BISON STRENGTHEN DEDICATION TO SERVICE IN OFFSEASON
By: Erik Konwinski, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – The Bloomington Bison have demonstrated their year-round commitment to service through participation in community initiatives, including charity drives, fairs, festivals, local development projects, non-profit fundraisers, parades, and youth sports in Bloomington/Normal throughout the offseason.
Although the season ended on the ice in April, the Bison front office continued the organization’s dedication to being an integral part of the Bloomington/Normal community throughout the summer.
Last Saturday, September 27, the Bison joined over 60 other organizations at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s Day of Play in Uptown Normal, providing the chance for kids to try hockey and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Introducing new, young fans to the sport is just one of the many ways that the Bison have contributed to the growth of hockey off the ice. Other enrichment opportunities included participating in the Special Olympics Summer Games and providing an interactive hockey inflatable for the event, as well as Abe joining the Central Illinois Girls Hockey Association’s “Try Hockey For Free” night.
The team’s drive for success on the ice is met, if not exceeded, by the passion for uplifting people in need and promoting the economic empowerment of those who live and work in Bloomington/Normal.
In addition to participating in professional networking events through the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, including the Twin Cities Showcase, which featured over 90 local and regional organizations, and attending numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the Bison also supported VisitBN events. Appearances at farmer’s markets, First Friday Concerts, golf tournaments, the McLean County Fair, parades, and Saturdays on the Square reinforced Bison Hockey’s dedication to being an asset to the cities’ economic resurgence.
The team was privileged enough to continue making an impact on humanitarian causes as well. Promoting food security and creating sustainable futures for all are among the many community development focuses of the Bison. Opportunities to aid those causes over the summer included involvement with Brightpoint’s Thrive Breakfast, Midwest Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, Abe and the team participated in the Back to School Alliance’s annual event, helping to donate backpacks, Bison tickets, and school supplies to students in need, and supporting Maddie’s HOPE to raise epilepsy awareness.
On-ice action will soon resume inside the Grossinger Motors Arena. Still, the Bison’s commitment to year-round service will continue as the team and Bloomington/Normal evolve together for the enrichment of all. Upcoming outreach includes trunk-or-treats and other Halloween-themed events, a team meet-and-greet, vendor markets, and more. Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com for community impact inquiries.
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