Firebirds Raise Over $50,000 For Non-Profit Organizations
Wednesday January 20, 2016
Flint, MI – Since the Firebirds first major event in Flint, Michigan on February 20th (Detroit Red Wings & Flint Generals Alumni Event), Flint’s newest hockey team, in just their first year in the region has raised over $50,000 for various non-profit organizations in Genesee County.
On Friday, January 20th, the Firebirds will continue to show their support for the surrounding community by donating $16,500 to the Old Newsboys of Flint, a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged children in the community. The proceeds came from various fundraising efforts including the “ugly sweater” jersey auction and a game night 50-50 raffle from the contest on December 11th when the Firebirds hosted the Mississauga Steelheads.
The check presentation is open to the public and will begin at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Dort Federal Event Center.
In addition to the partnership with the Old Newsboys of Flint, the Firebirds have teamed up with many other non-profit organizations to help give back to Genesee County including American Cancer Society, Autism Awareness Center, Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities, Eastern Michigan Hockey Association, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Goodwill, McLaren Foundation, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, United Way, West Flint Optimist Club and the Whaley Children’s Foundation.
Below is a detailed list of the Flint Firebirds fundraising events in Flint and Genesee County:
“Pink Out” with McLaren:
The Flint Firebirds and the McLaren Foundation partnered up in support of breast cancer awareness by hosting the Firebirds’ inaugural “Pink Out” Night. The Firebirds wore pink jerseys in support of the cause, which were auctioned off following the game. Proceeds of $17,723 were donated to benefit the McLaren Foundation.
Water Drive for Flint, Michigan:
With the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the Firebirds partnered with Cumulus Media to raise over 700 cases of bottled water. The cases were collected at the Dort Federal Event Center and distributed around the city of Flint by the end of October.
Veterans Appreciation Weekend:
During the weekend of November 13th and 14th, the Firebirds teamed up with Cumulus Media to offer all veterans and active-duty military a complimentary ticket to both back-to-back Flint Firebirds games. Fans that were not in the military but wanted to support the veterans brought various clothing items to the Dort Federal Event Center to donate to the cause.
“Kick off the Red Kettle Campaign” with Salvation Army:
The Firebirds joined Salvation Army’s “Kick off the Red Kettle Campaign” as players from the team and Firebirds mascot, Hot Wing, participated in bell ringing at the Flint Farmer’s Market to raise money for the cause. The Salvation Army was able to raise $765 at the Firebirds game on December 4th from passing the red kettle throughout the stands, 50/50 and chuck-a-puck proceeds.
“Stuff A Blue Goose” with Toys For Tots:
Prior to the holiday season, the Firebirds partnered with Bubba O-Malley’s, Cumulus Media, Elga Credit Union, Michigan State Police and NBC 25 WEYI to support the “Stuff A Blue Goose” campaign. The campaign raised over $4,000 and with various toy donations that were donated to Toys For Tots.
“Stuff the Truck” with Catholic Charities:
At the end of November, the Firebirds teamed up with C&L Ward and Catholic Charities to support the “Stuff the Truck” campaign. More than 1,400 lbs. of food including $1,415, along with hundreds of clothing and personal care items were collected and donated to Catholic Charities.
Annual Teddy Bear Toss
Following the Firebirds’ Teddy Bear Toss on December 4th, members of the team’s front office, players and Hot Wing distributed over 400 teddy bears to the Ennis Center for Children, Hurley Children’s Hospital, Michigan State Police Teddy Bear Patrol and the Whaley Children’s Center.
“Star Wars Night”- Goodwill:
On December 5th, the Firebirds held their inaugural Star Wars Night against the Sarnia Sting. Endorsed by Lucas Films, there were Star Wars characters in attendance and the Firebirds donned special Star Wars warm-up jerseys that were auctioned off throughout the game. Over $7,800 in proceeds were raised and donated to Goodwill.
“Ugly Sweater Night” with the Old Newsboys of Flint:
The Firebirds hosted their inaugural Ugly Sweater Night partnering with the Old Newsboys of Flint. Collectively, the Old Newsboys Paper Sale, live jersey auction, 50/50, chuck-a-puck and program sales from the game on December 11th contributed to over $16,000 in donated proceeds to the Old Newsboys of Flint, a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged children in the community.
“Firebirds Fight Hunger” with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan:
Throughout the entire month of January, the Firebirds teamed up with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for the “Firebirds Fight Hunger” campaign. Hunger doesn’t end after the holidays so the Firebirds are offering a $5 discount on a silver level ticket purchase by bringing in five or more food items to the Dort Federal Event Center. All proceeds from the campaign benefit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
Detroit Red Wings/Flint Generals Alumni Game:
IMS Hockey Corp held its first hockey event before a sold out crowd at the Dort Federal Event Center on February 20th. Some of the biggest names from the Detroit Red Wings organization played in the game like Dino Ciccarelli, Joey Kocur, Darren McCarty and Micky Redmond to name a few. IMS Hockey raised over $10,000 that night and happily donated it to both the Old Newsboys of Flint and United Way.
The Dort Federal Event Center is hosting their second annual Detroit Red Wings, Flint Generals Alumni Hockey Game on Friday, February 19th, 2016. Presale for Firebirds season ticket holders ends on Monday, December 28th before the tickets will go on sale to the public.
For more information, please visit flintfirebirds.com.
Loading ...