Jeff Calkins, SMG General Manager of the Blue Cross Arena will be honored as the 2013 Recipient of the Charles Wagner Award at the Rochester Press Radio Club’s 64th Annual Day of Champions Children’s Charity Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The award recognizes an individual in the Rochester community who has made major contributions to local sports. The Blue Cross Arena is the home to the Rochester Amerks (AHL), Knighthawks (NLL), Razorsharks (PBL), and Lancers (MISL). Calkins has been instrumental in bringing many annual sporting events to the arena, including St. Bonaventure Basketball, RIT Hockey, Section 5 High School tournament, the Atlantic Hockey Association Championship, and several NCAA events.
He is active in the community, serving on Rochester Downtown Services board, and countless charity fundraising efforts, including Camp Good Days & Special Times, the Rochester Rotary, and the Badge of Honor Foundation for Fallen Officers.
He and his wife, Liz Vega, reside in Pittsford, NY with their daughters, Claire and Margaret. His son, Ben, resides in Seattle and works for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.
Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers will be the featured speaker at the Rochester Press-Radio Club’s Day of Champions Dinner and receive the Sports Personality of the Year Award.
