Day of Hockey
To benefit The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center

On Sunday, February 24th the Bill Dodge Auto Group presented the "Day of Hockey" to benefit the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. The day-long event was presented by the Portland Pirates Foundation, Huskies Youth Hockey, supported by the Cumberland County Civic Center and Haley's Tire.

This was the fourth year in a row the Pirates have held an event to benefit The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. This year, many events leading up to the event generated awareness and funds for the "Day of Hockey" on February 24th.

For the second year in a row, the Portland Pirates hosted the Cumberland County Charity Hockey Game on January 12th. The Cumberland County Men's Sheriff's Hockey team played against the Midcoast Youth Hockey Coaches team at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Both teams sold over 300 tickets to raise money for the hospital. The game raised over $800.

Since January 26th, fans raised funds for the hospital by participating in an online auction at www.portlandpiratesstore.com. The Portland Pirates Foundation auctioned off a team signed stick used by Pirates goalie Mike McKenna on January 26th as part of Motorsports Night. The stick featured a checker board design on one side and the autographs from all the members of the 2007-08 team. The stick generated $230 through the online auction.

On January 27, 2008, 11 year-old Mick Mansir, together with the USM Men's Ice Hockey Team, held a fundraising event to benefit The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Mansir, a '96 Portland Junior Pirate and Gorham Middle School hockey player has been involved with supporting the children's hospital for the past four years. The 44 foot by 92 foot skating rink in his backyard was the site for many local residents, members of the USM Men's Ice Hockey Team and athletic department to enjoy the weather and skate to raise funds for the hospital. A 50-50 cash raffle and raffle for sport prizes from local merchants and sports teams raised over $3,000.

As part of the event on February 24th, the Portland Professional Booster Club donated the 50/50 raffle to The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital and $5 from every ticket sold by a Huskies Youth Hockey player was donated to the hospital.

On Saturday, April 5th the Portland Pirates Foundation and the Bill Dodge Auto Group presented a check to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital for $15,000 during in an on-ice presentation during the Pirates game against the Hartford Wolf Pack. The donation represents the funds raised through the "Day of Hockey". The $15,000, brings the four year total to $60,000 raised for The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.

The check was presented to Dr. John Bancroft from the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital by the Pirates Managing Owner/CEO and President of the Portland Pirates Foundation, Brian Petrovek. Along with the check, the Pirates also presented a "Get Well" card that was signed by the participants in the "Day of Hockey" and the entire Pirates team to give the kids at the hospital.

"We are pleased to announce that we have again reached our fundraising goal for this year's event. We are very grateful to all those who volunteered their time and financial resources to help the hospital. We especially want to thank the Bill Dodge Auto Group for their sponsorship of the event. This is a world class children's medical facility and we are proud to be able to support such a great cause," said Petrovek.

The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center,
one of the country's leading children's hospitals, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. With 93 licensed beds and more than 46,000 annual patient visits, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is recognized for excellence in cancer treatment, cardiology, neonatal care and numerous other pediatric specialties. As a non-profit organization, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital benefits from generous philanthropic and volunteer support from our community and state, enabling us to enhance services and programs for children and their families.

The Portland Pirates Foundation was formed in July, 2003 as a Maine public charitable corporation and represents the philanthropic arm of Portland Pirates, LLC. The mission of the Portland Pirates Foundation is to enrich and impact the region, and specifically the greater Portland area, through educational, sports-based, community-building and fundraising activities, programs, events and relationships. The Foundation leverages the unique talents, resources and capabilities of Portland Pirates players, families, employees and shareholders and collaborates with local corporate and community partners to make a difference in our local communities.

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