Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Monday, September 5, 2005
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

AEROS TO PARTICIPATE IN HOUSTON HOPEFEST

HOUSTON, Texas – The American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros will join the NBA’s Houston Rockets, WNBA’s Houston Comets, Toyota Center and KPRC in the Houston Hopefest, set for this Tuesday-Thursday at Toyota Center. Houston Hopefest will raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and also provide further assistance such as job counseling, phone services to contact loved ones and computer access to those evacuees currently being housed in Houston.

Tuesday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. is the time for donation drop off and a telethon. Rockets, Aeros, Comets and Toyota Center staff will man the phones. Those wishing to contribute to the telethon should call 713.758.7507 during this time. The telethon includes an all-donation drive. Items needed are baby formula, diapers, sanitary wipes, bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, toys, coloring books, crayons, school supplies, toiletries and hygiene products. The Aeros are encouraging their fans to drop off donations at Polk and La Branch and call the telethon on Tuesday.

Wednesday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., the Houston Hope Fest shifts to the evacuees. Evacuees should enter the Toyota Tundra garage on LaBranch St., and park for free on levels 4-6. They can get in line to receive items collected for donations. Evacuees are then able to leave or enter Toyota Center through the Bell Street Entrance where many services will be available.

The Aeros will contribute staff members each day to both sorting donations, and helping with computerized job placement.


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