RALEIGH, NC – Kevin Caraccioli, Director of the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation (ECDBF), today announced the inaugural Triangle-area event for the ECDBF. The fundraiser will take place following the Hurricanes’ practice on Thursday, Dec. 2, at the RBC Center, and Cole will be on-hand throughout the day to participate in activities.

Following the team’s practice, Cole will take the ice with members of Triangle Special Hockey Association’s (TSHA) sled hockey team. After the on-ice session, he will join the sled hockey team, members of the corporate community and media in the Champions Club for lunch and a news announcement. The fundraiser will conclude with a check presentation to the Executive Director of the TSHA, JV Cotterell.

“We are honored to be part of the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation,” said Cotterell. “Our whole program is based on the dreams and hopes of children and adults who love hockey and want to play the sport.”

Since 2007, the ECDBF has helped support non-profit youth hockey programs and children suffering from cancer and other diseases. The program was established to bring support and awareness to causes that fit the foundation’s mission.

The ECDBF turns its attention to the Raleigh area for its first event outside Erik Cole's hometown of Oswego, NY.

"The Foundation was set up to touch the lives of children and families in the areas I can provide the greatest impact," said Cole."I am very proud to be able to assist the Triangle Special Hockey Association as my first event in my other home town."

Funds raised from the ECDBF will be used by the TSHA to purchase sleds, hockey equipment and ice time, and to help cover the cost of travel to the USA Hockey Disabled Festival in Blaine, Minn.

The TSHA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that eliminates all barriers to getting a child or adult on the ice.  TSHA is purely volunteer run, there is no fee to participate and all equipment is provided to participants. Participants range in age from 11-80.