Since Its Inception, The 365 Fund Has Now Contributed Over $3.3 Million in Cash and In-kind to the Children’s Hospital’s Vital Cancer Research
by Press Release @PredsNHL / NashvillePredators.com
November 18, 2020
Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2020) – On behalf of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily (the “365 Fund”), Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub (the “Predators Foundation”) came together today, in the midst of Hockey Fights Cancer Month, to present Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt (“Children’s Hospital”) with a check for $365,000.20 in donations and in-kind contributions. The 365 Fund, which was created during the 2012-13 season by Rinne and former captain Shea Weber, has now donated more than $3.3 million in cash and in-kind to the life-changing pediatric cancer research that is conducted at the Children’s Hospital.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, Pekka Rinne and the Predators Foundation have remained deeply committed to raising funds and awareness for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt,” Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King said. “With endless support from our loyal fans and partners on a variety of new and reinvented initiatives, we have been able to do just that. Although we certainly wish that we were visiting with the kids after today’s ceremony, we are still thrilled to continue our support of Children’s Hospital during such a difficult time.”
At the socially-distanced, outdoor check presentation, which has traditionally been held inside and followed by a trip to Seacrest Studios, Rinne and the Predators Foundation were joined by Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt President Dr. Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, , Debra Friedman, MD, E. Bronson Ingram Chair of Pediatric Oncology, and director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Nashville Predators Chief Operating Officer Michelle Kennedy and Twice Daily Chief Financial Officer Eric Stokes, as well as Predators mascot GNASH. Together, those in attendance celebrated the 365 Fund’s contribution to Children’s Hospital while also reflecting on a year that has presented many challenges and uncertainties.
As noted by King, in prioritizing the community’s health and safety, the Predators Foundation raised funds this year through a range of altered and newly introduced initiatives. Most recently, in lieu of the annual Hockey Fights Cancer games, the Smashville Donates campaign was launched. With the goal of encouraging every single Predators fan to donate during Hockey Fights Cancer Month, this campaign will directly benefit the 365 Fund and, in turn, the vital cancer research and treatment taking place at Children’s Hospital. To support Smashville Donates, fans can also purchase exclusive merch on the Hockey Fights Cancer Shop, bid on silent auction items by texting PREDS to 76278 or visit NashvillePredators.com/365Fund for more information.
While financial support plays a large role in the efforts of the 365 Fund, the relationships formed and memories made with the young patients and their families truly give life to the mission of supporting Children’s Hospital. Over the years, Pekka Rinne has bonded with countless patients by visiting the hospital and hosting families in the 365 Fund suite at Bridgestone Arena. This year, Rinne’s desire to find a safe way to interact with the kids led to an ongoing series of weekly virtual visits through Zoom calls with Seacrest Studios. Following today’s check presentation, Rinne took part in yet another virtual visit. Through these visits and with the help of his teammates, Rinne will continue to lift the spirits of children who are fighting to recover from a variety of ailments.
In addition to brightening the days of the patients at Children’s Hospital, Rinne and the Predators Foundation also set out to recognize the healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe throughout the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the Feed the Frontline initiative and on behalf of Rinne and the 365 Fund, 600 Chick-fil-a meals were delivered to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (“VUMC”) to feed the hard-working doctors, nurses and staff. In addition to the meal delivery, Rinne was joined by Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen and Roman Josi in partnering with Dunkin’ to provide $10,000 worth of free coffee for medical professionals.
Children’s Hospital and VUMC have always been committed to the health of our community, but as we battle COVID-19, their unyielding efforts have been recognized now more than ever. While the 365 Fund raises funds and awareness for cancer research, Children’s Hospital and VUMC provide not only crucial care and resources, but also healing through comfort and hope. Despite 2020’s many challenges, the long-time partnership between the Nashville Predators, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center has continued to flourish and will do so for years to come.
About the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund Presented by Twice Daily
The 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily was created during the 2012-13 season by Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne and former captain Shea Weber in partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub. The partnership raises funds and awareness for the vital cancer research that takes place at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Since the fund’s inception, donations totaling more than $3.3 million in cash and in-kind gifts have been made to the hospital and its programs. Additionally, the 365 Fund collaborates with the Nashville Predators organization to brighten the lives of the hospital’s young patients and their families by offering opportunities to meet members of the Predators team and experience the joy of hockey games in Smashville. For more information on the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, or to donate, please visit NashvillePredators.com/365Fund.
About the Nashville Predators Foundation Empowered by SmileDirectClub
The Predators Foundation has partnered with Nashville-based SmileDirectClub in an ongoing effort to meet educational, social, health and cultural needs throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The Predators Foundation is devoted to using its platform and influence from its affiliation with professional sports to serve the needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. Since its inception in 1998, the Predators Foundation has awarded $7.2 million in grants to the greater Nashville community. During the 2019-20 season alone, the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, Ford Ice Centers and Predators Foundation contributed nearly $4 million in cash and in-kind gifts throughout the Nashville community and surrounding areas. To learn more about the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub and to see a list of upcoming events, visit NashvillePredators.com/Foundation.