Ams' Feser, Topping play in support of MDA

Tri-City Americans captain Justin Feser and alternate captain Mitch Topping have launched their ‘Making Awareness a TopPriority to Fesout Muscular Dystrophy’ campaign.

Feser and Topping, both from Red Deer, Alberta, are raising money and awareness for the Inland Northwest chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"We have been involved with them through the team and have gotten to know people and are familiar with their cause," Feser said of choosing the MDA. "This gives us more of an incentive to win."

For every Americans home win, Feser and Topping each will donate $10 out of their own pocket to the MDA. In return, the Tri-City Americans will match the player’s donations dollar for dollar.

Both players are encouraging fans to get involved, as well. Volunteers will be at the exits after every home win accepting donations. In addition, a table will be at most home games to accept donations through cash, check or pledge card.

Two longtime Americans fans already have jumped on the bandwagon, pledging $20 for each home win.

"We hope to start cashing in on that," Topping said.

The cause already has brought in more than $1,000 in donations.

Numerica Credit Union pledged $5 per text — up to 200 — last weekend, bringing in $1,000. The team also collected $75 in donations during last Saturday's loss to Spokane.

"We didn't win, but people were very generous," Topping said. "Winning always comes first, but if you can do something beyond 2 points, that's important."

The campaign will culminate with the Americans’ final home game on Saturday, March 16 against Spokane as part of Sterling Bank’s Go Green for MDA fundraising night. Fans are encouraged to wear green to help support those with Muscular Dystrophy.

This story was originally published November 1, 2012 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Ams' Feser, Topping play in support of MDA."