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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Spotlight American Cancer Society

December 31, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) -- You can catch Raney Alford almost any day of the year, but on May 8, she'll be a tad busy - for 24 hours solid. That's because she'll be working and walking in DeSoto County's Relay for Life event at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event. The overnight event remembers those who have lost the fight against cancer and honors those who have survived. In 2007, Relay For Life events nationwide raised more than $400 million.

The Mississippi RiverKings are teaming up with American Cancer Society - DeSoto County chapter on Friday, Jan. 16 at the DeSoto Civic Center to promote the annual Relay event and raise money toward the chapter's goal this year of $100,000.

"That number has been our goal for the past several years, so we really, really want to reach it this year," Alford said.

One exciting new addition to the Relay this year is the custom-made Suzuki Hyabusa motorcycle donated by Tommy & Michele Henley to be raffled during the event. Built by Orient Express in New York City and custom-painted by Joey Yarbrough, it features 300 rear-wheel horsepower and 1507 cc. Raffle tickets are $20 each.

"The bike is worth about $80,000 and can go over 200 miles an hour," Alford said. "It's really souped up."

Alford says she has two great reasons she joined the DeSoto chapter of American Cancer Society five years ago.

"I have two healthy children, but I know that any day I could take them for a check-up and the doctor could tell me they have cancer," Alford said. "If that were to happen, I would feel so much better knowing there was money available to those same doctors for research and treatment for my children and others like them."

Additionally, Alford is inspired by the grandparents in her family. Cancer took her grandmother; she was given her grandfather's last name (Raney) as he was battling cancer at her birth, and died eighteen months later. Her husband, who also participates on the Relay for Life team, also lost both his grandfathers to cancer.

"The reality is that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime," Alford said. "Relay for Life brings together more than 3.5 million people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones, and fight this disease. It's been very rewarding for me on a personal level, but ultimately, the goal is to find a cure and eradicate this disease."

The RiverKings will spotlight the American Cancer Society-DeSoto Chapter, Relay for Life and The Cancer Bike during the team's Jan. 16th game against the Oklahoma City Blazers. Tickets to any RiverKings game purchased through DeSoto chapter members include $3-$5 off box office price and a $5-$6 donation to American Cancer Society.

For more information on The Cancer Bike or the RiverKings fundraiser, call Alford at 901.870.3751 or the RiverKings office at 662.342.1755 or visit www.thecancerbike.com.

The Mississippi RiverKings are supported by their community partners, season ticket holders, fans, and by program-related investments of Maddox Foundation, an independent private foundation based in Hernando, Miss., to lessen the burden of the Desoto County government by increasing the viability of the Desoto Civic Center and promoting the long-term economic development of the community. The Foundation now uses the team in a variety of programs that increase investments in area charities and their causes.

Upcoming RiverKings games include Dec. 31, Jan. 2, 9, 10, 16 (American Cancer Society Night), 23, 24, 27, and 31.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 31, 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.

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