(November 1, 2016)… The Rochester Knighthawks are growing facial hair a little early this year. Through a partnership with Gilda’s Club Rochester, the Knighthawks will grow their playoff mustaches prior to the season to raise funds for prostate cancer research and spread awareness about a disease that affects about one in seven men.
“The Knighthawks are excited to partner with another local champion in the Gilda’s Club to bring both awareness and support of prostate cancer research,” said Knighthawks Director of Tickets Nate Snyder. “We take a lot of pride in working with local organizations that support our community in such a profound way.”
The Mustaches for Cancer Movember contest will feature two teams as selected by Knighthawks players and fundraising team captains Dan and Paul Dawson. Fans are encouraged to vote for the team with the best mustaches by donating money to their favorite team’s donation page at www.knighthawks/Movember. The team that collects the most money by midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 30 will be declared the winner. The net proceeds from the contest will benefit Gilda’s Prostate Cancer Support Group, which is the longest running prostate support group in Monroe County.
The Knighthawks will raise additional funds through the sale of “Teaming up for Todd” Movember T-shirts, which will support Todd Baxter, who is the Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center. The $15 package includes a light blue T-shirt and a ticket to the Knighthawks’ Saturday, Dec. 10 preseason game. Baxter was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is a longtime friend and supporter of the Knighthawks. Gilda’s Prostate Cancer Support Group will receive $5 from each sale. To order, call the Knighthawks Office at (585) 454-4295.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to create some awareness and raise funds for prostate cancer during the Movember contest,” said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson, who is the captain of Dangerous Dusters. “It’s important that we give back to the Rochester community. It’s a small token of our appreciation for all that they have done for us.”
Dan’s younger brother, Paul, is the captain of the other fundraising team which will go by the name Mo-Hawks.
“I’m super excited. I used to have a Movember team back in university and have raised money for prostate cancer over the years,” said the Knighthawks defenseman. “I always love contributing to a great cause and the fight against cancer as it has touched so many lives throughout the years. I think this year, doing it as Knighthawks, will be more fun and even more enjoyable.”
Fans can follow the progress each of the players and the staff each Monday on www.knighthawks.com and get updates on www.twitter/rocknighthawks by using the hashtag, #Knighthawkstaches.
The Knighthawks will make a check presentation to Gilda’s Club prior to Opening Night on Thursday, Dec. 29 against the Toronto Rock. The Movember contest is one of several initiatives that the Knighthawks will undertake this season as part of the relationship. Rochester will also support Gilda’s Club’s Heroes Ball, Crosscheck Cancer and Comics Against Cancer events.
“We are so proud to team up with the Knighthawks with this great opportunity to help put a focus on prostate cancer awareness and support, which is vital in helping spread the message for men to get regular health checkups and know what signs to look for,” said Gilda’s Club Rochester CEO Bob Russell. “We’re very fortunate that the Knighthawks organization is such a wonderful supporter of Gilda’s Club Rochester and the 1,200 free-of-charge programs that we offer each year to those in our community who are touched by cancer. And 100 percent of all donations made through the campaign stay right here in our community to help our fathers, husbands and brothers who have been affected by prostate cancer.”
Gilda’s Club Rochester
The mission of Gilda’s Club is to Support, Educate, and Empower Cancer Patients and their Families. Our free comprehensive cancer program includes support groups, educational lectures and workshops for everyone impacted by cancer – men, women, teens, and children.
Dangerous Dusters
Dan Dawson – team captain
Bill Moran – 95.1 FM – honorary captain
Tyler Albrecht
Angus Goodleaf
Stephen Keogh
Luke Laszkiewicz
Ian Llord
Joel Matthews
Craig “Ripper” Rybczynski – broadcaster
Charlie Ragusa – social media manager
Matt Stathopoulus – account executive
Donation link:
http://bit.ly/2eC41Ki
Mo-Hawks
Paul Dawson – team captain
John Di Tullio – 95.1 FM – honorary captain
Josh Currier
Dylan Evans
Josh Gillam
Brad Gillies
Dan Lomas
Andrew Suitor
Mike Marcone – marketing intern
Connor O’Shea – account executive
Brendan McInerney – account executive
Donation link:
http://bit.ly/2fdvT8p
