Upon entering SAP Center, fans were given a Hockey Fights Cancer "I Fight For" support card courtesy of Kaiser Permanente and were encouraged to honor someone who has been impacted by cancer during a moment of recognition in the second period. The opposite side of the card featured a "This is Hockey Fights Cancer Territory" sign.
For the National Anthem, the Sharks Foundation invited five local pediatric cancer patients to join the Sharks starting lineup on the ice. Each child was given a Sharks jersey with words such as "fearless" and "courageous" on the nameplate and stood side-by-side with the Sharks on the blue line.
The Foundation's youngest guest, 4-year-old Alex Yohalem, stood hand-in-hand with Joonas Donskoi during the Anthem and at the completion, Donskoi handed Yohalem his stick as a simple gesture to let Alex know that he is not fighting his battle alone.
In addition, 15-year-old Nick Norcia, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, participated in the ceremonial puck drop and was able to ride the Zamboni during the game. Kaiser Permanente also hosted a number of other cancer patients and their families, who high-fived the players as they took the ice, received personalized jerseys and were able to meet several Sharks alumni throughout the night.
The Sharks Foundation sold Hockey Fights Cancer buttons, pins, patches and shirts from the Foundation Booth located at section 118 and featured a Hockey Fights Cancer item of the night during each in-game auction throughout the month with proceeds benefitting the
Austen Everett Foundation
.
Hockey Fights Cancer practice jerseys were auctioned off in partnership with the non-profit of the night,
Cancer CAREpoint
and raised more than $20,000 for its mission to provide personalized counseling, assistance, resources & education to all Silicon Valley cancer patients, families & caregivers.
To conclude the evening, more than 20 youth impacted by cancer had the rare opportunity to meet the Sharks during a post-game meet-and-greet, with autographs and photos.
Throughout Hockey Fights Cancer Month, the Sharks and Sharks Foundation supported 20 cancer-related organizations and donated more than 300 Sharks tickets to patients, survivors and family members and over $85,000 to the fight against cancer through research and support services.
50/50 RAFFLE BENEFICIARIES
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society $7,020
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $10,647.50
Okizu $9,900
Dream Foundation $6,512.50
Jacob's Heart $5,917.50
NON-PROFIT PARTNER OF THE NIGHT
Cancer CAREpoint $20,000
SHARKS FOUNDATION AUCTION BENEFICIARY
Austen Everett Foundation $5,300
NHL GRANT BENEFICIARY
Alex Lemonade Stand $5,000
HOSPITAL VISIT AND CAMPAIGN BENEFICIARY
The Jessie Rees Foundation $10,000
TICKET BENEFICIARIES (approx. $5,000 in tickets donated)
ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer
Latinas Contra Cancer
The Teal Foundation
Jay Moriarity Foundation
Bay Area Cancer Connections
Cops Care Cancer Foundation
Have a Ball Foundation
Movember
