Providence, RI (May 14, 2006): The Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society has launched a program specifically designed to fund hotel expenses for out-of-state players who will attend the organization’s 6th annual reunion in August.

Called “Host a Hockey Hero,” the plan targets corporations and individuals to sponsor lodging for incoming players, who through five previous reunions have absorbed all of their own expenses: travel, food and lodging.

Launched just a month ago, the campaign already has landed 13 corporate sponsors both local and regional, including the American Hockey League and the NHL New Jersey Devils, plus 11 individual donors from Rhode Island.

The program is the brainchild of Dick Bartlett, a member of the board of directors with the non-profit historical society. “The response has been incredible,” said Bartlett, who heads corporate relations for the 570-member association.

“Our purpose is twofold,” Bartlett explained. “First, to reduce expenses for visiting players coming in from all parts of Canada and the U. S. and second, in effect, to encourage more players to attend the event by making the trip more affordable.” Bartlett added he hopes the society can offer this benefit for future reunions.

The event will be held at Goddard State Park in Warwick on Sunday, August 6. Its theme will focus on the 50th anniversary celebration of the R. I. Reds’ last American Hockey League Calder Cup championship of 1955-56. Players from that team and spouses and children of deceased members have been invited to attend.

Reunion headquarters will be the new Hilton Garden Inn on Jefferson Boulevard near the T. F. Greene Airport.

Further information about sponsorship costs and benefits for the “Host a Hockey Hero” program can be obtained by calling the society’s office at 401-247-2666 or e-mailing UNH1959@aol.com.

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