ECHL Reading Royals

Royals To Honor United Way and 2006 Giving Campaign "MVP"

Published on December 7, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals of the ECHL today announced that the team will honor the United Way of Berks County and the 2006 Giving Campaign's "Most Valuable Partner," Sovereign Bank, at the Royals' game against the Wheeling Nailers on Wednesday, December 13 (6:35 pm) at the Sovereign Center in Reading. The recognition ceremonies to be held during next Wednesday's game are the culmination of a partnership formed between the Royals and United Way of Berks County earlier this year.

"The Reading Royals are pleased to partner with and support United Way and its broad range of health and human services. We believe it's imperative to serve as a strong corporate citizen, and we were proud to support United Way's 2006 campaign through a variety of incentives, says Gordon Kaye, General Manager of the Reading Royals Hockey Team. Campaign incentives provided by the Royals included a $5 coupon for individuals contributing to this year's United Way campaign and two free tickets to a Royals game for individuals contributing at the leadership giving level of $1000 or more. "By offering these incentives, our hope was to attract new and increased gifts to the United Way campaign, which in turn support critical community programs," adds Kaye.

"We're grateful for the Royals support. In addition to the incentives, the Royals have provided some other great opportunities to United Way during the campaign, including hosting children from our agency partner programs at pre-game practices and having the players talk with the kids and autograph team mementos. The kids really enjoy attending the pre-game skates," says Karen A. Rightmire, president, United Way of Berks County. "And, Slapshot has been amazing with his many appearances at United Way special events during the past few months. The crowd adores interacting with Slapshot."

Additionally, the Reading Royals December 13th game will recognize the 2006 United Way "Most Valuable Partner", or MVP, as the company that raised the most dollars in support of the annual campaign.

"Corporate partners are integral to United Way's work and accomplishments; corporate dollars represent 80% of the campaign," explains Rightmire. "We're extremely grateful to all of our local businesses, along with the many other organizations, such as schools and labor, as well as our individual donors, that help United Way reach out to people in need and improve lives. Thanks to Berks County's incredible generosity, United Way raised a record-setting $8,740,000 this year. We continue to be heartened by the overwhelming support of the community." The 2006 campaign goal was $8.6 million.

This year's United Way Campaign "MVP" is Sovereign Bank. Sovereign will receive special recognition during the December 13th Royals game, and 200 Sovereign employees will attend the special game as guests of the Royals. Sovereign Bank's 2006 combined employee and corporate contributions total $313,000. The bank provided a $250,000 Challenge Match in support of the United Way campaign.

"We're thrilled that Sovereign is being honored by both United Way and the Reading Royals," states Ramona Turner-Turpin, vice president and community relations manager at Sovereign Bank. "Sovereign has a long tradition of supporting United Way and the work of its agency partners. We strongly believe in serving as a corporate leader in community building work, and our employees consistently demonstrate their commitment to the community by supporting United Way and through many volunteer efforts."

The Royals take on the Cincinnati Cyclones this Friday night (7:05 pm) at the Sovereign Center. It is the "Teddy Bear Toss" Night when fans are invited to bring a stuffed animal and throw it on the ice after the Royals score their first goal of the game. The stuffed animals will be collected and given to the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots Program. The Royals Booster Club will also be selling Teddy Bears at the game on Friday for only $5.00, with $1.00 of those proceeds going to the Toys for Tots. Royals' game night broadcasts can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1240 am (and on the internet through the Royals' website, www.royalshockey.com), beginning thirty minutes before the opening face-off. Streaming video is also available for $6.00 per game through the B2 Networks, which can be accessed through the Royals' website.

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