On a roll

Pretty pumped to share that Colin is now three-for-three with his pink stick-blade tapes raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Thanks to Jerry, my best bud from back home, Colin has now raised $95 toward his goal of $125.

Still, we have some work to do. The latest auction, found here, went live moments ago. Opening bid is only $5, but you can get it now by making a $20 bid.We'll even cover the shipping for you.

This week's stick tape was used in three practices and a game with the Pinellas P.A.L. Stars. In that game, he logged an assist in the Stars' 11-1 victory.

The top photo shows the stick tape that you're bidding on. Lots of puck marks, wear and tear. In the game-used arena, more is better.

The second photo, albeit fuzzy, shows Colin (#37, if you don't know by now) and the stick he used in that game.

All proceeds will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, where 91 cents of every dollar is used for research and awareness efforts.

If you'd like, he's willing to sign the stick tape for you for no additional fee.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Also, if you know of anyone fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor or someone who lost a loved one from breast cancer, please, let us know, We have extra tapes we're live to share with them. Thanks.

Open for auction

After the first two stick blades tapes raised $75, we're using an eBay auction for the third installment of Colin's annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The auction, found here, went live moments ago. Opening bid is only $5, but you can get it now for making a $20 bid.

This week's stick tape saw a lot of use. Three practices, a Lightning Made Clinic sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and a hockey tripleheader with games with the Scoprions and Pinellas P.A.L. Stars, In his last game of the day, he scored a goal with it in the Stars' 7-4 victory.

The top photo shows the stick tape that you're bidding on. The second photo, albeit fuzzy, shows Colin and the stick he used in that game.

All proceeds will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research foundation, where 91 cents of every dollar is used for research and awareness efforts.

If you'd like, he's willing to sign the stick tape for you for no additional fee.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Addendum Oct. 22: Thanks to my buddy Jerry, the auction ended today. Thanks again, sir.

Two for two

Two weeks into his fundraising effort, Colin has raised $75 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation after Wendy, one of his newest fans, stepped up and donated $40 for this game-used stick blade tape.

Wendy joins Brett, a longtime fan of Colin and our blogs, in getting Colin closer to his $125 goal. Thanks, folks.

For those who don't know, Colin wraps each of his stick blades in pink tape this month. One will be used as an auction piece to raise money. The other will go to someone who is battling or has beaten the disease, or to someone who has lost a loved one or friend to breast cancer. In fact, if you know someone who would like one of these, let us know.

This week's tape, which can be had for at least a $20 donation, should be well used. Between three practices, a Lightning Made Clinic and three games, it should show a lot of wear and tear. In fact, the tip is missing after only two practices.

So, if you'd like to avoid the eBay auction, like Brett and Wendy have, reach out to me through the blog, Facebook or Twitter. Remember, the minimum donation to secure this week's tape is $20. If you want to donate more, it'll be appreciated.

If not, the tape will be put up for auction next Monday on eBay. Minimum bid will be $5 and we'll pick up the shipping.

As always, thank you for your support.

Off to a great start

Thanks to Brett, one of Colin's biggest fans, Colin's fund-raising effort for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is well on its way to reaching its $125 goal. Even before last week was over, Brett, who writes the My Hockey Card Obsession blog, snagged the first game-used stick tape that we'll be auctioning off every week on eBay.

As you can see, the stick blade tape, shown above, received plenty of usage, with three practices and a game with the Pinellas P.A.L. Stars.

It's always nice to get the project started with a bang. Thanks, Brett. I'll be reaching out to provide the necessary information.

Each week this month, Colin will wrap each of his stick blades in pink tape. One will be used as an auction piece to raise money. The other will go to someone who is battling or has beaten the disease, or to someone who has lost a loved one or friend to breast cancer.

We already have the first week's recipient in mind, but will take suggestions for the others in the weeks ahead. Don't worry, too, we'll take care of the postage.

Now, if people want to follow Brett's lead and secure this week's stick blade tape, feel free to contact me through the blog or other social media. The buy-it-now price, so to speak, is $20. If and when it goes on eBay, the opening bid will be $5.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Let's do this

One of my favorite things about Colin playing in the Pinellas P.A.L. Stars organization is that, like no other program we've been with, it's a family. It doesn't matter how long you play; once you're in the family, you're there to stay. It's all about loyalty and looking out for one another.

Each October, and this year's won't be any different, the Stars do their bit to raise awareness for breast cancer research. Throughout the month, players on all Stars teams will use pink stick tape or, like Colin, also wear pink skate laces to raise this awareness.

Because breast cancer has touched our family and friends, we like to take it a step further. That's why, for the second straight year, we'll be auctioning off the game-used tape from Colin's sticks during October, with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, where 91 cents of every dollar goes to research and awareness efforts.

Last year, he raised $107.50. This year's effort carries more meaning. Jen Boston Baker, one of Colin's hockey friends in Canada, lost her battle to breast cancer earlier this year. And one of my friends back home was diagnosed with it. That's why we're hoping to raise at least $125.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 6, the auctions will take place on eBay. We'll have weekly updates steering folks to these auctions. Starting bids this year will be $5 and the Buy It Now price will be $20. We'll even pay the shipping, no matter the address. Now, if you'd like to avoid eBay, and are willing pay the $20, we can make arrangements for you to reserve your stick tape and help Colin's cause.

As always, we thank you for your time and consideration.