A “Hockey Night in the Hamptons” fundraiser in support of veterans takes place in East Hampton from 6:00pm to midnight on Sunday, February 19.
The one-night, round-robin hockey event – with participation by dozens of amateur players from throughout New York State and Connecticut – will benefit veteran assistance programs provided across Suffolk County by the Ronkonkoma-based Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW).
The “under the stars” venue for the event – which is hosted by the Barn Mice Hockey Club – takes place at the Buckskill Winter Club at 178 Buckskill Road in East Hampton. Located in a bucolic, wooded setting, the unique venue is owned by Kathryn and Douglas DeGroot. The DeGroots are co-sponsoring the event in honor of Douglas DeGroots’s recently deceased father, Captain Ward W. DeGroot, a Vietnam war veteran.
The hockey club is raising funds through online auctions and raffles during the weeks before the games and also on the night of the games.
Among items being auctioned are a helmet signed by legendary New York Rangers goalie and Olympic gold medalist Henrik Lundqvist, a week-long timeshare in St. Maarten, a hockey stick signed by rising star New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, brunch for four at the Southampton Inn, and many other valuable prizes.
Auctioned and raffled items are being provided by the New York Rangers, MHAW, the Long Island Ducks, the Metropolitan Riveters (of the Premier Hockey Federation women’s hockey league), Oyster Bay Brewing, Stephen’s Talkhouse, Southampton Inn, Hal’s Seltzer, Roofmaster NYC, Fanatics, Haymarket Books, Beer League Republic, Essential Sequential, photographer Ruth McDade, and many others.
Interested parties can take part immediately in the online auctions and raffles by visiting www.hockey.mhaw.org.
There is no charge for attending the “Hockey Night.” Attendees are invited to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments. Buckskill Winter Club is an outdoor skating venue with a scenic Alpinesque clubhouse, complete with a cozy fireplace, restrooms, and a snack bar serving European hot chocolate and waffles.
In addition, on the evening before the hockey night, a member of the Barn Mice Hockey Club will perform a benefit concert in support of MHAW. Guitarist/songwriter Corey Nill will play from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Saturday, February 18 at the Stephen Talkhouse music club at 161 Main Street in Amagansett. Admission is $10.00 for those not taking the ice in the following night’s games. The club will be offering a drink special.
72,000 veterans reside in Suffolk County, the most of any county in the state. MHAW provides support for the community’s veterans in respect to affordable housing, medical, mental health assistance, and other vital services.
“We’re grateful to hockey players statewide for their support for veterans, who often face substantial mental health challenges,” said Scott Bradley, Board Vice President of MHAW and a Marine Corps Major who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. “Veterans are five times more likely to face depression than civilians, and their rate of post-traumatic stress disorder is nearly 15 times higher. Funds raised from this event will help veterans lead more secure lives.”
“The hockey community in New York State is coming together to show respect for our nation’s veterans,” said Sam Schachter of the Barn Mice Hockey Club. “We all owe veterans a great debt of gratitude for their commitment to our country. We invite you to join us for an exciting night of outdoor hockey as we show our appreciation for America’s heroes.”
For more information, contact Ruth McDade at 631-672-9613.
About the Association for Mental Health and Wellness
Based in Ronkonkoma and Riverhead, NY, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization that provides programs, services, and advocacy for people in Suffolk County who face mental health challenges, with an enhanced focus on service to veterans. We believe that mental health is as important as physical health, and it is our goal to ensure that all local needs and voices are heard and recognized by government leaders, the business community, advocacy groups, and educational organizations in the region. For more information, call 631-471-7242 or go to www.MHAW.org.