Komet fans net more than $3,000 for American Kidney Fund

Fort Wayne, IN-- The Komets announced today that $3,145 has been raised through the efforts of Mike Embach and Komet fans to help those afflicted with kidney disease.

Embach's mother Cindy was affected with stage five kidney disease and recently underwent a successful kidney transplant procedure. Mike Embach's father Mike, Sr. donated a kidney through a multiple donor exchange program which allowed Cindy to receive her kidney from a compatible third party donor. All Komet fans were asked to help in the battle against the disease through CauseMates.com. In December, Embach and the Komets played to win for the American Kidney Fund as pledges were promised for each of Fort Wayne's four home wins during the month.This was CauseMates first campaign of many to come pairing the world of professional sports with the opportunity for fans to contribute to causes important to players they follow. "CauseMates was created to make games count far beyond the scoreboard with the thought that it is not just a game anymore,” said CauseMates founder Mr. David Kay. “Bringing more meaning to sports was our mission and we could not have asked for better partners on our inaugural campaign than Mike Embach, Scott Sproat, the Fort Wayne Komets and the American Kidney Fund. With the generosity of Komets fans, teammates, staff and local businesses such as Sweetwater and Mad Anthony's Brewing Company, everyone worked together to become CauseMates for the American Kidney Fund. We are humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful outpouring of support for Mike and Cindy."

“The American Kidney Fund is so grateful to have Mike Embach and the Fort Wayne Komets organization on our team,” said Martin McNutt, Director of Community Engagement at the American Kidney Fund (AKF). “Because of people like Mike and the generous donors who supported his efforts, we are able to help patients battling kidney disease across the U.S. Our thoughts are with Mike’s mom Cindy as she adjusts to life with her new kidney post-transplant, and we wish her continued health.”

AKF’s mission is to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives. The organization provides a complete spectrum of programs and services to support kidney patients and reach those at risk for the disease. AKF spends 97 cents of every donated dollar on patients and programs, and is proud to be on Charity Navigator’s list of top 10 charities in the United States, out of 8,000 reviewed.

A brief check presentation as well as some comments of thanks to the fans from Mike Embach will take place just prior to faceoff at the Komets home game against Orlando this Friday Night. Tickets to Friday’s game and the rest of the 2015-16 season schedule are available in person at the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com/Komets.