Participants in the Mentor Duluth program will be the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs’ guests of honor at the DECC on February 5, 2005 when UMD and Michigan Tech face off in a men’s college hockey game as part of the annual Mentor Duluth Appreciation Night.

“This is our sixth year sponsoring the Mentor Duluth Appreciation Night,” says UMD Sports Information Director Bob Nygaard. “It is our way of saying thanks and showing our gratitude to the hundreds of mentors who volunteer their time to make a difference in a child’s life. Community service is something we encourage all of our student athletes and staff to become involved in and the Mentor Duluth program is one of the best examples of community service.”

“The support and enthusiasm dedicated to this event by the staff and athletes at UMD is a true sign of community giving,” says YMCA Mentor Duluth Director Blair Gagne. “Every year, alumni and friends of the UMD Sports Information Office donate money to buy tickets and concessions for mentors and youth as a part of this appreciation night, and we are so appreciative for the overwhelming support from our community.”

This is the sixth annual Mentor Duluth Hockey Appreciation Night. Mentor Duluth will honor all mentor volunteers and award the recipient of the Albert and Louise Ordean “Making A Difference Award” during the first intermission of the game. This award is given to a mentor(s) who goes above and beyond the expectations of the Mentor Duluth program.

Admittance to the Mentor Duluth Appreciation Night is free to all mentors, mentees and children enrolled in the Mentor Duluth program. The UMD hockey players will also be on hand after the game to sign autographs. Please join us on February 5th to celebrate the wonderful mentors and youth in the Mentor Duluth program. For more information, call Peggy Ostman at the YMCA at 722-4745 ext. 142.