Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will once again be fending off fast flying pucks for the benefit of the Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) program. The annual fundraiser, "Hockey with Paprocki" is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Nelson Center in Springfield's Lincoln Park.
Bishop Paprocki will be goaltender playing in a charity game against local players of all ages. Over the past several years the fundraiser has netted Catholic Charities over $8,000. Each player pays a "player's fee" to suit up and fans pay a small entrance fee with all proceeds raised going toward Catholic Charities.
"We like to think this is a pretty unique fundraiser. Not too many fund-
raising events out there feature a Catholic bishop on ice, full gear on, playing goalie," said Meredith Curtin, development coordinator at the agency. "Catholic Charities is very fortunate to have Bishop Paprocki in our diocese — willing to do whatever he can to help us raise money and spread awareness about the need for competent legal aid for people who can't afford it."
Catholic Charities Legal Services program has been in operation for just over a year, since January 2014. At that time Bishop Paprocki announced his initiative to provide services to the underserved population of people within the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois who need legal assistance but cannot afford it. CCLS Program Director Amy Maher has been steadily assisting local men, women and families with legal assistance from local attorneys on a pro bono basis.
"In our first year of operation the tremendous need for our program was confirmed. We received more than 100 referrals and provided services to approximately 50 individuals or families who were caught up in the legal system without the resources to deal with their situation," said Maher. "There is no doubt that Catholic Charities Legal Services is meeting a need for the underprivileged members of our community. We look forward to expanding our ability to help these vulnerable individuals."
Tickets for this year's game are $5 per person and will be available at the door on the night of the game. Following the charity hockey game, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School will take on Chatham Glenwood High School at 8:30 p.m.
"We've put together a fun, family friendly event with all proceeds going back to helping your neighbors in our community. It's a win-win for everyone," said Curtin.
Bishop Paprocki is not just an avid hockey player and devoted Blackhawks fan, but he is also very passionate about the law and creating access to quality legal representation for the poor. In 1982, shortly after graduating from DePaul University Law School and being admitted to the Illinois Bar, Bishop Paprocki co-founded the Chicago Legal Clinic which has provided legal assistance to over 250,000 people in the Chicago area.
For more information on how to make a donation to Catholic Charities or volunteer your assistance to CCLS, please contact Amy Maher at (217) 523-9201, ext. 320.