Jordan Kuhns
Media Director
Millersville University’s ice hockey team announced that it will host the inaugural “Drop the Gloves Against Diabetes” benefit event on Sunday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Student Memorial Center’s multipurpose room.
The benefit event will feature many different activities, including local musical acts from the greater Lancaster and Philadelphia areas, as well as routines from Millersville University’s own Expressions dance team. Members of the hockey team will also be selling t-shirts and refreshments. Additionally, there will be prizes given away through a raffle, including a pair of tickets to a Philadelphia Flyers game.
Sara Heller, the event’s coordinator, brought the event to fruition for the community, as well as for the budding hockey team.
“It’s going to be really fun,” Heller said. “People will see that [the team is] doing the benefit. They will get to see who they are and what they are capable of.”
The event will be hosted by two of the standout characters on the team, Pete Scottoline and Zach Juliano.
“There’s no better way to get our name out there than to join something that’s worthwhile,” Scottoline said. “The benefit should not only raise money for a good cause, but hopefully people will take notice of our club.”
Heller said the event is raising funds for an American Diabetes Association (ADA) walk on October 2, adding that the hockey team was gracious enough to sponsor this year’s event, and to give it a unique identity.
Her drive to raise funds for this cause is a personal one.
“Members of my family have diabetes, and it’s something that is very common,” Heller said.
So common in fact, that 25.8 million people of all ages are affected by this debilitating disease, according to the ADA. Also, 1.9 million more people were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010. Its prevalence is becoming hard to deny. Events like this make sure that efforts to find a cure for this disease continue.
Scottoline made sure to note what events attendees should get excited for.
“Not the humor by me,” Scottoline joked. “The acts that are performing will be very talented. There’s a comedian that might be upset if we’re more funny than he is.”
Forward Mike Carpenter is looking forward to the team’s first diabetes fundraising effort.
“I know it is going to be a good time for everybody,” Carpenter said. “We have a lot of great prizes to give away so I know that is going to be a hit.”
“People need to realize that this is a terrible disease and anything that [the team] can do to help will make a difference.”
Last year’s team captain Evan Miller echoed that thought.
“I’m very proud of the team for taking part in sponsoring the event,” Miller said. “The whole team hopes everyone there has a great time.”
90% of the proceeds will be going to the Harrisburg branch of the American Diabetes Association. The event’s tickets will be sold at the door of the multipurpose room. The cost is $5.00 for the general public, and $3.00 for students with a Millersville ID. Dress is on the formal side of business casual.