Thunderbirds’ Hockey Challenge raises more than $150,000 for charities

The Seattle Thunderbirds’ 19th annual Hockey Challenge on Feb. 18 raised more than $150,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska (RMHC).

The Challenge has now raised $5.1 million for RMHC in 19 years.

Hockey teams are formed by sponsors that raise money to play in the Challenge. All proceeds from the Challenge directly support operations of the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald Houses, which provide a home away from home to support families while their children receive the critical medical care they need. Last year the Seattle Ronald McDonald House provided 28,603 nights of housing and services to 456 families.

There were six games played during the Challenge at the ShoWare Center. The first four games were played by teams from various divisions at Microsoft, two women’s teams made up of local recreational league players and two teams put together by NHLtoSeattle. The T-Birds vs. Portland Winterhawks game followed the four Challenge games, and the event was capped off by the Celebrity All-Star Game featuring former T-Birds.

“We are thrilled with the results of Hockey Challenge this year and are ever grateful to the Seattle Thunderbirds, the teams, sponsors and volunteers who make the event possible. said Vanessa Kirk Briley, co-director of development at RMHC. “Hockey Challenge is such an important fundraiser for us since it helps us to subsidize housing and programs for those who need it most. Every year we are amazed by the hockey community’s show of love for families who need a home away from home while their child recovers from a serious illness.”

“We as an organization are very proud that we are able to help the House raise such a significant sum every year. This Challenge is an important part of our history that we look forward to it every season,” said Colin Campbell, T-Birds vice president. “We appreciate the volunteers and alumni that join us every season to make the Challenge such success.”