Falcons help Pioneer Valley

SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Falcons Hockey Club and their related charitable organization, Springfield Falcons Charities, announce that in the 12-year existence of the charitable foundation, $400,000 has been donated to charitable organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley and Northern Connecticut.

"The Springfield Falcons are so proud to be part of this area and this is really a reflection of the commitment by our fans, sponsors and the Falcons family to give a little back to the community," said Phil Shuman, president of Springfield Falcons Charities. "This amount of giving is truly a milestone which fully supports the importance of the hockey club to the community."

Springfield Falcons Charities is an IRS approved 509 (a)(1) charity, which was established on July 14, 1995. The charity has hosted an annual Columbus Day Italian Open Golf Tournament, Falcons Family Carnivals, Jersey Auctions, Memorabilia Auctions, and softball tournaments to raise funds over the years.

A few of the organizations that have benefited from Falcons Charities include: Shriners Hospital for Children Springfield; Springfield Sliders Sled Hockey Program, Springfield School Volunteers Time Out for Reading Program; New England Junior Falcons Hockey Program, YMCA, Community Health Resources, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Gray House, Community Foundation of WMASS, Griffin's Friends, Hampden County Sheriffs Scholarships, Action Center Tutoring Services, and the Baystate Health Foundation.

The Falcons Charities have also established a scholarship program, which is given to a high school senior, in honor of former Falcons captain Rob Murray. Murray is the only Falcons player to have his number retired by the organization.

Falcons Charities has also distributed thousands of tickets, food and toys to area organizations through their Falcons Friends, Dunkin Donuts Kids Zone, and various collection programs.