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charities that focus on medical research. “It’s something that as players, we really enjoy doing,” first-time server Tanner Glass said. “Giving back is a big part of our life away from the game, so events like this are really important.” Penguins general manager Ray Shero said he considers the gala the team’s “best event” and said the players enjoy it just as much as the guests. “It gives our players the chance to mingle with our fans,” Shero said. “They have a great time, they’re interacting with everybody. So it’s a great night for them. They’re serving people and collecting tips for great causes.” The players, wearing long-tailed tuxedos with white vests and bowties, were each responsible for a table or two where they served salads, entrees and beverages. They competed to earn the most tips of the evening, which are collected for the event charities. Bragging rights for the highest tips were captured by defenseman Robert Bortuzzo, with a close second place finish by forward Pascal Dupuis. While coach Dan Bylsma cracked a few jokes during his pre-meal speech, he also drove home how unique this event is to the local community. “What other place could you have visited last night and watched Evgeni Malkin score a miraculous goal; then, the next night you have Evgeni serve you wine, tell you jokes, flash his smile and show his personality while serving dinner?” Bylsma asked. A unique experience indeed.
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