Participants in the Mentor Duluth program will be the University of Minnesota Duluth's guests of honor at the DECC this Saturday (Jan. 7) when the Bulldogs and the U.S. National Under-18 Team face off in a men’s college hockey game as part of the seventh annual Mentor Duluth Appreciation Night.

“Sponsoring this event 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,\" says UMD Sports Information Director Bob Nygaard. “Community service is something we encourage all of our student-athletes and staff to become actively involved in and the Mentor Duluth program is one of the best examples of community service.”

All Mentor Duluth participants, including those mentee's currently on the program's waiting list will be admitted to the game for free. A post-game autograph session, featuring the entire 2005-06 Bulldog team, will cap off the evening.

“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. “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.”

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

For more information, call Jodie Ostrander at the YMCA at 722-4745 ext. 143.