Hockey power play raises funds for a local group's cancer efforts

The highly ranked Cornell men's ice hockey team (16-3-0, with two wins this past weekend) is helping raise money for the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (IBCA) by encouraging pledges for each power-play goal the team scores during the season. The Tompkins Trust Co. has taken the lead in the fund-raising effort by pledging $100 per power-play goal.

All members of the Cornell and Ithaca communities are invited to participate in the fund-raising effort by filling out pledge cards available at any Tompkins Trust Co. office, at the Women's Community Building in downtown Ithaca or by downloading a pledge card from the alliance's Web site at www.ibca.net/ibc_event.html.

There also will be a table with pledge forms set up at all remaining Cornell home hockey games through February.

This unique fund-raising partnership was formed when Cornell senior hockey player Sam Paolini approached the Big Red coaching staff and Cornell Sports Marketing Director Jeff Hall with the idea. The lives of many of the Cornell players have been affected by the disease through friends and family members who have had cancer, and Paolini said he felt this was an ideal partnership. Read about Sam Paolini being named Hockey Humanitarian Award finalist.

"We are thrilled that Sam and the Cornell men's ice hockey team are supporting the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliances mission," said Christine Sanchirico, executive director of IBCA. "Breast cancer touches the lives of so many people in our community, and IBCA strives to provide the support to make the journey a little easier for those who are affected. We are looking forward to working with both the Trust Company and the Cornell hockey team throughout the season to let the fans know about IBCA's programs and many of the issues surrounding breast cancer that affect us all."

"It is always good to give back to the community," said Mike Schafer, Cornell men's hockey head coach. "This was a great idea, and we're proud of Sam for his involvement in getting this started. It is especially nice to see Tompkins Trust Co. backing this program. The Trust Company is one of the great leaders in the community, and we thank them for helping us support the efforts of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance."

For more information on IBCA or the power-play fund-raiser, visit this Web site: www.ibca.net/ibc_event.html.