The Beginning
It all started when twins Ann Catherine and Melissa were born 14 weeks early. Ann Catherine is now a Junior at the University of Alabama, as well as her younger sister Lily Baker (Freshman), but unfortunately, Melissa passed away only a few hours after birth. The George family started the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund as a thank you for all of the care that Huntsville Hospital’s Level III NICU gave to both of their daughters. Amy and Chris have also partnered with Hospice Family Care to create HOPE Group (Helping Other Parents Endure), which helps parents cope with infant loss. Over the past 20 years, the fund has raised over $6 million through its multiple events each year, including the Melissa George Night with Huntsville Havoc.
What is Melissa George Night?
It is an annual event hosted by Huntsville Havoc as a fundraiser for the Melissa George Neonatal Fund. The Melissa George Fund was founded by Amy and Chris George in 2005, in memory of their daughter Melissa, who passed away after being born prematurely. Every year, the Havoc players wear a different jersey for the game, which is then auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting Huntsville Hospital’s NICU. They will also auction off items like signed sticks and mini helmets, and hold raffles for other signed items and mystery signed pucks. Fans are also encouraged to bring donations of blankets, gift cards, baby clothes, and snacks. This year marks the 20th anniversary, and for the past 19 years, fans and Havoc have raised over $1 million. Although fundraising isn’t the only thing this game is about. It is a way for all of the NICU nurses and other healthcare workers to be recognized, like most years a nurse or a group of nurses has been the one to drop the game puck.
Not only does the Melissa George Neonatal Fund host this event with Huntsville Havoc, but they also host a Miracle Bash every year. This is a night for adults, where they have dinner, a live band, and a silent auction and they have fundraised over $5.6 million. Since the fund was established in 2005, it has provided Huntsville Hospital NICU patients with life-saving equipment and support systems for NICU families.
Want to be a hero, too?
You can attend a Huntsville Havoc game on Saturday, January 17 at 7 pm and contribute to a great cause.
