IceHogs donate $40,000 to Rockford autism program

Chronicle Media
The Rockford Ice Hogs are an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Rockford Ice Hogs are an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Rockford IceHogs announced last week that they have donated $40,000 to The Autism Program (TAP) Service Center in Rockford, a program of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago.

A check was presented at a press conference held at the University of Illinois Rockford, where TAP is located.
TAP Service Center is an inclusive resource for evidence-based information on Autism Spectrum Disorder and referral services across the lifespan.

TAP in Rockford provides screenings, diagnostics, consultations and trainings.  As of July 1, Illinois legislators had not passed a budget and TAP was left without a contract or funding from the State of Illinois due to the statewide budget crisis.
“The generous donation from the IceHogs comes at a critical time as we wait for Illinois legislators to approve a budget,” said TAP Assistant Manager Lori Davie. “Autism Spectrum Disorder not only impacts the child, teen, or adult who has been diagnosed, but it impacts the whole family.”

The IceHogs and TAP joined forces on March 22 of last season to host Autism Awareness Night in conjunction with the team’s 16th Annual Jersey Auction.

“The Autism Program provides a great service in this area and we are pleased to be able to donate funds through the generous support of our fans,” said IceHogs Director of Business Operations Mike Peck. “Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to meet and befriend some of the children that have utilized TAP, and seen first hand the positive impact that this organization makes in our community.”
IceHogs fans helped the team set a franchise record with $79,921 raised for local initiatives. After 16 years of the event, the IceHogs organization has raised $809,231 for Rockford-area charities.

 

 

— IceHogs donate $40,000 to Rockford autism program —