FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OILERS PLAYOFFS MEGA 50/50 IN HONOUR OF JOEY MOSS
MULTI-DAY RAFFLE IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS, EDMONTON DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY AND WINNIFRED STEWART ASSOCIATION
RECORD-SETTING JACKPOTS EXPECTED
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT EDMONTONOILERS.COM/5050
May 28, 2022 (Edmonton, Alberta) – As Oil Country continues to rally around Ben Stelter, the beloved Edmonton Oilers Playoff Ambassador who recently celebrated his sixth birthday, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is teaming up with the Special Olympics, Edmonton Down Syndrome Society and the Winnifred Stewart Association to honour the legacy of another beloved Oilers icon, the late Joey Moss—through the Oilers Playoffs MEGA 50/50, powered by Pepsi and 630 CHED. The first multi-day raffle of Round 3 is now live and runs until 11:30 PM after Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche—with the jackpot building over each day to a potentially history-making total.
Joey Moss was the Edmonton Oilers Dressing Room Attendant and the team’s most prominent superfan for 38 years from 1984 to 2021. Joey was born with Down Syndrome and through his passion, spirit and perseverance, he became a community role model and helped change the perception of developmental disabilities. Through his legacy, Joey helped to establish three prominent community programs that benefits thousands of people across Oil Country. Joey’s favourite song was La Bamba by Los Lobos' and it’s in his honour when the Oilers play the song after each win.
“Along with little Ben Stelter, Joey Moss will always be part of the heart and soul of Oil Country,” said Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair. “The EOCF is proud to help ensure Joey’s legacy lives on through the Oilers Foundation 50/50 and we are proud to support the organizations and programs that were deeply rooted in Joey's life and changed the perception and quality of lives of developmentally disabled people in Oil Country forever.”
“Joey Moss crashed through barriers in the world of sport for people with intellectual disabilities, and Special Olympics Edmonton looks forward to continuing his legacy by opening doors for our athletes to do the same.” said Celina Comeau, General Manager, Special Olympics Alberta – Edmonton. “The legacy of Joey Moss lives on within the Special Olympics community through the Joey Moss Invitational Floor Hockey Tournament, and this coming season is extra special as we prepare our Floor Hockey athletes to represent Edmonton at the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in Strathcona County.”
"The energy of our Oilers during these 2022 playoffs is what Joey Moss brought to our community in everything he did," said Alan Clay, Executive Director of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS). “The Joey Moss Literacy Centre for Excellence provides our families, health providers, educators and other professionals with access to services and resources that optimize the literacy development of all children born with Down Syndrome. We are once again thrilled to partner with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation in support of projects that enhance the lives of individuals born with Down syndrome.”
"When I pour over Joey’s story and legacy that lives on in the Joey Moss Memorial Fund, it's clear to me that he inspires hope, connection and opportunity for all,” said Emily Ruttan, Chief Executive Officer, Winnifred Steward Association & Foundation. “We are emerging from a time where many of us became isolated from our communities, and I think Joey would be leading the charge to get us back together and cheering for the Oilers. Imagine Joey with front row seats cheering on the Oilers while singing with gusto to La Bamba. That is a mental image that warms the hearts of all Edmontonians."
This Oilers Playoffs Mega 50/50 raffle will feature daily early-bird prizes to be won, such as playoff tickets, unique Oilers fan experiences, vehicles, cash prizes and more in addition to massive jackpots.
The Oilers Playoffs MEGA 50/50 has totalled over $26 Million to date.
50/50 tickets can be purchased at edmontonoilers.com/5050.
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About Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is a proud supporter of Oil Country and has been contributing to our community's success since 2001. With a focus on programs aimed at those most vulnerable in our community, especially in Edmonton's downtown, and youth hockey programming with a goal to increase participation of under-represented groups in our community, the Oilers Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continues its deep legacy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF Board of Directors, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) employees and the Katz Family, the Foundation has contributed over $66 million to charitable organizations and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001.
About Special Olympics Alberta – Edmonton
In 1974, Special Olympics Edmonton (SOE) was formed in response to the Edmonton community asking to create sport opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Individuals with an intellectual disability, of all ages and abilities, are given the opportunity to realize their full athletic potential, with appropriate training, coaching and competitions, to develop life skills, a healthy body and self-esteem. We are committed to enriching the lives of Albertans with an intellectual disability through sport.
About Edmonton Down Syndrome Society
The Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that serves families in the Greater Edmonton Area and beyond, from Red Deer to Lloydminster, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and the Northwest Territories. We operate a 4,100-square-foot family centre where we offer on-site therapy programs, family resources and counselling; lifestyle and learning programs; musical theatre; social groups and the coordination of recreational programs like fitness, bowling, basketball, and hockey. Our centre is also home to the Joey Moss Literacy Centre for Excellence.
About Winnifred Stewart Association
Winnifred Stewart is dedicated to connecting individuals and their communities. We believe in empowering people and inspiring dreams. Through a variety of programs, individuals can focus on discovering their own desired adventures, and through stories, reflect on the milestones they achieve. Customized support offered through Winnifred Stewart's various community and facility-based programs assist individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and become integral members of their communities.
