ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Host Van Andel Institute Purple Community Game

January 30, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings are teaming up with Van Andel Institute (VAI) and Purple Community=C2© to help fight cancer.

On February 8th, the K-Wings will host the inaugural Van Andel Institute Purple Community Game presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union.

This game is a continuation of VAI's grassroots fundraising program Purple Community, and raises funds for cancer and neurodegenerative disease research and science education at Van Andel Institute

On February 8th, activities for fans during Purple Community night will include a purple photo booth in the concourse, t-shirt giveaways, the opportunity to become a Purple Community member and Mascot Olympics during intermissions. A video featuring K-Wings Defenseman Sam Ftorek and VAI researcher Dr. Jeff MacKeigan will debut during the game to educate fans on the benefits of disease research.

"Like most people, my life has been touched by cancer," said Ftorek. "Several of my family members, including two aunts, have battled cancer. It truly impacts and motivates you to make a difference."

Ftorek will be joined by MacKeigan, head of the Lab of Systems Biology at Van Andel Institute, who investigates the molecular details of cancer and tumor diseases with the aim of developing new drug therapies.

"It can be overwhelming when an individual finds out they have cancer," said MacKeigan. "In our lab, we investigate cancer at the cellular level so we can develop therapies that benefit patients. It's an inspiring place to work."

Thanks to the generous endowment left by VAI founders Jay and Betty Van Andel, one hundred percent of all funds raised by Purple Community go directly to the laboratories and classrooms where diseases are under investigation.

"When you support Van Andel Institute you truly have the chance to impact the future of human health," said Nikki Outhier, Purple Community National Programs Manager. "We're thankful to have wonderful sponsors like the K-Wings and Lake Michigan Credit Union who support our mission."

Purple Community coordinates the efforts of students, businesses and community members who want to support cancer and neurodegenerative disease research. Purple Community raises funds for Van Andel Institute through basketball games, golf tournaments, mountain bike races and more.

The Van Andel Institute was established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. This is accomplished through the work of over 200 researchers in more than 20 on-site laboratories with collaborative partnerships that span the globe. To learn more about Van Andel Institute head to www.vai.org. For more information about Purple Community head to their website www.PurpleCommunity.org

The K-Wings will have a full lineup for mascot Olympics. The following are the mascots that are scheduled to appear:

Paws Detroit Tigers

Crash West Michigan Whitecaps

Franky West Michigan Whitecaps

Spike Toledo Walleye

Cattrick Toledo Walleye

Griff Grand Rapids Griffins

Ollie Ox Muskegon Lumberjacks

Captain Kettle Salvation Army

Scraps Best Way Disposal

Moe Skeeter Battle Creek Bombers

Bulldog Vicksburg High School

Pizza Little Caesars

Flick Celebration! Cinema

Dog Animal Rescue Project

Individual tickets for all K-Wings home games are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 . Ticket office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Ticket prices for home games are $13 and $17.50 for adults and only $7 for kids ages 12 and under. The price for all K-Wings premium night games (all colored ice games) are just $1 more. Fans can save money by purchasing K-Wings single-game tickets in advance. Tickets purchased on the day of a game increase by $2 (adults only).

Fans that plan on attending multiple games can avoid service fees plus enjoy a discount from the single-game price by purchasing a 12, 24 or 36-game flexi-plan. These plans, along with Fan Packs and group ticket packages may be ordered through the K-Wings Sales office by calling (269) 743-6011 .

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