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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Marbles4MS Selling Ornaments at Knighthawks Game

December 3, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks are helping raise awareness and proceeds for Multiple Sclerosis by teaming up with Marbles4MS. On Saturday, December 6 th, fans can purchase specially-designed Knighthawks-themed ornaments for just $10 with all the proceeds going to the National MS Society.

"We are excited to again partner with Marbles4MS and host their event at our annual free preseason game," said Knighthawks President Lewis Staats. "The Knighthawks have some of the most passionate fans in the league and we are certain many of them will take home this unique keepsake for the holidays."

The ornaments will be available at a table in the upper atrium lobby during the Knighthawks' 8:00 p.m. preseason opener against the Minnesota Swarm. The 100 hand-made teal, purple and white Christmas ornaments were created by Connor and Jackson Grossman, who put paint inside of the glass bulbs and rolled them around to make each of them one-of-a-kind. The ornaments are topped off with a purple ribbon, which includes the Knighthawks name.

The event is the second time the family has partnered with the three-time defending National Lacrosse League champion Knighthawks.

"The Knighthawks are a great organization," said the boy's father, Mike Grossman. "They have been a great supporter and have been behind the project since the get-go."

Marbles for MS was founded by Connor Grossman in 2011 in an effort to help raise money to find a cure for MS, a disease that his mother lives with. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease that causes damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Connor and his older brother, Jackson, have been working together for the past three years to create artwork to sell at different events. All proceeds are donated to the National MS Society.

Since the project began in 2011, the brothers have raised more than $70,000. With the help of the Knighthawks, his goal is to reach out to as many people as possible to help raise MS awareness.

Connor, now 9 years old, first experimented with abstract painting when he was 5. He placed marbles dipped in paint onto a white piece of paper and placed them inside a cigar box. After shaking them around, the result was a colorful painting. He decided to sell the paintings and donate the money. The first fundraiser with the Knighthawks was in 2012, as the brothers auctioned off a painting with all the players' signatures on it at a home game.

"They're always excited to be selling their stuff," said Grossman. "They play lacrosse so to be associated with a big-league team, they are just beaming. The players have a great bond with the community and it means a lot to the boys to be associated with them."

Lacrosse fans will be able to purchase their latest creations at the Knighthawks' game, which faces off at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets to the game are free and can be obtained at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office while supplies last. For more information on Marbles4MS, go online to www.marbles4ms.com.

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