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IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Giving Green to the Kids

March 9, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud members of the United Hockey League, announce that the Great Lakes Burn Camp has been chosen as the beneficiaries of the Green Ice Jersey Auction.

The auction will occur after the 25th Annual World Famous St. Patrick's Day "Green Ice" Game presented by Fifth-Third Bank, WRKR & WOTV on Friday, March 17th. Since it's inception during in 1982, the World Famous "Green Ice" Game has been one of the most celebrated games in all of minor league hockey. This year's game will feature the Kalamazoo Wings and the Elmira Jackals. Face-off for the traditional March 17th game will be 7:30 p.m.

Great Lakes Burn Camp is a special place for kids ages 7-17 to meet, heal, grow and support other burn survivors. Kids share their stories and bond with other kids in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Unconditional love and acceptance is only part of what each camper receives at Great Lakes Burn Camp.

"The work that the Great Lakes Burn Camp does and the need that they fill can't be matched anywhere," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "We (K-Wings) are pleased to help an organization that shares the same philosophy in helping and educating children."

The camp strives to remove all barriers that may keep children from participating in events and activities. Campers also receive well-balanced meals and 24-hour medical supervision. Dressing changes, Physical Therapy or other special medical services are managed by the Camp Nurse. Transportation to and from camp is provided. Opportunities for burn survivors are made possible through generous financial and material donations and services provided by businesses, organizations and individuals like you.

In the summer of 1994, Michigan native Chris Klavon volunteered his time as a counselor for a special camp in Minnesota. The camp was a place where children, who had suffered from burns, were free from the common stares they received on a daily basis.

But the children were not the only ones that received those awkward glances; Chris did too. There was a common bond between Klavon and the children. Both were learning to cope with the aftermath of being burned while simultaneously learning to live life to the fullest. And while this camp experience was a wonderful one for Chris, he also felt a sense of emptiness. He felt empty because there was no camp like that for children in Michigan.

By December of that year, Klavon had assembled a group of individuals to explore the possibilities of starting a special burn camp in Michigan. Within months of that first meeting, a camp site had been identified. Burn centers, firefighters and private citizens from across the state had donated time and money.

After countless hours of hard work and planning, Great Lakes Burn Camp (GLBC) became a reality on August 13, 1995.

Forty-five children attended that first summer. It was a celebration of happiness, healing, hope and life. As Great Lakes Burn Camp plans for its eleventh summer, they are proud to have served over 800 burn injured children. The staff, consisting mainly of unpaid volunteers, hails from all over the United States. And in addition to its annual Summer Camps, GLBC has hosted eight winter retreats.

Tickets for the 25th Annual World Famous St. Patrick's Day "Green Ice" Game presented by Fifth-Third Bank, WRKR & WOTV, as well as all K-Wings' home games are available by calling the Wings Stadium Ticket Office at (269) 345-5101, or stopping by during regular business hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday or on Saturday's from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fans can also order "E-Tickets" online through www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for the "Green Ice" Game range from $9-14 for adults, kids 12 and under are $7. Tickets purchased on game-day will increase by 50-cents.

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