"Pink In The Rink" Sets Single Night Record With 'Gift Of Life' Fundraiser

Published on February 25, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX- The generosity of Southeast Texas shined more than the pink ice of Ford Arena Saturday night as the Texas Wildcatters and their fans raised an astonishing $81,250 for the Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" Program through their "Pink in the Rink" promotion.

A live postgame jersey auction alone raised more than $68,000, which preliminary research indicates as the largest live auction in ECHL history. Players paraded through a crowd of more than 400 that stayed past midnight to bid on game-worn special edition pink-trimmed Wildcatters jerseys, a beautiful customized pink goalie mask, and various other items donated by Wildcatters players and hockey staff. Several players and staff members gave moving testimonials of how their lives and families have been affected by breast cancer.

Jerseys ranged in price from $1,700 to $4,000 and proceeds went directly to the "Gift of Life" program, a dynamic local organization dedicated to providing mammograms and care to uninsured or under-insured women in the fight against breast cancer.

Winning bidders were met in the stands by players and escorted to a private photo and autograph area to help commemorate the occasion.

Forward and second-year Wildcatter Kevin Baker's jersey drew the highest bid at $4,000.

During the game, $7,500 was raised in a silent auction that featured gift baskets and player-customized, game-used pink sticks accompanied by photos featuring the players in pink jerseys.

Additionally, $5,000 was raised for "Gift of Life" by the employees of the Motiva Enterprises Port Arthur Refinery in a contest to make a company executive "kiss a pig" during the first intermission. More than 750 people from Motiva attended the game, helping the Wildcatters to a season-high attendance of 5,117.

The sum collected is the largest one-night sum raised in the ECHL, besting much larger markets such as Gwinnett ($54,000), Stockton ($36,000), Reading ($35,000), Fresno ($35,000), and Bakersfield ($30,700). Alaska raised approximately $103,000 across two preseason games versus the Wildcatters in October. "Pink" promotions across the ECHL this season have raised more than $400,000 for breast cancer awareness and research.

"We are in awe at the devotion shown by the Texas Wildcatters players, staff, and fans to the cause of fighting breast cancer," said Norma Sampson of ‘Gift of Life', "This event surpassed our wildest expectations and the funds raised will help so many women in Southeast Texas. We couldn't be more grateful and are blessed with their friendship and support."

Following the auction a 40" Samsung LCD HDTV donated by Conn's was given to a lucky fan in attendance.

Earlier in the evening Texas lost 3-2 to the Columbia Inferno-just third home loss in regulation all season for the Wildcatters. They currently lead the 25-team ECHL with a record of 40-6-9.

The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL's Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters' Fifth Anniversary Season! Book your group with the Wildcatters, call (409) 951-5500.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from February 25, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central