Bruins' David Backes hosts Athletes for Animals fundraiser in Brooklyn Park

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Boston Bruins right winger and Minnesota native David Backes is back in the State of Hockey in the offseason for a good cause.

The former Mankato Mavericks star and his wife Kelly run a foundation called Athletes for Animals, which works to promote responsible pet ownership and pet adoption and raise funds to support pet adoption.

Athletes for Animals will be hosting an upcoming fundraiser called the Minnesota Meritage Wine Tasting Event. It will be held on Aug. 18 at Leopold's Mississippi Gardens in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Many professional hockey players will be in attendance including Zach Parise, Jason Zucker, Nick Bjugstad, Ryan McDonagh.

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