15-02-2025
Painting the ice pink in the fight against cancer
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Only days after hosting Wiener Dog Night to benefit Dakota Dachshund Rescue, the Sioux Falls Stampede is supporting another important cause.
A fresh coat of pink paint covers the ice at the PREMIER Center, not for Valentine's Day, but for Pink in the Rink night.
'Just a special night for us to celebrate and raise awareness for cancer and all types of cancer,' Stampede President Jim Olander said.
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Olander says Pink in the Rink has been part of the Herd's schedule for nearly 20 years.
'We'll be honoring some cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer with a ceremonial puck drop, we've got fun in the concourse with Mr. Twister handing out free balloons, we're going to have free face painting,' Olander said.
Fans are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a specialty jersey with proceeds benefiting Voices Against Cancer.
'We met them this summer and had some great conversations just about how can we help them as an organization. They're relatively new in the community, helping to make a difference,' Olander said.
'Voices Against Cancer is a local nonprofit that was started about four years ago,' Voices Against Cancer board member Gina George said.
Gina George is a board member of Voices Against Cancer and says the organization raises money for children affected by pediatric cancer.
'We have a family assistance fund where we work one on one with our cancer patients and their families through Sanford, Avera, Mayo, all of these institutions and we make sure that the kids and the families have everything they want and need,' George said.
The dollars raised will be put to work in a variety of ways.
'We help with toys, weighted blankets, activities, things like that directly, but then also through the research with the St. Baldrick's Foundation to try and find newer, better medications for our patients,' George said.
'I think it's going to be a special, fun night, again a night you don't have to be a big hockey fan there's so much other stuff going on, but I think you're going to leave a hockey fan,' Olander said.
While making a difference in the fight against cancer.
Raffle tickets for the game-worn jerseys are 1 for $10, 3 for $20, or 20 for $100. Saturday's matchup will feature the top two teams in the USHL Western Conference, Lincoln and Sioux Falls. The puck drops at 6:05.
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