Third Annual Champagne Showcase Benefits Clark Park Coalition, Detroit.

Written By Hello Iris Mortgage

Community members, volunteers, local businesses, and fans braved the cold to contribute to Clark Park Coalition for the most successful year yet.

Fridays sunshine was replaced by stadium lights that magically illuminated Clark Park Coalition’s southwest Detroit outdoor ice rink on February 23rd, 2024. Attendees enjoyed the third rendition of the Champagne Showcase, a four team hockey tournament and fundraising event. As the fans entered, they were greeted by local food vendors Taqueria El Rey, Delectabowl, and Diamond’s Dogs, an Eastern Market staple. Raffle tables captured the attention of the crowd with unique offerings ranging from a Solo Stove, spa packages, and vintage Red Wings merch. They were kept warm with stoked bonfires, hot chocolate, and roasted s’mores. Most importantly, the event raised $13,107 at time of publication for Clark Park’s youth programming and facilities - and they enjoyed a little bit of fun and hockey too!

Photos below courtesy of Troy Anderson @andytroyerson and Dan Mannes @danmannes and team.

The people made it possible.

Local businesses Iron Fish Distillery (Troy Anderson), Champagne Athletics (Frank Sorise), Bowline Financial (John Herbert) and Iris Mortgage (Chris & Katherine Thomas) assembled hockey teams to participate and the bulk of planning and media was carried by Sorise. Master of ceremonies Zach Schrode (Iris) kept the crowd entertained with music, raffle, on-ice interviews, and trophy presentations. Everyone was thankful for contributions from ticket and raffle sales by Kassidy Herbert and Sarah Sorise, referees, scorekeeper Pat Pawlowski and MC Schrode to help facilitate the event. Detroit Red Wings staff photographers and participants Troy Anderson and Dan Mannes documented the event.

All local businesses and volunteers worked together to make the event possible and contributed significantly to the cause to raise money for Clark Park and have a successful event. Rink manager Anthony Benavides and staff were happy to see a third event and were outstanding hosts and representatives of the park.

Please consider supporting and connecting with the following generous sponsors and donors:

Team Sponsors:

Raffle Sponsors:

On Site Food and Beverage Sponsors

Player Sponsors

Photos courtesy of Troy Anderson @andytroyerson and Dan Mannes @danmannes and team.

Semi-Final Game 1: Bowline Financial corks Champagne Athletics late bubbles, wins 5-4.

Bowline struck first, second, third, fourth, and fifth - but Champagne Athletics popped off in the second half of the third period mounting a serious comeback. However, Bowline was able to finish the job and advance to the championship game despite late efforts.

Frank Sorise #19 (Champagne) and John Herbert #92 (Bowline) kick off the night with a ceremonial puck drop.

Photos courtesy of Troy Anderson @andytroyerson and Dan Mannes @danmannes and team.

Semi-Final Game 2: Iris Mortgage charges Iron Fish Distillery extra interest, 3-0.

The defending champions Iris Mortgage started strong against Iron Fish Distillery and never looked back. Outstanding goaltending by Troy Anderson and Mark Pangrazzi on both ends of the ice.

Troy Anderson (Iron Fish #29) seals the short side of the net as Andrew McManamon awaits a centering pass from the corner.

Photos courtesy of Troy Anderson @andytroyerson and Dan Mannes @danmannes and team.

Fans share their perspectives of the event.

Under the stadium lights and surrounded by the glow of bonifres with Ambassador Bridge serving as a backdrop, the fans who filled the stands enjoyed their night and documented the atmosphere. Four-legged friends sniffed around for quality hockey but only found food truck scraps and melted ice instead. Rink manager Benavides and staff loved the turn out and energy that was brought by friends, family, coworkers, and community members to the venue. He was grateful that everyone had fun and was left with a big smile and some extra party supplies as well.

Championship Game: Iris Mortgage untangles Bowline Financial, 4-0.

Iris Mortgage and Bowline Financial faced off for a third time in 2024. Iris took the upper hand after losing year one and winning the second and third years.

The Iris Mortgage team gathers for a photo before leaving Clark Park as champions for the day. (Top Row) Zach Schrode, Zak Thompson, Scott Cooley, Dan Mannes, Danny Bailey, Andrew McManamon and Scott Dornbrock. (Bottom Row) Katherine Thomas, Chris Thomas, David Clem, Connor Schmidt, Alex “Frank” Piku, Dan Milan, Paul Thomas. (Horizontal) Mark Pangrazzi.

Photos courtesy of Troy Anderson @andytroyerson and Dan Mannes @danmannes and team.

Iris Mortgage team members Zach Schrode #77, Katherine Thomas (owner) #86 Chris Thomas #11 savor a moment with the trophy, concluding the third Champagne Showcase.

Mark Pangrazzi #20 (Iris) was named the most valuable player for keeping a clean sheet with no goals allowed through two games.

Frank Sorise discusses the 2024 Champagne Showcase on his podcast THE FIZZ with Chandler Nash and Lou Lector.

Until next time!

Funds were raised for Clark Park, local businesses gave all, the community showed up and embraced the second of many Champagne Showcases at Clark Park, Detroit.

Stay tuned for year four as we collectively attempt to make the event bigger and better each year. For future sponsorships, player participation, collaboration, or suggestions please email chris@irismortgage.com subject line “Champagne Showcase.”

Additional donations can be made digitally via PayPal here: https://clarkparkdetroit.com/donate/ or made out to “Clark Park Coalition” and mailed to Clark Park Coalition, 1130 Clark Street, Detroit, MI 48209. Memo line reading “Champagne Showcase” appreciated to sum donations accrued by the event hosts.

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