Yash, Janne, Zhitnik and others to appear; for tix: 516.501.6896

Islanders owner Charles Wang will match every dollar raised at Wednesday's Islanders fundraiser, hosted by Mike Milbury and set for the Westbury Manor on Wednesday, Sept. 7, and donate it to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The benefit was arranged months ago to raise money for the youth hockey programs in China. This will still be the case, but with the events in the Gulf Coast, there was a need to act locally.

"A lot has changed since we first set the fundraiser," said Milbury. "It's important for us to remember those in our homeland. We applaud Charles for his amazing gesture in making sure the event also takes care of Americans in this time of great tragedy." Milbury added that this is just the first of the Islanders' efforts for victims of the hurricane.

Joining Milbury at the event will be Alexei Yashin, Trent Hunter, Janne Niinimaa, Brent Sopel, Alexei Zhitnik, Sean Bergenheim, Radek Martinek, Steve Stirling and assistants Brad Shaw, Dan Bylsma and Jack Capuano. There will likely be some surprise late additions as well.
                                                                           
The 7-9:30 pm event will feature an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. There will be a Silent Auction, featuring an array of unique Islanders and NHL memorabilia. A Live Auction, beginning at 9, will include an exclusive trip on the Islanders' charter aircraft to a road game, including tickets and hotel.

Tickets for the event are $100 and are available by calling Steve Beisel at 516.501.6896 or emailing him at sbeisel@newyorkislanders.com.

NYICF FUNDRAISER                                           
September 7, from 7-9:30 pm                                
Westbury Manor                                             
for tix: Steve Beisel (516.501.6896)
sbeisel@newyorkislanders.com