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Health & Fitness

A Weekend of Giving Back, Sound Tigers Style

Our friends at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers have a big weekend of giving back -- and fun -- on tap!

For some time now, we have been proud to have friends in the folks at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers organization. This is a group that doesn’t just talk about giving back to the community. They do it. Big time.

Last year, we helped get the word out about their “Souper Bowl of Caring” food drive. We also told you about their “Pink Rink” event supporting those affected by breast cancer. Our friends at CancerCare CT recently hosted their "Blocks of Love" at the Webster Bank Arena to raise money for individuals and families affected by cancer. The list goes on and on.

Sadly, this season the organization has had plenty to focus on. We were so impressed, but not surprised, when they opened up some games, for free, to those affected by Hurricane Sandy, then later to the Newtown community. This weekend, as the team pushes on to a playoff spot, they’re doing more for our neighbors.

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Saturday April 6th, when the Sound Tigers take on the Connecticut Whale, is “Newtown Night” at Webster Bank Arena. Organizers say the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary deeply affected the entire organization and they are committed to supporting Newtown. Since the shooting, players have been wearing green ribbons on their jerseys and helmets to honor the victims. At Saturday night’s game, there will be a moment of silence honoring the victims as well as a check presentation to Sandy Hook Promise. Organizers say they will also hold raffles throughout the game that will benefit Sandy Hook Promise.

The next day, on Sunday April 7th, the game is being held in honor of all first responders like police, fire, EMS and military. This game will feature a number of tributes to our region’s first responders. In addition, a portion of the ticket sales, 50/50 and jersey raffles will go to the families of VEMS Paramedic Jon Fleming, Sgt. Jessica Tillson of Bridgeport PD and Sgt. Angelo Collazo of Bridgeport PD - all first responders affected by cancer.

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Group Sales Rep John Reis says making sure the organization is giving back to the communities that support it is a priority.

“We’re honored to get to make these small gestures for our fans and the community at-large, especially given what Newtown has been through this year,” said Reis. “And we also want to support our first responders whenever we can. They’re there for us everyday so anything we can do to let them know we have their back too is a good thing.” 

We hope you can come out for one, or both, of the games. They are always fun, family-friendly and full of some incredible hockey!

If all of this good energy has you inspired, visit us at VolunteerSquare.com and sign up for our free e-alerts. We’ll help you find the volunteer project that’s best for you. We hope to see you at the games this weekend! 

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