Thunder Fans Once Again Toss Thousands for Charity

January 25, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder announced its official count of 3,831 bears for this year's Teddy Bear Toss held Saturday, January 19.

Members of the Thunder staff, Thunder players Ryan Geris, Brian Lee and Geoff Paukovich and United Way staff and volunteers spent Friday morning counting thousands of stuffed animals before distributing the first batch of toys to students from the Transitional Learning Center during a lunchtime pizza party at the United Way headquarters.

This year's toss, sponsored by News 10, Jackson Rancheria, California Water Service Company, and KAT Country, occurred when Thunder center Brandon Schwartz scored just two minutes into the third period. As the goal horn sounded, the sell-out crowd of nearly 9,800 threw stuffed animals ranging from bears to frogs to lady bugs and other stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes onto the ice. The team, along with volunteers from the United Way, Stockton and Woodbridge fire departments, Stockton Arena staff members and trucks courtesy of Chase Chevrolet, cleared the ice in less than 10 minutes.

"This is definitely one of our favorite events each year," said Brenda Bryant, Director of Public Relations for the Stockton Thunder. "It is amazing how our fans really get behind our community efforts. Their generosity and support makes everything we do possible. We are proud that our fans have sold out this event for each of the past three years and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come."

"United Way would like to thank the Thunder for the continuing partnership for the Teddy Bear Toss," Sara Somera, United Way director of marketing said. "It's a joy to see each child receive a teddy bear and a smile."

The stuffed animals collected this year will once again be distributed by the United Way of San Joaquin County to various charities and programs throughout the area, including local children's charities, hospices and to the Stockton police and fire departments to help with some of their special outreach programs.

While the game itself ended in a 4-1 loss for the Thunder against the Las Vegas Wranglers that night, the true winners were the children who will benefit from generous Thunder fans.

"The looks on the faces of the children when they are picking out their own special bears is incredible," Bryant said. "It is definitely something that stays with you throughout the year."

The Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, mini plans, group and individual tickets for 2007-08 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



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