Copper Jackets Christmas Luncheon
Coppers Jackets, EOCF, and Christmas Bureau host their annual luncheon
Thursday, 22.12.2011 / 5:42 PM
/ Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation
By Andrea Rutt
- edmontonoilers.com
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The spirit of Christmas was alive and well last Friday afternoon as the Copper Jackets and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) hosted the 12th Annual Faceoff Against Hunger Luncheon presented by Intact Insurance in support of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton. Over 650 people were in attendance, enjoying an afternoon of carols, delicious food and the opportunity to bid on silent, live and Dutch auction items.
“It’s just a remarkable event, people come and have an amazing lunch and they have an opportunity to participate in the buying of some amazing Oilers memorabilia,” said Wendy Batty, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Christmas Bureau. “It’s a great way for the Christmas Bureau to get its message out and a great way for the Oilers Organization to support the Christmas Bureau to ensure everyone has a festive meal this season.”
As the drinks were poured and meals consumed, the first auction item of the afternoon was introduced; the opportunity for one table to sit with Oilers legend Grant Fuhr and Stanley Cup Champion, Cam Barker. Other highlighted auction items that went throughout the afternoon included a ticket package to the sold-out World Juniors, dinner for 10 in the Oilers dressing room during an away game, a road trip with the team and a collection of one-of-a-kind Oilers photographs.
“The EOCF is very fortunate to have such a wonderful and generous organization behind us that has the means to donate such high-profile auction items,” said Natalie Minckler, EOCF Executive Director. “In turn, we’re able to use those assets to help support the Christmas Bureau and their goal of providing a festive meal to over 70,000 Edmontonians this holiday season.”
The Oilers family and Christmas Bureau have a longstanding tradition of joining forces in December. Along with the annual luncheon, Kevin Lowe and the Oiler Ladies act as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Christmas Bureau’s festive campaign.
“I think Kevin Lowe must be one of our longest standing volunteers, he’s been with the Christmas Bureau and has represented us so well for over 25 years,” said Batty. “About 10 years ago the Ladies got involved and they do events like the Shirts Off Our Backs and attend our hamper packing and delivery; they’re real champions of the Christmas Bureau so we’re very fortunate to have the involvement of Kevin Lowe and the Oilers Ladies as our Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs.”
This year, funds raised from the luncheon and the Shirts Off Our Backs in-game fundraiser will help support the Christmas Bureau’s goal of $1.8 million that will enable families, seniors and individuals to have a festive meal this holiday season.
“The Christmas Bureau helps so many people at Christmas, feeding them and helping out needy families,” added Bruce Saville, Chair of the EOCF Board. “That’s our goal as a Foundation, to help people and especially children in the community, so it’s a natural fit.”
For more information about the Copper Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, visit edmontonoilers.com.
“It’s just a remarkable event, people come and have an amazing lunch and they have an opportunity to participate in the buying of some amazing Oilers memorabilia,” said Wendy Batty, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Christmas Bureau. “It’s a great way for the Christmas Bureau to get its message out and a great way for the Oilers Organization to support the Christmas Bureau to ensure everyone has a festive meal this season.”
As the drinks were poured and meals consumed, the first auction item of the afternoon was introduced; the opportunity for one table to sit with Oilers legend Grant Fuhr and Stanley Cup Champion, Cam Barker. Other highlighted auction items that went throughout the afternoon included a ticket package to the sold-out World Juniors, dinner for 10 in the Oilers dressing room during an away game, a road trip with the team and a collection of one-of-a-kind Oilers photographs.
“The EOCF is very fortunate to have such a wonderful and generous organization behind us that has the means to donate such high-profile auction items,” said Natalie Minckler, EOCF Executive Director. “In turn, we’re able to use those assets to help support the Christmas Bureau and their goal of providing a festive meal to over 70,000 Edmontonians this holiday season.”
The Oilers family and Christmas Bureau have a longstanding tradition of joining forces in December. Along with the annual luncheon, Kevin Lowe and the Oiler Ladies act as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Christmas Bureau’s festive campaign.
“I think Kevin Lowe must be one of our longest standing volunteers, he’s been with the Christmas Bureau and has represented us so well for over 25 years,” said Batty. “About 10 years ago the Ladies got involved and they do events like the Shirts Off Our Backs and attend our hamper packing and delivery; they’re real champions of the Christmas Bureau so we’re very fortunate to have the involvement of Kevin Lowe and the Oilers Ladies as our Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs.”
This year, funds raised from the luncheon and the Shirts Off Our Backs in-game fundraiser will help support the Christmas Bureau’s goal of $1.8 million that will enable families, seniors and individuals to have a festive meal this holiday season.
“The Christmas Bureau helps so many people at Christmas, feeding them and helping out needy families,” added Bruce Saville, Chair of the EOCF Board. “That’s our goal as a Foundation, to help people and especially children in the community, so it’s a natural fit.”
For more information about the Copper Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, visit edmontonoilers.com.
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