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ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gladiators Give Back over $200K in Charitable Contributions Around Metro Atlanta in 2015-2016

May 11, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


DULUTH, GEORGIA - The Atlanta Gladiators infused more than $200,000 worth of charitable contributions back into the Metro Atlanta community over the course of the 2015-2016 season, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Gladiators have multiple outlets through which they donate back to the community, including their Gladiators Fundraiser Program and the Gladiators Foundation for Kids, both of which allow the organization to donate actual dollars to schools, groups, and non-profits via fundraiser checks and grants. In 15-16, the team worked with over 50 schools and youth sports associations from Barrow, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, and Rockdale Counties.

Additionally, through their Pink in the Rink (PITR) Weekend, the team partners up with local non-profits providing cancer research and/or support to help them raise additional funds for their cause. Via PITR Voucher sales, pink Glads Gear sales made during the weekend, and funds raised by team for its annual Specialty Jersey Auction, this year's PITR Weekend total came out to an amazing $46,140.00. The 15-16 Specialty Jersey - a combined Mardi Gras & Mobile Mystick Heritage design - raised the third highest amount ever reached in a Gladiators jersey auction.

"People not familiar with the generosity of our fans are always shocked at what we're able to raise with our auctions," explained Gladiators Senior Director of Digital, Media, and Game Operations Christina Johnson. "Their initial mentality is that 'it's just a minor league hockey player's jersey,' but our fans know it's so much more.

Glads Nation has always gone above and beyond in their support of what we do, and bidding on a specialty jersey is a big moment," said Johnson. "I know we have fans that save all year long for the event. Are they saving specifically for a particular player's jersey? Occasionally, but I also think it's about being able to really make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Pink in the Rink hits home for a lot of people."

With their in-season fan-based initiatives, the Gladiators were able to make significant non-monetary donations as well. Approximately 4,500 stuffed animals were collected in January during Teddy Bear Toss Night, 2,500 pounds of non-perishable food was collected at the Thanksgiving Night Food Drive, and over 450 items of clothing were collected in late December as part of the Winter Clothing Drive.

"We really view the Gladiators as a community asset and I think that these numbers prove that many people would agree with us," said Joe Gelderman, Gladiators General Manager and VP of Business Operations. "We are fortunate to have an ownership group that all believe very strongly in giving back. This is our community too. We live and work here just like our fans and we want the Metro Atlanta community to be the absolute best that it can be."

Amongst the groups the Gladiators worked with this season are The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, The Taylor Brooks Foundation, Impact Ministries, The Amanda Riley Foundation, Infinite Energy Center - Relay for Life Team, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, The Salvation Army, American Legion Post 251 - Duluth, Cure Childhood Cancer, Snack in a BackPack, Lift Up Atlanta, Gentle Interventions, St. Vincent DePaul of Metro Atlanta, Spectrum Autism Support of Gwinnett, Gwinnett County Schools Foundation, JM Tull YMCA, Annandale Village, Lilburn Cooperative Ministry, Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, SE Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, Duluth Cooperative Ministry, North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, The Quinn House, The Faith Project, Children's Miracle Network, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

If your school or non-profit is interested in partnering with the Gladiators for a fundraiser during the 2016-2017 season, please contact the Gladiators Front Office at 770-497-5100.

The Atlanta Gladiators 14th season kicks off at the Infinite Energy Arena on Friday, October 14th against the Toledo Walleye at 7:35 PM. For ticket information, visit the official team website at www.atlantagladiators.com or call the main office line at 770-497-5100.

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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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