November 18, 2017

Roman Catholic, Episcopal dioceses join with hockey team in hurricane relief

REGIONAL
Staff report

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts join the Springfield Thunderbirds to fundraise for the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund. (IObserve photo/courtesy of the Springfield Thunderbirds)

SPRINGFIELD — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts have come together with the Springfield Thunderbirds to fundraise for the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund. 

On Saturday Dec. 9, a portion of every discounted $15 ticket will be donated to help those impacted by Hurricane Maria, which hit the Island of Puerto Rico as a high-end Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 20.

The Thunderbirds will take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the 7:05 p.m. game at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

“The diocese is pleased to join together with the Episcopal diocese for this fun evening which will help raise funds and benefit those most in need in Puerto Rico, a place with deep ties to our community and parishes,” said Springfield diocesan spokesperson Mark E. Dupont.

 In addition to a portion of all ticket proceeds being donated to the Hurricane Relief Fund both the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts will be donating a combined $5 for every ticket sold through this promotion up to $4,000.

“The Springfield Thunderbirds are proud to support the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass. and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in their mission to provide much-needed support to those in Puerto Rico still impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Maria,” said Evan Mascaro, account executive for the Thunderbirds.

The game on Dec. 9 is also the Springfield Thunderbirds annual Teddy Bear Toss. Those attending are encouraged to bring a Teddy Bear to the game that could then be tossed on the ice after the Thunderbirds first goal. The Teddy Bears will then be collected and donated to local charities.

Tickets can be purchased through a link at  https://springfieldthunderbirds.formstack.com/forms/hurricane_relief_fund_dec9  or by calling  Evan Mascaro at 413-417-2294. The offer is not available at the MassMutual Center Box Office.