Latest News on Ben Hepp Donations

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Here's the latest update on IHC's jersey raffle to benefit Ben Hepp.

We have now raised $290, after Joe Arnstein and Graeme Davis of PickupHockey.net donate $25.

Joe and Graeme say, "We're wishing Ben a successful recovery. We hope that IHC's efforts, and the love from Ben's friends and the hockey community, bring strength to Ben and his family. All the best."

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$25, Gary Del Vecchio
$100, Doug Jones, Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers
$10, David Ward
$20, Bill Raue, Major League Roller Hockey
$25, Joe Arnstein and Graeme Davis, PickupHockey.net

Only $710 to go to reach IHC's goal of $1,000. Is your donation on the way?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[LetsRoll]

Keep up the good work, Rich. I think IHC will reach its' goal.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Here's the latest update on IHC's jersey raffle to benefit Ben Hepp.

The last I heard, Ben was back in intensive care. Please, let's show his family how much inline hockey players care about their own.

We have now raised $320, after John Grote's $5 ticket purchase, and Topcat Hockey's $25 donation:

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$25, Gary Del Vecchio
$100, Doug Jones, Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers
$10, David Ward
$20, Bill Raue, Major League Roller Hockey
$25, Joe Arnstein and Graeme Davis, PickupHockey.net
$5, John Grote
$25, Topcat Hockey

(If I've mistakenly left anyone out, please let me know.)

Only $680 to go to reach IHC's goal of $1,000. Is your donation on the way?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[doncorleone984]

could anyone please update me on Ben's condition, i used to play with him and after i moved i havent been around joe dumars fieldhouse much since he got his ???brain tumor??? also information on how to help would be appreciated.
thanks, andy skomski

[RichardGraham]

Hi Don,

I'll try to get an update for you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[Benny_Gulakiw]

The following was recently posted on another web site message board. Maybe Rich can confirm this and/or add some more information.

Great News!! Ben was released from the hospital today and went home to his mom's house. He is real excited to be home and is grinning from ear to ear. He had been in the hospital for almost 3 months....omg!! He is in a wheelchair and can stand for a few mins with a walker. He is able to say a few words and is making progress there. The money that you have helped to raise is now being spent. They are installing a ramp to get him inside the home and all the bars needed for the bathroom. He can't eat solid foods so they had to go out and buy him special food. Other money will be used to transport him quite a distance to rehab 3-4 times a week. Just wanted to let you know how things are going and to say "Thanks" again to everyone who supported Ben. I will keep you all up to date on any progress that he makes. Happy Holidays to All of You!!

Benny Gulakiw
President
Inline Hockey America

[RichardGraham]

Hi Benny,

Thanks for the update. That's fantastic news!

After January 1, when I get some money I've been waiting for, I will add my donation to the Ben Hepp Fund, (as well as pay the balance of the deductions that PayPal makes for every transaction), and will mail out a check to Ben's parents. Though the total won't approach what I'd hoped to achieve, it will be something, and that's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

I will also do the drawing for the Montreal Roadrunners' jersey this week, so I can get it out to the winner before Christmas.

(I spoke to Doug Jones of the Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers today in Irvine, and he said that all the rink directors that didn't match his $100 donation to the Ben Hepp fund are WIMPS. I agree. A lot of people TALK a good game.) [img]/wtimages/icons/mad.gif[/img]

Still, I'm very happy to hear that Ben is out of the hospital and on his way toward recovering. What a wonderful Christmas present to everyone who cares about Ben Hepp! [img]/wtimages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[missionhockey21]

Rich, thats great news about Ben. Do you know when you will be doing the drawing for the jersey, my brother was planning on donatint a little. Thanks

[RichardGraham]

Hi Mission,

I think I'll do it this Friday, so I can announce the winner and get the jersey out in the mail on Saturday. Tell your brother to get crackin' [img]/wtimages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Oh, and tonight I got our biggest pledge yet, an anonymous offer of $250! Wouldn't that be awesome?! [img]/wtimages/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Here's the latest update on IHC's jersey raffle to benefit Ben Hepp.

While Ben is finally back home after several months in the hospital, his family's medical expenses must be outrageous. This is not the time to quit. Show your Christmas and holiday spirit and come through for one of our own.

We have now raised $345, after Michael Hernbrott's $25 donation, and we have an anonymous pledge of $250!!! That's fantastic! Here's where we stand at this moment, though:

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$25, Gary Del Vecchio
$100, Doug Jones, Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers
$10, David Ward
$20, Bill Raue, Major League Roller Hockey
$25, Joe Arnstein and Graeme Davis, PickupHockey.net
$5, John Grote
$25, Topcat Hockey
$25, Michael Hernbrott

(If I've mistakenly left anyone out, please let me know.)

I will hold the jersey raffle this Friday, and mail it to the winner on Saturday. Time's running out!

Only $655 to go to reach IHC's goal of $1,000. Is your donation on the way?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central