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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings\' Goetz to participate in "Oktoberfest in April"

April 18, 2005 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


MEMPHIS—As Memphis' Carnival Week grows closer, a new Krewe is making its presence seen and felt in the Memphis community.

The Grand Krewe of Luxor, established last year, is hosting "Oktoberfest in April," benefiting Kids' Café, a Food Bank program that feeds needy children a nutritious meal in a restaurant-like atmosphere. The event is perfectly in line with Carnival's slogan, "Party With a Purpose."

Featured entertainment includes Wayd Battle from Nashville, James Austin of "The Platters," Memphis Ice Breakers, Pat Registar and J.P. Netters. Guests will have the opportunity to dance until their feet cry mercy and partake of more than 40 imported beers, German food and wines. There will also vendor booths and clowns on hand.

The Celebrity Bratwurst Eating Contest will feature Memphis RiverKings forward Ken Goetz, University of Memphis offensive coordinator Randy Fitchner, Fox 13's Leon Griffin, Q107.5 FM deejay "Karson," FM 100 deejay Tom Prestigiacomo, Steve Erhart, president of Autozone Liberty Bowl, and Silky Sullivan, owner of Beale Street's "Silky O'Sullivan's" bar and restaurant.

Carnival Memphis began as The Cotton Carnival in 1931, a successful attempt by the city to revive cotton sales—the city's number one industry at the time. The Carnival season begins in January and lasts through June, culminating in a week of charitable community events, parties and balls every day in the last week of May.

In addition to saluting a different Memphis industry each year, Carnival Memphis began its Children's Charity Initiative in support of local children's charities as a way for members to become more involved in and give back to the community. Three charities are selected each year and the krewes present fundraisers during Carnival season to lend financial support.

As the newest krewe of Carnival Memphis, Luxor participates in all the activities of Carnival Memphis from Jan to June. However, its main purpose is to support lesser-funded local children's charities throughout the year.

Luxor Chairman and Founder Wanda Barzizza said it was her involvement on the Children's Charity Initiative selection committee of Carnival Memphis that inspired her to start this krewe. "There are so many needy charities and so few can be selected each year," Barzizza said. "This krewe was begun to not only support children's charities but to extend Carnival's efforts throughout the year.

"This is not just about raising money. Charities' needs are multi-faceted. We plan on tutoring, mentoring, providing food, clothing and toys for children as well as serving food in Kids' Cafes."

While The Food Bank serves 32 counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, "Kids' Café" is a program in the Memphis and Shelby County area serving up to 300 children per week; The Food Bank is currently opening a fourth location which will serve another 150 children in the College Park community through the Goodwill Boys and Girls Club.

As The Food Bank gets more funding for the project and identifies agencies, it will continue to expand the program to other counties. Before every meal, children receive a nutrition lesson because, Food Bank executive director Susan Sanford says, Kids' Café is not only concerned about feeding the children but also educating them on how to eat healthily—which will reap benefits for years to come.

Sanford said more than 22,000 people a week depend on food from the organization for their next meal.

"And that's just emergency food for homeless shelters, soup kitchens and emergency food pantries," Sanford said. "That's not counting the food we provide to daycare centers for children and the elderly, after-school programs, residential programs for the disabled or drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities.

"Forty-five percent of those being fed by the emergency food stock are children. That's more than 9,500 children who depend on us for their next meal. The need is critical."

That's where Carnival and Luxor comes in. Barzizza is driven to help this newest branch of the Kids' Café get on its feet.

"I can't stand the thought of a child going to bed hungry," Barzizza said. "Anything people do to help this is so worthwhile."

"Oktoberfest in April" will be April 23 at the Agricenter Shelby Show Place Arena from 6-10 p.m. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Every attendee will receive a ceramic beer stein upon arrival. Sponsors include Q107.5 FM, Hardin's Sysco, Southwestern Distributing, Piggly Wiggly, Equestria Restaurant, Hicks Convention Services, TechsPerts, United Liquors, Champion awards, The Willard Sparks Kids' Café Foundation. For more information or tickets call 751-1505 or visit the Web at www.luxor4kids.org.

For more information about The Food Bank: Feeding the Need Throughout the Mid-South, call 901-527-0841 or visit the Web at www.memphisfoodbank.org.



Central Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2005


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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