The team raised the funds at the annual Military Appresication Night on March 25.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks Charitable Foundation presented the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) with a check today for $17,500. The record amount was raised at the Knighthawks’ annual Military Appreciation Night on March 25.
The event, which was supported by Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, generated funds for the VOC through a jersey auction and from the sale of exclusive Military Night merchandise. This year’s total shattered the previous mark of $7,460.31, which was raised in 2016.
“We are very grateful for all the support our fans provided for our Military Night this past season,” said Knighthawks Vice President of Business Operations Nate Snyder. “This was our most successful night so far, and due to that success, the Knighthawks family is able to provide this check to the VOC to support the amazing work they do in our community. We look forward to continuing this relationship with the VOC and Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning to grow this event year after year. I would also like to thank the Buffalo Bandits organization for their role in supporting this venture through collaborating with our staff to wear the jerseys that evening.”
This year’s auction was the largest in team history, as the Knighthawks worked closely with the Bandits to have both teams wear military-themed jerseys. The Knighthawks sported United States Air Force inspired jerseys, while the rival Bandits were clad in black camo jerseys.
The Knighthawks also auctioned off jerseys from select members of their 2007 Champion’s Cup team, as the organization celebrated the 10th anniversary of the franchise’s second championship.
“The Knighthawks are extremely proud of this year’s jersey auction,” said Knighthawks Vice President of Sales John Catalano. “Our staff once again went above and beyond to make this an incredible event. We would like to thank Veterans Outreach Center, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning and everyone who donated to this great cause. A special thank you to the Buffalo Bandits for wearing a themed jersey and participating in the event. We look forward to continued success next season.”
“The results from this year’s Military Appreciation Night were truly astounding. The hard work put in this year by Charlie Ragusa, John Catalano and all the Knighthawks staff is commendable and resulted in a great evening in honoring our military members past and present,” said VOC Assistant to the Executive Director/Marketing Coordinator Matthew McGee. “The relationship is one we look to continue as we have become family. The Knighthawks made it a point to show their affection and concern for previous executive director Todd Baxter during his battle with prostate cancer by creating their ‘Teaming up for Todd’ campaign.
“This money will go directly to provide the vital services needed by a thousand-plus veterans and family members who walk through our doors every year. We want to thank the Knighthawks organization; Ray Isaac, for his season-long support of our ‘Tickets for Troops’ program; and the Buffalo Bandits for participating willingly in Military Appreciation Night.”
To learn more about Veterans Outreach Center, please visit www.vocroc.org or call Matthew McGee, MPA, at (585) 295-7810.