COYOTES CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IN COMMUNITY
By:_ Damon Markiewicz
Thanksgiving Festival Slideshow
On Thanksgiving eve, members of the Phoenix Coyotes organization took time to reminisce what they are thankful for in their lives and share that joy out in the community.
On Wednesday, November 26, Coyotes players, coaches and members of the front office volunteered their time at the 2003 Great Thanksgiving Banquet hosted by The Phoenix Rescue Mission serving meals to the needy men, women and children of Phoenix.
“Tonight is a special night for everyone involved and really brings enjoyment to many area families,” said Coyotes captain Shane Doan, who attended the banquet with his wife Andrea._ “I always enjoy coming out and spending time in the community, but this event is extra special because it is Thanksgiving, a holiday that allows people to be thankful for what each individual has in their life.”
The Thanksgiving Fiesta not only allowed families to receive dinner served by volunteers, but also featured Folklorico dancers, a North American Mexican band, piñatas and fun activities for the whole family._ All food was donated by Los Sombreros, El Molino, Garcias, Caramba’s, Harvest Meat Co., El Paso and Chevy’s.
“The atmosphere was a lot of fun and the people appreciate the team coming and helping out,” said goaltender Sean Burke, who also attended with his wife Leslie._ “The evening is nice, it allows families to have an exciting night together and during the holiday season, it is important that families spend time together.”
The Coyotes teamed up with the Phoenix Rescue Mission once again to host the festive event._ The Phoenix Rescue Mission provides food, shelter, chapel and other services to homeless and needy people of metropolitan Phoenix._ Hundreds of hot meals are served daily at the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
“You have to appreciate what the local rescue missions due for the people in the community,” said Coyotes right wing Landon Wilson._ “Watching the expressions on individuals faces when you stop and talk with them is something special._ As athletes, we live very good lives and you can’t forget that._ I think the players who attend get just as much out of the night as the families we are serving.”
For Wilson, he has been through some tough times, but also experienced some of the most memorable moments in his life
recently and used Wednesday night to reflect on the past 12 months.
“Suffering the eye injury last year allowed me to appreciate how fortunate we are to play this game,” said Wilson, who scored his first goal since suffering the injury on Monday, November 24 at Dallas with his family in attendance._ “I have a healthy family and that is one of the most important things you can ask for._ I have a lot to be thankful for and I never forget that.”__
On an evening that allows everyone an opportunity to express what they are thankful for, members of the Coyotes took a minute to step back and appreciate what they have in their lives.
“I am thankful for many different things in my life,” said Doan, who is in his ninth season with the franchise._ “I obviously have a wonderful family, great friends and have a job in which I love coming to work every day._ The holidays always put things in perspective and tonight was no different.”
This year’s Thanksgiving Banquet was once again filled with many individuals from many different backgrounds coming together and sharing a special holiday together._ The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the people in the community were helping each other on special evening._ It was the perfect night.
“We are members of the community and we want to help our neighbors,” said Coyotes president, chief operating officer and alternate governor Douglas Moss, who also enjoyed Wednesday evening serving dinner._ “Thanksgiving is a special day and we want to share that feeling with local families.”_
By:_ Damon Markiewicz
Thanksgiving Festival Slideshow
On Thanksgiving eve, members of the Phoenix Coyotes organization took time to reminisce what they are thankful for in their lives and share that joy out in the community.
On Wednesday, November 26, Coyotes players, coaches and members of the front office volunteered their time at the 2003 Great Thanksgiving Banquet hosted by The Phoenix Rescue Mission serving meals to the needy men, women and children of Phoenix.
“Tonight is a special night for everyone involved and really brings enjoyment to many area families,” said Coyotes captain Shane Doan, who attended the banquet with his wife Andrea._ “I always enjoy coming out and spending time in the community, but this event is extra special because it is Thanksgiving, a holiday that allows people to be thankful for what each individual has in their life.”
The Thanksgiving Fiesta not only allowed families to receive dinner served by volunteers, but also featured Folklorico dancers, a North American Mexican band, piñatas and fun activities for the whole family._ All food was donated by Los Sombreros, El Molino, Garcias, Caramba’s, Harvest Meat Co., El Paso and Chevy’s.
“The atmosphere was a lot of fun and the people appreciate the team coming and helping out,” said goaltender Sean Burke, who also attended with his wife Leslie._ “The evening is nice, it allows families to have an exciting night together and during the holiday season, it is important that families spend time together.”
The Coyotes teamed up with the Phoenix Rescue Mission once again to host the festive event._ The Phoenix Rescue Mission provides food, shelter, chapel and other services to homeless and needy people of metropolitan Phoenix._ Hundreds of hot meals are served daily at the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
“You have to appreciate what the local rescue missions due for the people in the community,” said Coyotes right wing Landon Wilson._ “Watching the expressions on individuals faces when you stop and talk with them is something special._ As athletes, we live very good lives and you can’t forget that._ I think the players who attend get just as much out of the night as the families we are serving.”
For Wilson, he has been through some tough times, but also experienced some of the most memorable moments in his life
recently and used Wednesday night to reflect on the past 12 months.
“Suffering the eye injury last year allowed me to appreciate how fortunate we are to play this game,” said Wilson, who scored his first goal since suffering the injury on Monday, November 24 at Dallas with his family in attendance._ “I have a healthy family and that is one of the most important things you can ask for._ I have a lot to be thankful for and I never forget that.”__
On an evening that allows everyone an opportunity to express what they are thankful for, members of the Coyotes took a minute to step back and appreciate what they have in their lives.
“I am thankful for many different things in my life,” said Doan, who is in his ninth season with the franchise._ “I obviously have a wonderful family, great friends and have a job in which I love coming to work every day._ The holidays always put things in perspective and tonight was no different.”
This year’s Thanksgiving Banquet was once again filled with many individuals from many different backgrounds coming together and sharing a special holiday together._ The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the people in the community were helping each other on special evening._ It was the perfect night.
“We are members of the community and we want to help our neighbors,” said Coyotes president, chief operating officer and alternate governor Douglas Moss, who also enjoyed Wednesday evening serving dinner._ “Thanksgiving is a special day and we want to share that feeling with local families.”_
