Red Wings announce extended partnership with Van Andel Institute for Hockey Fights Cancer Night

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By @MichaelCaples –

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have extended their partnership with Van Andel Institute’s Purple Community to raise money for cancer research on Oct. 23.

When the Red Wings welcome rival Pittsburgh to Joe Louis Arena that night, fans can attend by buying upper-level tickets that will act as donations back to the VAI, where their research center helps develop treatments and therapies for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

More from the release:

All fans in attendance for Hockey Fights Cancer Night will receive a purple rally towel, courtesy of Meijer and Coke Zero, and a My Purple IsSM card, courtesy of VAI. During a stoppage in the game, fans will be encouraged to stand and hold up their My Purple Is card to recognize someone in their life who has been affected by cancer.

What’s Your Purple is a rallying cry for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer,” said David Van Andel, Chairman and CEO of Van Andel Institute. “The dedicated scientists and educators at Van Andel Institute work long and difficult hours to unravel the mysteries behind catastrophic illness and disease. None of it would be possible, however, without the gracious support of friends and supporters like the Detroit Red Wings and their fans who share our vision and mission.”

“We are honored to continue our partnership with Van Andel Institute, a leader in research and education when it comes to battling cancer and disease,” said Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment. “Connecting with the community has always been a high priority for the Red Wings, and extending our partnership with the Purple Community in particular continues to be a great way to engage our fans and raise funds for an outstanding cause.”

The event is part of the annual Hockey Fights Cancer month in October, an initiative founded by the NHL and NHLPA in December 1998 to raise money and awareness for hockey’s most important fight. To date, more than $12.8 million has been raised under the Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative to support national and local cancer research institutions, children’s hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations.

Tickets for the game are on sale and can be purchased by visiting www.DetroitRedWings.com/hockeyfightscancerand entering the promo code “PURPLE.”