FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer: Barbara Hensley 952.471.8700 ex. 13
National Sports Center: Barclay Kruse 763.785.5634
Stick It to Breast Cancer Hockey Tournament
Raises Over $36,000 for
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
BLAINE, MINN. – June 9, 2005 – The National Sports Center campus in Blaine, Minnesota held their 7th Annual “Stick It to Breast Cancer” Ice Hockey Tournament. $36,000 was raised and donated to the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer located in Orono/Navarre, Minnesota.
“We were thrilled to partner with the Blaine Sports Center and we know this hockey tournament helped greatly in raising awareness of the Hope Chest. We are honored to be the recipient of the tournament’s generosity,” said Barbara Hensley, Founder of the Hope Chest.
The tournament allowed men and women to gather to not only play hockey, but to learn more about the battle against breast cancer while raising funds for the Hope Chest. Awards were eliminated from the event to save tournament costs, which helped in making the $36,000 donation possible.
The tournament consisted of nine different divisions and teams came from the state of Minnesota, but also Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, and Ontario. Even Governor Tim Pawlenty’s hockey team, Team Minnesota, played in an exhibition game against the Minnesota Whitecaps, an adult women hockey team, as part of the tournament events.
“Breast Cancer is one of the most devastating of all diseases,” said Barbara Hensley. “With the hockey tournament’s donation, we can help to assure that all women in the Twin Cities community know about the risks of breast cancer and help to get them the required screening and treatment.” Hensley lost her mother to lung cancer and two sisters to breast cancer. According to Hensley, the money raised at the hockey tournament will help support the various programs that provide assistance to those touched by breast cancer. It will be combined with the revenue stream from the Orono/Navarre retail store which raises money through the sale of donated, very upscale furniture, accessories, and women’s clothing.
About Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Founded in 2001, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer helps fund breast cancer research, early detection and treatment programs, and hospice care for people battling the disease. Hope Chest raises critical resources through the sale of designer furniture, accessories and clothing donated by individuals, corporations and small businesses at the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Retail Shop. Hope Chest’s ultimate goal is to raise $10 million annually by opening 50 Hope Chest shops nationwide within the next five years. The first Hope Chest retail store is located at 3850 Shoreline Drive in the Orono/Navarre area and is open daily. More information can be found at www.hopechest.us or by calling 952-471-8700.
About National Sports Center
The National Sports Center, located in Blaine, Minnesota, is dedicated to being a leader in providing sport experiences and athletic programs for Minnesota while encouraging tourism. For more information please visit www.nscsports.org.