ESTERO, FL -- The Florida Everblades are pleased to announced that the Passion Foundation and Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery are the presenting sponsors for Opening Weekend when the Everblades play host to the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18.Both games will be a “Black Out” and fans are encouraged to wear black colors for the game.  The Everblades will wear specially designed black jerseys for both games. The jerseys will be auctioned off following Saturday October 18th game, with the proceeds benefiting the Passion Foundation.

The Passion Foundation is a local organization which raises funds to cover playgrounds with shade tents to help decrease the sun exposure of children in Southwest Florida.  The foundation was founded by Tara Parla who battled skin and various other types of cancer.

“The Passion Foundation is beyond excited to partner with the Everblades this season,” said Passion Foundation Co-Founder Jonathan Parla.  “The Estero Community has been so supportive and this is one of the steps of getting the foundation to the next level. Tara’s goal was to prevent one person from having to fight the battle she went through, so partnerships such as this are keeping her dream alive. We are working on our seventh shade structure, and with all of our events this fall we should be able to look into the eighth and ninth.”

Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is also partnering on the night as a preventing sponsor. Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery was founded in Naples in 2000.  Their goal is to provide the most advanced dermatologic services to Southwest Florida, offering a comprehensive approach that would include every available treatment option for skin cancer, general dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Riverchase is now the area’s largest and most comprehensive skin center.

“We are very excited for our partnership with the Florida Everblades for the 2014 Opening “Black Out” Weekend,” said Andrew Jaffe, MD, CEO, of Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. “The “Black Out” event is a way for Riverchase Dermatology to partner with the Passion Foundation, a Melanoma Initiative, to show our support and commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of Melanoma and all types of skin cancers.”

The Everblades will be entering their 17th season on Opening Weekend.   The Friday October 17th, game begins at 7:30 p.m.  The first 5,000 fans will receive an Everblades magnet schedule courtesy of Jack’s Cleaning!

The Saturday, October 18th game begins at 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets stop by the Century Link Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

---2014-15 Everblades Ticket Packages are currently on sale! Full season, as well as flexible 12 and 24-game options are also available! All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits.  For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.