See How You Can Help Support Our Community Partners
We want to thank all of our wonderful community partners for all their support of the Phantoms. With the COVID-19 pandemic, just like everybody else, these community partners have been greatly affected and are in need of our help. Many of you have seen those organizations year-after-year around PPL Center at Phantoms games. It is especially difficult during this time for these organizations who are so dedicated to helping other people, with very little ability for community outreach, special events, or fundraising opportunities. Please see below a list of our community partners, what their mission is and how you can help them today! We thank them, and you, for the support!
Phantoms Community Partners
American Cancer Society | American Heart Association | Bradbury Sullivan Center
Gift of Life | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley
Salvation Army | Special Olympics Northampton County
American Cancer Society
Main Mission of Organization:“The main goal of the American Cancer Society is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“We have worked with the Phantoms for a number of years, but in a much larger capacity for the past 3 years.”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“My favorite part is working with the staff on different and innovative ideas as to how we can both become bigger and better organizations. The personal touch that is provided is second-to-none and we love our partnership.”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“Not only has our partnership helped financially, it has also helped in a large way with awareness. With the help of the Phantoms, we are able to provide free rides to treatment for local patients as well as Hope Lodge locations where patients can stay for free during treatment.”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Outside of being able to make a donation to our mission, we are always looking for volunteers for our event committees. We work around the clock to make sure that our patients have access to the absolute best care throughout their cancer journey.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“Our annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event will be going virtual and drive-thru on October 17 at ArtsQuest and our Real Men Wear Pink campaign is starting to take shape for the month of October and beyond.”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“Over the years, we have truly enjoyed our interactions on game nights with all of the fans. It has been from amazing supporters like you that we are able to provide life-saving options for local cancer patients so that nobody ever has to fight alone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support.”
American Heart Association
Main Mission of Organization:“To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“This was the first year for the American Heart Association to partner with the Phantoms and the beginning of what we believe will be a long standing partnership.”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“The energy! The Phantoms bring energy to our community and working alongside them is a high energy, fast paced, and exciting!”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“The reach the Phantoms has with it’s fanbase and following is the perfect setting for a non profit like ours. Partnering with the Phantoms has been beneficial to us for the exposure, the audience and the community connection.”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Right now more than ever missions like ours are critical. We are in the forefront with Covid-19 relief, we are addressing alarming issues like people in our community not seeking medical attention for heart and stroke symptoms due to fear of hospitals, and we have a life-saving responsibility to continue to promote awareness, health and wellness. Doing your research, educating yourself and reaching out to our local office are all great ways you can help! Heart.org is a very easy to navigate website and our local office (while currently working remote) is always available by email abby.silfies@heart.org or by calling 484-245-6268. The American Heart Associate also has a limited number of Phantoms Autographed pucks remaining. If interested in purchasing a player autographed puck you should also email abby.silfies@heart.org or call 484-245-6268.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“Heart Walk is coming this September! Save the date for Sept 19 and check out all the details at heart.org/lehighvalleywalk”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“We are so excited to continue working with the Phantoms community and watch for us on National Wear Red Day again as we hope to be together at PPL Center celebrating on the ice once again!”
Bradbury Sullivan Center
Main Mission of Organization:“Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides a diverse variety of arts, health, youth, and pride programs for thousands of community members each year. We are headquartered in downtown Allentown, just two blocks from the PPL Center!”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“Since 2018”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“Our team loves working with the Phantoms to promote a clear message that hockey is for everyone and that homophobia and transphobia have no place in sports, or in the Lehigh Valley!”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“Pride Nights at the Phantoms has allowed us to bring visibility to homophobia and transphobia in sports – on and off the “field” – and educate the community on ways to “bash homophobia” as Kurtis Gabriel would say. Our partnership with the Phantoms helps us increase our advocacy for LGBT inclusion in sports in the Lehigh Valley!”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Right now, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is providing critical virtual services and programs for the LGBT community of Lehigh Valley. We are working hard to keep our community connected and supported during COVID-19. Fans can support these virtual services by donating at www.bradburysullivancenter.org/donate.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“In it’s 27th year, Lehigh Valley Pride is going virtual on Sunday, August 16th from 2-5 PM featuring folk music legend Holly Near, Pop Rock star Steve Grand, Comedian Suzanne Westenhoeffer, as well as drag queen superstars Jujubee, Alexis Mateo, Kahanna Montrese, Coco Montrese, and Ariel Versace, plus more entertainment! Virtual Lehigh Valley Pride will be streaming live on RCN TV, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center’s Facebook Live and YouTube live. More information at www.bradburysullivancenter.org/pride”
Gift of Life
Main Mission of Organization:“Gift of Life Donor Program saves and heals lives by coordinating the recovery of organs and tissue from deceased donors. We are the non-profit, federally-designated organ procurement organization working with 128 acute care hospitals and 15 transplant centers to serve 11.2 million people in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.Thanks to our compassionate community, Gift of Life has coordinated the most life-saving organs for transplant in the United States for the past 12 years.”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“Our first Gift of Life Night with the Phantoms was held in 2018. We have had a total of three successful annual events with the Phantoms in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network.”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“We love working with the Phantoms because they are engaged with our community, the team is so popular and the staff works closely with us to help increase awareness of the importance of organ donation and the need for more people to register as donors.”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“We have been able to register new donors and spread awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donors. Our Gift of Life Nights with the Phantoms have allowed us to share our life-saving mission with thousands of fans, as well as honoring local donor heroes and sharing inspiring stories about transplant recipients. Our 2020 event was extra special because a Phantoms season ticket holder who is a donor mom and Gift of Life volunteer got to meet her son’s heart recipient and hear his heart beating before the game!”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Visit donors1.org to learn about donation and register. For fans who are already registered, thank you! Please share your decision with your family and help us spread the word.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“Gift of Life Family House will host the 16th annual Kidney Open Golf Outing on Monday, August 24 at the beautiful DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, DE. Click here for event details. Family House provides lodging and support services for families of patients awaiting transplant at Philadelphia-area hospitals. Families from the Lehigh Valley and throughout our region stay at Gift of Life Family House. Another way to help is through the Family House Best Birthday Yet Program. Phantoms fans are also invited to involve their house of worship in National Donor Sabbath.”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“Donors are heroes! One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and a tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 75 others. Visit donors1.org for more information and to register.”
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Main Mission of Organization:“LLS’ mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“LLS has had a strong partnership with the Phantoms for a few years.”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“It’s hard to pick just one! LLS appreciates how community minded the Phantoms are and how supportive the organization has been especially with the Students of the Year Greater Lehigh Valley campaign. For the past two years, there’s been a game that recognizes the high school students who are fundraising- it’s such a fun time!”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“The partnership has brought awareness to the community about LLS and the resources we offer to blood cancer patients and their families as well as ways to get involved with the organization.”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Do any Phantoms fans know highly motivated high school students? We are currently signing students on to be a part of the 2021 Students of the Year Greater Lehigh Valley Campaign. It’s a philanthropic leadership development program during which students foster professional skills such as marketing and project management in order to raise funds for LLS.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“For Students of the Year, please visit studentsoftheyear.org for more information. Also, if interested in learning more, please reach out to Christina Cimino, Campaign Manager, at Christina.cimino@lls.org.”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“For more information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please visit lls.org”
Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley
Main Mission of Organization:“PCFLV provides free and unique programming and services to Lehigh Valley families who have or had a child with cancer. We “embrace the journey” alongside children and families and create a community of support. We offer a bill-paying program; a college scholarship program; grocery store, gas, and hospital cafeteria gift cards; a week-long summer camp; support groups; and so much more!”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“We have been purchasing season tickets for our families to enjoy since 2015!”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“We have had a few Phantoms representatives that have really gone out of their way to make sure PCFLV families have great experiences at games and at our annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night.”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“Our goal is always to enrich the lives of our cancer kiddos and their families, and attending Phantoms games definitely brings them joy!”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for us to hold our in-person fundraisers, which provide the majority of our revenue to support our programming and services. Individual donations are crucial at this time, so any monetary donation of any amount is appreciated. In addition, we have a few virtual fundraisers that people can participate in!”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“Right now, we are running a virtual version of our Luau on the Links Golf Outing. Golfers can golf anytime, anywhere between now and September 7th and support PCFLV through a $50 donation…which registers them for the chance at some awesome prizes like a $250 Amazon gift card. And September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Every September, we run a series called 30 Days/30 Stories where we tell a different local child’s story with pediatric cancer each day. We would love for Phantoms fans to tune into that either on our website or on social media! In addition, we have a virtual 5K Walk/8K Run happening on September 26th! Details on all of these can be found at www.pcflv.org.”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“We truly appreciate the support of the Lehigh Valley community in keeping our mission running…ALWAYS, but especially during this difficult time!”
Salvation Army
Main Mission of Organization:“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“3 years”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“Bringing our kids to the arena is such a unique experience for them. They really enjoy being at PPL Center and seeing a game. Many are in PPL Center and experiencing a hockey game in person for the 1st time.”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“The partnership has allowed us to reach a younger market of supporters and to have a stronger presence in the downtown Allentown area.”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“We struggle every day to meet the increasing demands of so many that have lost works hours or jobs and in need of food and other essentials to feed their family. We have a virtual food pantry and through that support it helps us purchase and get necessary food to families. You don’t have to leave home to support it and all funds raised stays in the community. It can be found at: https://bit.ly/saHereforgood“
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“We are #DoingTheMostGood by collecting dollars or supplies for our school distribution program. The collection runs from August 1 – 10, 2020. We are seeking school supplies to support children in grades K- 12. More information will be available on our website at SalvationArmyLehigh”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with The Phantoms and look forward to working with and bringing our staff and kids to a Phantoms game again soon. ”
Special Olympics Northampton County
Main Mission of Organization:“The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
How Long Have They Been Working With Phantoms:
“3 years! It has been a pleasure working with Trevor and his team.”
Favorite Part of Working with Phantoms:
“The Phantoms Organization is very accepting of our athletes and our families. They provide opportunities for our athletes to attend games and offer a sensory room through the partnership with IU 20 for our athletes to use during the game if needed.”
How has Partnership with the Phantoms helped:
“The Phantoms partnership has created an event that is inclusive for all members of the community and specifically to people with disabilities. Many of our families may have been hesitant to take their children to an event in the community worried about how their child would manage all the excitement, loud noises, etc. in a crowded event like a hockey game. The Phantoms partnership has led to creating an environment that supports children with disabilities, providing our children with an area to take a break if they become overwhelmed with the experience. Many families that I have spoken to, would have never taken the change to come to a hockey game. With this partnership they took the chance and their experience was amazing for them and their children. They now feel a sense of belonging to the hockey community. ”
How Can Phantoms Fans Currently Help:
“Continue to spread the word about people with disabilities and embrace inclusion. The more we can create opportunities for our families and people with disabilities, the better we are as a community respecting all individuals.”
Any Upcoming Events or Fundraisers:
“We are having an online fundraiser from August 2-August 8! Feel free to share our group! Northampton County Special Olympics Virtual Raffle.”
Anything else They Want Phantoms Fans to Know:
“Thank you for supporting people with disabilities and creating an environment of love and belonging.”
