(Rochester, NY)… The Rochester Americans and Veterans Outreach Center will partner to host Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Nov. 6 when the Amerks host the Binghamton Senators at 7:05 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena.
“The Amerks organization has always stood strong in leading this community through good works and as family entertainment,” said Todd Baxter, Executive Director of Veterans Outreach Center. “Their support of Veterans Outreach Center will strengthen our efforts to give our heroes a more successful transition back as neighbors, students, and employees. We are proud to partner with them to recognize our veterans’ service on this special night, and throughout the season.”
“It is an honor for the Rochester Americans to partner with Veterans Outreach Center, an organization that provides vital support and services for the brave men and women in our community who have served our country,” said Rob Kopacz, Vice President of Business Operations for the Amerks. “Our annual Military Appreciation Night is a way for us to show our gratitude for the U.S. Armed Forces and a game we take great pride in hosting each year.”
The Amerks are offering all United States Military Veterans, Retired, Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard service members two complimentary tickets to the Military Appreciation Night game. In addition, the team is offering a T-shirt and ticket package for just $25 that includes a one-of-a-kind “Americans” Military shirt (see attached) and a best-available ticket while $2 from each package sold will be donated to Veterans Outreach Center. Those interested in taking advantage of the offers can do so by visiting www.amerks.com/military or by calling 1-855-GO-AMERKS.
The Amerks will wear special Military-themed jerseys (see attached) during pregame warm-ups as a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces. The jerseys will then be autographed and auctioned off in the Arena during the game in a silent auction that will take place on the Upper Concourse. Proceeds from the jersey auction, as well as from the sale of special Military Appreciation Night Mystery Pucks, will be donated to Veterans Outreach Center.
The night’s festivities will also include Military vehicles on-site prior to the game, an educational SWAT Team demonstration at The Blue Cross Arena and other tributes to those who have served the country throughout the evening.
Members of Blue Star Mothers will be on hand in the main concourse to collect donation items for care packages that will be sent to local U.S. military service members who are currently deployed overseas. The items, which can include such things as Q-tips, lip balm, toothpaste/brushes, dental floss, beef jerky, sugarless gum/candy, granola bars, shampoo/body wash (travel size), sunscreen, peanuts and popcorn, will be collected at the game and shipped by Blue Star Mothers ROC, which is part of a national organization whose mission is to support all members of the Armed Forces and their families through a variety of supportive events and activities. Blue Star Mothers have or have had sons and daughters serving honorably in the United States military.
Veterans Outreach Center will also be the season-long sponsor of the Amerks Tickets For Troops program, which provides complimentary tickets to a United States Military Veteran, Retired, Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard service member at every home game.
Military personnel, veterans and family members can visit www.amerks.com/salute to also submit photos that will be displayed on the video board during the game as part of the military tribute.
For more information or to purchase tickets to an Amerks game, visit www.amerks.com or call 1-855-GO-AMERKS.
About Veterans Outreach Center:
Founded locally in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, today’s Veterans Outreach Center remains anchored in our community and offers a comprehensive portfolio of supportive services designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families. Through the generosity of our community, all of these programs and services are provided free of charge. Veterans Outreach Center provides comprehensive resources to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families through direct service, community collaboration, and advocacy. Veterans Outreach Center’s vision is to “Be the Nation’s best provider of community-centered supportive services for veteran families.”
