Peter Koutroumpis (@pksport)
RALEIGH, NC – As the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup celebration continues throughout the summer with various players and team personnel getting to have their ‘Day with the Cup’, the Grayson Murray Foundation announced on Thursday a unique experience for two lucky fans and supporters to share in it all with defenseman Jaccob Slavin.
In an email release sent out to its patrons and supporters, titled “VIP Exclusive: THE STANLEY CUP, Jaccob Slavin + You!”, the Grayson Foundation online auction item offered up an opportunity to join in the Stanley Cup celebration with Slavin and his family.
The proceeds from the auction will support the Grayson Murray Foundation and its mission to raise awareness of mental health and addiction while advancing innovative services and research.
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Bid Here: “VIP Exclusive: THE STANLEY CUP, Jaccob Slavin + You!”
As of 7/25/26 (3:25 p.m.), the current bid is $1200. The winning bid must be paid in full by August 22, 2026.
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He was a Caniac
Grayson Murray, a Raleigh native, passed away at the age of 30 years old on May 24, 2024, as a result of suicide.
He forged his path to the PGA Tour early, embarking on a winding and adventurous journey and eventually becoming a pro golfer following many junior/high school and college days spent on the course and range around the country.
He set his mark in pro golf early in 2010, playing in Raleigh at the Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, making the cut at the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship, then known as the Rex Hospital Open, at the age of 16.
From there, he began and continued living the journeyman life of a pro golfer, eventually making it to the PGA Tour and winning his second career Tour event, the Sony Open, just months before his passing.
Keeping faith
Growing up a Carolina Hurricanes fan, Murray connected with the organization and players like Slavin, cheering on the team and being honored to show his support as a siren sounder at games on various occasions.
He and Slavin connected on a personal basis through their Christian faith and developed a bond that kept them in touch, including via text messages.
As an invited speaker at Murray’s memorial, Slavin shared a prayer and recollection of moments texting with Grayson during the Hurricanes’ playoff run that season.
Slavin noted during the memorial one of the final texts between the two:
“We had an exchange back and forth a little bit more”, Slavin began.
“He (Grayson) then went on to say, ‘I say life on Earth is a pre-game to the real party. Let’s enjoy while Jesus put us here for this short time, but recognize he has a purpose for us while we’re here. To impact people.’”
Making an impact
Such words seemed a precursor to the upcoming event that Slavin will be hosting in August.
As quoted per the Foundation’s release:
“The Grayson Murray Foundation is excited to offer an exclusive opportunity for one winner and a guest to celebrate the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory with Jaccob Slavin and his family.
On the morning of August 22, 2026, you will have the opportunity to meet Jaccob, spend time with the Stanley Cup, and capture photos from an experience you will never forget.”
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VIP Experience Includes:
- An opportunity to see and take photos with the Stanley Cup
- Meet Jaccob Slavin and his family
- Admission for you and one guest to attend the event with the Grayson Murray Foundation Leadership team
- Priceless sports experience in Raleigh
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When you think about it, though not listed, one final key item that this experience will include, which Slavin is helping to facilitate, is that far more people – golf and hockey fans alike, among others – will learn more about Grayson Murray and help his legacy “to impact people” prophetically take hold even more.
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