I read an article about a hockey player looking for funds to attend college.  We did some research and found that Max Stephenson was the real deal and found a Time Life article about him.  For those of you who wish to donate and help a hockey brother or another student trying to afford college, here is the LINK.  I made a donation toward Max’s College Tuition and he recently sent me a note of thanks:

Hi Patrick,
I never knew that playing hockey could have so many rewards.  Playing is great; but when I get to “meet” people like you because of hockey, nothing could be better. Patrick, keep it up – you have no idea the wonders it will bring you.

Please accept my very sincere apology for not thanking you much earlier for your very generous contribution to my college education. The out pour of donations, notes and media attention, not to mention attending classes, homework and a new job has kept me very busy. But that’s no excuse.

You gave me a chance and I will never forget it.  Because of people like you, I am indeed a genuine, bona fide NYU student.  I can’t tell you how happy I am.  Please be assured that I will live up to your belief in me and will continually return your generosity to others.

A bit of a status report: I received nearly $11,000 – enough to pay for my first semester. Donations came from as far away as Korea, Brazil, Australia and a dozen other countries. Great grandmothers, college professors, those who had no difficulty paying for college and some who did responded to my plea. All sympathized with the struggle to finance a college education and like the fact that the issue was brought to light in this way.

Not only did I receive money, but I got a great internship!  It’s with www.GradeFund.com , a company that encourages students to strive for good grades.  Like you, they found me because my story in the press and asked me to be a  spokesperson.  So far, I’ve appeared on NBC, Fox and am slated to be interviewed by ABC next week. If you can afford a few more dollars and know other students in need, check it out.

I am now into my second semester, studying hard (all “A”s last semester), playing ice hockey for NYU and making a lot of new friends.  Life is good.

Again, thank you. You gave me a chance. I’ll always be grateful.  And if you get to New York Patrick, I’d love to get on the ice with you.  Shoot me an email when the time comes.

My very best regards, Max