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Ronald McDonald House Charities Host Ice Hockey Challenge with the Portland Winterhawks

Portland, OR. The Portland Winterhawks teamed up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington for the first annual Hockey Challenge, presented by Budweiser at the Moda Center on February 17th. The Hockey Challenge was a day-long hockey tournament that brought together hockey-enthusiasts from all over Oregon and SW Washington to raise funds for the three local Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses. Each team skated on behalf of a family with a seriously ill child staying with RMHC. Through the Hockey Challenge RMHC Oregon & SW Washington hope to raise nearly $75,000.

The top fundraisers played in the All Star game with professional hockey players and local celebrities.

A few notable alumni participating in the All Star game were Taylor Peters and Joe Mahon who played on the 2013 Winterhawks WHL Championship Team. Anton Cederholm, who was on the 2014 and 2015 Western Championship teams and Courtney Carnes who played four years of collegiate hockey at Buffalo State College, then played in the inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League for the Buffalo Beauts. Other memorable matchups include the Portland Police vs Portland Fire & Rescue.

Proceeds from the Hockey Challenge allow RMHC to offer compassionate hospitality and a “home away from home” to families with seriously ill children.

From RMHC:

Each year RMHC provides support to thousands of families from across Oregon, the US and the world. RMHC offers one-of-kind programming and support including free night stays, home cooked meals prepared by volunteers, pet therapy, childcare, arts and crafts, and a beautiful place to stay just moments away from the hospital. Beginning this year, RMHC Oregon & SW Washington is able to provide nearly 5,000 more nights for families to stay each year. On average, RMHC families travel 495 miles and a family checks into one of the three Oregon Houses every five hours.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.