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Pack the House for Charity Night March 25th

March 9, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz are thrilled to present the second annual "Pack the House for Charity" Night at the American Bank Center on Saturday, March 25th at 7:35pm in the final home game of the Rayz season. In conjunction with Fan Appreciation Night, the Rayz will host their biggest rivals, the Laredo Bucks while showing their appreciation to the fans and South Texas Community. The Rayz will attempt to "pack the American Bank Center" with fans and help raise money for three very deserving youth based organizations in Corpus Christi. The Rayz have joined forces with the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi, the Nueces Child Welfare Foundation and the Corpus Christi Youth Hockey Association for the charity event. The Rayz will provide a cash grant and a portion of ticket sales to each of these groups. For more information on how you can help support your local community on "Pack the House for Charity" Night, call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

Over the past several years, "Pack the House for Charity" Nights have met with much success in various cities and last year the inaugural event for the Rayz was wildly successful. Rayz General Manager Larry Linde said he hopes to follow last year's record-breaking, kick-off with similar results this season.

"Pack the House for Charity Night is our single largest fundraising event of the season and last year we showed this community what a great night it could be." Linde said. He added, "This event allows us to raise awareness and resources for some wonderful organizations who truly make a difference in our community. We want to recognize these three groups for their commitment to the Coastal Bend, and at the same time wrap up our season on a high note. A packed house for charity, combined with an exciting game against our biggest rivals should provide everyone in attendance with a great ending to this season."

Last year, against the Bucks, Corpus Christi welcomed more than 7,500 fans on "Pack the House for Charity" Night which set a new record for fans attending a hockey game in Corpus Christi.

Unlike some other fundraising events, all the money raised from the Pack the House for Charity Night will remain in South Texas. "Pack the House for Charity Night is the people of our community helping each other," Linde said. "That's what makes an event like this so special and so bonding for a community. We considered a number of charitable organizations and selected these three because they are committed to improving the lives of kids in South Texas. The money raised by this event will be used in our community."

The Nueces Child Welfare Foundation is dedicated to protecting local, abused children, placing them in safe living environments and educating our community about this insidious destruction of childhood innocence. We all hope to see the end of child abuse during our lifetimes; however, the reality is that in 2004 alone, Nueces County had over 5,300 alleged victims of child abuse or neglect and over 1,500 children in foster care or in legal care of the state of Texas. Unfortunately child abuse affects our entire community.

Leading up to April's "Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month," the Nueces Child Welfare Foundation is focused on bringing the ever important issue of child abuse to the forefront of the Corpus Christi community. During April, public awareness of child abuse is raised by the wearing of blue ribbons. The Nueces Child Welfare Foundation organization also participates in these efforts by organizing public awareness events including "Pack the House For Charity" Night with the Rayz and their Annual 5K Run/2 Mile Walk against child abuse, which will be held on April 1st.

The Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi's goal is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place to learn and grow for all of their children. Additionally, the Boys and Gils Club creates ongoing relationships for children with caring, adult professionals and they offer life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. However, as important as all of these, the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi provides hope and opportunity to many children who are in need of both.

The Corpus Christi Youth Hockey Association is an organization governed by a board of volunteers dedicated to the growth and promotion of the sport of hockey in South Texas. The CCYHA welcomes children of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport of hockey, and introduces them to an activity not available in Corpus Christi just eight years ago. The CCYHA utilizes the American Bank Center ice surface for games, practices and tournaments. CCYHA has an in-house program and a high-school program. The high-school program is a member of the Greater Texas Hockey League, which has associations and scheduled tournaments throughout the state of Texas.

All three of these groups are made up of tremendous people who volunteer their time and energy to ensure the betterment of children in the South Texas community. All three groups are non-profit organizations, whose purpose remains to protect, teach and advance the youth of our community. Each of the three groups will receive a cash grant from the Rayz in addition to a portion of ticket proceeds gained from the game on March 25th. The entire Corpus Christi community is encouraged to be a part of "Pack the House for Charity" Night.

If you'd like to donate tickets or make sure proceeds from your ticket go directly to one of the three charitable organizations involved in "Pack the House for Charity" Night, please contact the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK and we will be happy to assist you.

Additionally, this season's "Pack the House for Charity" Night takes place on the final home date of the 2005-2006 season on Fan Appreciation Night. To show their appreciation, the Rayz will offer all fans in attendance a chance to stay after the game and meet the team for autographs and pictures. The Rayz will also hold the final installment of the Great Diamond Giveaway that night, which will give one fan in attendance a $10,000 diamond, Guaranteed. To win, fans simply have to register for free at Fine Jewelry Outlet in Moore Plaza and then be at the game on March 25th. Tickets to the game begin at just $10. The Rayz sincerely thank all of their fans, sponsors and citizens of South Texas for their help in this event.

The Rayz will return to the American Bank Center this weekend for games versus the Rio Grande valley Killer Bees on Friday Night and Lubbock Cotton Kings Sunday afternoon. Friday night marks another installment of the Great Diamond Giveaway. One fan in attendance will win an $8,000 diamond at the game, Guaranteed. Simply visit FJO in Moore Plaza to register then be at the game on Friday. Then on Sunday, it's the final Caller-Times Family Day game this season. The Rayz will host Lubbock Cotton Kings, but there will be another King in attendance as the Rayz will welcome special guest, WWE Superstar, Jerry "The King" Lawler. Fans are invited to come meet this sports legend at Sunday's game beginning at 5:00pm. Children 12 and under (limit two) will receive complimentary tickets with the purchase of a regular priced adult ticket. Plus fans are invited to stay after the game for the final public skating session of the season with the Rayz. This is the last chance for the general public to skate in Corpus Christi this year. Bring your skates or rent them at the arena for just $3. For more information, call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

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