Fundraiser Sponsors: The Kelly Phillips Foundation

The Kelly Phillips Foundation is near and dear to our hearts here at DinoMights. Since we began our relationship two years ago, KPCF has engineered an equipment drive, sent numerous volunteers to Learn 2 Skate, and supported our fundraiser. Not to mention that Dan Phillips, of the Kelly Phillips Foundation is one of our tutors! So we are very thankful to once again have the Kelly Phillips Foundation supporting DinoMights.

The Kelly Phillips Foundation is dedicated to the legacy of an amazing young woman, Kelly Phillips. She lived her life by the values of Faith, Compassion, Service, and Academics.

Our students had the chance to learn about Kelly's life this summer at Impact Hockey Camp in Minnetonka. Here's what Hector and Francisco had to say,

"Coach EJ taught us about Kelly Phillips. She died at age 17, but helped a lot of people during her life. When kids from Edison lost their equipment in a fire, she raised money to help them. She had great leadership. She's also part of the reason we got to come to this camp. Thanks to Kelly."

We hope you will consider visiting their website to learn more.

Fundraiser Sponsors: NHL

We are very thankful for this year's Annual Fundraiser Major Sponsor, The National Hockey League (NHL).

DinoMights has been an affiliate the NHL Hockey is for Everyone Initiative since 1996. Hockey is for Everyone provides support and unique programming to non-profit youth hockey organizations across North America, such as DinoMights, that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey. The initiative is supported by NHL member clubs, players, NHL alumni, and fans. To date, Hockey is for Everyone has exposed close to 45,000 boys and girls to unique hockey experiences.

To celebrate this initiative, the National Hockey League hosts the annual Hockey is for Everyone Month in February. The league-wide initiative includes numerous activities to promote the diversity of the game that involve our clubs, players, alumni, fans, and grass-roots diversity programs, all with the goal of raising awareness and celebrating the growth of the game.

To learn more and see links to Hockey is for Everyone Videos please click here.

Fundraiser Sponsors: Imaging Path

One reason why our Annual Fundraiser will be a success is the generosity of our corporate sponsors. So for the next few days, I'd like to introduce you to some of our sponsors. We really hope you will consider visiting their web sites, and that you will feel good about those organizations' contribution to the community through DinoMights.

This year's Presenting Sponsor is Imaging Path.

As the Presenting Sponsor, Imaging Path ensures that all the proceeds from our event go directly to DinoMights programming. That means that, thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, your gift does not go to pay for room rental or food at the DinoMights event. Instead, whatever you give will go right to things like ice time, books for tutoring, community service projects, or summer camp. So a VERY big thanks to Imaging Path, the 2010 Presenting Sponsor.

Big EVENT: First Day of Practice

I recently called a new student to let him know that I would be coming to pick him up in the DinoMights van. He was so excited that he hung up on me.

Saturday was the first day of practice for the majority of our students. You really can never lose the joy of seeing wobbly little people just learning to skate. Mix the joy of something new with the excitement that hangs up on a caller in the middle of a phone conversation, and you definitely have a Big Event.

All fall, leading up to this day, we get phone calls in the office,

"When is hockey going to start?"

"Did you get the letter that we sent with a schedule?"

"Uh, I don't know."

"Well we sent you a schedule and hockey will start in three weeks."

"Aww, that long?"

"It will be here before you know it."

A WEEK LATER . . .

"When is hockey going to start?"

"Did you get the letter?"

"Uh, let me check the mail. Oh, here it is."

"O.K., that says when your practice is going to be. Two weeks away."

"Aww, that long?"

"It's really not that far off."

ANOTHER WEEK LATER (I call this time)

"Hello, this is Scott"

"Oh, hi Scott."

"I'm calling to let you know that I will be there to pick you up for hockey tomorrow morning"

"Hockey is tomorrow?!?!?!?!? Hey mom, I got hockey tomorrow, oh I can't wait until" CLICK

Imagine what he felt when he saw the ice, when his coaches said "hello, so glad to see you," when he finally felt the cool breeze against his face as he sailed across the rink.

BIG EVENT: First Day of Tutoring

This might surprise you, but kids love tutoring. If I had to say why the first thing that comes to mind is that their tutors love them. The dinos know that they are going to be loved at tutoring. Each week there is someone who has set aside time to read especially with them. In some cases we have kids with the same tutor for 5, 6, 7 years! Talk about volunteer commitment!

I'd like to think that students like tutoring, because they can see that it helps them. Don't get us wrong, we aren't replacing school. However, just one day per week spent reading and doing homework with a caring committed adult goes a long way in supporting the learning that takes place in school.

DinoMights is super proud to announce that this year we will have two DinoMights high schoolers tutoring young second graders. Sandy and Paola both had their own committed tutors back in the day. Now they are following in those footsteps.

Please say a prayer for DinoMights students and tutors today!

Longtime tutor Leah, with James at graduation 2009.

This is not officially about DinoMights, but I just couldn't resist posting it here. She's prepping to be a DinoMight. Hockey and Reading. That's my girl.

Special Guest: Minnesota Wild

Before the Minnesota Wild ever took the ice as an NHL hockey team they sought out worthy causes in the community to support. At that time DinoMights was in its early grassroots phase as well. Two Wild execs came to meet with John Foley, the founder and original director of DinoMights. After a nice lunch and conversation about how the Wild might be involved with DinoMights, the group was driving through the neighborhood back to John's office. There on the street were three boys playing street hockey with sticks that they had formed from temporary no parking signs. John said, "stop the car, I've got to sign these kids up." 12 years later, both that group of kids and the Minnesota Wild are still involved with DinoMights.

The Wild helps out DinoMights in numerous ways, but one is supporting our fundraiser. They always donate autographed items for the silent auction. This year they are donating a pair of game tickets, with a Zamboni ride at the period break! They also come to the event and share in the program.

Brad Bombardir smiles with DinoMights girls at a donated suite for a Wild game

Brad Bombardir, former player and current Director of Community Relations, is a regular presenter at the event. For the las few years he has presented our annual academic and service awards. In addition he has given those award winners a behind the scenes tour of Xcel Center on a game night.

So we are glad to continue a wonderful relationship with the Wild, and glad that they will once again be involved with our fundraiser.