King to Turn Wishes into Reality
December 12, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - As part of the Griffins' "Puck Pals" program, left wing Derek King and Dean Foods are proud to announce a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
King and Dean Foods will each donate $50 for every goal he scores during the 2002-03 season to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has scored six goals to date, raising $600.
"Working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is great," said King. "It allows me to help give somebody the opportunity to do something they've always wanted to do. If we, as athletes, can give someone that opportunity, then we have to take advantage of it."
"The relationship that Dean Foods, Derek King and the Grand Rapids Griffins have is very special," said Maura Race, director of state partnerships for the foundation. "Derek's personal involvement, matching funds from Dean Foods and the community awareness and support given by the Grand Rapids Griffins are tremendous gifts to our foundation and our special wish kids. We are delighted to have such wonderful friends in our community."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. "Share the power of a wish. When you help grant wishes, you find your own life as greatly enriched as the families whose lives are changed forever with precious memories that last a lifetime," added Race.
The "Puck Pals" program was designed to enhance the players' positions as role models in the West Michigan community. The innovative program gives players the opportunity to serve as spokesmen and to assist organizations in different capacities, such as attending events and addressing children and adults in various settings. Last year, the Griffins partnered with three organizations; this year, "Puck Pals" has grown to include seven community organizations.
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- King to Turn Wishes into Reality - Grand Rapids Griffins
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