Photo Credit: Kimberly Smith
FAU Scores Big in Local
Community
By Reba LaRose
The Florida Atlantic University Ice Hockey Club has made great strides
in the past few seasons, by both reconstructing their team into a
successful organization and by giving back to the communities living along
Florida’s southeastern coast.
FAU Owls General Manager Gary Kaufman enlightened me on just how much
of an impact the Boca Raton team has been making in their community
over the past year and a half. Throughout the 2018-19 season, the Owls
have volunteered with a number of nonprofit organizations benefitting the
area’s underprivileged and at-risk youth.
Groups such as the local Goldie’s Gang, the Police Athletic League (PAL),
and the Best Buddies organization have been guest stars at Owls games
and have also been invited to Florida Panthers home games at the BB&T
Center.
“Giving South Florida’s Kids a Sporting Chance”
One of FAU’s dedicated local sponsors is Goldie’s Gang, a nonprofit
organization established by Steve Goldstein, on-air play-by-play announcer
for the Florida Panthers. Goldstein founded the organization 20 years ago
with the mission to provide opportunities for South Florida children who
may not otherwise have the chance to experience the thrill of professional
sporting events in their area.
The group also strives to provide the opportunity for these kids to participate
and improve their skills in a variety of sports – free of charge.
As a proud partner of the Panthers, Goldie’s Gang invites local kids to
Panthers home games. With a strong desire to get South Florida’s youth
involved in hockey, the Gang also funds grant programs to supply new
hockey gear and league fees for those eligible.
Kaufman passionately supports Goldie’s cause, and has coordinated
FAU’s service programs with Goldie’s over the years to extend their reach
among kids in their community.
“One of the commitments that I made to Goldie was that I would help him
in identifying groups for him to give experiences to,” Kaufman said.
“Historically, I’ve already been involved in bringing various Police Athletic
League (PAL) youth groups in from Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach,
and even the Broward County PAL boxing club out to our games.”
Each group invites between 12
and 40 kids as special guests.
Kaufman and the Owls have also
brought Cub Scouts and a local
middle school chorus to sing the
national anthem and be honored
on the ice at their home games.
At this point in the season, more than 100 school kids in South Florida
have been able to experience both college and professional hockey for the
first time through programs offered by FAU.
For some, this may not seem like a big deal. If you are a hockey fan,
you’re likely to have gone to a handful or more games in your lifetime.
From a Floridian’s viewpoint – especially a young one who likely has
never even seen snow in real life – this is something special, exciting, and
extraordinary.
“When the groups come to us, we put them in a section of special
seats in a roped off area and we announce them. But we also bring them
downstairs for photo opportunities with the players, and some pre- and
post-game interaction with the team, just to make it even more special for
them.” Kaufman said.
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