Thunderbirds Continue Fundraising Efforts in 2023-24

On October 11^th, the Springfield Thunderbirds released the findings of a comprehensive economic impact study conducted by the UMASS Donahue Institute. One of the things discussed in the study was the fact over $300,000 have been contributed to organizations and charitable events throughout the area since the inception of the T-Birds foundation in 2018.

One thing which makes sports special, especially at the minor league level, is the amount of work they put into giving back to the local community. Springfield continues to do that year in and year out.

Below is a tracker of money raised by the Thunderbirds for the community during the 2023-24 season.

Maine Mariners Jerseys

On November 3^rd and 4^th, the Springfield Thunderbirds warmed up in Maine Mariners jerseys to show support to Lewiston, Maine after a shooting in October claimed the lives of 18 people.

This show of solidarity by the Thunderbirds was met with praise from the community.

“Seeing the Thunderbirds hit the ice with Mariners jerseys was such a heartwarming gesture in itself, but for the organization to be able to raise so much for the Lewiston community is really remarkable,” said Maine Mariners President and Governor Adam Goldberg in Springfield’s press release. “Thank you to the AHL, the Thunderbirds organization, and to Springfield fans for being selfless and compassionate.”

Between the jersey auction and 50-50 raffle, the Thunderbirds raised $10,650 for the Maine Community Foundation’s Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund.

The Maine Community Foundation created this fund to support victims, families, and those present at the shooting. The fund will also address current and emerging needs associated with this event.

Money Raised From This Event: $10,650
Overall: $10,650

Mayflower Marathon

Alongside Rock 102 and the Mayflower Marathon, the Thunderbirds announced over $15,000 had been raised for this year’s marathon. Funds were raised throughout November by the Thunderbirds at their office, game, and through a celebrity bartending event.

Rock 102 morning show cohost Bax expressed gratitude in Springfield’s press release, stating: “The Thunderbirds have been tremendous partners over the years, but this year they went above and beyond in helping us shine the spotlight on the food insecurity challenges in our community. We are incredibly grateful for their help in making this year’s Mayflower Marathon our most successful in 30 years.”

In it’s 30^th year, the Mayflower Marathon food drive hosted by Rock 102 collected five trailer trucks worth of non-perishable food donations for Open Pantry Community Services. The event takes place over three days leading up to Thanksgiving while Bax and Nagle of Rock 102’s morning show broadcast for 52 straight hours.

Money Raised from This Event: $15,000+
Overall: $25,650+

Hockey Fights Cancer Jerseys

Springfield hosted their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night featuring special purple jerseys on November 25^th. Jerseys were auctioned after the game, and fans stepped up to the challenge raising $26,000.

Foundations and charities who will benefit from the fundraiser:

• Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada – This donation will be made through Bitsy’s Army, a charity Will and Sam Bitten established to honor their cousin, Martin Pilche, who passed away in 2021 from a brain tumour
• Cancer House of Hope (CHD)
• Griffin’s Friends (Baystate Health Foundation)
• Sister Caritas Cancer Center (Mercy Medical Center)
• Survivor Journeys
• NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer

Money Raised from This Event : $26,000
Overall: $51,650+