Thunder Raises Over $400,000 In Charity For 07-08

Published on April 29, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, in conjunction with its charitable arm, the Stockton Thunder and Lightning Foundation, announced an organization all-time high of $407,155 was raised in cash, tickets, memorabilia and other items for charity in 2007-08.

The Thunder increased the amount of raised charitable donations for the third year in a row and surpassed the $400,000 mark for the first time in team history.

"I am extremely proud of the Thunder's demonstrated commitment to community involvement," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "Honestly, I see it as our obligation to give back, and I know that those on our staff feel the same way. It is an important role, one that we as an organization truly relish, and a role that we will continue to play in the years to come."

"Thunder Goes Pink II," presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center in association with County Bank and MetroPCS, sought to help spotlight and raise funds and awareness for local breast cancer treatment and prevention. Once again the event proved to be a rousing success. In its second year, the weekend event (held Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3 at Stockton Arena) raised $36,000 for the American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and the St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services.

Nearly 18,000 fans (including a sell-out crowd of 9,737 on November 3) attended the two games, which featured a pink-colored ice surface, pink-themed giveaways, specialty jerseys, and live and silent auctions. During the 2007-08 season, similar events throughout the ECHL were able to raise over $575,000 to benefit cancer research and awareness.

In November, the Thunder's third annual Coats for Kids drive along with partners News 10, AAA, and KB Home, saw nearly 800 coats donated to the Salvation Army and the United Way, bringing the three-year total to over 3,000 coats donated by Thunder fans.

In December the Thunder captured the spirit of the season, with several holiday and winter themed promotions. On December 22, as part of its "Winter Thunderland," the Thunder auctioned off one-of-a-kind ornaments, designed individually and autographed by each of the Thunder players, raising nearly $1000 to benefit the Women's Center of San Joaquin.

After the game, the team auctioned off game-worn specialty themed holiday jerseys, raising an additional $28,850, with the proceeds going to benefit the Matthew Bittker Memorial Fund, Stockton Colt Youth Hockey, the Children's Memorial Foundation, the Greater Yosemite Council, the NorCal Lightning, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In January, the Thunder stayed busy on the charitable front, with the team's third annual Teddy Bear Toss on January 19, and as host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition.

The ever-popular Teddy Bear Toss, presented by News 10, Jackson Rancheria, California Water Service Company, and KAT Country, collected a Thunder record 3,831 bears and was attended by another sold out crowd of 9,737. As in past years, the United Way of San Joaquin County distributed the stuffed bears and other animals to various children's charities, hospices, and police and fire departments throughout San Joaquin County.

As host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, presented by Chase Chevrolet, the Thunder was able to raise over $7,000 through its "Light the Lamp Buddies" donation-per-goal promotion, to benefit the Family Resource Network, The Brighter Side of Down Syndrome, and The Recreational Sports Club of San Joaquin.

On March 14, the Thunder and its fans were able to make a child's wish come true, with "Make-A-Wish" Night, presented by KAT Country. Through the generosity of the 7,058 fans in attendance, the Thunder was able to raise over $3,500 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, surpassing the threshold of $2,500, the point at which wishes can be granted.

Additionally, the Thunder was once again extremely active in 2007-08 in its support of local educational programs. In this past season, the team was able to reward nearly 30,000 local students through its "Be A Winner!" character program, "I Am Here!" attendance program, "Be Cool...READ!" reading program, and "Academic All-Stars" honor roll program.

The Thunder's financial contributions to charitable endeavors are in addition to the many appearances by the players, staff, and team mascot Thor at schools, libraries, and other charity functions throughout the year.

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