Hershey Bears Give Back: March 2019
The Hershey Bears are committed to giving back to the community as a part of our Hershey Bears Cares initiative. In the month of March, Bears players appeared at the 7th annual Running for Rachel event at six different Arooga’s locations across Central PA. Additionally, the Bears made appearances at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, hosted the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA), and PUCHOG, a club that puts wounded veterans on the ice to play hockey as a means of physical, mental and emotional therapy.
On March 5, Hershey forwards Beck Malenstyn and Nathan Walker signed autographs at the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Harrisburg from 5-7 p.m.
The following day, Bears players, coaches and staff were joined by members of PUCHOG after practice at Hersheypark Arena. PUCHOG members joined Hershey players in sled hockey, a variation of hockey played by those with physical and emotional impairments.
The next week on March 12, the Bears hosted ASHA for the 4th consecutive year following a practice at Giant Center.
March 16 marked Autism Acceptance Night for the Hershey Bears in a home game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Bears players wore specialty Autism Acceptance jerseys which were auctioned post game. Proceeds from the jersey auction benefited the Vista School in Hershey and The Tommy Foundation.
Coming soon to a sheet of ice near you
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 16, 2019
We are ready for Autism Acceptance Night at Giant Center! #HBH #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/31sh7Jtnqa
On March 16, we are proud to host Autism Acceptance Night at Giant Center! Our players will be wearing these specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off post game to benefit @Vista_Autism and @ttfoundation #HBH #HersheyBearsCares
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 12, 2019
https://t.co/aT01jPnhNy pic.twitter.com/KIpDab5txr
The Bears concluded their community appearance schedule on March 20 with the 7th annual Running for Rachel event at Arooga’s. Two Bears players attended Arooga’s at the Hummelstown, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg Route 22, Route 15, Lancaster and Linglestown locations.
At the Hummelstown @Aroogas location, it’s a packed house to see @Jayson_Megna and @NathanWalks10! #HersheyBearsCares pic.twitter.com/lKGJqQC1aq
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 20, 2019
Our @Running4Rachel event at @Aroogas is well underway! @malenstyn and @LucasJohansen97 are currently at the Route 15 location! #HersheyBearsCares pic.twitter.com/M09quIYJwe
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 20, 2019
#HersheyBearsCares pic.twitter.com/nEpBIMqYr3
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) March 20, 2019
A grand total of $8,725 was raised across the six locations, setting a new record in the annual event.