Red Wings, UAW Members to Face Off at ‘Pucks for Autism’

When some of Detroit's great hockey legends face off against UAW-Ford members on the ice next month, the players won't be the only heroes in the room.

That's because each person who attends UAW-Ford's third annual Hockey for a Cause fundraiser on April 29 will be directly supporting autism research and programming. All proceeds from Pucks for Autism will benefit the Ted Lindsay Foundation, which works to help kids with autism.

"We like to help everyone in the community as much as we can," says Angelo Sacino, organizer of UAW-Ford's hockey tournament. "This is just one way to raise awareness and help the people in our community." After all, he says, "We do more than just build cars. That's our saying."

The game will be held at Fraser Hockeyland and feature members of the Detroit Red Wings alumni team competing against around 30 UAW-Ford employees – for bragging rights, of course.

"The guys that play have a great time because they're playing with former Red Wings," Sacino says. "People come and watch, and the employees like it. It gives a little bit of pride for them to see that we do this kind of stuff. That makes it a fun day." Most importantly, though, it's helping a good cause. "We're benefiting somebody," he adds.

The Ted Lindsay Foundation, based in Troy, was established in 2001 by former Red Wings captain Ted Lindsay and friend John Czarnecki, who has a son with autism. It has raised more than $3 million over the years to help support educational programs and social services for kids with autism spectrum disorders, in addition to funding new and existing research projects focusing on the cause and treatment of autism.

With the rate of autism on the rise, the foundation was an important and timely cause. "There are a lot more cases of autism that you hear about. And we just know that they're an incredible foundation," Sacino says. "With the Red Wings connection, we figured we'd help out."

Previous Hockey for a Cause events have benefited childhood cancer awareness and the American Cancer Society. "Instead of picking the same charity every year, we thought every year we'd go to a different cause," Sacino adds. "Everyone needs help."

About 300 to 400 people typically attend the hockey game each year. With admission fees plus additional donations, the events have raised about $12,000 so far. UAW-Ford pays for all event costs. "All the proceeds go to the charity. We don't keep anything," Sacino says. Other UAW-Ford outreach programs include Meals on Wheels, holiday boxes, building handicap ramps and supporting local schools. "We do a lot throughout the community," he says. "It's a commitment."

Pucks for Autism is open to the public, and tickets are available in advance or at the door. There will be concessions for sale, and a silent auction will include signed items such as hockey pucks and jerseys. Guests also will have the chance to meet and interact with the Red Wings alumni players. Overall, Sacino says, it's a great event for families to enjoy while also helping an important cause. "For me, that's what it's all about," he says. "It's just an easy way to do a donation and enjoy yourself."

UAW-Ford Vice President Jimmy Settles says:

We consider ourselves a family here at UAW-Ford, and supporting each and every member of our family is key to our mission. In Michigan and throughout the country, an increasing number of children are receiving a diagnosis of autism every year.

As many of our members know, finding the right resources for a family member with autism isn't always easy. That's why we support organizations like the Ted Lindsay Foundation, which is working to make life better for children with autism through research, educational programs and social services.

We hope you'll join us next month at Pucks for Autism to help raise some much-needed funds for this great organization – and, while you're at it, have a fun family night out and enjoy watching our members face off against former Red Wings. Hope to see you there!

Pucks for Autism happens 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at Fraser Hockeyland. Tickets are $10 each, paid directly to the Ted Lindsay Foundation. To buy tickets or for more information, contact Angelo Sacino at asacino@ford.com or 586-453-4232.