(Courtesy of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees)

HIDALGO, TX: August 12, 2004 – The Killer Bee Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 non profit organization founded by the Central Hockey League’s Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, received tremendous support from area fans and contributors in the Killer Bees inaugural campaign and contributed over $52,000 to numerous non-profit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley. The amount shows a great amount of care the Valley residents and the Killer Bee Foundation board members and volunteers have to make their community stronger and the Killer Bees are going to recognize the efforts of those all season by placing a “V” on the back of their helmets to represent “Valley Pride.”

“As our organization entertained the Rio Grande Valley sports community, the Killer Bee Foundation funded programs and provided opportunities to the youth of the Valley that would not have been possible without the foundation’s efforts,” said Killer Bees President & General Manager Trey Medlock. “All the board members and volunteers completed a difficult task last year by creating a foundation, but their hard work has now thrived a one-time thought into a successful organization that will benefit Valley residents through the future.”

The mission of the Killer Bee Foundation is dedicated to providing the children of the multi-cultural Rio Grande Valley community the opportunity to experience ice hockey under the tutelage of professionals, business leaders and volunteers in a nurturing environment. Its goals are to raise money and to assist youth ice hockey costs, which include assistance with player’s equipment and ice rental charges at the Dodge Arena. They also assist in officiating and certification expenses and provide scholarships to potential youth hockey members. The foundation raised money for various community non profit organizations, and also purchased $8,000 worth of Rio Grande Valley Dorados arenafootball2 tickets so that unprivileged children could attend the game.

The Killer Bee Foundation raised money through their annual Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament, various merchandise sales, raffles and donations. They have already scheduled the second annual Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament for October 25th at Cimarron Country Club. Last year’s tournament was sold out with 36 teams and this season’s event has already received reservations from 16 teams. The foundation plans to expand and grow during the 2004/2005 season and looks to increase their youth hockey scholarship program in the Outback Steakhouse Jr. Bees Hockey Program. Numerous grants have been written and corporate donations are encouraged to continue the foundation’s success.

Craig Lewis serves as the President of the Killer Bee Foundation and he is joined by foundation Vice President David Duff, Director Diane Atkinson and board members Dr. Jim Sorce, Trey Medlock, David Drefke PC, Stew White, Melissa Mikulik, Howard Adams and Nancy Hawkins. Individuals seeking additional information concerning the efforts of the Killer Bee Foundation or the Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament can contact Diane Atkinson at the Killer Bees office at 956-843-5652.

“The Valley of Bees” will swarm the Dodge Arena again in October, as the Killer Bees are currently preparing for their second season. The puck drops October 23rd for the Killer Bees in Austin and the Bees home opener is scheduled for October 29th against the Laredo Bucks. Season tickets and corporate opportunities are now available by calling the Killer Bees office at (956) 843-7825. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.