Tanski, Solar Bears team up with DIFD for mental health

Proceeds from 50/50, t-shirt sales to help Orlando Mental Health Association

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, announced that during their home game on Wednesday, March 18, proceeds from 50/50 drawing and sales of a specially designed t-shirt will be donated to the Mental Health Association in Orlando.

Solar Bears forward Scott Tanski designed a special t-shirt that will be available exclusively during the game at the Amway Center on March 18, at 7:00 p.m. The t-shirt features a Scott Tanski stick figure and a positive mental health message on the front, and Tanski's name and number on the back.

Tanski has a special connection with raising awareness of mental illness. While growing up in Ottawa, ON, he became close with the family of Luke and Stephanie Richardson, who founded Do It For Daron in honor of their daughter Daron, who lost her life in 2010 at the age of 14. The goal of the organization is to raise awareness for mental health, especially for young people. Visit www.DIFD.com for more information.

"We are very happy to announce a partnership with DIFD and the Orlando Mental Health Association," said Tanski. "I encourage everyone to help these wonderful organizations by sharing their message and their mission and re-tell their stories of hope and help. We need to support young people who suffer in silence from the pain and stigma of mental illness."

Luke Richardson was drafted in the first round (#7 overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs and went on to play over 20 seasons in the NHL. He finished his career with 201 points and 2,055 PIM in 1,417 NHL contests.

The Mental Health Association in Orlando offers numerous mental health  programs, including their "Mental Health Connections" program which assists over 2,500 families each year. This program provides an outlet for individuals seeking help for themselves or others, determines and locates the help needed, and follows up to ensure the individuals received proper assistance. For more information, visit www.mhacf.org.

Orlando Solar Bears Single Game Tickets for the regular season are on sale now! Click here to purchase tickets.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200 or visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at:   http://store.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Since beginning operations in November of 2011, the Solar Bears and their fans have helped raise over $1,000,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.