On Thursday, July 14^th, the Canes partnered with Progress Energy to host a stop on our summer lunch tour at their downtown Raleigh office. Our promotions department will host close to 100 events throughout North Carolina this summer. Each event consists of the slap shot booth, prize wheel, appearances by Stormy and members of the Eye Care Associates Storm Squad, and Carolina Hurricanes giveaways. 

Progress Energy decided to take the event a step further and host a silent auction.  It was part of the Progress Energy of North Carolina Employee Campaign. They chose to have the proceeds of the auction benefit our NHL Hockey is for Everyone team, the Capital City Crew. 

The Capital City Crew, part of the NHL's Hockey is for Everyone Initiative, is a learn-to-play hockey program comprised of 45 boys and girls, ages seven through 13. All Crew members are from one of six Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina locations. The team’s 10-week season begins in the fall and includes on-ice instruction coupled with off-ice life-skills classes, taught in conjunction with North Carolina State University. The Crew was founded with support from the NHL Foundation, the National Hockey League Players’ Association’s Goals and Dreams Foundation, Raleigh Youth Hockey Association and the Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘N Community Foundation. Carolina Hurricanes Captain Eric Staal, NC State University and RBC Bank are also supporters of the Capital City Crew. It is the first such program in the Southeastern United States.

The silent auction included an autographed, game-worn Joe Corvo jersey, 2011 NHL All-Star Game banner, All-Star bottle of wine signed by the 2010-2011 team, Carolina Hurricanes canvas tote signed by the 2010-2011 team, 2010 opening night banner signed by Tim Gleason, Carolina Hurricanes hat signed by Brandon Sutter, Carolina Hurricanes puck signed by Eric Staal, and six tickets packages for a suite at various 2011-2012 Carolina Hurricanes games. 

The auction was a success, raising $2,320 for the Capital City Crew.  In addition to the money raised from the silent auction, the Progress Energy Foundation will provide a 50% match bringing the total to $3,480.  Due to the generous support of the employees of Progress Energy, these funds will be put to great use as each dollar will help a child learn how to play the game of ice hockey this fall.  Thank you to everyone at Progress Energy for helping make a difference in a child’s life this year.

For more information on our Capital City Crew or our lunch tour, e-mail us at communityrelations@carolinahurricanes.com.