The Adirondack Thunder will build on its commitment to provide joy off the ice with local communities by paying a visit to an impactful Capital Region after-school program.
Adirondack Thunder players and official mascot “Gunnar” will head to the Catholic Charities Sunnyside Child Development Center in Troy to participate in a variety of interactive activities with students on Tuesday, April 1 from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest, private, social service agencies in the region, will be on-site collecting donations at Cool Insuring Arena on Friday, March 14. Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Sister Betsy Van Deusen will drop the puck as the Thunder take to the ice against the Maine Mariners.
Fans at the March 14 game can bid on a special Adirondack Thunder prize pack from the opening of doors to the conclusion of the second period intermission at the Catholic Charities table located in the lobby of Cool Insuring Arena. All proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities to support its mission of providing assistance to residents in 14 local counties throughout Upstate New York.
“We truly value our ongoing partnership with the Adirondack Thunder whose support of our mission to assist vulnerable populations is greatly appreciated,” said Sister Betsy. “We look forward to the visit by Thunder players to Sunnyside Child Development Center and know that the children in our after-school program will be treated to a memorable and unforgettable experience.”
The after-school program at Sunnyside Child Development Center in North Central Troy provides children in grades K through 5 with learning and recreational opportunities, as well as creative activities, that aid in the development of social and emotional skills. Under the umbrella of Catholic Charities’ Tri-County Services programs, which address the basic needs of youth in Rensselaer, Albany and Schenectady Counties, Sunnyside is helping children thrive.
“We are proud to support the vital work that Catholic Charities performs in communities across our region,” said Adirondack Thunder President Jeff Mead. “Our players are honored to spread joy off the ice and assist Catholic Charities in their mission to benefit the under-served population.”
Established in 1917 as a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charities helps an estimated 70,000 people each year across the 14 local counties that it serves, with the majority of these individuals receiving multiple services with a total reach of services going well beyond 70,000. The 501c3 agency offers a wide spectrum of services, from addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter; to more specialized support for the most vulnerable in our communities, including individuals with developmental disabilities, pregnant and parenting teens, the unemployed, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless.
The Thunder return home to Cool Insuring Arena this Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15, to host the Maine Mariners. Tickets for this weekend’s and all remaining Thunder home games may be purchased by calling 518-480-3355 or online at ECHLThunder.com.