The NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, the Samueli Foundation and Schlegel Sports announced a joint donation today totaling $20,000 to the Embrace Iowa – 2008 Disaster Fund for flood victims in Iowa.
Anaheim, the new NHL affiliate to Iowa’s AHL franchise, and Schlegel Sports, the team’s owner, will present a check to the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation this week.
“Because Iowa is our home for AHL hockey, our contribution is a demonstration of our commitment – we are truly a part of the Iowa community,” said Kirby Schlegel, Schlegel Sports CEO and owner of Iowa’s AHL team. “We are here to help. This tragedy has affected hundreds of our team’s supporters and their families.”
The Samueli Foundation, established by the principal owners of the Anaheim Ducks organization, Henry and Susan Samueli, are also donating funds for disaster relief in Iowa.
“We hope our contribution will directly assist those whose lives have been so disrupted by this disaster,” said Gerald Solomon, the Samueli Foundation’s executive director. “We believe Embrace Iowa is a good fit to effectively make a difference for families statewide.”
“The Ducks organization is dedicated to building not only a successful hockey program in the Des Moines area, but also ensuring the community of Des Moines is strengthened in this time of need,” said Ducks executive vice president and general manager Brian Burke.
The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation collaborated with United Way of Central Iowa to form The Embrace Iowa – 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund. An advisory group assesses needs and recommends distributions to community based organizations, providing 100% of the funds donated to those needing assistance because of the recent flooding.
“We appreciate this outpouring of generosity and put to immediate use funds to deal with the catastrophic aftermath of these unprecedented disastrous floods,” said Kristi Knous, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation vice president of donor relations and community investment.
The Iowa AHL hockey team’s new team name, logo and colors will be announced in July, and the 2008 season home opener will be Friday, Oct. 10, at Wells Fargo Arena. For more information on the team, please call 515-564-8700. For further information on the Samueli Foundation or the Anaheim Ducks organization, please visit their respective websites at www.samueli.org and www.AnaheimDucks.com
