FONA International presents fifth annual event with week-long online auction
For the fifth consecutive season, the Chicago Steel have partnered with the Geneva Academic Foundation and FONA International for a special event designed to raise money for Geneva Community Unit School District 304.
The week-long auction is scheduled to begin on Thursday, Feb. 11 and run through Thursday, Feb. 18. Fans can bid on game-worn jerseys for the entire Steel roster and Rusty’s jersey at: https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/home.cfm?auctionID=6288.
The Steel will wear specially designed ‘blackout’ jerseys on Saturday, Feb. 13 against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Jerseys will be autographed by the player and shipped to winning bidders. The Saturday night showdown will be broadcast for free on Hockey TV for fans to see the jerseys in action before the bidding concludes on Feb. 18.
The first-time sweaters are black with sets of three charcoal stripes outlined in red on both the elbows and waist. A never-before-seen Steel crest design, a black and charcoal silhouette outlined in red, is placed front and center on the chest. In addition to GAF logos on both shoulders, the sublimated jerseys include a FONA International logo on the left chest.
For the fifth straight season, FONA International has agreed to sponsor the game and the jerseys to ensure that all silent auction proceeds will benefit GAF. The flavor company, based in Geneva, actively promotes science education in the community through its “Discover FONA” program, teaching students about food and flavor science.
“FONA is proud to support the Geneva Academic Foundation by sponsoring this virtual fundraising event,” said Joe Slawek, FONA’s Founder. “GAF is essential to our local community, and FONA is happy to support their efforts.”
Over the past four seasons, the Steel and FONA International have helped raise over $20,000 for GAF through a combination of auction proceeds and ticket sales. Last season’s event on Friday, January 31, 2020 raised over $7,000, the highest total in the history of the partnership between GAF, FONA and the Steel.
“During the past year so much has had to change-but the work of GAF and our commitment to the community continues!” said GAF President Julie Post-Smith. “We are thrilled to be able to be partnered with FONA and the Chicago Steel for the students of Geneva!”
Due to current state restrictions, the Steel are unable to host fans for its home games at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Each of the auctions the past four seasons have taken place in-arena only, and this year’s event marks a shift to an all-online forum. This is not the first time the Steel have held an online jersey auction for philanthropic purposes. Last season, the Steel auctioned off jerseys that were scheduled to be worn for Military Appreciation Night and benefiting Wounded Warrior Project after the game was canceled due to the suspension of the USHL season in March.
“We’re thrilled that FONA and GAF have rallied together with the Steel to continue this tradition under these unique circumstances,” said Steel President Dan Lehv. “We appreciate the partnership of the USHL and HockeyTV to open up the broadcast so that all fans can see these jerseys in action and we can raise as much money as possible for Geneva students.”
The Steel begin action this week with a matchup on Thursday, Feb. 11 against the Des Moines Buccaneers at 3:05 pm CT. The afternoon clash at Fox Valley Ice Arena makes up for the contest originally scheduled for Jan. 15 that was postponed due to poor travel conditions.
Chicago Steel games may be heard on Mixlr at http://mixlr.com/chicago-steel/ (AUDIO) and video may be streamed on available devices through HockeyTV at www.hockeytv.com (VIDEO).
Chicago Steel Upcoming Games presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Thursday, February 11 vs. Des Moines Buccaneers (3:05 pm CT) presented by Waubonsee Community College
Saturday, February 13 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints (7:05 pm CT) with a special jersey auction to benefit Geneva Academic Foundation, presented by FONA International
Sunday, February 14 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints (3:05 pm CT)
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com
