Blue Jackets' Beneficiaries

Additional charitable endeavors by the Blue Jackets

Another significant effort for the team is its Hockey Fights Cancer fundraiser each October, aimed at raising funds for and awareness of pediatric cancer.

Before the game and during breaks, children who have experienced pediatric cancer are given an on-ice introduction and tributes to survivors are shown. Purple “Beat Cancer” T-shirts and “Hats for Heroes” hats are on sale during the game, and players wear purple jerseys during pre-game warm-ups, with each then being autographed and auctioned off. Proceeds from both go to the foundation’s pediatric cancer grant partners.

On top of that, fans are given cheer cards to write on for the recognized survivors, and organizations throughout the community, such as Roxane Laboratories and Boich Companies, contribute tickets to families that have dealt with cancer.

Among the other charitable endeavors associated with the team are:

-A toy drive collection at the Dec. 4 game against the Carolina Panthers. Toys will be given to the Salvation Army for its annual Christmas Cheer program.

-An annual Day of Service, this year slated for Dec. 7, during which the team does an afternoon of community outreach at a local nonprofit such as the Mid-Ohio Foodbank or Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.

-Volunteer efforts in support of the Salvation Army, including staff and Lady Jackets working at the Christmas Cheer program at the Ohio State Fairgrounds and bell ringers at games through mid-December.

-A fundraiser golf tournament.

-The Black Tie Blue Jackets style show fundraiser, usually held in February, which is being retooled for 2016.

-50-50 drawings at games.

-Home games for which 100 percent of the profits go to the foundation.

-A Blue Jackets-themed playground for homeless children at the west Columbus Van Buren Shelter.

Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.