Panthers Foundation In The Spirit of Giving In November

Panthers Players and Wives Will Help Support All Initiatives

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers Foundation announced today that it is partnering with the Cooperative Feeding Program to run a charity food drive during each of the Panthers first three home games in November at the BankAtlantic Center.

"There are many families in the area that have been impacted by the storm," said Panthers captain Olli Jokinen, who will act as Chairman of the food drives. "This is a way for our team to help the situation."

The games are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 vs. the New York Rangers, Friday, Nov. 11 vs. the Carolina Hurricanes and Saturday, Nov. 19 vs. the New York Islanders.

The wives and girlfriends of Panthers players will be on hand at each of the three games to help collect food items. Fans are asked to bring protein-rich products such as peanut butter, tuna, spaghetti and meatballs, and nutritional drinks.

All three games will also feature the "Power Up With The Panthers" ticket promotion. All fans purchasing a ticket in advance of game day will receive a $10-dollar meal voucher. Fans can also buy gift cards from HoneyBaked Ham that will be directed to needy families during the holidays.

In addition, with a $5 donation at any Panera Bread location, patrons will receive a complimentary cup of coffee and a voucher for four tickets to the Florida Panthers game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Donations can be made between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11. All donations go toward the Cooperative Feeding Program.

In support of Thanksgiving Panthers players and staff will be serving lunch and stocking the pantry at the Cooperative Feeding Program on Nov. 21.

The Cooperative Feeding Program is the lead agency in the provision of food and services for the hungry and homeless. When families fall into economic hardship, the Cooperative Feeding Program (CFP) provides counseling and support to help them out of the throes of difficult times. Our diverse family center offers them hope, contact with community-wide services, and emotional support.

The staff of The CFP is involved in education and advocacy issues. Their focus is on quality of life for children, the ill, and the elderly. They work with the homeless and the families living at the edge of homelessness. Preventing homelessness is a primary concern.