Octane members Amanda and Jac visited the Alberta Diabetes Foundation's Jeans & Jerseys Event Saturday, April 9, 2011. (Photo by Dylan Lynch / Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club)

The Alberta Diabetes Foundation kicked off their fundraising season this Saturday, April 9 with the Annual Jeans and Jersey event and the Oilers Octane were there to support this popular fundraising event. Hundreds of supporters from across Edmonton came out in their Jeans and Jerseys for a night of great food, live entertainment, courtesy of Edmonton’s own Capital Newz, and exciting auctions.

The Oilers have a history of supporting the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, in fact Oilers Andrew Cogliano is Honourary Chair of this year’s campaign. Although the team’s road trip prevented Cogliano from attending, Oilers Octane Jac & Amanda and Joey Moss took part in the event.

 “We were very excited to have Amanda and Jac of the Oilers Octane come out our event and represent the team as a whole – we believe their presence enhanced the sports-themed atmosphere and provided our guests with a more memorable experience,” said Kate Rieger, Jeans and Jersey Event Coordinator. “Having them interact with the guests on a one-on-one basis throughout the evening helped reinforce the overall goal of the evening – to come out and have a good time while also supporting our quest to find a cure for diabetes!”

Octane members Jac and Amanda pose with Oilers legend Joey Moss at Jeans & Jerseys. (Photo by Dylan Lynch / Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club)

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation was also pleased to support the charity fundraiser, donating a Cogliano signed jersey, stick and photo to the auction portion of the evening.

The Alberta Diabetes Foundation is involved in finding and supporting scientific researchers who are working to find a cure to overcome diabetes. They know that great possibilities exist because recently the Foundation helped fund the scientist who unveiled the breakthrough eyelet cell research.

“We were surprised to learn that every 10 seconds someone dies due to Diabetes related illnesses,” said Oilers Octane Amanda. “Jac and I had a fantastic time volunteering at the Jeans and Jerseys Fundraiser and were thrilled to do our part to help the fundraising for this important cause.”

Saturday, April 9 was a busy day for the Oilers Octane, half of the team spent the afternoon visiting kids at the Stollery Children’s hospital, while Jac and Amanda were helping to raise funds for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. To learn more about the Octane’s community involvement or to request the Octane attend one of your events, visit www.oilersoctane.com.