One of the Chicago Wolves’ most popular traditions returns to Allstate Arena this weekend as the Wolves will wear commemorative St. Patrick’s Day jerseys, presented by Jewel-Osco, to raise money for Easterseals Metropolitan Chicago and Chicago Wolves Charities.
This marks the 22nd March in a row the Wolves have helped local charities with their specially designed St. Patrick’s Day jersey, which makes its debut for Saturday’s 7 p.m. game against the Rockford IceHogs. The Wolves also will don the jerseys for Sunday’s 3 p.m. clash with the Iowa Wild.
Easterseals Metropolitan Chicago, the fundraiser’s primary beneficiary, broke ground in September on its $14 million Fitness, Wellness and Recreation Center that’s designed to serve children and adults with autistic spectrum disorder and related disabilities. The facility, which is still in the fundraising phase, is expected to be ready in time for the 2018-19 school year.
“Easterseals does amazing work, but each year they’re being counted on to do more because the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise,” said Courtney Mahoney, Wolves senior vice president of operations. “Our terrific fans, who have supported our St. Patrick Day’s jersey fundraiser wholeheartedly for so many years, realize how important Easterseals’ mission continues to be.”
The Wolves are making these game-worn and autographed jerseys available via silent auction, blind auction and a special Golden Ticket raffle. The blind auction features jerseys from Brandon Pirri, Beau Bennett, Scooter Vaughan and mascot Skates as well as two jerseys that allow the winner to select the name and number. That auction, which includes in-arena participation during this weekend’s games, concludes at noon on Monday, March 19.
More than two dozen other jerseys, including ones designed specifically for the Wolves coaching staff, general manager Wendell Young, senior executive vice president Wayne Messmer and TV analyst Billy Gardner, are available via silent auction at the Chicago Wolves Charities table behind Section 105 at Allstate Arena. That auction concludes at the end of second intermission on Sunday.
The Wolves Golden Ticket raffle, which features captain Paul Thompson, already has achieved sold-out status.
