The Utica Comets and the Save of the Day Foundation will be raising money for breast cancer awareness at the club’s “Pink the Rink” game on Saturday, Dec. 3rd against the Albany Devils. All fans in attendance are encouraged to wear pink to pink out The AUD.
“We’re extremely excited for another special Pink the Rink night here at The AUD, and are honored to be able to give back to breast cancer research,” said Comets President Robert Esche. “We are especially thankful for our breast cancer survivor ticket sellers at tonight’s game, as they represent great strength within our community.”
The Comets will be wearing pink jerseys for the game that, for the first time ever, will be sold via a raffle. For $20 each, fans can purchase a raffle ticket at select locations throughout The AUD’s outer concourse. Throughout the entirety of the game, raffle winners will be drawn and announced during media timeouts. After the game, all winners will receive their jersey from the Comets player and have the opportunity to take a photo with the player and jersey. There are no limits on the amount of raffle tickets that a fan can purchase, however, only 3,875 tickets will be available for purchase. Raffle tickets can only be purchased with cash.
All proceeds from the jersey auction will be collected by the Save of the Day Foundation and donated to the Mohawk Valley Health System’s (MVHS) Breast Care Center.
The Comets will honor survivors, and those battling breast cancer with a special pre-game video tribute, and a ceremonial puck drop. In addition, MVHS will be handing out pink chapstick to everyone in attendance prior to the game.
The Rob Esche “Save of the Day” Foundation, Inc. is committed to promoting the needs of youth throughout the Mohawk Valley and offering contributions to other 501c3 organizations that have been authorized by the board of directors to support. The Foundation is devoted to raising funds annually through special events, a partnership with the Utica Comets organization and direct fundraising activities to benefit the Mohawk Valley community.
The MVHS Breast Care Center is the only local program that provides patients access to an interdisciplinary team approach to their breast care. Breast surgeon Laura Borgos, MD, FACS, joined the surgical team with Drs. Sperling, Williams and Max, and Debra Walz, AOCNP, MS, RN, STAR/C, WHNP-BC, the program’s women’s health and oncology nurse practitioner, recently earned her registered nurse first assistant certification. This allows Debra to accompany patients into the operating room and work closely alongside the surgeons performing the patient’s procedure.
The Breast Care Program offers understandable, practical advice that helps patients navigate their diagnoses and receive the breast cancer treatment they need. The team is ready to meet with patients to evaluate abnormal mammograms, perform breast exams or evaluate risk due to family history. They can address any breast health issue, big or small.
