Detroit, Mich. (Aug. 20, 2013) – The Detroit Red Wings have teamed up with Van Andel Institute’s Purple Community to raise money for cancer research when the Red Wings host the New York Rangers for Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Saturday, Oct., 26 at 7 p.m.
The Red Wings and Van Andel Institute (VAI) will officially introduce the partnership on Tuesday, Aug. 20 with a press conference starting at 11 a.m. at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids (333 Bostwick Ave.). Several executives from both companies will speak, including David Van Andel, the chairman and CEO of VAI. The partnership is part of a larger effort to deliver VAI’s mission of biomedical research and science education throughout Michigan.
“Some people talk about Michigan in terms of east and west, but I don’t see my home state in that way,” said Van Andel. “The fight against cancer and disease should not be limited by geography. The biomedical research being done at Van Andel Institute is changing lives and impacting treatments for people living with cancer and neurodegenerative disease, all across the state, our nation and the world at large. This partnership with the Red Wings is an amazing opportunity, and I think it’s fantastic that we are now able to leverage this relationship to expand our message of research, discovery and hope.”
“Connecting with the community has always been a high priority for the Red Wings, especially when it comes to battling cancer and disease,” said Tom Wilson, the President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment. “We are honored to be able to team up with Van Andel Institute, a leader in research and education. The Purple Community in particular is a great way to engage our fans and raise funds for an outstanding cause.” Fans who wish to attend can purchase an upper-level seat for $100, a price that includes a donation to VAI and the opportunity to join other supporters on the Red Wings’ ice for a group photo after the game. The Red Wings will also be honoring cancer survivors and those affected by cancer throughout the night. Proceeds from each ticket sold through this special offer will be donated back to VAI to benefit cancer and neurodegenerative disease research and science education.
Tickets for the contest will go on sale Saturday, Aug., 24, and can be purchased by visiting www.DetroitRedWings.com/hockeyfightscancer and entering the promo code “PURPLE.”
The event is part of the annual Hockey Fights Cancer month in October, an initiative founded by the NHL and NHLPA in December 1998 to raise money and awareness for hockey’s most important fight. To date, more than $12.8 million has been raised under the Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative to support national and local cancer research institutions, children’s hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations.
About The Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings hockey club, an Original Six member of the National Hockey League and 11-time Stanley Cup Champion, was purchased by Michael and Marian Ilitch in 1982. Other Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development of Michigan, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Champion Foods and Uptown Entertainment. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel. For more information, visit www.DetroitRedWings.com.
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About Van Andel Institute
Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Mich., dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI’s research arm, is dedicated to studying the genetic, cellular and molecular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and working to translate those findings into effective therapies. This is accomplished through the work of more than 200 researchers in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Find out more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org