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SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Show Some Love to Veterans; Bring Gently Used Items to RiverKings Game Tonight

February 10, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN-The Mississippi RiverKings are giving an assist to Paralyzed Veterans of America tonight, Feb. 10, during the RiverKings game vs. the Louisiana IceGators at the Landers Center at 7:05 p.m., when the organization will serve as the team's M.V.P. Nonprofit Organization of the night.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), who operates a thrift store in Memphis, will have a truck at the Landers Center West Entrance near the theater to accept donations before the game. The Mid-South PVA chapter helps local veterans living with paralysis and their families to have the things they need to live full and productive lives.

"We make sure our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, receive the care, benefits and jobs they deserve from bedside to grave side," PVA Fundraising Diversification Associate Director Mindy Ann Walker said. "Paralyzed Veterans is there to ensure the veterans concentrate on getting better while we help secure better healthcare and benefits for them, such as providing ongoing spinal cord injury education for clinicians; satisfying careers for our injured servicemen and women; a path to adventure and rehabilitation through adaptive sports; and contributing to research for a cure for paralysis."

Paralyzed Veterans of America was created 65 years ago by servicemen returning from WWII with spinal cord injuries. Walker began working with the Paralyzed Veterans of America three years ago through their NASCAR fundraising program.

"My favorite program/event is the annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games co-hosted by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs," she said. "Think summer Olympics for veterans in wheelchairs. There are 500 veteran athletes that compete for gold, silver and bronze. It's traditionally held in areas where we have one of our 34 chapters across the US (such as the Mid-South chapter based in Memphis). This year's event will be hosted in Richmond, Va. on June 24th through June 25th. This is an amazing experience where newly injured veterans compete with veteran athletes and it's just amazing to see these folks and their recovery through this event."

Each of the 34 PVA chapters nationwide are given a monthly grant from the national office that allows the chapters to provide specific programs, such as fishing tournaments, sporting events, and other fellowship and competitive events; counseling; fundraising events; and more.

"It's rewarding to see our veterans succeed and provide them with a means to be successful," Walker said. "And there are many ways that folks can get involved: make a donation, donate thrift items, donate time to local chapters, donate vehicles, etc."

The organization's focus isn't contained just to veterans, but includes all people living with disabilities.

"Paralyzed Veterans of America was instrumental in passing the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and helping make the US more accessible for all Americans living with disabilities," Walker said. "I encourage people to check out the quotes and stories on our website of the most deserving veterans that I'm privileged to work with and for. Their stories are compelling, and it is truly rewarding to be a part of the work of this organization."

For more information on PVA, visit www.pva.org or contact the Mid-South Chapter at 901-527-3018 or mspva@aol.com.

RiverKings fans can also enjoy the Pre-Game Warm-Up event at local restaurant Fillin Station Grille tonight before the game, Teen Night during the game (during which fans can nominate their favorite civic-minded teen to win the RiverKings "Teen Star" Award, to be presented Mar. 16) and the T.G.I. Friday's Post-Game Party wrapping it all up.

And while tonight's focus will be on teens, the RiverKings are cooking up more than $1,000 in prizes - including ten $100 gift certificates to the Melting Pot fine dining - and other fun and games (including a couples-only Post-Game Skate) for couples on Feb. 14. Younger fans can enjoy making valentines with select players from the Injured/Reserved list (as available) during the game. The RiverKings are even allowing couples to get engaged or married at the game. Interested parties may contact Jeff Jarvis at 662.342.1755 or email hockey@riverkings.com.

Maddox Hockey, Inc. is a for-profit entity created by the Maddox Foundation as a program-related investment to further the Foundation's charitable work and promote tourism and economic development in the region, including the viability of the Landers Center. The RiverKings are supported by the team's fans, season ticket holders, corporate partners and program-related investments of the Foundation. To find out more about the RiverKings, call 662.342.1755 email hockey@riverkings.com or visit www.riverkings.com.



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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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