On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Syracuse Crunch will turn the ice at the Onondaga County War Memorial into a platform for a cause that matters to families across Central New York. In partnership with the local nonprofit Hillside, the team is hosting a special Chuck‑a‑Puck fundraiser during the 5 p.m. game, with all proceeds earmarked for Hillside’s foster‑care program.
Why the fundraiser matters
National Adoption Month provides a timely reminder that the need for foster families in Onondaga County remains urgent. John Ballou, a foster‑care trainer and recruiter with Hillside, explained, “There’s an ongoing need for foster families. We receive many inquiries each month, but there’s constantly a need for trained foster families in the county.” While children of all ages require homes, Hillside notes a particular shortage of families willing to welcome older teenagers, LGBTQ youth and sibling groups.
Personal stories underscore the impact
For many, the mission is personal. Todd Shear, whose own family cared for a foster child before adopting his son in 2003, recalled the challenges and rewards of opening his home. “We were always putting in our own money towards food or just making sure, you know, the child had everything that they needed,” he said. “And they had a good experience in our home.” He added, “It’s such a need, and if you’re able to give money or give your time, be a foster care parent, it’s just so special. There are so many kids that need that love and that help and that guidance.”
How fans can help
Fans attending the Crunch game will have the chance to purchase a puck at a table on the lower concourse and toss it onto the ice during the Chuck‑a‑Puck event. All proceeds will go directly to Hillside to help offset the additional expenses that foster families often face, even after financial assistance is provided.
Community benefits beyond the scoreboard
While the Crunch hopes to secure a win on the ice, the organization’s broader goal is to rally the community around a cause that strengthens families—the building blocks of any strong neighborhood. By spotlighting foster‑care needs during a high‑visibility sporting event, the team leverages its platform to encourage more residents to consider fostering or supporting the program through donations.
Looking ahead
Hillside’s outreach during National Adoption Month is part of a larger, ongoing effort to recruit and retain foster families throughout Onondaga County. The organization continues to provide training, resources and financial assistance to families who open their homes to children in need. As Todd Shear noted, “It’s amazing to know that you may have helped have a little part in that trajectory of changing that little child’s life.”
The Chuck‑a‑Puck fundraiser underscores how local sports, faith‑based values and community service can intersect to support vulnerable children and reinforce the traditional family structure that undergirds a thriving society.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
