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SAN JOSE, CA - The Sharks Foundation has unveiled a GIVING campaign focused on different CAUSES each month throughout the 2016-17 season. Each month will feature a key activation that includes Sharks players, coaches, alumni, executives, partners and S.J. Sharkie. The campaign will distribute an estimated $815,000 to organizations assisting those in need. Each cause falls under one of the Sharks Foundation's pillars of giving - health and safety, education and character development, and will support underserved youth and families in the Bay Area.
Sharks Foundation Unveils Season-Long Giving Campaign
The season-long campaign will feature:
The Sharks Foundation will kick-off its new campaign by celebrating Healthy Living in September. On Sept. 14 the Foundation and Kaiser Permanente will partner with the Good Tidings Foundation to completely revitalize KIPP Heartwood Academy's blacktop into a Sharks-themed street hockey court. On Sept. 25, nearly 4,000 participants and volunteers will go the extra mile and take part in Fitness Faceoff powered by Kaiser Permanente. The 5K, 10K and Rosendin Electric Kids Fun Run promote a healthy lifestyle, while raising crucial funds for the community. Those in need of glasses at Olinder Elementary School will receive an eye exam and be fitted for a pair of glasses free of charge on Sept. 29, as part of the Vision to Learn program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and the Sharks Foundation.
In-line with the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer campaign in October, the Foundation will create awareness for those battling or who have lost the fight against the deadly disease and support pediatric cancer initiatives. In mid-October, the Sharks will team-up with ANA Airlines and The Jessie Rees Foundation to assemble and distribute "JoyJars" to youth facing a health challenge and encouraging them to NEGU, "Never Give Up." On Oct. 28 the Sharks Foundation will visit the pediatric oncology unit at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and let children select and personalize their very own superhero capes, as part of the team's second Capes4Heroes event. The San Jose Sharks designated Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative Night will take place on Nov. 5 and feature Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys and families, who have been affected by cancer, will be hosted that evening for a one-of-a-kind game experience as the Sharks take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
November and December mark the holiday season and the Sharks Foundation will embrace the season of giving with a Thanksgiving Meal Service at a family kitchen for low income families and individuals and an employee food sort at Second Harvest Food Bank on Nov. 16. Moving into December, the Foundation will host its annual grant recipient night at SAP Center and distribute $300,000 in grant funding to local, high-performing non-profit organizations. The Sharks Foundation's annual Holiday Assist Party will take place on Dec. 21 and will include the entire Sharks roster, coaches, alumni, executives and members of the front office staff to help fulfill holiday wish lists for approximately 40 local families.
The Sharks Foundation will focus on military families in January and will host a Military Appreciation Night during the Sharks home game on Jan. 14 vs. St. Louis. Throughout the evening the Sharks will recognize service members with different in-game experiences, while the Sharks Foundation sells Military Appreciation Mystery Pucks. The night will conclude with a post-game meet-and-greet for military families with Sharks players. The Foundation will also honor an injured veteran by coordinating an outside renovation project to help them adapt to their new needs.
In February, when education is at the forefront, the Sharks Foundation will partner with a school in need to provide them with a brand new Technology Center. In addition, the Foundation's Stick to Fitness powered by Kaiser Permanente Street Hockey program will take place in February. During the five-week program, middle school students receive street hockey equipment at no cost, a visit from a Sharks player or alumni and an official Kaiser Permanente team doctor, and educational materials to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Foundation will also highlight its relationship with the Tech Museum of Innovation in partnership with SAP - providing unique opportunities for STEM education for underserved youth.
During March, the Foundation will enhance a local prom for youth in need to highlight character development, providing youth with the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience they would not have received otherwise. In addition, the Sharks will host a You Can play Night at SAP Center, encouraging and promoting respect for all athletes.
The campaign will conclude with Go Green! and an emphasis on the environment in April. A beach/creek clean-up will occur to celebrate Earth Day, as the Sharks Foundation works with Sharks Sports & Entertainment employees, alumni and partners to adopt-a-beach or creek in 2017. The Foundation will also work with a non-profit in need for beautification projects such as painting, updating landscape or other additional elements.
With the launch of the Sharks Foundation's 50/50 Raffle in 2016-17, the non-profit beneficiaries of the raffle will align with each month's cause. The 50/50 Raffle will launch at the Sharks first preseason home game on Sept. 27 and take place during each Sharks regular season home game thereafter.
Ultimately the Sharks Foundation will donate $815,000 through its 2016-17 season giving campaign and 50/50 raffle, and impact hundreds of thousands of youth and families in the Bay Area. To see the Foundation's financial impact in 2014-15 please
click here
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There are numerous ways to get involved with the Sharks Foundation, including sponsorship of events and programs, third party fundraising, donations and volunteering. To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Missy Zielinski by email
[email protected]
or phone (408) 999-5874.
