Joe Sakic - Childhood Hunger All-Star

Sakic may have retired from professional hockey, but he's still a champion in the cause of ending hunger for Colorado children

By Gwen Vogelzang

In 2009, hockey All-Star Joe Sakic hung up his professional skates, enabling him to spend more quality time with his family and on the golf course. The popular Avalanche officially retired his legendary jersey, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Despite all of the changes in his life, one thing remains constant: Sakic is unwavering in his passion to fight childhood hunger in Colorado. He and his wife, Debbie, have signed on again this year to partner with Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR).

This August will mark the 13th year of the Joe Sakic Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Joe and Debbie Sakic Bringing Hope to the Table celebration, two annual fundraising events that have become the financial backbone for FBR's children's programs.

More than 150,000 children in Colorado don't know where their next meal will come from. Hunger is often an invisible issue, especially for these children who don't have a voice. Thirteen years ago Joe and Debbie Sakic made the decision to become that voice, and they've made a world of difference for Colorado children ever since.

FBR has been fighting hunger and feeding hope through nearly 1,000 partner agencies for 32 years. Last year alone, more than 367,000 people were served. That number has risen nearly 18 percent in the past year. Over 42 percent of those served through FBR's partner agencies are children. While hunger at any age is debilitating, it is especially hard on children. Over the course of the partnership with the Sakics, FBR has been able to provide 13.3 million meals to Colorado children in need.

"During tough economic times, Deb and I are even more passionate about fighting childhood hunger." Sakic says. "No child should be hungry. They can't support themselves and it's important that we give back. Together we can provide hope and much needed nutrition to Colorado kids."

On Thursday, August 26, celebrities and sponsors will join Joe for the 13th annual Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament, presented by RE/MAX International at the acclaimed Sanctuary Golf Course. Dave and Gail Liniger, co-founders of RE/MAX International, created Sanctuary on a wildlife refuge in Colorado's Front Range for the exclusive use of selected charities and invited guests. Golf Digest and Golfweek rank Sanctuary among the top golf courses in the nation. More importantly, in Sanctuary's 13-year history, charity golf tournaments hosted there have raised millions of dollars for important causes.

Friday evening, August 27, the Sakics will host an elegant celebration of dining, entertainment and high-end auction items. The Joe and Debbie Sakic Bringing Hope to the Table Celebration, Presented by CoBank and RBC Wealth Management, will take place in Lone Tree at the Marriott South Park Meadows. Comedian Jake Johannsen will provide the entertainment. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner. Susie Wargin of 9NEWS and Marc Moser of the Altitude Radio Network will emcee the festivities.

In addition to RE/MAX, the 2010 Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic has many sponsors from Colorado's business community, including CoBank, RBC Wealth Management, UMB, FirstBank, Maverick Company, Panera Bread, St. Mary Land & Exploration, Starz Entertainment, Halliburton, EnCana Oil & Gas, TAG, Birchwood Resources, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Casualty, Specialized Loan Services, Total Transportation, US Food Service and 104.3 The Fan.

Proceeds from the two events will benefit children's programs administered by FBR's Nutrition Network, such as Kid's Menu, Kids Cafe, After School Snacks for Tutoring and Totes of Hope - Children.

Childhood hunger is a problem that is solvable. The Sakics are continuing to work toward ending the pains of hunger felt by Colorado children in need. You can help. Join Joe and Debbie this August to fight hunger, feed hope and have a great time in the process.

To learn more about the golf tournament and dinner event, or to register, go to the events page at foodbankrockies.org or call 303.375.5838.

Gwen Vogelzang is a contributing writer to Colorado Golf Magazine

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