ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Albany FireWolves, the Capital Region’s Indoor Lacrosse team playing out of the Times Union Center beginning in December, introduce the FireWolves Foundation.
The PACK Gives Back! The FireWolves Foundation will allow the organization to address and participate in many philanthropic causes across the Capital Region. The Foundation’s goal is to not only grow the game of lacrosse, but also to work with our community to promote primary pillars and initiatives such as health and wellness (both physical and mental health), education, and inclusion.
“As we said from day one, we are committed to our community,” said George Manias, President of the Albany FireWolves. “Literally, the first thing we have been focused on as we launch our inaugural season is how can we be involved in our community, make a difference in our community, and give back to our community. The PACK Gives Back, that is how! The goal of this foundation is to grow the sport of box lacrosse in the Capital Region and to serve and give back, through this great sport. Our main area of concentration will mostly be to help those kids and families who may not have the means to play lacrosse because of the expense. We will help pay for registration fees and equipment for those who may need a helping hand as they learn to play and develop their talents through our AFW Training Academy. In addition, we will also support many other local initiatives in our PACK Gives Back campaign.”
Some of the early fundraising initiatives the Foundation is already planning include: Donating proceeds from ticket and sponsorship sales back to the community, a 50/50 raffle during all FireWolves home games, raffling a suite at the Times Union Center for the FireWolves home opener (donated by Albany Broadcasting) and a golf outing at Normanside Country Club in September. Details regarding all these initiatives will be released at a later date. The Foundation will also assist certain participants of the AFW Training Academy with registration fees and equipment.
The Albany FireWolves also announces the appointment of Executive Director of the Foundation, Bob Bulman. A Buffalo area native, Bulman spent over two decades working in both state government and private lobbying and public affairs in the Capital Region. He led a boutique sports practice that served various clients including the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Utica Comets, Syracuse Crunch, Finger Lakes Horsemen, OTB, Lake Placid Sports Commission, Skate America, Artemis Sports and Save of the Day Foundation. Additionally, Bulman coached collegiate Men’s ice hockey for three seasons at Hudson Valley Community College. Currently, Bulman serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Excelsior Sports Group, LLC.
“The PACK Gives Back will be launching new and creative initiatives that will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of life in the Capital Region, as well as, growing the game of lacrosse at the grass roots level,” said Bulman. “The creation of the Foundation demonstrates the commitment of the FireWolves to be a force both on, and off the field. I’m truly excited to have the opportunity to work with the FireWolves leadership and community leaders to bring these ideals, and this exciting new venture to fruition.”
Alongside Bulman, the AFW Foundation’s Board Members will consist of Oliver Marti, FireWolves Chief Executive Officer and Owner, George Manias, FireWolves Team President, Carly Griffin, FireWolves Chief Financial Officer and Committee Members Jordan Lomaestro and Katie Chudzinski.
For more information on the Albany FireWolves Foundation, visit https://albanyfirewolves.com/firewolves-foundation/, email PackGivesBack@AlbanyFireWolves.com, or call us at 518-362-4900 Extension 101.
Fans can secure their place to have first selection of their seats by joining the team’s priority seating list. A $50 refundable deposit grants fans the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the upcoming season once tickets are officially on sale in April. For more information regarding tickets, visit www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call 518-362-4900.
The Albany FireWolves 2021 Inaugural Season is presented by CDPHP.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League beginning in the fall of 2021. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or by going to AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.
For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information visit NLL.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
About Times Union Center
Times Union Center is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, Times Union Center opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany Empire of the National Arena League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit www.timesunioncenter-albany.com.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 26 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
