BEARS Give to Charities through Jersey Auctions

April 9, 2009

CONTACT: Melissa Stradnick - 717-534-8945 BEARS Give to Charities through Jersey Auctions (Hershey, PA) â�" Throughout the season the HERSHEY BEARS wore specialty jerseys that were auctioned off after their respective game; with proceeds benefiting local charities close to the BEARS organization. All fans in attendance, on the auction nights, were invited to place bids on each jersey. Each jersey was then awarded to the highest bidder and then signed by the respected player. Each year, the jersey auctions bring in a significant amount of money and this year was no different. â��This season, the HERSHEY BEARS hockey club has raised more than $120,000 for local charities and organizations. This result could not have been reached without the support of our fans. The Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company (HE&R) and the HERSHEY BEARS Hockey Club would like to thank our fans for the caring and generosity they exhibit every year during our jersey auctions,â�� said Ted J. Kleisner, President and CEO of HE&R. â��Together, the BEARS and their fans are making a difference in the lives of many in our community.â�� On October 26, the BEARS wore a special Breast Cancer jersey to benefit the American Cancer Society. Then on November 1, the chocolate and white wore Camouflage jerseys, with the money being donated to the Hershey Jr. Bears. A Washington Capitals jersey was worn on January 24, with the proceeds donated to the MS Society. On Valentineâ�™s Day, the BEARS wore special Valentineâ�™s Day jerseys to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, Rett Syndrome, and the Derry Township Historical Society. In addition, on March 15, St. Patrickâ�™s Day jerseys were worn with the proceeds benefitting the World Blindness Outreach and Hospice Care of Central PA. Finally, following the last regular season home game on April 12, Hershey is auctioning off the Jerseys off their backs. Proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. â��Our fans have proven once again they are the very best. Their considerable contribution to various charities through the auctions is outstanding! In these challenging economic times, Hershey fans have shown their generosity by giving to those less fortunate,â�� stated BEARS President and General Manager, Doug Yingst. â��We truly applaud their kindness, caring, and support.â�� ###