L-R: Kootenay ICE Billet Family Bill & Melanie Graham join Matt Fraser, Sandy Dawson (Denny’s Cranbrook Manager) & Matt’s parents, Sharon & Maurey Fraser on ice to celebrate the achievement of exceeding his fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Shoot for the Star event
Cranbrook, BC… Thanks to the tremendous generosity of hockey fans, friends and family, last Friday night Kootenay ICE’s #11 Matt Fraser received a gift that surpassed his wildest dreams. The likeable left-winger‘s fundraiser, Matt Fraser & Denny’s “Shoot for the Star”, had a goal of aiming to raise $5,000 for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
Before the start of the game, EKFH and Denny’s were promoting fans to purchase a Denny’s stress rocket for a chance to win one five prizes. By the middle of the first period the rockets were sold out and the community spirit for Matt’s effort were shown with over $2,800 in donations being received. Tallied with other donations from a month of fundraising and Matt and several of his teammates conducting fitness classes at St Mary’s School, coaching a Timbits Tikes hockey team on Sunday morning has led Matt to not only reach the $5,000 goal but to raise the stakes to $8,316.97 and a chance to lit not only one but two stars at the regional hospital in support of cancer and other areas of care.
“When Matt told us the plans to do the Shoot for the Star fundraiser with East Kootenay Foundation for Health we were really surprised,” explains Maurey & Sharon Fraser, Matt’s parents. “We are just so proud of him, on and off the ice, and now to see so many people get behind his commitment for this cause is just such a wonderful feeling. We can’t thank EKFH, Denny’s, the hockey fans in Cranbrook, Calgary and Red Deer enough for helping Matt’s dream come true,” adds mom Sharon.
Lucky winners of the on-ice event were:
•ICE versus Calgary Hitmen package – John Perry of Sparwood•ICE versus Lethbridge Hurricanes package – Shane Bosanac of Cranbrook•ICE home game package – Ferg Kennedy of Cranbrook•Autographed Matt Fraser jersey – Bruce Benson of Cranbrook •Autographed Matt Fraser framed photo – Marie Froese of Cranbrook
East Kootenay Foundation for Health would like to thank sponsors Denny’s Restaurant, Sandman Inn, Calgary Hitmen, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Kootenay ICE, Hryciuk Gallinger & Co Inc , Cranbrook Photo, Selkirk Signs, Bob Learmonth (Photography) and James Farnan (Videography).
The 2nd annual Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health Care begins its lighting program this Wednesday at the regional hospital. Donations for the Matt Fraser & Denny’s Shoot for the Star will continue with a second goal of reaching a total of $10,000 to light a second star. To make a donation please visit us at www.ekfh.ca.