ERIE OTTERS PARTNERSHIP
I helped to spearhead the creation of Children's Grief Awareness Night, a first-of-its-kind in professional sports. This annual event, now an integral part of the Erie Otters' season, educates and supports the community regarding childhood grief, while honoring children and their loved ones who have died.
2022 Campaign: Pre-event activities included a press conference at Erie City Hall, where Mayor Schember received a commemorative Children's Grief Awareness Night jersey. Media coverage promoted the event, highlighting Elias Cohen, the Children's Grief Awareness Player to Watch, who shared his personal grief journey. A "jersey bet" between the Highmark Caring Place and the Children's Grief Center in Midland, Michigan (the nearest center to the opposing Saginaw Spirit team) further generated publicity. The game itself featured Children's Grief Awareness Day warm-up jerseys (subsequently auctioned off to benefit the Highmark Caring Place), a ceremonial puck drop by a grieving child and their family, a Moment of Silence, and multiple game-day mentions of Children's Grief Awareness Day and the Highmark Caring Place, including staff interviews during intermissions. The jersey auction raised $6,970 for the Highmark Caring Place in Erie, PA, with one jersey donated to each of their four locations for display.
2023 Campaign: Building upon the previous year's success, the campaign incorporated a custom Erie Otters/Children's Grief Awareness Day logo and jersey design. A collaborative effort with Erie Apparel produced custom merchandise for sale during the event. We also transitioned from a Moment of Silence to a Moment of Unity before the game.
2024 Campaign: This year marked a significant growth, securing future NHL #1 overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer as our Children's Grief Awareness Day Champion. For the first time ever, the commemorative Children’s Grief Awareness Day jerseys were worn for the entire game, not just during warm-ups. The jersey auction generated $16,342 for the Highmark Caring Place in Erie, PA.
This partnership continues to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the Erie Otters and the Highmark Caring Place, positively impacting both communities. Here you will see some of the artifacts from this partnership from over the years.