SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Player-Waiter Night A Success; Raises $850 for Sunrise Homes

Published on November 19, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—Ben's Place restaurant was packed Tuesday night with RiverKings hockey fans who helped raise more than $850 for children at DeSoto Sunrise Homes during the Kings With A Cause Player-Waiter Night.

Members of this year's 2003-2004 squad did double duty as celebrity hosts and waiters. Defenseman Stephen Margeson served the McKee family.

"I had grilled fish, baked potato and salad," RiverKings fanatic Brigette McKee said. "Now I'm tasting this amaretto cake. It was very delicious, and the service was excellent."

"Yeah, Stephen has a second job if he wants it," said her son, Alan McKee.

With choice of steak, chicken or fried or grilled catfish, choice of potato, salad, rolls, hushpuppies, salad and a drink for $17, the meal was a bargain for restaurant patrons. All proceeds and tips went to the DeSoto Sunrise Homes.

For fans like Ally Hardeman it was the ultimate treat. Hardeman celebrated her 16th birthday at the restaurant. She and her family have been season ticket holders for six years.

"Jonathan Gagnon was our waiter," Hardeman said, excited. "Brad Mueller gave me a birthday kiss, and the entire team sang happy birthday to me."

Was it worth all those tickets?

"Oh, yeah," she said, smiling.

Ben's Place server Carol Hayes was commissioned by her family to collect signatures during the evening.

"It's been really great," she said. "My two boys love the RiverKings. They are going to be so excited."

RiverKings Director of Community Relations Michael Rice said the event was extremely satisfying for the team and for the ‘Kings With A Cause community club.

"This is just another way for our players to interact with our fans," Rice said. "It also allows fans, staff and players to help raise money together for a good cause."

The players said they didn't exactly breeze through the evening.

"It was hard," Forward Jonathan Gagnon said. "I served one table with seven people. I have a new respect for waiters around the world."

"It was a lot of fun," Forward Daryl Moor said. "It was a great time. But it wasn't easy. I was thinking about a career change, but now I'm not so sure," he said, laughing.

The final word?

"It's a lot of fun," Cowboy Corner owner Charles Tackett said. "I'm glad I got to come."

DeSoto Sunrise Homes, Inc. provides services to children and adolescents at risk of developing delinquent behaviors. The home serves as home to as many as 11 girls at a time who have experienced emotional and/or behavior problems at home, school or in the community as a result of abuse, neglect or lack of adequate coping skills.

All 64 RiverKings games can be heard on Easy 680 AM, as well as worldwide via SportsJuice.com. Select RiverKings games will also be available through CHL TV, a league-wide video streaming enterprise. Information on the RiverKings, including the latest roster moves, press releases, and pictures, is available at www.riverkings.com or by calling 662-342-1755.

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SPHL Stories from November 19, 2003


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