Rochester Knighthawks plan annual Teddy Bear Auction

The Blue Cross Arena will have some special, furry guests on Saturday, Feb. 16 as the Rochester Knighthawks kick off their annual Teddy Bear Auction to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association.

The Teddy Bear Auction, presented by GoBuyRochester.com, will begin online on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. and end on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. Fans at the game on Feb. 23 will also be able to place their bids at the Go Buy Rochester booth. Winning bidders must arrange for payment before exiting the arena with their bears.

This season, the auction includes a Captain America bear signed by three-time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart and a special bear created by WBEE host Jeremy Newman.

Knighthawks players created their animals at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Eastview Mall. A total of 23 animals, including a team autographed lacrosse bear, will be available to bid on at GoBuyRochester.com. This year, fans can bid on bears made by newcomers Dan and Paul Dawson, Casey Powell, Joel McCready and Angus Goodleaf. Returning Knighthawks like Cody Jamieson, Cory Vitarelli, Mike Accursi, Matt Vinc and Joe Walters are also sure to attract some attention from diehard fans.

Founded in 1976, CURE is focused on meeting the emotional, social, financial and educational needs of families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer and chronic blood disorders. CURE has been a proud sponsor of the Knighthawks since the 2002 season. The Knighthawks in turn have raised nearly $30,000 for CURE.