Have you heard of the Ladies of the Kraken? They’re an all-female fan group of over 7,000 members supporting the Seattle Kraken, and in addition to fostering community amongst hockey lovers online and at Kraken games, they do amazing things for the community. This September and early October, the Ladies of the Kraken (LOTK) hosted a Hockey Helping Horses fundraiser in partnership with Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, a huge SAFE supporter and volunteer. Proceeds were then donated to SAFE, and we are just amazed at the impact of this group of hockey lovers! Beginning September 5th with an in-person event at Bosk Brew Works in Woodinville, WA, 130 guests socialized and happily awaited their turn to meet Philipp Grubauer (#31) and have personal items signed. They mingled, they bid on silent auction and raffle items, and by the end of the night, this sold-out event raised $24,000 for the horses at SAFE!
Massive thanks to Maile Zahand for coordinating the event, and those who donated items for the silent auction and raffle items, and to all the guests who showed up in fun and support. Fiore Maries Italian Ice had several cool dessert offerings on this warm September evening, including a special Kraken inspired flavor, and graciously donated 31% of the evening’s sales to SAFE as well for #31. Thank you to Cliff and Banjo Hall for offering up the fantastic Bosk Brew Works for the evening and tending the bar and engaging with the crowd!
But the fundraising didn’t end there…LOTK group admin Stacey Nutini pre-planned for those unable to get tickets (the event sold out in just 14 hours!) and worked with Grubauer for a few extra signed jerseys and pucks. Over the next 4 weeks, online raffles, silent auction items and donations from merchandise sales of LOTK and Grubauer items at Shop the Kraken continued to raise funds for SAFE, with a wrap up the night before the NHL season began and a grand total of $28,500 raised for SAFE!
Thank you so very much Stacey, Maile, Philipp Grubauer and Isobel, and to everyone who participated in this event! The horses and humans at SAFE send our love and appreciation. What a fantastic outpouring of community support!
