SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Mini-Golf Tourney Kicks Off Ticket Program for Ronald McDonald House

Published on October 22, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—RiverKings forward Jay Neal hosted the first-ever "Kings With a Cause" Charity Miniature Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Dulin's Sports Club in Southaven, Miss. Proceeds from the tournament went to the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.

Almost all the RiverKings players attended, each one playing a hole while teams of fans played through, so that all the participants had the opportunity to meet them. At the end of the evening, prizes for first through fifth place were given and door prizes were raffled off.

Those who attended the tournament included both younger and older residents of DeSoto County. Cole Brownlee, 6, and his father, Danny, came out to participate. Danny Brownlee said his son loves to watch the games.

"My favorite part is when they score goals," Cole said. "Tonight I got everybody's autograph."

Half the money raised from the tournament went straight to Ronald McDonald House, while the other half was given to Neal's ticket program to benefit those families staying at the House. Neal's program will provide a designated amount of tickets to the house for one game each month so families can attend. He will also serve as an ambassador to the families staying at the facility.

"The families who are housed there are dealing with something so unfortunate and serious," Neal said. "I can't even imagine going through that with my child. They're housed there for a long time. If I can just give them one night of entertainment and fun, then it's the least I can do."

The House provides a home-away-from-home for 51 families, each of whom has a child who is being treated for pediatric cancer or other catastrophic illness at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"What we try to do is make sure that the families who come to Memphis with so little notice—they're already scared because they just found out their child is sick—we try to take care of all their basic needs," said Leslie Gaskins, Development Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House.

"It's just like a house: we take care of all their basic needs. We provide their kitchen facilities, bedrooms, linens, eating utensils. They get phone cards and we have a computer room so they can keep in touch with their families. We try to make it so that the only thing these people who are scared and hurting have to think about in the moment they find out their child is sick is bringing themselves and their clothes to Memphis."

Neal is seeking sponsors to help him in the project.

"Anything people give with an event benefiting this program will benefit the families at Ronald McDonald House. I was touched by a story at a golf tournament and it game me a wake-up call. I want to use my position as a hockey player to help out. I want this year to mean more than just a year of playing hockey.

"This summer I met a couple of fathers who stayed at Ronald McDonald House. Their kids are gong through so much. As a father now myself, it really touches me."

The majority of the children at the House won't be able to attend games because their immune systems are largely disabled due to treatment. Neal will visit the house and meet the patients and their families and extend a personal invitation on behalf of his own family, wife Kelly, daughter Peyton (2), and the baby they're expecting. He'll return periodically as patients are moved and new patients come in.

"It's not a lot that we're doing, but it provides a night of fun and a few moments of lightheartedness," Neal said. "Hopefully I can help a little."

OTHER RIVERKINGS NEWS

The second edition of ‘RiverKings Weekly' airs this evening at 6:00 pm on ESPN Radio 790. Host Dave Woloshin sits down to talk with RiverKings Head Coach Jim Wiley, select RiverKings players, and other special guests. Tonight, RiverKings Weekly welcomes CHL President Brad Treliving to the program.

Commemorate the glory of the RiverKings' back-to-back championships with a special edition championship ring. Both fan and player championship rings are manufactured and designed by Jostens Recognition. Deadline for order is Nov. 7 to ensure Christmas delivery. For more information visit the merchandise stand behind section 111.

‘Kings With A Cause is a volunteer club that allows fans to organize and participate in fundraisers that aid RiverKings players in accomplishing their charitable goals. These include activities such as billiard, bowling or fishing tournaments, or dinners to benefit a charity or non-profit group. Make sure to stop by the ‘Kings with a Cause table at section 109 and bid on unique silent auction items.

To bring more opportunities to children and great entertainment to the community, the RiverKings will sponsor the November 1st matinee show of "The Wizard of Oz," presented by DeSoto Youth Theatre. Cast members of the show will attend the Oct. 30 game. RiverKings President Robin Grindstaff Costa will make a guest celebrity appearance as the Winkie General during the November 1st show at the DeSoto Civic Center theater. Get your specially discounted tickets for "The Wizard of Oz" at the ‘Kings With A Cause club table at section 109.

Join the RiverKings Kid's Club, for fans ages 2 to 12. Members receive an official Kids' Club membership card, a birthday card, a membership package filled with cool RiverKings stuff, and a copy of "The Icing," the official Kids' Club newsletter, during each month of the season. Members also go out on the ice every RiverKings home game for the Chuck-A-Puck Pick-Up Party and attend the annual exclusive Kids' Club VIP Party with all the players, RiverThing and Sheldon. Visit the Kid's Club table at section 109 for more information.

The ‘Kings With A Cause club is planning a road trip to Dallas/Ft. Worth November 14th through 16th. Trip members will attend a Dallas Stars game vs. the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday the 14th. The RiverKings take on the Brahmas in Ft. Worth on Saturday Nov. 15th. Cost for ‘Kings with a Cause members is $100, $110 for non-members. This includes bus fare and game tickets. Meals and hotel must be paid for separately. Country Inn and Suites in the Ft. Worth area will provide a $20 discount per night to RiverKings fans. For more information stop by the ‘Kings With A Cause table at section 109.

All 64 RiverKings games can be heard on Easy 680 AM, as well as worldwide via SportsJuice.com. Select RiverKings games will also be available through CHL TV, a league-wide video streaming enterprise. Information on the RiverKings, including the latest roster moves, press releases, and pictures, is available at www.riverkings.com.

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SPHL Stories from October 22, 2003


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