RELEASE: Oilers Mega 50/50 supports Ben Stelter Fund

EDMONTON, AB -The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) and Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation are calling on all Albertans to join the fight against childhood cancer through the Oilers Mega 50/50 in support of the Ben Stelter Fund.
The multi-day raffle started today and runs until 11:00 PM MT on Friday, February 17, with the grand prize jackpot building each day to a potentially record-breaking total. Anyone in Alberta can purchase tickets at EdmontonOilers.com/5050.
In addition to the Mega 50/50, the Oilers will be wearing helmet decals and warmup up jerseys with a STELTER name bar and special Ben patch when they host the New York Rangers on February 17 at Rogers Place. The jerseys, along with other special game-used equipment from Oilers players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, will be auctioned online at a later date with net proceeds supporting the Ben Stelter Fund. Stelter 22 jerseys will also be available in the ICE District Authentics store with a portion of proceeds supporting the fund.

Oilers players and fans across Oil Country have been inspired by the story of six-year-old Ben, the team's 2022 playoff ambassador who passed away in August following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer.
"It was a tragic situation and something that you can't really wrap your head around," said Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers. "He was such a good little guy with such a big heart.
"You never want to see a family, and especially a kid, go through something like that, so any joy that we were able to bring him was always worth it. Together we can keep Ben's spirit alive, and all fight this awful disease together."

The Ben Stelter Fund was created to continue the legacy of Ben's big heart and generosity, with the goal of helping children fighting glioblastoma and other cancers. The funds raised will be used directly to strengthen the fund's four strategic pillars: Outcome Based Research, Medical Equipment, Magical Experiences and Venture Philanthropy.
"It is our mission to help children battling glioblastoma and other brain cancers. Pediatric cancer research is grossly underfunded, and we want to help spark the change," said Ben's parents, Mike and Lea Stelter. "We want to find better treatments and outcomes for these children battling such horrible diseases.
"Ben was given so many magical experiences during his battle, which helped keep his smile and positive attitude, and we want to do the same for other children in the same fight. We are so grateful for the support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and with this support we will be able to make an incredible difference in the future of pediatric cancer. We want to help create the change and improvement of pediatric cancers and the treatments that these children go through. We are passionate about bringing children joy and meaningful experiences."

"In support of all the kids and families like Ben's battling cancer, we are proud to partner with the Ben Stelter Fund for the next Oilers Mega 50/50 raffle," said Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair.
"We encourage all Albertans to come together in support of the Ben Stelter Fund so that families have the treatment and support they need to beat childhood cancer. Let's make sure Ben's spirit and legacy live on forever across Oil Country."
The EOCF Mega 50/50 will feature 22 early-bird prizes, including premium Oilers and concert ticket packages, a Sandals Resort vacation package, 250,000 Aeroplan points, a Leon Draisaitl autographed jersey, and a meet and greet with McDavid, as well as the potentially record-setting jackpot.
Also, those who purchase $100 or more in 50/50 tickets will receive a six-month subscription to Oilers+, $25 to River Cree Resort and Casino, and a $25 sports bet with Play Alberta.