“Round Up at the Rink – to fight cancer” this October at Van Andel Arena

Fans attending events at the SMG-managed Van Andel Arena throughout the month of October will have the opportunity to “Round Up at the Rink – to fight cancer.” Donation jars will be available at concession stands during each event to benefit local non-profit, Cancer Families United, an organization that provides support to families affected by childhood cancer.

Cancer Families United was selected as the beneficiary of October’s Round Up at the Rink by Van Andel Arena staff member, Bessie Price, a breast cancer survivor being recognized by Van Andel Arena as part of the Round Up. In addition to selecting the charity, Bessie is also receiving a night on the town with two tickets to the November 1st Janet Jackson concert at Van Andel Arena, dinner at The B.O.B., concessions vouchers from SAVOR…Grand Rapids and car service provided by Executive Coach Service.

Nominated by co-workers Lyndsey Horvath and Kathy Yasick to be recognized, Bessie Price has worked as a custodian at Van Andel Arena since 1998, and is excited to be a part of the October Round Up at the Rink. As a cancer survivor, mother of 8, grandmother of 20 (with 2 more on the way) and great-grandmother of 10, she values the support that families can provide each other during hard times and understands the need for assistance for families dealing with childhood cancer.

“I’m excited to be able to give back and happy to do my part in this small way,” said Price. “I hope that I, along with everyone coming out to Van Andel Arena in October, can make a difference to kids and their families who are dealing with cancer.”

The SMG staff at Van Andel Arena set out to raise money for a cancer-related non-profit in October, expanding on Breast Cancer Awareness Month to open up fundraising opportunities for all types of cancer. Bessie’s selection of Cancer Families United is fitting in that it is extending September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by continuing to offer support into the month of October.

At the end of October, SMG will add to patrons’ donations by matching the total donation amount, up to $1000, with a gift to Cancer Families United in the name of Dean Gust, Van Andel Arena’s Head Ticket Taker who lost his battle with cancer in 2015.

Events taking place in October at Van Andel Arena include:
Oct. 6: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose
Oct. 7: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Manitoba Moose
Oct. 10: WWE Smackdown
Oct. 16: Steely Dan
Oct. 21: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Hershey Bears
Oct. 25: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Tucson Roadrunners
Oct. 27: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Chicago Wolves
Oct. 28: Bob Dylan & His Band, Plus Mavis Staples

About Cancer Families United
Cancer Families United is a grass roots non-profit established in 2012 to provide essential support and services to families of Southwest Michigan affected by childhood cancer through family networking, community awareness, financial assistance and advocacy for a cure. For more information, visit cancerfamiliesunited.org.