Buffalo Sabres Alumni Event benefiting Providence House

Photos By Holly Malinowski

Buffalo Sabres Alumni

Daddio's Pizza Hockey Team

Sabres Autograph Session

Fan with Rob Ray

On April 1st, 2012 the Buffalo State Ice Hockey Arena played host to a benefit for Paradise House. Paradise House provides counseling, case management, and residential services for homeless women recovering from substance addiction. Here, Buffalo Sabres Alumni faced off against the hockey team from Daddio’s Pizza. A spirited audience enjoyed the hockey play between the teams. Sabres Alumni also provided the opportunity for an autograph session. After the game, there was a reception at the Statler Tower, with food provided by Daddio’s Pizza.

The Sabres Alumni Rob Ray provided insight into the event: “I think it’s great, you know as the alumni association we love getting out and lending a hand where we can, and the opportunity to play a game here to support the house. We want to give back as much as we can. Getting the guys together to come out and play, it’s a lot of fun and we enjoy getting out and meeting the people; and I think the guys we end up getting the chance to play against enjoy having the chance to see what it’s really like to go out and play against guys of that caliber.”

A fan in attendance, “Jean,” expressed her thoughts about the charity event. “It was so much fun for the kids, seniors, and all of us in between. The game was entertaining. The players were very generous with autographs. What a tremendous encouragement to Buffalo and a positive example to the kids.”

Ann Paris, the Paradise House Director, was very “excited” with the day’s events. “We got a chance to meet a lot of people who do things with fundraising, and everyone seemed to have a good time.” Paradise House began in 1993 due to efforts by Ann Paris. She saw the community need for such a program, and worked toward its facilitation. More information on the Paradise House can be found at paradisehouses.org .