"The Save of the Day Foundation means a lot to me and my family. My 9 year old son, Gavin, was born with a rare liver disease that required a liver transplant as a baby and has since had three transplants. For us, due to his complexities, his care is only done in Boston at Boston Children's Hospital. But, unfortunately that means a lot of traveling back and forth and the expenses can take a toll on a family. In 2023, he had to undergo his bone marrow transplant and it required a very long hospital stay. We were inpatient for about 15 months. I obviously could not work as I was his donor for bone marrow and kidney as well as his care giver.

Thanks to the Save of the Day Foundation we were able to still make our mortgage payments. Not only has this foundation helped our family monitarily but Rob, Erica, Mike and the whole Comets team have been a huge support system for Gavin. They have visited him in the hospital for holidays and just to make him smile and lift his spirits. They are always bringing him gifts and asking about him. They have even had him at the Aud for a private practice and a game. We are so grateful for this foundation and all of the people involved. They have all become like family to us. Gavin always has someone cheering for him and rooting him on. Thank you so much for being with us every step of the way on our long journey." - Dana Jerzak

Esher Kanyaw is an incredible Utica Firefighter. His battle with liver cancer does not deter him from working for our city, and from being a selfless individual. Save of the Day was proud to host Esher and his wife Emily during our Utica Fire Game on April 5th, 2025.

The Save of the Day Foundation proudly stands with our nation’s heroes by supporting local veterans through jersey auctions, donations to the local Veteran organizations, and participation in veterans’ ceremonies. At every Utica Comets game, we honor a Hometown Hero, recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served. Additionally, our foundation organizes veterans’ food and textile drives among other donation methods, ensuring those who have given so much receive the care and appreciation they deserve.

Each holiday season, the Save of the Day Foundation and the Utica Comets come together to bring joy to families in need. Through the Adopt a Family Initiative, we provide gifts, essential items, and holiday cheer to dozens of families across the Mohawk Valley. By helping ease financial burdens and creating special moments, we strive to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most.

Photos: Comets players purchasing gifts

Each year the Save of the Day Foundation partners with the Rescue Mission of Utica to provide turkey dinners for families in need. The Utica Comets players and staff serve turkey, potatoes, and vegetables to the rescue mission. We partner with local grocery store Chanatry’s, Don’s Ford and other organizations to grow this initiative each year. Save of the day has been proud to help over 350 families enjoy Thanksgiving.

The Save of the Day Foundation is an integral part in the new Utica Children’s Museum. The foundation has pledged $50,000 a year for the next 10 years towards the capital campaign to rebuild the museum. The new museum will have state of the art exhibits to help children learn, grow and have fun together in Utica. The Children of Utica will enjoy this new museum for years to come, and we are lucky to be a small part of it’s future.

"Advantage Edge Skating has been an incredible opportunity for my daughter to learn how to skate. She has autism and anxiety and struggled in a regular skating environment. Advantage Edge makes her feel safe and gives her the opportunity to learn how to skate at a pace that works for her. Allowing a buddy/sibling to participate adds to a level of comfort for her. It’s an activity she feels accepted at! As parents, we cannot say thank you enough!!"  - Amy Hryb

"The Adaptive Edge Skating Program has been an incredible opportunity for children with a variety of needs to experience the joy of ice skating. With the support of dedicated volunteers, many trained to work with children of different abilities, participants can learn and grow in a fun, inclusive, and encouraging environment. For many, this program offers their first chance to take part in a group activity, fostering confidence, friendship, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a place where every child is valued, supported, and given the chance to succeed on the ice." - Jen Hummel

In January of 2025 we held the first ever Save of the Day Sock Toss! When the Comets scored their first goal of the game, fans were encouraged to throw new pairs of socks on the ice to donate.

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We collected over 4,000 pairs of socks to be distributed to local  homeless shelters and other organizations that are constantly in need of socks.