The Dallas Stars Foundation – Big Heart Celebrity Challenge

During this chilly season in Texas, two Trintechers are lacing up their skates and taking to the ice to raise money for the inaugural charity event of the Dallas Stars Foundation – The Stars Big Heart Celebrity Challenge. This event combines local amateur hockey teams with former NHL players to compete in a one-day tournament. Our very own Derick Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer at Trintech, and Christian Gunaseelan, Financial Analyst at Trintech, will be participating and fundraising toward a goal of $2,000 in support of the American Heart Association.

Coming from families with histories of heart issues, Derick and Christian are applying their passion for hockey to bolster support for the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) program of the American Heart Association. According to the American Heart Association, emergency medical services treat about 383,000 victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year before they reach the hospital and less than 12 percent of those victims survive. Placement of AEDs in key locations can improve the chance of survival and recovery for victims of SCA.

Between Derick and Christian, they have several years of experience playing hockey. “I have played hockey since I was a little kid, and still play today,” said Christian. “It has helped shape who I am, and I can’t imagine my life without it.” After 20+ years of competitive play, Derick is returning to the ice following a year and a half retirement to fundraise for this event.

As Trintech continues to work towards making an impact on the communities where we work via our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, Derick and Christian could use a little help! If you are interested in contributing to this fundraising campaign, please visit their Go Fund Me page. Even a small $5 – $10 donation makes a difference and will benefit both non-profit organizations.