Chicago Wolves fans have the opportunity this month to provide the ultimate fundraising assist for local families of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Wolves will wear exclusive First Responders Jerseys, presented by Turtle Wax, during their home games on Jan. 20-21 at Allstate Arena. All of their game-worn jerseys will be available through a variety of fundraising initiatives. Proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of Chicago and Chicago Wolves Charities.
The Wolves and Turtle Wax have raised $50,000 during the first two years of their partnership to help the 100 Club of Chicago — a Chicago-based civilian organization that provides for the families of first responders in Cook County and Lake County who lost their lives in the line of duty — and the Wolves and Turtle Wax have set a goal to raise $30,000 this year.
Fans don’t have to wait until Jan. 20 to try to win a jersey. Wolves forward Scooter Vaughan, one of the team’s most popular players, already has made one of his jerseys available via the Golden Ticket raffle. Tickets are $50 apiece for the raffle, but only 50 are being sold. Purchase a ticket online before the supply runs dry, or visit the Chicago Wolves Charities table at the games on Jan. 20-21.
Defensemen Petteri Lindbohm and Shea Theodore — the latter of whom currently plays for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights — have jerseys available via blind auction. Fans can submit their bids either online or during the Jan. 20-21 home games by visiting the CWC table behind Section 105 at Allstate Arena.
Fans also can win a No. 18 First Responders jersey they can personalize. This blind auction, which is being conducted solely online, allows the winning bidder to choose the name on the back of the jersey. Online auctions close at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The rest of the Wolves players’ jerseys — as well as jerseys for the coaching staff, veteran color analyst Bill Gardner and Wolves executive vice president Wayne Messmer — are available via silent auction at the games on Jan. 20-21. The bidding begins on Saturday, Jan. 20, when Allstate Arena doors open at 6 p.m. and it concludes at the end of the second intermission on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The Chicago Wolves and Turtle Wax have longstanding histories of supporting local first responders. Turtle Wax co-chairmen Denis and Sondra Healy have lent their support to the 100 Club of Chicago for more than 30 years. Denis Healy continues to serve as the organization’s executive board vice president.
Messmer believes he owes his life to Henry Hugel and Bill Steiner — the Chicago Fire Department paramedics who were the first to rush to his aid when he was shot in the throat on April 9, 1994, during a failed robbery attempt in Chicago.
“I’ve experience firsthand the truly lifesaving work of our fearless public servants,” Messmer said. “I know I’m not alone, which is why I’m proud that the Wolves and Turtle Wax are offering a fun way for everyone to get involved and recognize the individuals who serve the Chicagoland area.”
