The Columbus Blue Jackets and Blue Jackets Foundation is proud to present the 2023-24 Community Report. Click below to learn more about all the community initiatives and foundation activities supported by the Blue Jackets during the past year.
MISSION & IMPACT
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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, education, health and safety and the growth and development of amateur hockey.
Our Impact
We have provided more than $14 Million to our community since the team's inception in 2000.
Board of Directors
Cathy Lyttle, Board Chair
T.J. LaMendola, Treasurer
Sandy Doyle-Ahern, Board Member
Amy McConnell, Board Member
Jessica McConnell, Board Member
Nathan Wymer, Board Member
Kathryn Dobbs, Board Member
Andee Cochren, Executive Director
John P. McConnell, Chairman Emeritus
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
COMMUNITY REPORT
OUR PILLARS
Pediatric Cancer
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. Hats For Heroes and additional fundraising programs have raised more than $4 million to fund a variety of support programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families, including therapy through distraction, critical research projects and assistance in providing palliative care for youth.
Health & Safety
In keeping with the goal to help central Ohio kids get healthy, play safely and stay active, the Foundation has invested more than $8.1 million to support youth health and wellness initiatives in central Ohio.
Education Through Literacy
A priority of the Blue Jackets has been, and continues to be, making reading accessible to all children in our community. The Foundation invests in Education Through Literacy to ensure every child has access to reading resources. We are proud to partner with Ohio's 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage for our Book Jackets reading program.
Youth Hockey
Since the team's arrival and Foundation's creation 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. You can learn more HERE about how to get started in hockey.
Players Give Back
The Columbus Blue Jackets are committed to the Columbus community. Learn more about how Zach Werenski, Sean Kuraly, Patrik Laine, and Jack Roslovic are actively supporting causes they hold near and dear.
FUNDRAISING
50/50 Raffle, pres. by Kemba Financial
When you buy a 50/50 Raffle ticket, you are helping us make a difference in the community and you could be a big winner as well!
Gameday Auction
Gameday auctions are a great place for fans to grab unique team-signed items while helping those in need.
Jersey Raffle
The CBJ Foundation hosts several special jersey raffles throughout the season. Fans have the chance to win jerseys signed by the Blue Jackets players.
Merchandise
You can show your support of the Blue Jackets and help those in need by purchasing specific Blue Jackets merchandise, including Hats For Heroes hats and other special items, that support the Foundation.
COMMUNITY CAPTAIN
Community Captains are corporate partners who invest dollars into the CBJ Foundation and work together to make an impact within the central Ohio area. Community Captains help amplify the storytelling of the works done by the Foundation's philanthropic efforts.
As a Community Captain, Columbia Gas of Ohio's investment funded a new playground built for families that learn at the South Side Early Learning Center. In 2022, Columbus Gas invested in the Community Shelter Board to support their coordinated response to homelessness in Central Ohio.
GRANT APPLICATION
Each year the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation uses its unique resources to raise funds that help local non-profits whose mission is similar to our own: the health and wellness of local children. Organizations may request funds through our formalized grant process.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Each season, the CBJ Foundation awards the John H. McConnell Scholarship and the High School Hockey Scholarships to local high school seniors. The scholarships recognize youngsters who have gone above and beyond to make the Central Ohio community a better place. In addition, the Paul Donskov Legacy Scholarship honors a true pioneer of Columbus hockey.
EVENTS
Golf Classic
This exclusive outing gives guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a day of golf with their favorite Blue Jackets players in addition to playing one of the best courses in the country, Double Eagle Club.
The CannonBall pres. by Bartha and Bread Financial
The CannonBall is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. Funds raised directly support the health and wellness of children in central Ohio.
COMMUNITY MVP
The CBJ Foundation's Community MVP Award, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies service, dedication and leadership, was most recently awarded to Zach Werenski for sponsoring a game-night suite for special groups during the 2022-23 season. Werenski's generosity has been extended to kids battling life-threatening illnesses, military members and their families, first responders, young people from underserved communities as well as youth hockey players.