UNIONDALE, NY (December 8, 2011) — The New York Islanders teamed up with EmblemHealth to bring toys and holiday cheer to hundreds of young hospital patients throughout Long Island. The event was the culmination of last week’s holiday shopping spree, when players and their families personally selected gifts at Toys“R”Us in Carle Place, NY. Both events were sponsored by EmblemHealth.
The entire team traveled across Long Island to distribute toys and Islanders tickets, pose for photos and sign autographs for patients at seven area hospitals and a Long Island school for children with disabilities.
“As great as it is to score a goal or win a game, not much compares to when you’re able to bring a smile to someone who is in a hospital,” Islanders captain Mark Streit said. “The Long Island community is always behind us and has been great to me, so anytime we can help out like this, it’s a no-brainer and an honor.”
“The New York Islanders are truly role models and an inspiration to children who are facing medical challenges during the holiday season,” said EmblemHealth President and COO Frank Branchini, who added that the program is part of the company’s ongoing effort to give back to the communities it serves. “We are delighted to bring toys and holiday cheer to these children by partnering with the New York Islanders.”
Team members include captain Mark Streit, Josh Bailey, Rick DiPietro, Mark Eaton, Michael Grabner, Micheal Haley, Travis Hamonic, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Matt Martin, Al Montoya, Mike Mottau, Matt Moulson, Nino Niederreiter, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Jay Pandolfo, PA Parenteau, Kevin Poulin, Marty Reasoner, Dylan Reese, Brian Rolston, Steve Staios, John Tavares, Tim Wallace and David Ullstrom.
Denise Shearer, Special Events Manager for EmblemHealth, was also on hand.
Players visited children at the following facilities: Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park; Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow; Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola; Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook; Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip; St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside; North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset; and the Henry Viscardi School: The National Center for Disabilities, serving children with severe physical and medical disabilities, in Albertson.
About the New York Islanders
Founded in 1972, and this season celebrating their 40-year anniversary, the New York Islanders Hockey Club stands proudly as Long Island’s sole major league professional sports franchise. Keep up with breaking Islanders news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NEWYORKISLANDERS and on Twitter @NYIslanders. For further information on any individual/group ticket options or sponsorship opportunities, contact the team’s office at (516) 501-6700 or e-mail customerservice@newyorkislanders.com. For more team information, log on to newyorkislanders.com.
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc. provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 2.9 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. We offer a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states.