As we embark on the 2010-2011 season and expectations run high, we are gratified that so many of our IceRays families are willing to open their homes to the Corpus Christi IceRays players as Billet families. The Billet family is an integral part of our organization, and without their efforts, our club would not be successful!
Billet families invite these IceRays players into their homes to be a part of their family for eight months out of the year. In turn the players, age 16-20, take part in many aspects of normal family life with their billets, from family meals to taking on active "big brother" roles at times with their younger billet brothers and sisters in their homes away from home.
A vital factor in accomplishing that goal is assigning players to Billet families who serve as authority figures, role models, and extended family to their assigned player. The efforts of the Billet families make a significant difference in the lives of the young men who have left their homes and families to pursue a dream. In our past experience we've seen players show dramatic changes in their confidence level, grade point averages, social graces, behavior, work ethic, relationship to others, and so much more. The benefit derived from placing the players with Billet families is truly immeasurable.
The unique bonds your family will form with the player(s) you house will last a lifetime. It is not uncommon for players, years after their time in the league, to keep in close contact with their former Billet family: keeping them informed of their collegiate, professional and family lives and, in many cases, even inviting their former billets to their weddings!
The management and staff of the Corpus Christi IceRays greatly appreciate those considering serving as a Billet family for the upcoming season. The information below documents the benefits and responsibilities involved in serving as a Billet family. Closer to the start of the season, each Billet family will be provided with the "Rules and Regulations" section of the player's contract to ensure that they know exactly what we're expecting of our players during their time with us.
Thank you for taking the time to read the following information and considering the opportunity to change the life of a young man. Please feel free to contact Director of Billeting Shelly Bram by phone at (361)774-4540 or by email shelly_bram@yahoo.com if you have questions or need further information. After reviewing the information, if you want to pursue the possibility of billeting a player, please complete the form that is included in this information and submit to the IceRays attention Jim Carl either by fax (361)980-0003, email jcarl@goicerays.com or by mail 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd suite 300 Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.