Event Supports America's Fund and Scholarship Fund
10/28/2013
By Jana Spaulding
The University will honor the victims, survivors and first responders of the Boston Marathon bombing with "River Hawk Strong Night" on Nov. 9 prior to the hockey game against Northeastern at 7 p.m. Marathon survivors Celeste and Sydney Corcoran of Lowell, Karen Rand of Somerville and Roseann Sdoia of Dracut will drop the ceremonial first puck. They will be joined on the ice by first responders.
A portion of the ticket sales from the game will support Boston Marathon bombing survivors through America's Fund and the University’s Boston Marathon Scholarship Fund. America's Fund is a program created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. In 2013, America's Fund created a new program, the America's Fund Mentors, through which veterans will mentor those injured in the Boston Marathon bombing and accompany them through their rehabilitation, providing hope and encouraging success along the way to recovery. The University established the Boston Marathon Scholarship Fund in the days following the April 15, 2013 attack to benefit anyone affected by the tragedy who wishes to pursue an education at UMass Lowell.
"I am grateful for the support of the veterans who came early on during the recovery process. Their encouragement, confidence and tips have come in handy with attacking every day," says Sdoia of America's Fund. Sdoia ‘90 lost her right leg in the marathon bombings. "As a UMass Lowell alumna, I am grateful for the outpouring of support from the university community."
Celeste Corcoran lost both legs while Karen Rand lost her left leg. Sydney Corcoran suffered near fatal injuries.
"Sydney and I are both honored to be a part of this fundraiser that will benefit America's Fund and the university's scholarship fund," says Celeste Corcoran. "There are no words to describe the support and feelings of empowerment during our at times slow recovery."
"Like everyone, we were stunned by the bombings at the Boston Marathon and continue to be inspired by the strength and grace the survivors have shown in the months since the attack," says Director of Athletics Dana Skinner. "While time has passed, the needs of the survivors remain, and we are pleased to be able to contribute in even a small way. We appreciate all the support and generosity of the River Hawks' fan base, the campus and the Lowell community."
Tickets for the River Hawks game are on sale now and can be purchased at the Tsongas Center Box Office, which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fans may also purchase tickets online at TsongasCenter.com or by contacting Andrew Ralph, 978-934-5749 or Joe Fellini, 978-934-5751.