The Corpus Christi IceRays, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), announced today that with the support of their great corporate partners and loyal fan base, the team was able to raise over $100,000 for various charitable causes and organizations.
“We feel it is our duty and obligation to give back to the Coastal Bend community and to do our best to help those in need,” said General Manager Pat Dunn. “This past season we were very active in the surrounding community and raised a tremendous amount of money for some great causes.”
Some of the highlights of the 2010-11 Corpus Christi IceRays charitable efforts around the community included:
PINK IN THE RINK PRESENTED BY CC DISPOSAL/RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING –Held on February 11, 2011, the third annual “Pink in the Rink” game honoring those who have battled breast cancer, raised $24,500 for the American Cancer Society. In the weeks leading up to the event several events coordinated by the IceRays’ INTERN team helped secure donations for the event. The team then auctioned off their custom pink uniforms following the game.
STARS AND STRIPES NIGHT PRESENTED BY WHATABURGER, FIRST AMERICAN TITLE CO. AND BRENT CHESNEY –Held on October 23, 2010, “Stars and Stripes Night” honored those in various public service capacities including the military, fire, and police departments with free admission to the game for themselves and members of their families. It was the second-largest crowd of the season at the American Bank Center as 5,912 fans saw the action. All told, over $23,000 worth of tickets were redeemed by the personnel and their families.
PACK THE HOUSE FOR CHARITY NIGHT-Throughout the season, the IceRays took their custom 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle around the Coastal Bend selling raffle tickets and creating a buzz which led to the largest NAHL crowd of the season at over 6,200 fans for the final game of the season. One lucky fan was able to ride away with the bike during the second intermission. The night culminated in a jersey auction which brought in $20,000 for the RISE School of Corpus Christi. There were also many other giveaways including Fine Jewelry Outlet giving three lucky fans each a $10,000 diamond.
92.7 KBAY BIKES FOR KIDS –During the holiday season, the IceRays partnered up with Malkan Broadcasting’s 92.7 KBAY’S “BIKES FOR KIDS” initiative which donated bikes and protective gear to deserving children around the Coastal Bend. The IceRays’ INTERN squad was especially active hosting events which directly led to $8,400 raised for the cause.
THE Q ZONE-Through some great corporate and personal partnerships with Whitey Patten Lone Star Transportation, Helen White Electrologists, John McGregor, Harbor Perfusion, Santa Fe Soccer League, and Comfort Suites, the Q Zone allowed thousands of charitable organizations to see a game at the American Bank Center. The section is named after assistant coach Justin Quenneville who was the Central Hockey League’s “Man of the Year” in 2009-10 for his work with various organizations in the Coastal Bend Community.
CPL RETAIL ENERGY TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT-The IceRays, along with their great corporate partner, CPL Retail Energy, donated hundreds of stuffed animals and teddy bears to the ARK Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth. Fans threw their donations of bears and animals onto the ice following the first period.
GRANDE COMMUNICATIONS GRADES FOR BLADES-The “Grades for Blades” program presented by Grande Communications encouraged students to excel inside and outside of the classroom. Those students who achieved their goals were invited to a game during the season where Meadowbrook Elementary and San Pedro Elementary each received checks for $350.00. The money was based on their school spirit and support of the IceRays during the game. Most of the money came directly from donated box tops from fans.
In January, the IceRays bid on over $40,000 worth of livestock at the Robstown Livestock Show with the money going towards students pursuing scholarships and careers.
When news of Calallen football player Andrew Laury's cancer battle reached the IceRays office, the team partnered with Whataburger to donate over 600 tickets which raised funds and support for his battle. Many supporters, family, and friends came to a game as Laury dropped the puck at center ice.
In addition, IceRays players, coaches, and staff spent countless hours visiting schools, hospitals, and events around the Coastal Bend. At the beginning of the season, the team handed out tickets at the flood relief efforts in Corpus Christi. Towards the end of the campaign, the team partnered up with Ainsworth Trucking and donated $800.00 to the MS Society at their annual walk near the arena. Following their last game of the season, the team donated over 300 pairs of hockey skates to their fans,
At the games, the Crowe’s Nest presented by Sames Crow Ford donated 50 tickets per game to those who otherwise would not have been able to attend an IceRays hockey game. Also, The Coastal Cardiology Cardiac Kids sponsored by Dr. Gregg Silverman donated 20 tickets a night to charitable organizations.
During the off season, the team will once again hold their street hockey clinics at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club and will make various appearances with players, staff, and Stinger Ray.
For more information on the IceRays community efforts or charitable initiatives, visit www.goicerays.com or call the front office at 361-814-7825.
