Reading Royals We Believe

‘Shoot For our Community’ promotions every Saturday night. Todd Rothenberger, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer at Diamond Credit Union, talks about the evolution of their partnership with the Royals. He appreciates the commitment the Royals give to their partners, listening and sharing ideas to implement fun ways to support the community. He says it is a nice mix because the Royals have great relationships with so many in the community. Over $3000 has been donated to 13 charities through the ‘Shoot For Your Community’ promotion. Todd talks about the big win, when an employee who never held a hockey stick scored $1000 on ‘Pink In The Rink’ night!

Kevin Steele, President of the Berks Schuylkill Oil Heat Association talks with Alexy Posner for the Reading Royals about their 10 year partnership. Kevin says they started the relationship with the Royals by placing signage at the rink. They worked with Mark Wallace to explore other ways to collaborate including involvement with the penalty box, hospitality games and the alumni game. Kevin says, “it’s the perfect partnership with the Royals because it allows a space and place to network with our members and their customers … a perfect ground to sow seeds of business partnerships and say thanks to clients.” Kevin says this collaboration allows the Berks Schuylkill Oil Heat Association to keep top of mind awareness with their members during their busiest time of year. Kevin appreciates the commitment to the Reading Royals commitment as it is in line with the Association. Over the last 10 years they were able to raise $50,000 to help families with their heating bills.

Dave Lindenmuth, Director of Marketing UGI Energy Services, talks about the Reading Royals Suite experiences he is able to offer to others in the community. UGI Energy Services has a suite in Santander Arena at Center Ice and he says it’s great place to entertain clients, it’s all about the experience.UGI Energy Services relationship started with the Royals by placing a banner at the rink, then they invested in a half suite. Dave says, “The experience we were able to share with our clients was so successful we now have a full suite. We are able to entertain lots of customers and treat employees and guests. “The feedback we get is tremendous”. Dave attribute the success to the collaborative efforts of the Reading Royals. UGI community initiatives are in line with the Reading Royals. On Veterans Game Day we donate our suite to veteran retirees and their families and on Martin Luther King Day we treat Mentors For Berks Youth. We are able to donate our suite tickets to the scouts for Boy Scouts Games. The personalized opportunities we are able to provide are available because of the Royals commitment have to partnering with so many organizations in this community.

Drew president of the Reading Royals says the shining moments are new partnerships with organizations in the community. New and bigger collaborations have been forged the Greater Reading Food Bank, Opportunity House, Family Promise, Autism Society, Hope Rescue Mission and the Do It For Darren Foundation. Two sellouts this season were two key community nights, Pink In The Rink and Scout Night. Scout night included a sleepover with some scouts as the Reading Royals partnered with the Hawk Mountain Scout Council. Drew Bell says, “Engaging the community and giving back makes us hungry to do more”. Find out how the Reading Royals Organizations plans to take their game to another level next year.

Norman Brown came to Berks County 14 years ago. He used to drive by the Hope Rescue Mission and think he would never need a place like that. But then he lost everything just like that and found himself at the door of the Hope Rescue Mission. Norman talks about the people he met that lifted him up and believed in him, Pastor Steve, Janet and Frank. He says the love you and support you emotionally. They show you how to love yourself again. Norman found refuge at Hope Rescue Mission for about 4 months and he also found hope and a job. He was encouraged daily to never give up! Today he is working third shift full time, he is back together with his wife, has an apartment and a car. Every morning he goes to Hope Rescue Mission to serve breakfast. He says There are not bad guys at Hope Rescue Mission, just guys who are down on their luck. He asks for your sponsorship. It shows the men someone believes in them. He is so grateful someone believed in him that he is committed to be there everyday to give back and believe in the guys that are there.

Meet Kerry Moore, he had a great job, then the recession hit. The business went under and Kerry lost his job. Eventually his unemployment ran out, his savings dwindled and there were still no jobs available. Kerry found himself of the steps of the Hope Rescue Mission. Kerry says the people at the Hope Rescue Mission goes the distance to get a man back on his feet, begin important to society again and becoming self-sustaining. Kerry said he went to Hope Rescue Mission looking for work. He found it at the front desk and eventually worked his way into leading an employer outreach program. Kerry says Hope Rescue Mission helps men through personal issues, helping them put addictions and crime behind them. They believe these men deserve a second chance. Kerry has been hired by the DoubleTree in Reading. He has been going to Royals games since they came to town but this is the first year he was able to be a season ticket holder and couldn’t be happier about that since the Royals are partnering with Hope Rescue Mission for their Champions Of Hope Campaign Kerry says the $120 donation to sponsor a man for a week gets that man 2 meals a day , a warm safe place to sleep and shower and do laundry. It’s just the basics needed to help get a man back on track.

Alexy Posner talks with Jim Smith, the Director of Donor Development at Hope Rescue Mission. He says, “It’s a difficult decision to walk up those 19 steps”. When a man does walk up the steps to the Mission he finds hope, light and love so he can begin the recovery process. Hope Rescue Mission offers a holistic approach to ending homelessness for the men at the mission. Education is a key component: job shadowing, internship, entry level jobs, partner with RACC to offer the ‘Career In Two Years’ program, literacy, finance so that the men can transition back into society and become contributing citizens. Jim talks about Three integral steps to the Hope Rescue Mission Program and invites you to be part of Champions Of Hope. Support a man for one week, get tickets to the Night Of Hope Reading Royals game the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sign up at Royalshockey.com

Carol Spencer is President of the Autism Association and couldn’t be more grateful for the evening the Reading Royals will stage for individuals with autism. Carol shares her story and challenges her family face raising their 14-year old son who was diagnosed with autism at 2 ½ years of age. To have The Reading Royals create a sensory friendly hockey game means the world to her family. The Royals are even providing a quiet room. She says this game provides an opportunity to expose her son to something he family normally wouldn’t enjoy. Because the Royals care enough to lower lights and sound individuals with autism can share the excitement of a hockey game. Carol says an event like this is “so hard to find”. The Reading Royals are all about helping others in the community and Carol Spencer and the Autism Association will work to share the goodness in the community.

Alexy Posner of the Reading Royals tunes in to the Autism Story with Susan Swavely, a board member with Unending Promise. The Reading Royals gives back to the Community through their ‘We Believe’ campaign. They have partnered with Unending Promise and the Autism Association to dedicate the April Second Reading Royals game to Autism awareness. Susan’s 17-year old son Ryan has autism. This game is a big deal because the Royals lower lights and noise level making. That stimuli can be very disturbing for individuals with autism. Unending Promise is an organization that works to provide skill development, social activities and meaningful relationships for individuals with autism. Their primary focus is on life skills and independent living. Unending Promise realizes the need for more focus on services for adults with autism. Susan says “autism is part of you but doesn’t define you!”. Daily life will be a little difficult. This Royals game raises awareness of sensory issues that people with autism face.

Vince James took his wife to Reading Royals games not because he was a big hockey fan, but because she is a big hockey fan. Vince says it didn’t take long, the excitement generated at Reading Royals games is contagious! Contagious is an understatement. Vince James of V&M Towing went from season ticket holder to a suite owner. Vince says, “I have a lot of friends there so I like to help out”. Vince sure does help out. Vince is a Reading Royals ‘warm up jersey sponsor’ and the cannon man at the games shooting t-shirts into the stands for the fans.

Barb Bieber and Amy Miller, American Cancer Society Relay For Life Specialists, are excited about the Reading Royals annual ‘Pink In The Rink’ Game’. There are 7 Relay For Life Events planned this year in Berks County and the Reading Royals support for those battling cancer is significant and a huge benefit. These ‘Relay For Life’ events focus on cancer survivors. The community comes together to stage 18 to 24 hour celebrations to support those battling cancer. There will be information at the Reading Royals ‘Pink In The Rink’ game. Barb Bieber says, “This is a great opportunity to reach more people and let them know about all the free services we provide”. Amy Miller adds, “The American Cancer Society is not focused on any one type of cancer, we fight all different types of cancer”. Barb talks about her personal connection with cancer and how people diagnosed today have a much different outcome than 20 years ago. Barb says, “Purple is the international color for all cancers”. It is great that the Reading Royals in their purple uniforms and Reading Royals fans sporting their purple colors support wholeheartedly the efforts of the American Cancer Society.

Reading Royals Forward Matt Hatch enjoys going into schools and talking to younger kids. Mentoring students is his way of giving back. He recalls the role models in his life that helped put him on the path to playing professional hockey. Matt says, when you work in the community “you’re able to see so much more, see perspectives of different people. This year we did a calendar shoot and worked with younger kids for the Humane Society. You get to see a different side of life when you interact with younger kids”. Having family members who’ve served in the military Matt really appreciates the way the Royals honor the armed forces. He enjoys military appreciation night. Matt says, “The Royals aren’t in it to make money. They are in it for the community and doing their part to help revive the community. The Reading Royals are a community rallying point”.

The Reading Royals support a much bigger community than Reading Royals fans and family. Every year the Royals hold an annual ‘Pink In The Rink’ game and it is a great partnership. Kathy Kolb, Director Support Services Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County, says, “We have earned a lot of money because of what the Royals have done for us”. Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County gets a portion of each ticket sold for that game. Kathy Kolb says, “The recognition and the awareness that has been built as a result of partnering with the Royals has been wonderful for us. The Royals fans, family and players, the whole organization should be proud of their contribution to Berks County”.

Dylan Ward, the director of Fun and Community Relations, talks with Craig Pool, the General Manager of the Doubletree Hotel, about the value of collaboration between the Reading Royals with other business and community partners in the City of Reading. Building the Doubletree Hotel directly across the street from the Santander Arena is part of the community revitalization plan. The Doubletree invested in a ‘Box’ at the Arena. Craig Poole talks about the added value he can offer some customers as a result of the Arena Box, because it’s not just Arena Seats, it’s an opportunity to share the positive energy of Reading. Craig adds that Reading Royals fans enjoy stopping by ‘Cheers’, the new restaurant at the Doubletree, before the games. Sometimes he is able to randomly share the Doubletree Box Seats with ‘Cheers’ patrons.

In his second season as Reading Royals President, Drew Bell talks about what he's learned working with the Gulati Family and how those values are the foundation of the ECHL Reading Royals Hockey Team. While the Royals are hoping to repeat their Kelly Cup success they are also working to make a difference and give back to the Greater Reading community. There have been arena upgrades to help ensure an amazing Reading Royals fan experience. There are also a number of community collaborations to ensure the Reading Royals players, staff and administration are making a positive impact in their community. Drew Bell says Using the Royals 'We Believe' campaign to empower employees, the team and the community means Royals Success for everyone.

Jack Gulati, owner of the Reading Royals, and Drew Bell, Reading Royals President talk about the meaning of community. Jack Gulati says, “We are what the community is, the community is what we are”. The commitment of the Reading Royals to the greater Reading and Berks County community starts at the top of the Reading Royals organization. In this ‘We Believe’ episode we learn that The Reading Royals organization doesn’t just say “We Believe”, they LIVE it. The Royals Charities program is in its tenth year. Last year the Community Series was established. This Series of 9 Reading Royals games is dedicated to giving back to the community. A specific charity is designated to receive funds from each of those games. Last year the Reading Royals gave back $250,000 to charitable organizations in their home community.

Meet Jack Gulati. Jack Gulati is a very successful serial entrepreneur. Meet the man behind the success. Jack is a dedicated family man loyal to his family and to the greater Reading community. In March of 2014 it was announced that the Reading Royals hockey team was for sale. Fearing the Royals may leave town Jack Gulati bought the team. Jack said "The Reading Royals must stay in Reading! Reading needs the hockey team". Jack Gulati not only believes the Reading Royals belong in Reading, he also believes the Reading Royals have a bigger part to play in Reading. Yes, they play ice hockey but their role goes beyond the rink. Jack, the administration, the staff, the coach and the players are all committed to playing their part off the ice to do what they can to support the greater Reading community. Whether they are mentoring children in the community or teaching them to play ice hockey, the Reading Royals are also supporting the Berks Food Bank, Veterans and Autism Awareness (just to name a few). This team is committed to giving back to their community and this series will showcase a few of those stories.