The organization Grace Speaks kicked off their charity hockey event between their team and Detroit Red Wings alumni at the University Ice Arena on Saturday.
The event was founded by Nicole and Todd Leslie in 2013. Grace Speaks has teamed up with the University’s Speech and Hearing Department and have some of the department’s master’s students as clinicians in their office.
The clinicians are able to receive clinical hours toward their degree and offer their families affordable one-on-one 50-minute speech therapy sessions. For this charity event, they look to outperform what they made last year.
“Last year we raised approximately $20,000,” Nicole Leslie said. “This year, our hopes would be $25,000 … I definitely think it’s attainable considering how many came here last year for not only great entertainment, but a great experience for fans to greet Detroit Red Wing Alumni.”
Beforehand, fans were welcome to take photos and chat with the players before the game started. Some were there for the enjoyment of watching Red Wing hockey and some were there for the cause. Providing the entertainment were ice skaters dressed as characters from the movie Frozen, and one dressed as Spiderman. The event also provided a raffle for an autographed team picture from the Detroit Red Wings. The hockey players took the ice in what would be a high scoring event between Grace Speaks and the Detroit Red Wings alumni.
Nolan Baker, a huge hockey fan and father of two children who play hockey, attended the event because of his admiration for Grace Speaks for the people in need of speech therapy.
“I’m a huge hockey guy,” Baker said. “I’m not just here for the game, but to support my two sons in the program and getting to see how much it really means to others. “
Afterwards, all players gathered to take a group picture down in the center of the ice arena. Following that was an afterparty with food, entertainment and drinks for VIP members. Theresa Schumacher, one of the VIP members, knows the Leslie’s personally and likes coming to these events for the fun and entertainment.
“I know the Leslie’s very well personally, and it’s truly an honor to support kids with speech issues,” Schumacher said. “I also like the alumni coming in here during their time and it just feels great on how much they really care its special.”
While it is not confirmed how much money the event made, it appeared to make the people that attended happy and provided memories for all in attendance. Appointments with Grace Speaks can be made for their location at 124 W. Front St. #201 in Findlay, Ohio. Their website at www.Grace-Speaks.org can be reached for more information.
