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Sharks Join Forces To Support Jason Baird Recovery Fund

July 31, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Corpus Christi Sharks News Release


Sharks Vice President & General Manager Larry Linde, along with former Corpus Christi Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae, announced a special benefit supporting the Jason Baird Recovery Fund this Thursday, July 31 at Beamer's Restaurant from 5-9 PM located at 5922 S. Staples.

On July 17, Baird, the former Rayz All-Star, was involved in an off-season work related accident in Youngstown Ohio. While working a summer job with a landscaping company, witnesses say the mower Baird was riding while cutting grass exploded. Baird suffered third-degree degree burns over 70% of his body and remains in critical but stable condition.

A former Rayz team MVP, Baird had just finished his sixth year in the Central Hockey League. Baird spent four years of his professional career in a Corpus Christi sweater. Beginning with the 2004-05 season he accumulated 48 goals and 99 assists for a total of 147 points for the Rayz. As a member of the Rayz he also started the Baird's Bunch, a local non-for-profit benefiting at risk youths. The 27-year-old had recently signed with the Muskegon (Michigan) Fury of the International Hockey League.

Baird, a husband and father of three children, remains hospitalized in the Akron Children's Hospital Burn Unit. In order to assist the Cayuga, Ontario native in the road to recovery, Linde and McRae have teamed up to host the fundraising event this Thursday night. "This is a chance to allow everyone the opportunity to help Jason and his family," said McRae. Added Linde, "I know we can count on Jason to show the same grit and determination in his recovery that he always displayed on the ice - now it's our turn to show our support for him and his family."

"The Baird Benefit Evening will include an extensive silent auction consisting of sports memorabilia from around the country including items from the Sharks and Rayz. Fans interested in participating can also make monetary donations at Beamer's Restaurant. For people who cannot attend the event, donations on Jason Baird's behalf can be made through the family Facebook page. For more information on alternatives to help Baird, please contact the Sharks front office at (361) 882-9292 or contact Ken McRae via email: angnken@yahoo.com.

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