Wildcats' jersey auction raises $40K

The Wichita Falls Wildcats raised over $40,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network after their fifth annual “Jersey Off Our Back” auction on Feb. 28.

With the Wildcats wearing special jerseys for their Feb. 27-28 weekend set against the Alaska Avalanche, the jerseys were auctioned off after Saturday night’s contest.

Players solicited bids by tossing small prizes into the crowd, printing up special t-shirts, and, on a few occasions, even going up into the stands and mingling with the fans. 

Along with the players’ jerseys, this year’s auction items included jerseys worn by the coaches, signed sticks, as well as some fixed-price items signed by players.

“The players did a great job in creating some enthusiasm in the crowd with their skits and crowd participation,” said Wildcats head coach John Bowkus. “We hope to keep building on the success we’ve had in helping Children’s Miracle Network through our auctions.”

Every year, Children's Miracle Network hospitals, including United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, treat children for every disease and injury imaginable.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Children's Miracle Network has grown dramatically since its founding in 1983, from a televised fundraiser in a small studio to one of the world’s leading children’s charities helping 17 million kids each year.

There’s a Children's Miracle Network hospital dedicated to serving children in every community across the United States and Canada. The hospitals are committed to providing the best care for children when they need it.

For more information on the Children's Miracle Network, visit ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.