ECHL Charlotte Checkers

"Pink in the Rink" raises over $30,000 for three charities

March 5, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers inaugural "Pink in the Rink" on Sunday, Feb.11 proved to be extremely successful as over $30,000 was raised for the three non-profits involved in the evening. American Cancer Society, Carolina Breast Friends and Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation all benefited from the evening, which featured a sell-out Sunday crowd of 7,351.

During the game, the Checkers wore pink specialty jerseys bearing the logos of all three non-profit organizations. The game-worn jerseys were auctioned following the contest raising over $14,000 in under 45 minutes. In addition, each of the three non-profit groups sold tickets to the game. The Checkers then donated $6 back from every ticket sold through the team's website using the non-profits' promo code. The ticket sales portion of the event generated $9,228. Other fundraising efforts included T-shirt and Chuck-a-Puck sales, concourse donations, and Katie Hagar from Tex Motor Sports donated $3,000 to the American Cancer Society that night.

"We are thrilled with the success of this inaugural event! We would like to thank the Charlotte Checkers for all their help and hard work and Steve and Barry for donating the T-shirts to the event," said Todd Ohlmeyer of the American Cancer Society. "We are so excited about the $13,500 raised by the American Cancer Society at Pink in the Rink. Those dollars will fund American Cancer Society patient service programs in the greater Charlotte area."

"The event was so much fun, and the three participating non-profit groups worked so hard to raise funds and awareness for each of their respective organizations," said Checkers Vice President Tera Black. "In addition I was so thrilled that so many people came to the game wearing pink. When Charlotte is called to action, it responds, as was proven with this event. I couldn't be happier with the events of that evening."

Robin Rowland of Mary Kay said, "The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is extremely grateful to the Charlotte Checkers for the opportunity through the Pink in the Rink Event to raise awareness and financial support in our ongoing efforts to help eliminate cancers that affect women as well as ending the epidemic of violence against women."

Pam Darnell, Event Coordinator for Carolina Breast Friends said, "Carolina Breast Friends could not be more pleased with the outcome of Pink in the Rink with the Charlotte Checkers. The feedback from the public has been very positive. We are so very grateful to have been asked to be a part of this wonderful event. The Checkers staff was very supportive and helpful and we can't thank them enough for all they did to put this event together. We hope Pink in the Rink will become an annual event and we can only hope Carolina Breast Friends will be asked to participate again next year."

The Checkers are back in action at home Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday this week. The Checkers host Augusta tomorrow night and South Carolina on Thursday - both games are at 7:00 pm. Sunday is the Checkers "Salute to Heroes" as the Checkers host Gwinnett at 4:00 pm. Following the Checkers game, and post-game skate, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will square off against the Charlotte Fire Department for the Heroes Cup. Admission is free with a ticket to the Checkers vs. Gladiators game. For more information call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com. To purchase and print your tickets visit www.charlottebobcatsarena.com.

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