Texas Stars raise money for earthquake victims

CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, raised $14,814 for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The “Hockey for Haiti” fundraising event was conducted over a three-game home stand at the Cedar Park Center. It included a silent auction, autograph and puck sales and general donations.
“We have a tremendous community and fan base here in the region,” Texas Stars President Rick McLaughlin said. “We thank our great fans for helping us raise money for the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. We also thank the American Red Cross and our players for stepping up to make this possible.”

Items included autographed team gear from the Texas Stars, the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Antonio Spurs, Round Rock Express, Milwaukee Admirals, Abbotsford Heat and the Lake Erie Monsters. Items were also donated by the University of Texas and local businesses.
Texas Stars defenseman Maxime Fortunus, one of the only professional hockey players in the country of Haitian descent, was playing with the Dallas Stars when the earthquake occurred. He returned to the Texas Stars and worked with the front office to come up with a fundraising idea.
“I’ve always wanted to do something for Haiti,” Fortunus said. “When (the earthquake happened), and I got back, (the front office) approached me about raising funds before I even got a chance to talk to them about it. We came up with the idea of an auction and working with the Red Cross.”
A jersey signed by the NHL’s Dallas Stars received the highest bid, raising $705.00. A signed Stars team helmet generated $650.00, followed by Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby’s stick at $625.00.
The Texas Stars wives, friends and family collected close to $3,000.00 by selling autographed pucks and photos. The Red Cross also took donations in exchange for ticket vouchers.
“This was huge for us to do as a team,” Fortunus said. “Right now things are pretty bad in Haiti and they need money to help buy medical supplies, water and food. The fans, players and organization came together in a great way for a great cause. I am thankful for all the help.”
Fortunus’ parents were born in Haiti and moved to Canada in the 1970s and he still has relatives living in there.
“We got in contact with everybody about a week after the earthquake,” Fortunus said. “My aunts and cousins were all right and everybody else (in the family) was all right. But my mom and dad lost some good friends and that part of it is really sad.”
The event raised more money than expected.
“We were hoping to get $5,000 and if we got that it would be good,” Fortunus said. “If we got $10,000, it would be awesome. Getting nearly $15,000 was amazing. Those people really need it over there. My parents are so grateful, not only to the people of Austin, but also to everybody who gave money (to Haiti).”
Fortunus talked about the potential bright side of the earthquake and the response from the rest of the world.
“If there’s one good thing that’s going to come out of it, that country’s going to get back on its feet,” Fortunus said. It’s going to be worth it.”
Contact the author at:  mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at: deidre.hughes@prohockeynews.com