The 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America took place on April 15th, 2024. Out of the thousands of runners who participated in the marathon, 11 runners ran for the Boston Bruins Foundation! All 11 runners successfully completed the marathon and worked hard to fundraise over $120,000 for the Boston Bruins Foundation. We are so grateful for and inspired by our team each year!
During the Boston Bruins Foundation 20th Anniversary Night on March 19th, 2024, honorees, partners, and supporters of the Bruins Foundation were invited to the game to watch and also partake in a few different activations throughout the special night. Bob Sweeney and Charlie Jacobs, along with honorees, were interviewed and highlighted during intermissions on NESN and also took part in a check presentation highlighting $65 million raised by the Boston Bruins Foundation during their 20-year tenure. Supporters also participated in special raffles, auctions, in-game contests and presentations, and much more during the celebration!
The 8th Annual BFit Challenge powered by National Grid took place on January 28th, 2024! We had a record number of police, military, firefighters, EMS, and community members show up to complete a unique course and stair climb at TD Garden. Together, supporters raised over $875,000 for 14 different first responder and military charities this year.
The Boston Bruins Centennial Gala was the Foundation's biggest initiative to date, which took place October 12, 2023, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Benefitting the Boston Bruins Foundation, the evening brought past and present players together to honor the first US-based NHL team to reach the centennial mark. Guests were able to dine with Bruins greats, bid on auction items, and watch as the All-Centennial Team was announced for the first time on the main stage. We couldn't be prouder of the way the night turned out and thank everyone in attendance for their generosity and commitment.
The Boston Bruins Foundation partnered with the non-profit organization, Heading Home, to help a deserving family move into a newly furnished home. Heading Home is one of Boston's leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing for extremely low-income families and individuals currently or formerly experiencing homelessness. The Bruins Foundation donated $7,500 towards furniture and groceries for the family and made sure to set up the house prior to the family's arrival. CEO Charlie Jacobs had the privilege of handing the keys off to the gracious family.
The 8th annual Bowl with a Bruin tournament took place on September 17th, 2023, at Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury. Boston Bruins Alumni, sponsors, friends, and guests were able to reminisce and enjoy a couple bowling matches. On top of that, people were able to participate in the raffle, silent auction, and live auction with prizes of different quantities and value.
The 20th annual Boston Bruins Golf Tournament presented by TD Bank took place on September 14th, 2023, at Pinehills Golf Club. The tournament welcomed players from Bruins past and present, as well as coaching staff, sponsors, and local celebrities. Foursomes participated in a round of golf during the day with a notable Bruins figure, then enjoyed a dinner, raffle prizes, and silent and live auctions throughout the evening. Bobby Orr made an appearance and Terry Robinson received the Boston Bruins Foundation Trophy of the Year award for his long tenured dedication to the foundation.
This past August marked the 43rd annual Pan Mass Challenge and the Boston Bruins Foundation's 17th year with a team. The BBF team cycled more than 210 miles all for the purpose of raising money for Dana Farber Cancer Insititute. This year, the team rode in support of Kieran, our PMC Pedal Partner, and his family. Thank you to all of our team members for their hard work fundraising and riding for an amazing cause!
The second annual TBO14 Golf Tournament took place at Northern Spy Golf Course, where participants enjoyed a beautiful day of golfing followed by food, a raffle, and a silent and live auction. Jake was also gifted a limited edition "Marchy" painting by artist Glenn McMinn. The other 63 painting prints were specifically made earlier in the year to be auctioned off to raise money for Jake and his spinal cord recovery. All funds throughout the tournament went towards Jake, his family, and his future.
The Boston Bruins Foundation was fortunate to once again take part in supporting the 3rd Annual AJ's Army Golf Tournament at Kirkbrae Country Club. All proceeds that were collected through golfing, purchasing raffle tickets, and participating in the silent and live auctions went to support AJ's recovery efforts through the Thomas E. Smith Foundation. It was a successful day raising funds towards AJ and his future.
The 7th annual BFit Heroes Cup is a weekend-long event designed to bring firefighters, police officers, EMS, and military members across the country together to raise money for multiple charities surrounding their professions. Almost 100 teams participated this season for the opportunity to win additional money for the charity of their choice, as well as participate in the weekend's festivities. The event took place at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA, and raised over $500,000.
On May 31st, 2023, The Boston Bruins Foundation and the Red River Foundation officially opened the Williams Intermediate School STEM Lab in Bridgewater, MA with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a great day getting to see students utilizing the STEM Lab as it will be used for years to come. This is the 3rd STEM Lab makeover the Bruins Foundation and Red River have contributed to, and we are excited to continue supporting more schools to come.
The 127th Boston Marathon took place on April 17th, 2023! Out of the thousands of runners who participated in the marathon, 10 runners ran for the Boston Bruins Foundation! Our team members hosted unique events and raffled off signed memorabilia to raise money while training for the marathon at the same time!
On March 7th, 2023, The Boston Bruins Foundation, Patrice Bergeron, and 98.5 The Sports Hub teamed up for the 4th Annual Pucks and Paddles at Citizens House of Blues. This event featured players from the active Bruins roster, 98.5 on air talent, and Special Olympics of MA athletes. VIP attendees enjoyed a pre-event meet & greet with members of the team followed by a ceremonial ping pong game and tournament involving Bruins players, Special Olympics of MA athletes, and 98.5 The Sports Hub on-air talent. All proceeds raised will benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation and Special Olympics of MA.
The 7th Annual BFit Challenge powered by National Grid took place on February 5th, 2023! This amazing event held at TD Garden invites both first responders and anyone in the community to walk, run, or step with 100% of the proceeds they fundraise going to numerous host first responder charities of their choice. The BFit Challenge has raised close to $3 million for different first responder charities!
The Boston Bruins Foundation inaugural Taste of Encore presented by Jet Blue, in partnership with Encore Boston Harbor and TD Bank, was an event where current players and coaches came together with supporting sponsors and guests for a dinner at Encore restaurants Rare, Fratelli, Mystique, and Red 8.
In honor of the 2023 Winter Classic, the Boston Bruins Foundation, Boston Red Sox Foundation, and National Hockey League (NHL) gathered at the Boys and Girls Club Dorchester to announce their support of the new Martin Richard Foundation/Boys and Girls Club Dorchester Fieldhouse. The $55M fully inclusive and accessible facility is expected to service 50,000+ young people within a 3-mile radius. During the announcement, kids participated in a hockey clinic with Boston Bruins Alumni to celebrate.
Boston Bruins Foundation supporters got the once in a lifetime opportunity to skate on Fenway Park during the 2023 Boston Bruins Fantasy Camp. Accompanied by members of the Boston Bruins Alumni, supporters were able to take part in scrimmages, enjoying a full day of hockey at one of the most beloved venues in the country followed by dinner and drinks at the Tuscan Kitchen in the Boston Seaport.
The 7th annual Bowl with a Bruin and Friends tournament took place on September 25th, 2022 at Wamesit Lanes. As Boston Bruins Alumni, sponsors, and friends hit the lanes, you could also participate in the raffles and auctions to support multiple great causes.
The 19th annual Boston Bruins Foundation Golf Tournament presented by TD Bank took place on September 15th, 2022 at Pinehills Golf Club. Current players, coaches, alumni, sponsors, and friends came together for a great day of golf and fundraising. John Dunleavy and Tyler Lagasse, Special Olympics of MA athletes, received awards for their service and dedication to the foundation
The Boston Bruins Foundation continued to support Jake Thibeault in his recovery throughout the year. A 50/50 benefiting him was held in October and raised over $134,000, Jake was invited to be a Fan Banner Captain prior to Game 6 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and pumped up the crowd alongside Patriots player Damien Harris. In July, the first annual TBo14 Golf Tournament was held at Northern Spy Golf Course in Townsend, MA and was a huge success with proceeds going towards Jake's recovery efforts
The Boston Bruins Foundation continued to support AJ Quetta in his road to recovery from a spinal cord injury by supporting their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Kirkbrae Country Club. Supporters descended on the club, hitting the links and enjoying dinner while placing bids and buying raffle tickets. The foundation has donated over $400,000 within the last two years to help support AJ's recovery efforts through the Thomas E Smith Foundation.
The 6th annual BFit Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament took place this past June in Marlborough, MA. The BFit Heroes Cup is a weekend-long event designed to bring Firefighters, police officers, EMS, and military members together in a fun weekend to raise money and awareness for multiple charities. Each team played for the charity of their choice with a cash prize going to the winning team's charity of each division. Natick police officer Michael Mabardy, a member of the Framingham PD team who passed away in April, was honored during opening ceremonies. The weekend also featured entertainment such as live bands and a casino night. The tournament raised over $394,000.
The Boston Bruins Foundation continues to support Special Olympics Massachusetts going into the last year of the three-year $1 million commitment. Special Olympic Athletes have continued to be a part of our fundraising initiatives, in-game presentation, and overall, a big part within the Boston Bruins organization. In the weeks leading up to the 2022 Special Olympics U.S. Games, Bruins employee and Special Olympics athlete John Dunleavy had the opportunity to work out with various departments from the Bruins and TD Garden. Led by John Whitesides, the groups participated in different exercises alongside John. The lead up culminated with a sendoff party before his departure for the games.
It was a busy year for the Foundation's Marathon team as there was not one but two Boston Marathons! The 125th running took place in October of 2021, with the team raising over $82,000. Team members participated both in-person on the traditional course and "virtually" as well. The 126th Boston Marathon took place on April 18, 2022. The team raised over $95,000
The 6th annual BFit Challenge was a huge success! Law enforcement, military members, firefighters, EMS personnel and community members gathered together on the 6th to raise money in support of first responder and military charities. Thank you to all of our sponsors and participants for making this year's event possible!
Willie E. O'Ree #22 jersey was retired to the TD Garden rafters on January 18, 2022. He was the 12th player to have his sweater honored by the Boston Bruins in franchise history. Willie O'Ree made history with the Boston Bruins by breaking the NHL's color barrier and becoming the league's first black player in 1958. Since then, Willie has continued to make a lasting impact on the sport as well as the community with his efforts to promote inclusion and diversity in youth and community programs, ensuring that "Hockey is for Everyone". Members and players from SCORE Boston and NHL alum Anson Carter helped raise Willie's banner to the rafters. In honor of this special night, Bruins players wore special warmup jerseys with the #22. The NHL's Black History Mobile Museum was also available all weekend in Boston. Several landmarks around the City of Boston lit up gold in honor of Willie that night. The "Make Way for Ducklings" sculptures in Boston Public Garden also wore special O'Ree #22 jerseys.
The Foundation is committing to installing a STEM lab in middle schools across New England each year in a partnership with Red River. Three years ago, the first STEM lab makeover took place at the Spark School in Lawrence, MA. Last year, the Foundation and Red River installed a STEM Lab at Claremont Middle School in New Hampshire. This year, following a social media challenge held by the Boston Bruins, Williams Intermediate School in Bridgewater, MA was selected to be the newest STEM Lab makeover school. Construction is currently underway and is set to be completed by Fall 2022.
The Foundation held a 50/50 raffle and game used stick auction in November to benefit the Colby Cave Memorial Fund. Together, they raised over $110,000. In April, the Providence Bruins held a Colby Cave Night which included a ceremonial puck drop, Colby Cave Award Presentation and number commemoration. In partnership with the Providence Bruins and the Providence Bruins Fan Club, over $20,000 was raised for the fund. The Foundation has also partnered with Colby's wife Emily and has committed $50,000 to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence RI.
In honor of former Bruins winger and Dorchester native Jimmy Hayes, the Foundation held a 50/50 raffle which raised over $40,000 in his memory. Prior to the game, players from both the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers donned warm up jerseys with the nicknames "Hayesy" and "Broadway" on the back. Through an auction for the jerseys, the foundation raised an additional $30,000 with proceeds from both initiatives going to a charity of choice of the Hayes family. In memory of Jimmy, the Hayes family started "The 11 Fund '' to benefit children in need at St. John Paul School in Dorchester
The Boston Bruins Foundation hosted the 18th Annual Boston Bruins Golf Tournament presented by TD Bank. Bruins past and present along with Special Olympics MA athletes gathered Pine Hills Golf Club event raising over $175,000 for the foundation.
The 4th annual BFit Cup Hockey Tournament took place this past April in Marlborough, MA. The BFit Heroes Cup is a weekend-long event designed to bring firefighters, police officers, EMS, and military members together in a fun weekend to raise money and awareness for multiple charities. Each team played for the charity of their choice with a cash prize going to the winning teams' charity of each division. The tournament raised over $475,000
The Boston Bruins Foundation Pan-Mass Challenge Team was successful in raising over $245,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The team was aided in fundraising by the 6th Annual Bowl with a Bruin and Friends tournament held in Tewksbury, MA. The event was the most successful in its history, raising $132,000 benefitting the Bike Team, Dana-Farber, and the Warrior for Life Fund.
The 5th Annual First Responder Challenge powered by National Grid took place virtually this year using the PACER app for a week-long step challenge. This event invited first responders from all over New England to participate in the rigorous course, as well as their families and friends to participate. The event raised awareness around health and wellness and raised funds to support the families of fallen first responders. In total, the First Responder Challenge raised over $275,000.
The Boston Bruins Foundation and the wives / girlfriends of the Boston Bruins held the third annual Valentine's Day Basket Fundraiser virtually this year. These uniquely decorated baskets included a variety of items to complete the perfect Valentine's day such as autographed Boston Bruins memorabilia, gift certificates, and more! Boston Bruins Fans had the opportunity to bid on the baskets virtually
The Boston Bruins Foundation hosted the 17th Annual Boston Bruins Golf Tournament presented by TD Bank. Bruins alumni and Special Olympics MA athletes gathered alongside supporters at Pine Hills Golf Club raising over $171,000 for the foundation.
The Boston Bruins Foundation Pan-Mass Challenge Team was successful in raising over $150,000 for Dana Farber.
The 2020 BFit Challenge powered by National Grid raised $600,000 to benefit the families of fallen First Responders. The event welcomed First Responders and community members from throughout the region to participate in a step challenge.
This year, the foundation held its 2nd Boston Bruins Charity Bag Program presented by Demand Science. The program features three tiers of bags filled with one-of-a-kind experiences, autographed memorabilia, and Boston Bruins branded promo items. The program raised over $285,000.
