Carolina and Columbus Team to Launch Hockey Helps for Michael Bunn's Recovery

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, are excited to announce new initiatives to aid in Michael Bunn’s road to recovery.

In conjunction with the Columbus River Dragons, the Thunderbirds are proud to partner in “Hockey Helps,” a series of charitable events to aid Michael and his family.

“On the ice we battle each other, off the ice we battle for each other,” said River Dragons general manager Scott Brand, “we are blessed that many of our fans reached out and asked about supporting Bunn and what they can do to help.”

First in the “Hockey Helps” series is an auction for a fusion jersey. The jersey is styled after the River Dragons teal uniforms but features a diagonal sash that reads “Carolina” and “Bunn 11” on the back. The shoulders will feature both a River Dragons and a Thunderbirds logo.

Bidding for the jersey will open today at 3 p.m. and will close Monday, May 18 at 3 p.m.

This jersey will be ordered closer to the beginning of the season so the winner may select the proper size.

Another item available via raffle drawing is an OGIO backpack that can be customized with either a Thunderbirds or River Dragons logo patch. Raffle tickets are available for purchase now at $3 per chance. 

The raffle drawing will take place on Friday, May 22 at 4 p.m.

Both the fusion jersey auction and the backpack raffle can be found on the Columbus River Dragons LiveSource page in the LiveSource app.  

Both fan bases are encouraged to bid and register for the raffle drawing. LiveSource has agreed to waive all fees for these two items so that all proceeds will go directly to Michael and his family.

In addition to these items, the River Dragons are also raffling off two fan experiences which includes an all-expenses-paid trip with on the Columbus team bus to a road game and a coach-for-a-game experience with River Dragons head coach Jerome Bechard.

The Carolina Thunderbirds are in the process of drafting two more fan experiences that will be tailored to the Thunderbirds organization to give a couple of lucky fans a chance to experience the defending FPHL champions in a never-before-seen way.

Lastly, the Carolina Thunderbirds will be launching another charity event for Michael tomorrow, a charity walk called “Miles for Michael.” Stay tuned to the Thunderbirds social media channels and website for more information regarding “Miles for Michael” tomorrow afternoon.

For anyone wishing to donate directly to Michael and his family, please use the Venmo app to donate to the username @Bunner11.

Thank you for your support of Michael and the Bunn family.