IceHogs announce charitable foundation
March 14, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.-The Rockford IceHogs, members of the United Hockey League, announced on Tuesday the commencement of the Rockford IceHogs Charitable Foundation at a press conference at Saturn of Rockford. The IceHogs Charitable Foundation will serve as an umbrella and mechanism for the IceHogs to give back to various causes throughout the Rock River Valley.
The IceHogs Charitable Foundation is partnering with the Northern Illinois Community Foundation to assist in managing the foundation. IceHogs owners Dr. Kris Tumilowicz and Craig Drecktrah along with IceHogs President and General Manager Ryan Washatka are on the Board of Directors for the Rockford IceHogs Charitable Foundation. Some of the organizations that will benefit from the IceHogs Charitable Foundation include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Northern Illinois Hospice and the Jr. IceHogs.
"The IceHogs have been looking for a way to increase our fund raising efforts to benefit charities in the Rock River Valley," said Washatka. "The IceHogs Charitable Foundation provides us with an excellent avenue just for that. Our fan support throughout Northern Illinois has been instrumental with the success of the IceHogs and we want to continue our commitment of giving back to the community."
The IceHogs also unveiled its 7th Annual Jersey Auction logo. The 2006 theme is military based and is designed to recognize the United States troops who are defending our freedom in all branches of the military. The 2006 Jersey Auction is presented by Saturn of Rockford, Axberg Heating and Dental Dimensions.
The 2006 Jersey Auction will take place following the IceHogs game on Friday, April 7 against the Quad City Mallards. The game begins at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs will wear a special commemorative jersey featuring this year's theme and logo, and will auction them off live after the contest against the Mallards. The first 1,000 fans to the game will receive an IceHogs T-shirt featuring a Lieutenant Hammy crest courtesy of the presenting sponsors.
All proceeds from this year's auction will go to the Rockford IceHogs Charitable Foundation, which will in return distribute the proceeds to several Rockford area not-for-profit organizations. This year's jersey crest was designed by seven11 Productions' Jeremy Toltzman and the lay out for the jersey and commemorative patch was done by Medicine Man, Inc.
To go along with the jersey auction, the MDA, as well as some of the benefiting organizations, will hold silent auctions for other items at the game on April 7. A raffle for a design your own Lieutenant Hammy jersey along with a Lieutenant Hammy jersey on the IceHogs Web site will be auctioned off on the IceHogs' auction page to benefit the MDA. Tickets for the jersey raffle can be purchased at the IceHogs March 17,18, 24, 25 and April 7 home games. Raffle tickets are $5.
Few other teams at the minor league professional level have matched Rockford's success with the annual Jersey Auction over the past six seasons. Last year's auction raised $50,890 and over the past six seasons, the annual Jersey Auction has raised well over $300,000.
For tickets to the IceHogs 7th Annual Jersey Auction, contact the MetroCentre Box Office at (815) 968-5222, log on to www.centreevents.com or stop by the MetroCentre Box Office located in downtown Rockford. For group tickets of 20 or more, contact the IceHogs office to receive discounted tickets at (815) 986-6465.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 17 vs. Richmond RiverDogs. The game is slated to start at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans to the game will receive IceHogs Poster #5 in a series of seven from Medicine Man, Johnson Press, Pepsi and the Rockford Register Star. Also, the IceHogs will hold its annual Airplane Toss with Wheels By RT and Allegiant Air. One lucky fan will have an opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas with another winning airline tickets to Orlando. Also, don't forget your skates, as it's another "Skate With the Hogs" following the game.
Saturday, March 18 vs. Adirondack Frostbite. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 kids 12-and-under will receive a replica IceHogs Youth Jersey from Ameriprise Financial, WXRX-FM 104.9 and 13WREX. Also, Molly McMasters, co-founder of the Colon Club, will suit up and become the first female skater to play in an IceHogs game. March is "The UHL Cross Checks Colon Cancer" month. The UHL and the Colon Club have collaborated to raise awareness about Colon Cancer during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
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