The program will benefit ABVI, an affiliate of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks and Smola Consulting announced today the creation of the “Saves for Kids” program. Through the partnership, Smola Consulting will donate $3 to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), an affiliate of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, for every Knighthawks’ save made during the 2017-18 season.
“Smola Consulting is proud to partner with the Rochester Knighthawks to help support ABVI this lacrosse season,” said Smola Consulting Owner Steve Smola. “ABVI provides remarkable support and services to the blind and visually impaired throughout our area.
“Watching the Knighthawks games each week, we are always rooting for ‘Vno’ (Matt Vinc) to make all the saves, and now we have one more reason to cheer him on. ‘Vno’ says no, but ABVI says yes!”
With money from each save going to ABVI this season, the Knighthawks’ netminders now have an added incentive to deny opposing shooters.
Vinc, who is fifth all-time in league history in saves, has earned NLL Goaltender of the Year and Team MVP honors five times in his career. The 13-year pro is also a three-time winner of the Champion’s Cup. Goodleaf, who is beginning his ninth season, is coming off a year in which he tied the second highest save total of his career. In 2017, the two-time NLL champion was also named Rochester’s Teammate of the Year for a second straight season.
“Hopefully, I have my best season yet,” said Vinc, who made 592 saves last season. “Playing for other people has always motivated me to play my best. I am looking forward to making saves on behalf of ABVI.”
During the Knighthawks’ regular season home finale on Saturday, April 21, ABVI will receive a ceremonial check from Smola Consulting.
“We are extremely excited about the partnership between ABVI, Smola Consulting, and the Rochester Knighthawks. The money donated by Smola Consulting each time a shot on goal is saved by the Knighthawks will help us to fund programs and services that help children who are blind or visually impaired in our community to live independent and fulfilling lives,” said Gidget Hopf, President and CEO of ABVI.
About Smola Consulting
Smola Consulting is a full service benefit and wellness consulting firm located in Rochester, NY. They offer review, analysis, and sound recommendations of current benefit programs, in addition to implementation lead or support for new programs. Smola Consulting also reviews, recommends, and supports programs. They also assist Human Resource teams with day-to-day issues, including billing, claims, membership, education, and open enrollment.
About ABVI
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) is dedicated to carrying out its mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. As a leading not-for-profit organization and community resource, ABVI adheres to these core organizational values: Respect, Integrity, Accessibility, Self-determination, Service Excellence, Confidentiality, Development, Communication, Culture and Continuous Improvement.