The annual charity game has now raised $240,000 for local cancer programs
Colorado Mesa University Hockey’s 9th Annual Pink the Rink set a new fundraising record this year, raising $38,000 for local cancer programs, making it the largest single-year total in the event’s history.
The contribution was presented to Community Hospital President Chris Thomas and hospital staff following another strong year for the event, which brings students, fans, sponsors and community members together around a cause that has become closely tied to the program.
Since Pink the Rink began in 2016, CMU Hockey has raised $240,000 for local cancer programs. Every dollar collected through the event directly supports patients and families on the Western Slope.
Over the past nine years, Pink the Rink has grown from a charity hockey game into a larger fundraising effort supported by local sponsors, fans and businesses. Fundraising has included t-shirt sales, jersey raffles, silent auctions, concerts and kickoff events at local breweries, all leading up to the annual game.
This year’s event also brought success on the ice, with CMU Hockey defeating Grand Canyon University 2-1 in front of the team’s largest crowd to date. The team’s work through Pink the Rink has earned national recognition over the years, including four American Collegiate Hockey Association National Community Service Awards and the U.S. Congressional Community Service Award.
CMU Hockey also recognized Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Club Sports Reese Kegans and Graduate Assistant Felix Maurer for their work in managing and growing the event.
As Pink the Rink continues to grow, the event remains one of CMU Hockey’s biggest opportunities to give back to the community each year.
Individuals interested in donating or becoming a sponsor for future Pink the Rink events can contact Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Club Sports Reese Kegans at 970.248.1115 or [email protected].