Georgiev reflects on raising $5,000 for charity with MLK mask

It's been four months since Alexandar Georgiev's mask made headlines, but the New York Rangers goalie hasn't stopped thinking about the impact it had on him.

Georgiev reflected about the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute helmet he wore for the Stanley Cup Qualifiers that
raised more than $5,000 for three New York-area charities
.
Georgiev teamed up with artist Dave Gunnarsson to create a

, which included a quote from his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Georgiev was inspired by nationwide protests after the death of George Floyd in May.
"I saw that there was quite a few unfortunate things happening to minorities in America, and I wanted to use my voice for good," Georgiev said. "I felt like it was very fitting considering the events that minorities are facing right now - with racism still in society."

Georgiev auctioned off the mask at the end of last season, raising $5,076 for Children's Aid, WHEDco and Harlem Dowling.
Children's Aid provides support to children and youth and their families in high-needs New York City neighborhoods, Harlem Dowling provides foster care, adoption and preventative services and related assistance to children and their families in crises and distress so they can live in stable and nurturing environments and WHEDco helps families that are struggling due to poverty.
Each organization was grateful for Georgiev's gesture, particularly given the enhanced economic hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are able, with this gift, to continue to deliver programs to children at a time when it's not as easily available to them," WHEDco president Davon Russell said.
Georgiev said he was inspired by the conversation his mask started and the positive feedback it produced.
"I felt like so many times good people are staying silent, and then bad situations arise because maybe someone is unsure about voicing their opinion," Georgiev said "I realized that I have a platform and a voice that could influence some people and bring more good to the world. I tried to do that and got a lot of positive feedback."