So Kids Can Announce 2019-20 Beneficiaries

As part of their So Kids Can initiative, Capitals players Nicklas Backstrom, Braden Holtby and Tom Wilson, along with Elliot Segal from the Elliot in the Morning Show, announced today they are splitting an initial $36,000 raised through the 2019-20 So Kids Can Starting Lineup Auction between The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) and DC Central Kitchen (DCCK). Each organization will immediately receive $18,000 in support of their mission, and So Kids Can will continue to raise funds for each through the conclusion of the 2019-20 NHL season.

The GWUL proceeds will support the organization's scholarship and college Funds. The DCCK money will benefit their COVID-19 relief efforts, providing meals and groceries to D.C. youth at DC Public Schools and nine emergency mobile feeding locations across Washington, D.C.

So Kids Can annually holds a preseason Starting Lineup Auction, and each player and Segal pledge $50 per Capitals win and $100 during playoffs. Fans are also encouraged to donate at washcaps.com/sokidscan.

So Kids Can was created in 2008 by former Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Elliot Segal to benefit youth-focused, nonprofit organizations. Backstrom and former Caps forward Brooks Laich joined the cause in 2011, former Caps defenseman Karl Alzner and Holtby joined in 2015 and Wilson joined in 2017. To date, So Kids Can has donated nearly $500,000 to charity.

Statement from Backstrom, Holtby, Wilson and Segal:

"Through So Kids Can, our goal is to help organizations that positively impact children in Washington, D.C. We were drawn to The Greater Washington Urban League because of its emphasis on civil rights and equal educational opportunities, and to DC Central Kitchen due to its current emphasis on providing thousands of meals to DC youth as part of their COVID-19 relief efforts. Though different in purpose, both organizations are focused on empowering youth, and we are proud to contribute to each knowing their efforts toward addressing equal rights and supporting our local community, respectively."

About the Greater Washington Urban League

The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), has guided individuals and families along the road to self-sufficiency over the past 82 years. Since 1938, the League has stood on the frontlines as well as in the trenches serving as a safety net and facilitator of opportunity in Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland. Our mission is to increase the economic, social and political empowerment of historically underserved, diverse populations and to ensure all Americans share equally in the responsibilities and rewards of full citizenship. GWUL manages and administers a broad suite of programs in housing, entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, emergency services and youth development and scholarships. GWUL is one of the oldest community service and civil rights organizations, impacting over five million lives. The Greater Washington Urban League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a member agency of the United Way of the National Capital Area and one of over 90 affiliates of the National Urban League.

About DCCK

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. DCCK's social ventures include serving scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools, delivering fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets, and operating a fast-casual cafe. DCCK has been featured in national media including The Washington Post, The Atlantic, National Geographic, PBS NewsHour, and more. To learn more, visit www.dccentralkitchen.org or follow @dccentralkitchen on Instagram.