Orlando Predators Spread Holiday Cheer at Florida Hospital for Children

Thursday December 18, 2014

Pediatric patients enjoyed a surprise visit and received holiday gifts from the players

 ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 17, 2014 – Pediatric patients at Florida Hospital for Children received an early holiday surprise – a visit from Orlando Predators players. Athletes from the arena football team visited children in the hospital’s outpatient unit today to spread some holiday cheer.

Quarterback Randy Hippeard and wide receiver Justin Hilton signed autographs, spent quality time with the children and delivered new children’s movie DVDs to the hospital on behalf of the team. Each child and their family also received free tickets to an Orlando Predators game for its upcoming season.

"It was great to have the opportunity to visit and hangout with the children today," said Hippeard. "To be able to put a smile on their faces and have the chance to take their minds off of what they're going through, even if only for a few moments, means a lot. I don't know who had a better time, the kids or myself!"

The Orlando Predators will kick-off its 24th season with its return to the Amway Center on Sunday, March 29. It’s the team’s first game back at the Amway Center after playing last season in the CFE Arena at the University of Central Florida. This season also will mark the first full season under new owner, Westgate Resorts CEO David Siegel, who acquired the team in July.

ABOUT THE ORLANDO PREDATORS
The 2014 South Division Champion Orlando Predators enter their 24th season as Central Florida’s most exciting and innovative professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achieved unprecedented success on the field. Orlando has advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 22 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.