The 21st annual Hockey Challenge on Feb. 23 raised more than $175,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The Challenge has raised $6.4 million for RMHC in 21 years, the host Seattle Thunderbirds and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska said this week.
Sponsors formed hockey teams to raise money to play in the Challenge at the accesso ShoWare Center. All proceeds from the Challenge directly support operations of the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald Houses, which provide home-away-from-home help for families while their children receive critical medical care.
Last year, RMHC provided 39,982 nights of housing to more than 1,800 families at the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald Houses.
There were seven games played during the Challenge on Feb. 23. The first five games were played by teams from various divisions at Microsoft, LinkedIn, 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 Challenge games, and the event was capped off by the local Celebrity and T-Birds Alumni All-Star Game featuring Team Konowalchuk vs. Team Goodall.
Hailey, the Hockey Challenge Kid Captain, dropped the ceremonial first puck before the game against the Winterhawks.
“Every year, we are so inspired by the way the hockey community comes together to support the Ronald McDonald House,” said Vanessa Kirk Briley, director of special events at RMHC. “We are so grateful to everyone who makes this event such a success: the Thunderbirds, the players, the sponsors, the attendees, and the volunteers. Because of the efforts of all these groups, families can count on having a comfortable and supportive environment during their treatment.”
“The Seattle hockey community is a wonderful group that knows how important our annual Hockey Challenge has become,” said Colin Campbell, T-Birds vice-president. “Our fans were so excited to see Steve Konowalchuk and Glen Goodall play in the All-Star game this year.”
“We thank all the teams that took part for the money they raised for RMHC. We owe a special thank you to our awesome fans who, without their support, we would not be able to raise such a significant dollar amount. Thank you to our partners, volunteers and team and building staff for all their work to put on another successful Hockey Challenge.”
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