Former NHLer Patrick Marleau spent a day in Ponteix over the weekend signing custom t-shirts and hats for fans, helping raise money to keep the local rink operating.
Jennifer Evans, president of the Ponteix Recreation Board, was blown away by the success of Sunday’s fundraising event.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” she said. “Patrick and his family were awesome. They showed up, they just drove right in. He was mingling and chatting with local people and people from afar that he probably hadn't seen in decades. Kids were approaching him right off the bat, and it was photos and signings before he could even get into the rink.”
A few hundred meals were purchased at the barbecue, and roughly 500 attended throughout to mingle with Marleau.
The total raised from t-shirt sales, raffle tickets and the barbecue cleared $8,000, with all funds staying in the community.
“Those proceeds will be essentially helping towards any ice plant upgrades we need to do to keep that thing functioning for the next season and alleviate any of those increasing operating costs that seem to go up every year,” she said. “And just make sure those kids stay on the ice. It costs a lot for the town of Ponteix to do that, and so everything we can do to help that keeps the kids skating on the ice and engaged in all sports.”
Following the barbecue Marleau even threw first pitch at the evening’s senior men's ball game, extending the day’s fun a bit longer.
Several local businesses donated funds and prizes for the day, without which Evans said the event couldn’t have been successful. A collection of volunteers worked hard behind the scenes and on the frontlines, “literally sweating on the ice,” to ensure the fundraiser went smoothly.
While the signing event is over, the custom Marleau tees and hats are still available to purchase due to their popularity on the weekend. Anyone wanting to order the unique items can call or text 306-774-5620, with proceeds supporting Ponteix Memorial Rink.