Face Off for Flood Relief

This is a few days old, but I feel it still deserves some press as it is a great cause.

The Waterloo Black Hawks and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders will team up for the "Face-Off for Flood Relief" pre-season game on Wednesday, September 17 at Young Arena in Waterloo. The puck will drop at 7:05 p.m. and the proceeds of the game will benefit both LSP Foundation Flood Relief and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation's Flood 2008 Fund.

"The spirit that the residents of the Cedar Valley and Cedar Rapids have shown since the flooding is an inspiration to me personally and to everyone who has witnessed the recovery," said Black Hawks Head Coach and General Manger P.K. O'Handley. "I think this game will do a lot for these communities as well as help show our players that dedication and teamwork does not just happen on the ice, it also happens in our cities and neighborhoods."

While the Black Hawks-RoughRiders rivalry is one of the most heated in the United States Hockey League, the on-ice adversaries have nonetheless been quick to join forces for flood relief.

"The RoughRiders are excited to work along with the Black Hawks on this project," said RoughRiders Head Coach and General Manager Mark Carlson. "There has been a sign in downtown Cedar Rapids during the flood recovery that reads, 'We will rise above.' The Face-Off For Flood Relief is a step towards that in both of our communities and efforts to aid the recovery will continue in the months to come."

The RoughRiders last month teamed up with St. Luke's Velocity Sports Performance to hold a car wash to benefit the Flood 2008 Fund and have taken part in cleanup work throughout Cedar Rapids. Likewise, the Black Hawks organization has also been heavily involved in flood relief efforts.

"We stood shoulder to shoulder with residents and business owners while sandbagging and were amazed by the positive outlook shown by those who were facing the possibility of losing everything," said Black Hawks Corporate Sales Director Clint Rowe. "This is a great way to help those people get back to normal as quickly as possible."

Tickets for the Face Off For Flood Relief are available now online. Tickets can be purchased by going to www.waterlooblackhawks.com and clicking on "Online Group Orders and entering the pass code "flood". Tickets will also be available at the Young Arena box office the day of the game. All tickets are $5 general admission.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Flood 2008 Fund supports non-profit organizations throughout Linn County with ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the wake of last month's flood. The LSB Foundation coordinates charitable donations to benefit those in need in the Cedar Valley. All donations to the LSB Foundation from this game will go to flood relief in the Cedar Valley.