate as part of the Gems annual "Teddy Bear Toss" after the Gems score their first goal of the game.

Tickets to both games are now available by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com . Discounted tickets are also available for groups of ten or more, and include special group perks. Call 275-7777 for details.

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