San Jose Sharks - NHL.com

IN THE COMMUNITY
WORCESTER SHARKS
Be A Leader — presented by Abigail Williams & Associates
Entering its third year, the “Be a Leader” program presented by Abigail Williams & Associates is the Worcester
Sharks flagship educational initiative designed to educate children grades 4-6 in Central Massachusetts on the
importance of developing strong leadership skills. The program utilizes Sharks players and an Abigail Williams &
Associates representative to educate students on the importance of developing leadership skills and the benefits
of working hard, sacrifice, taking care of yourself and other attributes found in being a successful leader. Each
participant receives a “Be a Leader” workbook which includes a voucher to a Sharks home game courtesy of
Abigail Williams & Associates.
“Reading is Cool”
“Reading is Cool” enters its fourth year in local schools for the Worcester Sharks. The incentive-based literacy
program is directed at elementary school students grades K-3 in Central Massachusetts and emphasizes that
“Reading is Cool!” The program incorporates several individual components designed to promote the importance
of reading, both at home and in the classroom. A Sharks player will visit and read to students in selected
classrooms. Mote than 110 classrooms and 2,600-plus students from in and around Worcester are currently
enrolled in the program. Each participant receives a “Reading is Cool” workbook which includes a voucher to a
Sharks home game courtesy of Sharks Charities and Abigail Williams & Associates.
Sharks Street Brigade presented by Fallon Clinic
The Sharks Street Brigade presented by Fallon Clinic is an interactive, mobile street hockey experience
geared toward elementary school-aged children in order to generate an interest in hockey and make it more
accessible to local youth.
Worcester Sharks Summer Days presented by Irving Oil
The Worcester Sharks remain extremely active during the offseason with more than 100 community
appearances throughout Central Massachusetts. Worcester Sharks Summer Days presented by Irving Oil
includes player and mascot appearances, Sharks Street Brigades and SharkHead Shootouts.
Skate with the Sharks
Four times during the season, the Worcester Sharks conduct a one-hour practice, followed by a one-hour open
skate with the players. These practices are held at selected rinks in Central Massachusetts. They are free of charge
and open to the public. Skate with the Sharks was voted favorite Sharks Community Event in a SharksAHL.com poll.
MARY DeFEUDIS
CHAIRWOMAN, SHARKS CHARITIES
Along with the Worcester Sharks, Mary DeFeudis is dedicated to
revitalizing the City of Worcester. In conjunction with Sharks Charities, Ms.
DeFeudis’ philanthropic endeavors have enabled the Sharks to become one
of the most involved organizations in the Central Massachusetts region.
Ms. DeFeudis, a Worcester native, is an active and enthusiastic investor,
philanthropist and volunteer in and around Worcester. She has focused her
philanthropic and volunteer interests in organizations which benefit children,
cancer research and bettering the Worcester community.
Ms. DeFeudis serves on the Board of Directors of UMASS Memorial Foundation and the Worcester Chapter
of the American Red Cross. She sits on the Board of Trustees of Nichols College where she has started an
annual Mary DeFeudis Scholarship, awarded each year to an outstanding student. In addition, she’s an
investor and director of the Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts. She’s also involved with St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital, along with other healthcare organizations.
In addition to Ms. DeFeudis’ philanthropic endeavors, she’s an owner and member of the Board of
Directors of the Worcester Tornadoes in the Can-Am Baseball League.
Ms. Defeudis currently resides in Northborough, Mass. She’s a proud mother of two children — Gino
DeFeudis and Elizabeth Giguere.
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