Colorado Eagles fundraiser nets $51,333 for Wellington boy battling leukemia

The Colorado Eagles, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames and AHL’s Adirondack Flames, announced March 9 that the fourth annual “Pot of Gold” fundraiser raised $51,333 for eight-year-old Parker Hobbs of Wellington. The fundraiser was held during the March 7 game against the Bakersfield Condors.

Hobbs was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2013 and began receiving treatments, including heavy chemotherapy, spinal taps, and steroid treatments at Children’s Hospital in Denver. In April 2014, the family was informed that their insurance would no longer be covering Parker’s treatments. This forced the family to begin paying for the treatments during the next three years, which devastated them with heaps of hospital bills. Parker has since rolled into the “maintenance” phase of his treatment, but the family continues to struggle with the bills that were accumulated during his three years of treatments.

“To see what these incredible fans and sponsors of the Colorado Eagles did for this young man and his family was one of the most powerful things you can ever be a part of in sports,” said Eagles Head Coach and General Manager Chris Stewart. “Knowing that this event has now changed the lives of four local families over the past four seasons really does capture the essence of how wonderful this community truly is and it makes you so very proud to play for them night in and night out.”

As a part of the fundraiser’s festivities, Eagles fans and sponsors jumped at the opportunity to help the Hobbs family by donating funds, which were collected with the help of the Weld and Larimer County Sheriff’s Offices. Fans also aided the effort by bidding on coveted specialty jerseys from that night’s game, which were specially designed by Eagles Forward Taylor Vause. The Irish-themed jerseys also featured a shoulder patch with the Lucky Joe’s logo in recognition of the local business’ support of the “Pot of Gold” program.

Since its inception in 2012, the Eagles’ annual “Pot of Gold” fundraiser has raised nearly $150,000 for four Northern Colorado families who have been faced with financial hardships that come with caring for a sick child.

Tickets to all Colorado Eagles home games are on sale and start at just $16 per seat. Contact the Eagles’ ticket office at 970-686-SHOT (7468) or visit www.ComcastTix.com to reserve your seats today and be part of the action.