Happy Giving Tuesday to all Stingrays fans!
This Giving Tuesday, we are excited to showcase the meaningful contributions we’re making within our community.
We kicked off our season with a Hurricane Helene Relief Drive, which was especially important given the extensive damage the storm inflicted across Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and areas of South Carolina. Knowing the profound impact of the devastation, we stepped up to help those affected. With your generous donations, we filled an entire box truck with vital supplies, including water, baby necessities, and pet care items. Thanks to Palmetto Paint Specialties Inc., all collected items were delivered to Asheville, North Carolina, reaching those in need.
In the short time since our team’s arrival, we’ve been dedicated to giving back to our local community.
Over the past two months, the Stingrays have dedicated more than 140 hours to various community initiatives. These efforts have included participating in the Reading Buddies program at local schools and helping with youth hockey practices at the Carolina Ice Palace.
Even when our players are traveling, our beloved mascot, Cool Ray, is actively engaged in the community. In October and November, Cool Ray attended over 20 local events, such as the City of North Charleston’s Night Out, Fish or Treat at the South Carolina Aquarium, and Pepperhill’s Trunk or Treat.
In early November, the Stingrays collaborated with the North Charleston Community Resource Center to host a special community night. Players Micah Miller, Kyler Kupka, and Reilly Webb helped lead a lively street hockey game for local kids. We were delighted to provide a range of take-home items, including T-shirts, water bottles, autographed photos, stickers, pens, and foam pucks. The ServiceMaster of Charleston team added to the fun by bringing an ice cream truck, delighting families with complimentary treats. It was a joyful evening, a wonderful opportunity to connect with our North Charleston community.
Recently, we also hosted a free NHL Street Hockey Clinic at the North Charleston Sports Complex, where over 20 kids participated. Each child received a complimentary NHL Street jersey and enjoyed a two-hour clinic led by Stingrays President Rob Concannon, Youth Hockey Coach Ryan Blair, and Assistant Coach Mike Hamilton. Players Jacob Graves, Tyler Weiss, and Jordan Klimek surprise attendees by signing jerseys and sticks at the clinic’s conclusion.
Another initiative we proudly lead is the Assist of the Game program. At each home game, Stingrays owner Todd Halloran donates $1,993 (symbolic of our founding year) to local nonprofits, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing the community. This season, we have already had the honor of supporting several organizations.
As we continue this initiative throughout the season, we look forward to collecting items during our upcoming Teddy Bear Toss and Undie Sunday games presented by Crews Chevrolet and Gildan. The teddy bears gathered during our game will be distributed to those in need, and donations from our Undie Sunday game will go to a local charity.
This holiday season, we are pleased to partner with Blanton and Sons to spread joy to families in need. Together, we will provide Christmas trees to seven deserving families, offering a festive touch to their holiday celebrations. This collaboration embodies the spirit of giving, and we are thrilled to bring warmth and cheer to our neighbors during this special time of year.
We are immensely grateful for your support, which is crucial to making these positive impacts in our community. As we look ahead, we are excited about the wonderful opportunities on the horizon.
Together, we are working to create a brighter future for our community, and we can’t wait to see what remarkable achievements lie ahead!
Warmest regards,
The South Carolina Stingrays
For more information on the Community Programs and Initiatives led by the South Carolina Stingrays, click here.
Summary: The South Carolina Stingrays celebrate Giving Tuesday by highlighting their community outreach efforts, including disaster relief, youth engagement, and upcoming charitable initiatives. They express gratitude to fans and look forward to continuing their contributions throughout the season.