SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State Athletics and the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula are hosting a "Light the Lamp for the United Way" event on Friday, Nov. 30 as part of the No. 20 Lake Superior State vs. No. 3 Minnesota State hockey game at Taffy Abel Arena. Game time is 7 p.m.

This event will spotlight United Way of the EUP and the work they do in the three-county region. An authentic game worn Laker jersey will be raffled, new UWEUP gear will be available for sale, information stations will be located in the lobby and on the concourse of the arena where fans can learn more about the UWEUP partnerships, programs, and volunteer opportunities and there will be special announcements and presentations highlighting the UWEUP throughout the game.

"Through our partnership with Lake State Athletics, we've had some fantastic opportunities to really show our community how working together can positively impact people," said Raulaniesa Aranda, CEO of the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. "I like to say that LSSU has unofficially adopted United Way but in truth, they've adopted our entire EUP community and are helping us build stronger more impactful programming for our local residents."

Light the Lamp for the United Way is part of an ongoing relationship between Laker Athletics and the United Way of the EUP. Each of the past two years the Laker hockey team and coaching staff have participated in the annual Thanksgiving Project, in which holiday meals are delivered to more than 250 EUP families. Additionally, Laker athletic student-athletes, coaches, and administration participate in Global Youth Services Day, the Reading Buddies program where student-athletes visit local classrooms to read to students and the Citizens Review Panel to help UWEUP steward donor dollars by reviewing grant applications and hearing agency presentations on how awards would be spent in the EUP.

"Providing a stage to Light the Lamp for the United Way of the EUP is one way our athletic department and university can contribute to an organization that touches so many corners of our community," said Dr. David Paitson, Director of Athletics at Lake Superior State and a member of the UWEUP Board of Directors. "Our partnership with the United Way of the EUP is among our most important community initiatives."

Tickets to the game can be purchased online or at the ticket office. United Way donors will receive a special group ticket discount offer via an email from the agency.

For more information on the UWEUP, visit http://www.unitedwayeup.org/.