Masked Heroes

On April 5, just after 2:00 p.m., Reno Aces and 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein tweeted out an idea. Edelstein asked for community help to turn 200 unworn Aces and 1868 jerseys into masks to help protect our community, and raise money for healthcare workers.

As of today, the Greater Nevada Field team shop sold just under 400 masks, and raised almost $8,000 to donate right back to the community.

“We were thrilled to meet two needs of our community by providing masks for our fans to protect themselves and each other; and we also were able to help provide a little bit of funding for our frontline healthcare workers,” said Edelstein.

Season ticket holders and Millers Jackets volunteered to produce the masks, all of which sold out in waves as quickly as they were put on the shelves. The masks are now in the community, being worn to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

100 percent of the money raised through their sales will go to assisting Renown, Saint Mary’s, Carson Tahoe and Northern Nevada Medical Centers, as well as Tahoe Forest and Barton Memorial hospitals in providing direct support to employees fighting the pandemic.

The funds donated will go towards supporting the staff working in hospitals: protective equipment so the staffs can help others safely, childcare so medical professionals can continue to work, as well as food, groceries and hotel stays to ensure the families of hospital staffs are safe, healthy and fed during the pandemic.

“The needs are so big, and I hope we were able to inspire others to do what they can to make a difference any way they can,” said Edelstein.