Youth hockey team from Lakeville, MN rewarded for raising money on behalf of Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Lakeville South Squirts C chosen as winning team in Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids program
ST. PAUL, MN (February 22, 2018) — Hiway Federal Credit Union® (Hiway) inspired youth hockey teams throughout the State of Hockey to use the same teamwork so important for success on the ice to help kids off the ice with serious health conditions through an innovative new program that raised nearly $10,000 for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul.
Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids, a collaboration with the Minnesota Wild and Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk, encouraged youth hockey teams to use their own creative ideas to raise funds for Gillette Children’s. Teams that raised $500 or more qualified to win a one-of-a-kind team party in a suite at the Minnesota Wild – Detroit Red Wings game on Sunday, March 4, 2018. The Lakeville South Squirts C team was selected at random by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare patient Joe Carr in a ceremony at the hospital.
“Our son, Dane, received physical therapy and occupational therapy services at Gillette Children’s for several years when he was younger,” said Lakeville South Squirts C team organizers Rick and Cindy Schumacher. “Today, thanks at least in part to Gillette Children’s, he’s a healthy, active kid who plays multiple sports. He’s finishing his second year of hockey and is gearing up for another season on the soccer field.”
“Everyone we encountered at Gillette Children’s was kind, professional, caring, and exceptional at what they do,” the Schumachers’ said. “We’ve seen the difference that Gillette can make, so we’re big believers. When we learned about the Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids campaign, an opportunity to raise money for Gillette Children’s while giving our kids a chance to win a team party at a Wild game, it was a no-brainer. Thanks to donations from friends and family, we ended up raising just over $1,100. Then, when our team was drawn to win a team party in a suite at a Wild game, that made something good just that much better!”
“Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids is a wonderful campaign with the promise of helping so many other kids achieve their dreams. We’re thankful to have been a part of it!”
In addition to the team party in the suite, the Lakeville South Squirts C will experience an exclusive pregame tour of the Xcel Energy Center, meet members of the Minnesota Wild and receive merchandise from the Wild and Hiway.
“Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare is a special, special organization,” said Hiway Federal Credit Union President and CEO Dave Boden. “We want to thank all of the kids and teams that helped kids in our community who may not be able to play the great game of hockey due to serious medical conditions or injuries. Not only did they support an important cause, they experienced the power and joy that comes with giving.”
“We are so thankful for the support of Hiway Federal Credit Union, the Minnesota Wild, Devan Dubnyk and youth hockey players in helping to raise money and awareness for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare,” said Dennis Jolley, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Gillette. “Their support on behalf of kids experiencing health challenges will make a real difference right here in Minnesota.
Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids ran from November 14, 2017 through February 10, 2018. Any youth hockey team governed by Minnesota Hockey, the official governing board of youth hockey in the state, was eligible to participate. All participating teams have been invited by Hiway to skate as their guests on the Xcel Energy Center ice on Friday, February 16th and Sunday, February 18th.
Lakeville South Squirts C Team
About Hiway Credit Union
Hiway Credit Union was founded in 1931 to serve the employees of the Minnesota Highway Department. Today, Hiway serves an expanded member base, with more than 90,000 members in Minnesota and nationwide, registers $1.8 billion in assets and welcomes new membership from individuals and businesses. Hiway offers its members unparalleled service and value on the road of life through lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and fewer and lower fees. Hiway operates four high school branches at Como, Harding, Highland, and Johnson High Schools in St. Paul. For more information about Hiway, visit hiway.org.
About Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Founded in 1897, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare , based in St. Paul, MN was the first hospital in the nation for kids who have disabilities. Last year, nearly 25,000 families with children facing such complex medical conditions as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury, trusted Gillette to help their children thrive. Gillette tailors its care model specifically to the needs of its patient and family community so they can achieve their highest potential.
