Blue Jackets Foundation Donates A Record of $525,000 to A Good Cause!

Courtesy of: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announced today the donation of $525,000 to local charitable and youth hockey organizations for the 2012-13 grant cycle, which is the largest single-year total in the Foundation's 13-year history. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has invested over $4.7 million in central Ohio to fight pediatric cancer, grow and support youth hockey, and to keep kids healthy and safe.  

This year's signature commitment is a $45,000 grant to build a custom Blue Jackets-themed playground at Krumm Park on the city's east side. The project, conducted in partnership with Columbus Recreation & Parks, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) and Playworld Midstates, will feature a uniquely designed play structure outfitted with themed enhancements such as hockey stick posts, puck-studded climbing walls and Blue Jackets images. The playground will be divided into two age-appropriate areas and complimented by swing sets for kids and toddlers. The build is scheduled for Thursday, July 25 with the construction to be completed by a collection of Blue Jackets staff, players and coaches working alongside volunteers from OPRA and the East Columbus Civic Association.

"Part of our mission is to help kids lead an active lifestyle through play and to that end we are proud to partner with Columbus Recreation & Parks, OPRA and Playworld to bring this wonderful addition to the Krumm Park neighborhood," said Jen Bowden, executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

Also highlighted within the 2012-13 cycle is a $175,000 grant to Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation in fulfillment of the Blue Jackets Foundation's long-term $1.5 million commitment to Nationwide Children's Hospital. In addition, the following non-profit organizations also received grants.

• TeamSmile  
• Flying Horse Farms  
• A Kid Again  
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio  
• Flashes of Hope  
• KidSMILES  
• Boy Scouts of America (Simon Kenton Council)  
• March of Dimes  
• The Ohio State University's Student Veterans Affairs Fund

Lastly, 25% of the annual grants are dedicated to the development of youth and amateur hockey and breaking down barriers to make the game accessible to all who want to play. The following represent the youth hockey recipients.

• Ohio AAA Junior Blue Jackets  
• Columbus Ice Hockey Club  
• Ohio Sled Hockey  
• Easton Youth Hockey Association  
• One Goal Association  
• Newark Youth Hockey Association  
• Athens Youth Hockey Association  
• Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA)  
• CCYHA Special Hockey  
• Capital Amateur Hockey Association  
• Quebec Pee Wee Team  
• New Albany High School junior varsity team  
• flexxCOACH  
• Gliding Stars

Founded in 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation's mission is to help central Ohio kids get healthy, play safely, and stay active. As the charitable arm of the National Hockey League club, the Foundation leverages its unique resources - players, coaches, staff and fans - to partner with and invest in central Ohio charities. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $4.7 million locally to fight pediatric cancer, grow and support youth hockey, and to keep kids healthy and safe. For more information on the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, visit www.BlueJacketsFoundation.org.