The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the Cedar Rapids Jaycees will team up to host their fourth annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Christmas Toy Shop this Saturday when the RoughRiders take on the Lincoln Stars at 7:05PM at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.
Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped teddy bears to the game and toss them onto the ice after the RoughRiders score their first goal. The teddy bears will then be collected from the ice and donated to The Christmas Toy Shop.
The Christmas Toy Shop is a partnership between Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army which provides holiday toys for children in need up to 17 years of age. Last year the two groups served more than 700 families and approximately 3,000 children in the Cedar Rapids area. The Jaycees and the United States Marine Corps coordinate the Cedar Rapids area Toys for Tots program.
Also this Saturday, the RoughRiders will welcome Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders to the ice arena. The Vikings’ cheerleaders will be selling their 2007 calendar at the game to benefit the Viking Children’s Fund. Unautographed calendars will be available for $20, while autographed calendars can be purchased for $25.
The Viking Children's Fund awards fifty percent of all funds to the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics for the support of research into the major diseases and disorders of childhood. The remaining fifty percent is distributed to non-profit organizations that focus their efforts in the areas of education and family services supporting the well being of children in the Upper Midwest.
To cap off Saturday evening’s festivities, one lucky fan will walk away from the game as the winner of a one karat diamond. All fans in attendance at the game will have a chance to win the diamond, which will be provided by Siebke Hoyt Jewelers.
Located at 4800 1st Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, Siebke Hoyt Jewelers offers Iowa’s largest selection of loose diamonds. A 113-year old family-run business, Siebke Hoyt continues to grow thanks to its friendly, knowledgeable staff and loyal customers.
The RoughRiders (12-6-0, 24 points) are in second place in the United States Hockey League’s East Division. The Riders will visit Lincoln Friday night before returning home to host the Stars Saturday evening.
Tickets for all RoughRiders home games- including Saturday’s- can be purchased in person at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena ticket office, over the phone at (319) 261-4625 or on line at www.roughridershockey.com. The ticket office is open from noon to 5:00PM on weekdays and from noon through the end of the second period on game days, including tomorrow. Ticket prices range from $8 to $17 including a 50-cent facility fee.