Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Calumet High School and Aspirus Keweenaw are partnering up to provide comfort to local cancer patients. They’re doing this through fundraising efforts that they call “The Jersey Fund,” named for the jersey auction that takes place at the Copper Kings Varsity Hockey game.
Calumet Copper Kings Head Hockey Coach, Dan Giachino, says that the students hold different fundraising events throughout the week.
Giachino said, “The kids are selling posters during the week. They’re selling t-shirts. They’re selling candy, root beer floats…there’s a lot of things going on, primarily at school with that sort of thing. The event here is really the jerseys and the game itself.”
These special jerseys are worn by the Copper Kings at ‘The Jersey Fund’ game against the Houghton Gremlins and auctioned off in the lobby. With bids starting at $75 and some reaching the $200 range in past years, this jersey auction makes up a large portion of ‘The Jersey Fund.’ Giachino says they plan on changing the jersey design each year to keep them marketable.
Marketing Logistics Coordinator at Aspirus Keweenaw, Jenn Jenich-Laplander, says the proceeds benefit the cancer care program at Aspirus Keweenaw.
Jenich-Laplander, said, “The things that we’ve used the proceeds from the other events have been iPads for our patients and also warming blankets. So the purchase of the iPads and the warming blankets bring extra comfort to our patients while they’re receiving treatment.”
Jenich-Laplander says patients appreciate the added comfort and students enjoy helping the community.
