Event Spotlight: Phantoms to Donate 2002-03 Fund-Raising Proceeds to National Adoption Center Wednesday, August 28, 2002 By Al Cohen Philadelphia Phantoms Correspondent The Philadelphia Phantoms today announced that proceeds from their fund-raising efforts during the 2002-03 season will be dedicated to the National Adoption Center. Since 1972, the NAC, a private, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, has found families for more than 19,000 children across the United States. Founded on the belief that "there are no unwanted children, just unfound families," the NAC's mission is to promote adoption opportunities for children, particularly those with special needs and from minority cultures. The Center uses a multi-faceted approach that includes Information and Referral, Public Education and Recruitment, and its website www.adopt.org . "We are thrilled to have been chosen by the Phantoms as a recipient of their fund-raising efforts this year," said NAC Executive Director Carolyn L. Johnson. "Their commitment to the work of the National Adoption Center will make a real difference in the lives of children who wait for permanent, loving homes. We look forward to our partnership with the Phantoms and to participating in the many activities that they are planning during the year." Philadelphia's main fund-raising event is the popular Phantoms Jersey Auction, which is run by the Phantoms Wives Charity Foundation, a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation, two to three times per season. The players wear specially made jerseys during selected games before taking part in the auction after the match. Over $265,000 has been raised in 10 jersey auctions since 1998, including $89,822 in three auctions last season. In addition to the fund-raising activities, Phantoms players will visit and deliver game tickets to children waiting to be adopted at group homes throughout the season. And to help recognize National Adoption Awareness Month in November, Philadelphia's game on Friday, Nov. 8 will be "Adoption Awareness Night," drawing attention to the hundreds of children in the Delaware Valley who still need a family, as well as some of the successful adoption cases over the years. The Phantoms will also be the lead sponsor of the NAC's 20th annual Sports, Vacation & Celebrity Gala and Auction, which will be held at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza on April 4, 2003. This event attracts hundreds of people who enjoy participating in the live and silent auction of unique sports items and other memorabilia. "The Philadelphia Phantoms have always been a family-oriented organization, so it's a natural to partner with a quality organization devoted to kids like the National Adoption Center," said Frank Miceli, Phantoms C.O.O. and Vice President of Minor League Operations for Comcast-Spectacor. "We are confident the money we raise and the awareness we create will lead to even greater results for the NAC." The Phantoms will open the 2002-03 season on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:05 p.m., when they host the Rochester Americans at the First Union Spectrum. The team is now accepting payments and deposits for 2002-03 season ticket plans. Call the Phantoms sales staff for more information at 215-465-4522. Comcast-Spectacor (www.comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm which owns the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Phantoms, Flyers Skate Zone, Comcast SportsNet, and the Bowie Baysox, Delmarva Shorebirds and Frederick Keys Baseball Teams, all affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles. Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global-Spectrum, which manages public assembly facilities and events worldwide.

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