The Houston Aeros’ Brandon Rogers, Max Noreau and Ryan Lannon were able to join the families at Bo’s Place for a Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner on Monday, November 16, 2009.  After taking a tour of the facilities with Bo’s Place’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Courtney Varner, the players spent time playing street hockey and basketball with the children. After all of the outdoor fun, the three Aeros defensemen signed t-shirts, took pictures and capped off the evening with a hearty Thanksgiving meal with the families. 

“We had a great time here at Bo’s Place.  It’s a great place for families to come and be able to go through the grieving process,” said Brandon Rogers.  “Hopefully we were able to take their minds off things for a little while and have some fun playing some street hockey and basketball.  Then we had a chance to have dinner with the families.  It was a nice way to have everyone get their minds off of what is going on and have a fun night.”

The experience of losing a loved one is difficult for anyone, but especially for children.  Bo's Place was created to help children ages three to 18 cope with the grieving process together.  The children at Bo's Place are able to share their feelings and lean on each other for support during their difficult time.  During their tour of the facilities, the Aeros players were amazed at the different creative projects Bo’s Place has to offer both children and adults.  The different rooms throughout the premises are welcoming and allow Bo’s Place families to feel comfortable. 

“This is my third year in Houston.  I’ve heard of Bo’s Place but this is my first time coming here and I’m glad I did,” said Max Noreau.  “Being able to see all the kids smiling, play sports with them, and eating with them was a great experience.”  The Thanksgiving meal, generously donated by Sweet Tomatoes and Carrabba’s, was served to the children and families of Bo’s Place by the three Aeros defensemen. 

“This is the second year the Aeros have come out to Bo’s Place to spread their holiday cheer as a part of our Holiday Meals initiative.  Brandon, Max, and Ryan were fantastic with the children, playing street hockey, shooting hoops, and autographing t-shirts,” said Varner.  “We are huge Aeros fans and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come!”

Bo’s Place has many great programs and grief support groups that help children and adults through the grieving process.  With the holidays approaching, Bo’s Place offers a Helping Grieving Families Through The Holidays guide on their website (click here to view).  Houston Aeros Charities (HAC) is dedicated to creating programs and fundraising initiatives which address the educational and physical needs of children in the HoustonGulfCoast area by establishing partnerships with social service organizations.  Houston Aeros Charities are proud to be partners of Bo’s Place and the players truly enjoy spending time with the children and families of such a great organization.

“Coming here is one of those things that I honestly feel like it might be more rewarding for us than them,” said Ryan Lannon.  “We get to see what they’re going through and it puts everything in perspective.  To be able to come here for a couple of hours to have some fun and goof around puts a smile on our faces and a smile on their faces.  I think that’s what it’s all about.”

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