CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Parsons nominated for Man of the Year honors for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Published on February 17, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—During the 2002-2003 season, RiverKings fans rallied around team captain Don Parsons and his family, and overwhelmingly poured supported his Parsons' Pledge goals-for-charity program.

Parsons had two causes close to his heart as he went into the season last year: one, the discovery of revolutionary surgery and training that could help his infant daughter, born profoundly deaf, to hear; and two, aiding people like his father, who not too long before had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

With the help of concerned corporate entities and caring individuals, Parsons raised $30,000 for Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

As a result of this effort and a committed partnership with Sam's Town hotel and casino, "Parsons' Pledge" goals-for-charity program took on a life of its own as an endowed fund through the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. The program now benefits not only Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, but also children in need throughout northwest Mississippi.

But Parsons hasn't forgotten about his commitment to those who share the same disease as his father, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is grateful for his dedication.

The Society is seeking to recognize Don's efforts in the past year to help cancer patients by presenting him an award on the ice at the RiverKings Feb. 20 game.

In honor of Parsons' concern and help, he was also nominated to run for the Society's "Man and Woman of the Year" award. The competition runs Feb. 19 through April 19. The male and female nominees who garner the most donations will be declared Man and Woman of the Year.

"It's a wonderful honor to be nominated by a nationally known organization like Leukemia and Lymphoma Society," Parsons said. "Even being nominated is one of the highlights of my career. It makes you feel good to know that you may be able to help out in a way some other people can't. It makes all the work worth it."

Patrons can cast their votes for Parsons by making a contribution to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on his behalf. In addition, the RiverKings will have a silent auction to benefit the Society and Parsons' Pledge during the last weekend of the regular season. For more information on donating an item or making a contribution, call the RiverKings Community Relations department at 662-342-1755.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2004


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