2021-2022
Community
Report
#CBJGivesBack
+
Youth served in central Ohio
$
Collective community investment
“Off the ice, we strive to be champions for those in need.”
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Our Belief
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is dedicated to the health and wellness of children in central Ohio.
Our Commitment
We dedicate time, resources and financial support to organizations making a difference in the areas of pediatric cancer, reading, fitness through play and the growth and development of amateur hockey.
We have provided more than $12.2 million to organizations that serve our community since the team’s inception in 2000.
Board of Directors
Cathy Lyttle
Board Chair
T.J. LaMendola
Treasurer
Andee Cochren
Executive Director
Amy McConnell
Board Member
Nathan Wymer
Board Member
Jessica McConnell
Board Member
Tiina Kekäläinen
Board Member
Sandy Doyle-Ahern
Board Member
For Our
Future
Over the past two decades, the Blue Jackets no-cost education programs have brought hockey into the classroom to teach teamwork, responsibility and respect in a fun, interactive way. A priority of the Blue Jackets and the Blue Jackets Foundation has been, and continues to be, making reading accessible to all children in our community by investing in education through literacy.
+Students
received free education resources addressing literacy, STEM, academic achievements and physical activity
$+Donated
in equipment, supplies and field trips to schools and community centers
Book Jackets presented by Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage
Our no-cost reading incentive program offers K-8 teachers a way to encourage and reward reading outside the classroom.
Minutes
read by 4,000+ participants in 260+ classrooms
S.T.E.M. Learning
The Hockey Scholars online curriculum uses hockey-themed lessons to help 4–8 grade students advance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This free program offered to schools includes a Science of Hockey fieldtrip, presented by AEP, to further engage students in hockey-themed experiments and discussions around STEM careers in hockey.
+Hours
of STEM learning
Scholarships
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation annually awards two scholarships of $10,000 each to students that show exceptional qualities both on and off the ice.
2022 HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Brianna Arens of Dublin Jerome High School
2022 JOHN H. McCONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Keller Weston of Groveport Madison High School
Adopt-A-School Program
Our ongoing partnership with Avondale Elementary continued to provide meaningful interactions with students and families. Our front office staff was able to positively impact 125+ families in one of Columbus City Schools most vulnerable neighborhoods by promoting parent engagement, stressing the importance of attendance and recognizing academic achievements.
Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
Local elementary school students have the opportunity to combine their in-class learning with the business world by taking part of JA BizTown. Our grant supported the Blue Jackets hockey-themed storefront at BizTown, where students take part as the Blue Jackets CEO, CFO, Team Physician, Sales Manager, and Ticket Sales Director.
+Students Learned
basic economic concepts
Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation
With funding from the CBJ Foundation, Columbus Metropolitan Library was able to expand support for K-12 students learning outside the classroom by providing Brainfuse HelpNow programs. HelpNow's largest success is that it continues to expand service to better support students in their studies and homework, beyond the walls of CML's dedicated School Help Centers.
Help Sessions
started since the funding started
Additional Partners Supported
for
each other
The fight against pediatric cancer has been one of the Blue Jackets Foundation's primary areas of focus since the team's inception in 2000. Kids fighting pediatric cancer are our heroes and we support them by offering unique experiences and program funding. Some call it therapy through distraction, but most kids call it fun.
+Pediatric cancer patients
and their families received care
$+Raised
during Hockey Fights Cancer
Hockey Fights Cancer
Hockey Fights Cancer unites the hockey community with the goal of raising money and awareness for organizations involved in cancer care and research. Each season we show our support of pediatric cancer patients and their families by offering unique experiences and special recognitions during events, such as Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by OhioHealth.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio
When pediatric patients need an overnight stay, it’s not always easy or affordable for parents to use a hotel. Through the Helping Hands program, Ronald McDonald House Charities offer a place for families to stay for free.
Nights
supported by the CBJ Foundation
Flying Horse Farms
Our grant to Flying Horse Farms, a camp thoughtfully adapted for children with serious illnesses, supported a two-week hematology and oncology camp.
Kids
experienced camp
Blue Jackets Foundation Family Resource Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
This 5,000 square-ft. space serves all families of children receiving care at the hospital by offering amenities like a lounge with a play area, laundry facilities, a clinical education classroom, computers and complimentary services including haircuts and massage therapy.
Families
received services
Additional Partners Supported
for the next
generation
Since the team’s arrival and Foundation’s introduction in 2000, we have worked tirelessly to grow the game we love. Our commitment to the development of youth hockey and reducing barriers to the sport runs deep because we believe everyone should have a chance to play.
+children
learned the fundamentals of hockey through our no or low-cost hockey programs
$+invested
in the growth of youth hockey
Get Out And Learn
This grassroots initiative invites first-time participants (ages 5 to 9) to try hockey for free. Designed for boys and girls who have no formal hockey experience or training, these 30-minute street & ice hockey clinics are intended to remove barriers of entry to the sport. Each participant receives a t-shirt/jersey and stick to keep!
free clinics
reaching 1,155 first time players
Learn to Play presented by Performance Columbus in association with Moo Moo Express Car Wash
In collaboration with the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks, we have simplified the hockey development pathway for boys and girls ages 10-and-under. Learn to Play aims to deliver a positive experience with age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by former Blue Jacket Andrew Cassels. Last year, we expanded the program to be offered year-round.
SETS OF EQUIPMENT
were provided at no cost to families
Hockey is for Everyone
This past year, on our annual Hockey is for Everyone Night presented by Vorys, we shared the story of a pair of central Ohio born and raised girls of color that play ice hockey, twin sisters, Ebony and Essence Wyse. These 17-year-olds are dedicated to making the sport of hockey a welcoming and diverse place for women and people of color.
Blue Jackets Power Play Challenge presented by OhioHealth and PNC
This hockey-themed wellness curriculum is designed to combat childhood obesity by incorporating street hockey and incentive-based fitness challenges in physical education classes. The program, intended for students in grades 2-5, is offered free of charge to elementary schools.
+Students
representing 161 schools took the challenge
Street Hockey in the Community
Over the past 20 years, the Blue Jackets "sticks in hands" programs have provided children in central Ohio greater access to the sport while developing important life skills of teamwork, respect and responsibility. Through a comprehensive approach with community partners, we provide equipment donation, staff training, curriculum development, free clinics and more. All a kid needs are a pair of sneakers!
Columbus Ice Hockey Club
Our grant helped CIHC support their mission to allow youth from diverse communities and extenuating circumstances in central Ohio the opportunity to develop core values through hockey and use it as a vehicle to open doors and excel in all aspects of their lives.
Kids
exposed to skating and hockey
Ohio Sled Hockey
With support from our Foundation, Ohio Sled Hockey provides individuals with physical disabilities the chance to play hockey using specialized equipment. This past year, the program traveled to New Jersey to compete in the NHL Sled Classic.
Athletes
supported
CCYHA Special Hockey
Special Hockey makes the sport accessible for individuals with developmental disabilities and emphasizes players to have fun through teamwork, social interaction, and improving the quality of life. Our funding assists the local program with custom equipment, scholarships and travel support. This past year, Special Hockey hosted its first USA Hockey Special Classic at the OhioHealth Chiller in Dublin.
Families
from 10 Special Hockey programs participated in the tournament
Additional Partners Supported
for the
5th line
Every year, Blue Jackets players, team personalities, staff and season ticket holders give their time, attention and care to help those in need throughout our community.
+HOURS VOLUNTEERED
by CBJ players, their significant others, and staff
+COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
supported
Building Playgrounds
The Blue Jackets Foundation continued its commitment to build playgrounds with Columbus Recreation and Parks in an effort to provide safe areas for children and families to play outdoors. This past season, over 100 CBJ staff built a new Blue Jackets-themed playground at Driving Park Community Center bringing the total of hockey-themed playgrounds in central Ohio to 12.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Visit
Blue Jackets players, team personalities and Stinger often give their time, attention and care when making special trips to visit hospitalized kids distributing CBJ Courage Kits. This past year, Blue Jackets Elvis Merzlikins and Gus Nyquist joined families at Nationwide Children’s hospital on a surprise Zoom call.
Salvation Army Toy Drive/Christmas Cheer
Each season, we support the Big 10TV Toy Drive, which collects toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer program to make holiday gifts possible for families in need. In addition to an in-game toy collection, our CBJ staff, along with the significant others of team players, volunteered at the Christmas Cheer toy distribution.
+Toys
collected
First Responders Night presented by Jet’s Pizza
Each season we honor the tireless effort of incredible individuals in the community during First Responder Night. This past season, in recognition of their community involvement, Jet’s Pizza provided meals to Columbus Division of Police and Zach Werenski chatted with officers at Substation 5 in Linden about his personal appreciation to law enforcement.
Tickets
donated by Jet’s Pizza directly to first responders
Hockey for Her presented by Meyers Jewelers
We host events over the course of the season to spotlight connections for all women to our sport whether they are a new fan or hockey expert. Participants get a behind-the-scenes look inside our organization while learning more about hockey. This past year, we partnered with the Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey team to provide a hands-on experience to learn basic hockey skills from female college players.
+Women
participated in Hockey for Her
50/50 Raffle presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Every home game, our foundation held a 50/50 raffle as a fundraising vehicle for multiple central Ohio nonprofit organizations.
$+Raised
for the community
Military Appreciation Night presented by Elk & Elk
The Columbus Blue Jackets salute those who have served or are currently serving in the nation’s armed forces during the club’s annual Military Appreciation Night. To show support and gratitude for all active and retired service members, Blue Jackets players wear specifically designed camouflage-style jerseys during pregame warm-ups. Fans participated in a game-night collection of individually packed snacks which were donated to stock USO of Ohio lounges that offer respite for military personnel and their families. Prior to the game, several former Blue Jackets players hosted 20 military personnel and civilian employees (who play hockey) that work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in a friendly scrimmage on the Nationwide Arena ice.
+tickets
donated to military veterans, personnel and their families
Community MVP Award
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced during Community Night presented by Worthington Industries that CBJ forward Jack Roslovic was the recipient of the club's 2021-2022 Community MVP Award, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies service, dedication and leadership. In recognition of winning the award, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation made a $5,000 donation to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
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+pieces
of equipment were collected raising $8,500+
Stinger Around Town
Our favorite mascot made the rounds in Ohio reaching over 20,000 people across his 230+ appearances. Stinger’s charitable efforts raised over $27,000 for the Foundation last year through a variety of in-game deliveries and experiences.
Golf Classic
One of the Foundation’s largest annual fundraisers, the Golf Classic benefits the mission of supporting youth health and wellness. The event is staged at the renowned Double Eagle Club, where each foursome enjoys a once-in-a-lifetime round of golf with a Blue Jackets player, an exclusive gift package, a breakfast program to draft the foursome’s celebrity golfer and a program where winners are announced and presented the Foundation Cup.
$+raised
for Blue Jackets Foundation programs
Generously supported by
The CannonBall presented by Bartha
The CannonBall returned for the 2021-2022 season! Swing into Spring was the focus as we celebrated the growth of hockey and raised much needed funds to benefit children in central Ohio. Guests interacted with Blue Jackets players, management, and club personalities, while also getting a chance to hear about the team’s ongoing community involvement and future efforts.
$+Raised
Generously supported by
More Corporate Caring
With the help of the Columbia Gas Community Captain $75,000 investment, a new playground was created for families that learn at the South Side Early Learning Center.
Big Lots! donated $39,000 in recognition of the on-ice assists recorded during the season.
Vory’s donated $15,000 to Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Girls Development Program to continue breaking down barriers to the sport of hockey for youth in Columbus.
Advanced Drainage Systems donated $12,900+ in support of the “Between the Pipes” for every save made by a Blue Jackets goaltender during the season.
This year’s education grants were presented by Ohio's 529 Plan CollegeAdvantage, providing a $10,000 donation that went directly to our Education grant partners.
Perry’s Ice Cream donated $2,000 in proceeds from 5th Line Crunch to the Blue Jackets Foundation.
Panera Bread donated $950+ to the foundation through their Round-Up Text Campaign.
This year's Blue Jackets Foundation Grant Reception was presented by Jet's Pizza. Additionally, Jet's Pizza donated pizza to Blue Jackets community partners.
Delaware North Company donated food and beverage.
ways to
support
Reach out today to learn about the many ways you can support our mission
Thanks to support from donors like you, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has been able to donate more than $12.2 million to the community since the team’s inception in 2000.
Make a DonationThroughout the year, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation hosts online auctions with unique items and experiences during regular season home games and for additional select dates and events including The CannonBall and The Golf Classic.
Silent AuctionThe Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has teamed up with local organizations to assist with their fundraising initiatives. The 50/50 Raffle, presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union, is held during all regular season home games at Nationwide Arena.
50/50 RaffleThe Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.