BUFFALO, NY– Hasek’s Heroes (Buffalo, N.Y.) (www.haseksheroes.org), an organization founded by NHL great and former Buffalo Sabre Dominik Hasek, which introduces city youth to ice hockey and life skills, has announced the 5th Annual Tim Horton’s Backyard Classic outdoor ice hockey tournament (www.timhortonsbackyardclassic.com) generated a record-setting $26,000 in cash and in-kind donations and sponsorships. Net proceeds of the event will be used to construct an educational resource center to expand the organization’s programs and community outreach in Buffalo.
This year’s event featured 35 teams in four divisions including mites, middle school, high school and adult who competed on four outdoor ice rinks set up at The Rose Garden Restaurant (www.angrybuffalo.com) in Clarence, NY. Chris Taggart, Territory Manager for CertainTeed Fence, Deck and Rail and a Williamsville, NY resident, managed the facility construction effort. He arranged for more than $12,000 in materials, labor and event support to be donated to the tournament, which doubled the playing surfaces from prior years and will allow for continued growth and future expansion of the event.
Taggart, who serves as co-chair of the tournament, stated, “The construction trades and materials suppliers, including DiVal Safety, 84 Lumber, City Fence, Pace Landscaping & Ice Rinks and corporate sponsorships from Atlantic Bedding, CertainTeed, Jam in the Valley, The Mac Groups, Merchants Insurance, Rand Capital, Buffalo Sabres, and Synacor were an integral part of the success of our event. This annual tournament has resulted in hundreds of inner city youth being introduced to the game of ice hockey, in addition to providing great community exposure for Hasek’s Heroes. Since its founding, the tournament has contributed more than $30,000 to the organization.”
Five years ago, East Amherst, NY resident, Nicholas Penberthy, an Honors College student at SUNY Cortland pursuing a degree in elementary education, founded the tournament in his backyard. “As a future teacher, the development of an educational resource center for inner-city children of the Hasek’s program was important to me. I hope to one day teach and mentor kids in these classrooms,” said Penberthy.
“On behalf of all Buffalo-area Tim Horton’s Cafe & Bake Shop restaurant owners, we are very proud to be involved with an event that is focused on supporting the development of local youths,” said Wendy Clark, local Tim Horton’s Cafe & Bake Shop restaurant owner. “The Tim Horton’s Backyard Classic provides local kids with a sporting and life experience they will never forget.”
Executive Director of Hasek’s Heroes, Sean Green said, “The hard work of the volunteers and the leadership of Nick Penberthy and Chris Taggart show how giving people can help change the lives of many children!”
About Hasek’s Heroes
Hasek’s Heroes is a not-for-profit organization based out of two ice rinks located within the city of Buffalo, New York. The program provides a foundation of athletic development and educational support to more than 500 children in need annually. While learning basic hockey skills, the positive environment fosters the opportunity for the participants to learn to play hockey including supervision, equipment, ice time and instruction – all offered at no cost. In addition to athletic development, academic support is offered through a “Scholarship Club,” which includes homework assistance, projects, special incentives and most importantly, fun! Hasek’s Heroes encourages team work, discipline and skill building both on and off the ice. The kids who participate in the Hasek’s Heroes program build confidence, independence and an appreciation for their education as well as the great game of hockey. Sean Green, Executive Director, Hasek’s Heroes, 2607 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY (716) 875-4820, www.haseksheroes.org.
About Tim Horton’s Cafe & Bake Shop
Tim Horton’s is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Horton’s appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based beverages, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, grilled Panini’s, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of September 30, 2012, Tim Horton’s had 755 restaurants in the United States and 4,138 restaurants system wide. For more information, visit www.timhortons.com.
