Devils Youth Foundation Announces Record Year | RELEASE

The Devils Youth Foundation (DYF) continues its commitment of bringing life-changing opportunities to New Jersey's youth through the power of sports and entertainment. With the support of its marquee brands, the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, the Foundation issued a record number of grants, both in money donated and nonprofits supported, having a significant impact throughout New Jersey. Additionally, the Foundation continues to build on its strong ties to the community by announcing the addition of Christopher James, Vice President of Government Affairs at RWJBarnabas Health, to its Board of Directors.

This year, the Devils Youth Foundation provided 24 grants worth over $890,000 to organizations having an impact in New Jersey through community outreach programs that support over 20,000 youth. The organizations include: Arts Education Newark, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, Boys & Girls Club of Newark, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Coalition for Food and Health Equity, Educational Arts Team, FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc., GreenLight Newark, Hockey in New Jersey, Jazz House Kids, La Casa de Don Pedro, Mentor Newark, Newark Boys Chorus School, New City Kids, Newark Community Street Team, Newark Day Center, Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children, Playworks, Record High, Express Newark (Rutgers), Save the Music Foundation, Special Olympics of New Jersey and United Community Corporation.

Starting with the 2023-24 Devils season, the Devils Youth Foundation will highlight two organizations each month and bring awareness to how the Foundation partners with each organization to create meaningful experiences for the youth.

With the intent of increasing its community impact, the Foundation has named Christopher James, Vice President of Government Affairs for RWJBarnabas Health, as a new board member. His appointment was announced by Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation.

"We are pleased to have Christopher join the Devils Youth Foundation Board," said Blitzer. "Chris brings a unique knowledge of the New Jersey charitable landscape and we look forward to working with him to grow the Foundation. I also want to thank RWJBarnabas Health for their continued support in bringing Chris and their entire organization into the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center family."

"I am honored to be appointed to the Board of the Devils Youth Foundation," said James. "This organization has a tremendous impact on the lives of many of our local youth and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this for our communities."

Christopher James is the Vice President of Government Affairs at RWJBarnabas Health and is currently serving as East Orange Council President Emeritus. Prior to his current roles, James has served more than 20 years in government, policymaking and community organizing in various roles at the State House in Trenton. He also served as Executive Director for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJSDSC). In 2012, James' passion for the public led him to being elected to the East Orange Municipal Council serving the residents of the First Ward. At the beginning of his second term, James was then selected as Council President by his colleagues. Throughout the years, James' civic engagement has led to membership in organizations including Advisory Board Member of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Incorporated (HANDS), NJ Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Board President NJ Shares, East Orange Democratic County Committee and more.

Since its inception, the Devils Youth Foundation has raised over $3 million dollars through marquee events (Champions Gala, Devils Sweep the Deck Gala, and Martin Brodeur's "MB30" Charity Golf Invitational), on-going, and seasonal online auctions and merchandise sales. The funds have been distributed to over 50 organizations and have helped over 60,000 children in Newark and throughout New Jersey.

ABOUT DEVILS YOUTH FOUNDATION:

Devils Youth Foundation (DYF), a 501(c)(3) organization, enriches the lives of New Jersey's youth by creating life-changing opportunities and inspiring youth in our communities through the power of sports and entertainment. The Foundation has donated over $3m in funds to help nonprofit partners address issues such as food insecurity by working to provide access to nutritious meals and education; growing the game through inclusive sports and fitness programming; creating safe spaces for improved physical and mental well-being and life skills; and enhancing art education by increasing student participation and access. For more information or to donate go to DevilsYouthFoundation.org or find us on Instagram at @devilsyouthfoundation.