Flocking to local charity

NEWPORT BEACH — Dean Perkins has been an Anaheim Ducks fan for three years now. He would have been a fan for four years, but his fourth birthday is still a ways off.

The Costa Mesa resident grew up in a household that practically reveres the recent Stanley Cup champions — and he had gotten the spirit himself almost before he learned to walk.

According to his mother, Jennifer Perkins, Dean counts the Wild Wing mascot among his personal friends, and he’s anticipating the day when he’s old enough to play on a team.

“Last season, he used to sleep with his hockey stick and puck,” Perkins said Saturday at Fashion Island, where the Ducks recently sponsored one of the Project Playhouse exhibits that raise funds for charity. “We’d try to take it away from him, and he’d wake and grab it back. So we think he’ll end up playing hockey.”

Saturday was Anaheim Ducks Day at Fashion Island, as player Corey Perry signed autographs, Wild Wing posed for pictures and the Ducks organization offered tours of their playhouse.

The installation, which was designed to look like a miniature version of the team’s locker room, will be auctioned off along with most of the other playhouses Oct. 13.

This year marked the first time the Ducks have participated in Project Playhouse, which raises funds for HomeAid Orange County, a charity that builds and renovates shelters for children and families.

Jennifer Walker, the Ducks’ community relations manager, said the team was inspired to join the project after watching other groups — including the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — get involved.

“This is something we’ve seen year after year and we wanted to jump on board,” she said. “It’s such an integral part of the community.”

Perry, a forward right wing for the team, said he and his teammates tried to give back when they could.

“It’s good to get your face in the community,” he said.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at [email protected].