Good deeds: Thornton's commitment to local charities
As a year-round resident in Boston, Bruins fan favorite Shawn Thornton has dedicated plenty of his time to giving back to the community.
A two-time recipient of the Community Service Award during his days with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals, Thornton is involved with a number of local charities.
Athletes for Heroes
www.youkskids.org/athletes-for-heroes
In 2011, former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis partnered up with Ray Allen of the Celtics, Wes Welker of the Patriots, Taylor Twellman of the Revolution and Thornton to form the Athletes for Heroes program, which supports children of fallen or severely injured servicemen and women, firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens who risk their lives to save another.
Claddagh Fund
The Claddagh Fund is the charitable foundation of the Dropkick Murphys and was founded by Ken Casey (Milton, Mass.) in 2009. The mission of the Claddagh Fund is to raise money for the most underfunded, nonprofit organizations that support vulnerable populations in our communities.
Cuts for a Cause
In 2012, the Boston Bruins Foundation teamed up with 98.5 The Sports Hub for the fifth annual Cuts for a Cause. The event features Thornton and his teammates having their heads shaved by auction winners on stage to show their support and raise money for children battling cancer.
Putts and Punches for Parkinson’s
Thornton was scheduled to host his third annual “Putts and Punches for Parkinson’s” on Aug. 2. All of the proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association.
Teamsters Local 25 Gala for Autism
www.teamsterslocal25autism.com
Teamsters Local 25’s Light up the Night Gala was established in 2008 to promote awareness and raise funds for autism research. Since its inception, the Gala has served not only as a major autism awareness event but also a critical fundraiser for local programs that help autistic children.
This article originally appeared in the August 2012 issue of New England Hockey Journal.
Twitter: @JesseNEHJ
Email: jconnolly@hockeyjournal.com