(Rochester, February 12)... The Blue Cross Arena will have some special, furry guests on Saturday, February 16th as the team kicks off its Annual Teddy Bear Auction to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association.

The Teddy Bear Auction, presented by GoBuyRochester.com, will begin online on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. and end on Saturday, February 23rd at 9:00 p.m. Fans at the game on February 23rd will also be able to place their bids at the Go Buy Rochester booth. Winning bidders must arrange for payment before exiting the arena with their bears.

This season, the auction includes a Captain America bear signed by three-time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart and a special bear created by WBEE host Jeremy Newman.

“For the past six years the Knighthawks organization has been supporting CURE and the families that we serve through the bear auction. The enthusiasm and passion that they bring to helping these families whose children are diagnosed with cancer is similar to that which they bring to the game,” said CURE Executive Director Brian Wirth. “Our kids love meeting the players and all of us at CURE enjoy working with the team on this very important fundraiser.”

Knighthawks players created their animals at the Build-A-Bear Workshop® at Eastview Mall. A total of 23 animals, including a team autographed lacrosse bear, will be available to bid on at GoBuyRochester.com. This year, fans can bid on bears made by newcomers Dan and Paul Dawson, Casey Powell, Joel McCready and Angus Goodleaf. Returning Knighthawks like Cody Jamieson, Cory Vitarelli, Mike Accursi, Matt Vinc and Joe Walters are also sure to attract some attention from diehard fans.

"Every year, our players look forward to building bears to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association," said Knighthawks President Lewis Staats. "It has become a Knighthawks' tradition as we continue to support CURE's mission of fighting childhood cancer in Rochester."

Founded in 1976, CURE is focused on meeting the emotional, social, financial, and educational needs of families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer and chronic blood disorders. CURE has been a proud sponsor of the Knighthawks since the 2002 season. The Knighthawks in turn have raised nearly $30,000 for CURE.