Sled-Skating and Hockey Celebs
A March 3rd United Cerebral Palsy family-friendly fundraiser
pits Pucksters against Red Wings Alumni to raise money,
build awareness for people with disabilities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2012
CONTACT: Lynne Golodner 248:376:0406, lynne@yourppl.com
HAZEL PARK, Mich. – On March 3rd, Niki Cassavoy will play hockey against her son, Holden, who has Cerebral Palsy. They’ll spar on ice, both seated in sleds to even the playing field, as a team of able-bodied players goes stick to stick against incredibly talented disabled athletes…some with Cerebral Palsy, members of the nationally recognized Michigan Sled Dogs hockey team.
This event, at 4 p.m. at the Hazel Park Ice Arena, precedes a Detroit Red Wings alumni face-off against the United Cerebral Palsy Pucksters, in an effort to raise funds for the Metro Detroit chapter of United Cerebral Palsy. This is the 12th year this match will be played and the organization’s largest annual fundraiser.
“The players participating in both games are more than willing to raise funds AND get completely embarrassed on the ice by their opponent…that goes for both the Sled Dogs and that Alumni,” says Michael Ward, Doner Advertising Creative and UCP Board Member. “Participating in this event as a player can’t help but change the way you view the world…we are fortunate to be able to skate for those who may not be able to.”
* PLEASE HELP US RAISE AWARENESS FOR THIS IMPORTANT FUNDRAISER AND OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC FUN, FAMILY EVENT ON MARCH 3RD. Individuals from the UCP Pucksters and the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association are available for interview. *
“This is the eighth year the Michigan Sled Dogs have participated in this life-changing event,” says Marc Henretta, captain and co-manager of the Michigan Sled Dogs. “This event raises awareness for the entire disabled community and provides needed funding. It’s also an awesome opportunity for all of us disabled athletes to give back to society.”
Marc is also a member of the Chrysler marketing team and last summer was sponsored as part of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to ride his handcycle in the Dodge Million Dollar Challenge from San Francisco to San Diego, alongside celebrities like Robin Williams and former NBA star, Bill Walton.. His will and determination are a perfect example of a life without limits.
UCP/Detroit assists individuals with disabilities and their families to access much-needed services and support that help build a "Life without Limits." The organization focuses on ways to advance the independence of all people with any physical, mental or emotional limitation and secure their right to inclusion.
The goal for this year’s fundraiser is a packed arena (capacity: 1,200) and $20,000 from ticket sales, chuck-a-puck, silent auction and other initiatives on-site. Every player raises money in order to play. Eighty-Five percent of every dollar raised from UCP special events is used for programs and services that benefit directly the people we serve.
Pizza is donated by the Mannino family (owner of the Original Romano’s), which also sponsors a player every year. Tickets cost $10 per person; doors open at 3:30 p.m. More information is available at www.skatewithoutlimits.org.
Over the past 11 years, this event has raised more than $150,000 for the disabled community. Event leaders are hoping this year will raise the most money, and attention to this cause, to date.
“We skate for worthwhile causes and we are honored to play with the UCP Pucksters,” says George Bowman, secretary of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and a goal-tender. His grandfather was the first Scotty Bowman, who played on the first two Red Wings Stanley Cup teams in the 1930s.
“We are inspired and somewhat intimidated by the sled hockey ; it’s unbelievable how hard it is to actually do it,” Bowman says. “Every time we skate with UCP guys, our players are humbled and we sure thank our lucky stars for what we have and the ability to use that skill to help others.”
The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association, the oldest such organization in the NHL, plays 20+ games a year to benefit worthy charities. This group’s members use their status as former NHL players to bring people together to raise money for worthwhile organizations. The alumni roster includes such names as Joe Kocur, Darren McCarty, Dino Ciccarelli, Shawn Burr, John Ogrodnick, Craig Wolanin, Lee Norwood, Dennis Hextall, Pat Peake and fan favorite, Mickey Redmond.
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Media Inquiries:
248:376:0406
For information or interviews, please contact Lynne Golodner's personal cell phone at (248) 376-0406 or lynne@yourppl.com.
UCP/Detroit assists individuals with disabilities and their families to access much-needed services and support that help build a "Life without Limits." The organization focuses on ways to advance the independence of all people with any physical, mental or emotional limitation and secure their right to inclusion. Learn more at http://www.ucpdetroit.org/
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