Paul Fioroni Claims CHL Man of the Year Award
March 22, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX: March 21, 2006 - The Central Hockey League announced their 05/06 CHL "Man of the Year" award and for a second consecutive season the honor was handed to Lubbock Cotton Kings forward Paul Fioroni. The award is presented annually to the CHL player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community.
Fioroni, a 29 year-old sixth-year Cotton King, founded the 24 Foundation two seasons ago and each season it has not only contributed to those in need, but it has helped save lives. The 24 Foundation raised over $30,000 for South Plains area folks in need last season and this season it has raised over $20,000 through various fundraising efforts that will continue into the offseason. The prime focus of the funds raised this season by the 24 Foundation aimed at three areas of emphasis. All three areas were directed towards children, with two of the areas directed towards children with medical needs. Jayde Garcia, a two year-old daughter of Chris and Lori Garcia, has a mutated gene called Factor V Leiden, which forced her to encounter a stroke at birth. The stroke caused brain damage, which is requiring extensive therapy and preferred treatment at UAB Civitan International Research Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. The 24 Foundation has raised funds to assist in the travel for Jayde's treatment. Another child with a medical concern the 24 Foundation aided is two year-old Canon Perkins. The son of Drew and Chandra Perkins, Canon was diagnosed with a glycogen storage disease type-4 and required a liver transplant. The third emphasis for the 24 Foundation this season was to assist the Lubbock Youth Minor Hockey Program with funds to assist ice availability and equipment needs for financially challenged youth individuals.
The 24 Foundation obtained donations through a myriad of fundraising programs, including $1 "24 Foundation - Giving Back" wristbands. The primary events conducted by the 24 Foundation were a Casino Night and a Bowl-A-Rama. Other activities included a special jersey auction and an ongoing raffle for a new truck through All-American Chevrolet and Frontier Dodge.
The honor for Fioroni is his second in consecutive seasons and it stands as the third time in the last four seasons that a Kings member has received the award in the last four years. Anthony Donskov was the first Kings member to receive the honor. Donskov founded the league-wide "Caps for Courage" program to assist ailing children with cancer during the 02/03 season.
The Kings are currently on the road with games Wednesday in Wichita and Friday in Oklahoma City before the home finale Saturday against Odessa. Ticket information for the final home game of the season is available by contacting the Cotton Kings office at (806) 747-7825. Additional âKings info can be found online via their official site at www.cottonkings.com.
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Central Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2006
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