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Community

Community Development

YOUR TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY
Stinger Appearances
Speakers Bureau
Player Appearances and Donations

EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
BlueJackets@School in partnership with OhioHealth
Blue Jackets Book Jackets presented by Univar
Summer Reading Club
#61 Club Good Health Challenge

ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES
Adopt A Family
SWACO
Faith Mission
Hockey: It's In Your Blood!
bd's Community Teammate Award presented by bd's mongolian barbeque
Tickets for Charity
Jackets for Jackets Coat Drive

Your Team Sticking With The Community

Community Development Department

The Blue Jackets Community Development Department serves as the team's liaison to central Ohio through a variety of grassroots outreach programs designed to develop a strong presence in the Columbus community. The Columbus Blue Jackets are a team of dedicated individuals who have worked diligently throughout the year to touch thousands of lives through a variety of educational programs, special events, and fan development initiatives.

The accomplishments of the Blue Jackets off the ice are the result of a dedicated group of ownership, management, players and wives, front office staff and the generous contributions of the team's Championship and First-Line Partners. The team is proud to be a part of the greater Columbus community and remains committed to "Sticking with the Community" it calls home.

For more information on Blue Jackets community programs, please call 614-246-3707.
Click here to view the Blue Jackets Foundation Annual Report or call 614-246-3707 to receive your own copy.

Download the Columbus Blue Jackets donation policy



YOUR TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY

Player Appearances and Donations

The Blue Jackets take an active part in the Columbus community both on and off the ice. The players make over 150 appearances at various public events and are accessible to the fans after open practices at the Ice Haus (call 614-246-3380 for an updated daily practice schedule). In addition, the Blue Jackets Foundation was established as a separate entity from the team to manage all requests for merchandise donations. Each month the Foundation donates $300 in autographed Blue Jackets merchandise to non-profit organizations to assist in their fundraising efforts.

Due to the significant number of requests the Blue Jackets Foundation receives daily for both player appearances and merchandise donations, we have established guidelines and criteria as to how we will provide support to non-profit organizations. These guidelines are in place to assure fairness, professionalism and to maximize the support the Blue Jackets can provide the greater Columbus community. Please note that all donation/player appearance requests must be received via fax/mail on company letterhead six weeks ahead of the date of your event with the information included in the following pdf.

Download the Columbus Blue Jackets donation policy

Ticketing Fundraisers

The Columbus Blue Jackets are proud to help non-profit organizations raise money through the sale of group tickets.
Groups can purchase tickets in a reserved section for their choice of upcoming Blue Jackets games for a substantially reduced price and re-sell them at face value!

For more information call 614-246-PUCK or click here to download more information!

Speakers Bureau

When they are not busy broadcasting Blue Jackets games, the Blue Jackets television and radio broadcasters are on the road as part of the Speaker's Bureau. The broadcasters and Blue Jackets executive staff visit a variety of professional associations, civic groups, corporate events, colleges, and universities to deliver a high energy presentation on "Your Team."

The speaker will deliver a presentation to run 20-40 minutes, depending on your individual needs. The show content encompasses information on your favorite Blue Jackets players, history of the franchise, current promotions, community initiatives, and ticket information.

The Blue Jackets broadcast team features:

  • George Matthews, Radio Play-by-Play, Blue Jackets Radio Network
  • Bill Davidge, Radio Color Analyst, Blue Jackets Radio Network
  • Jeff Rimer, TV Play-by-Play, FSN Ohio
  • Danny Gare, Color Analyst, FSN Ohio 
  • Larry Hoepfner, Senior Vice President of Business Operations
  • David Paitson, Vice President of Ticketing
  • Paul D’Aiuto, Vice President of Corporate Development
  • Marc Gregory, Vice President of Marketing
  • Todd Sharrock, Vice President of Public Relations
  • T.J. LaMendola, Chief Financial Office
  • Wendy Bradshaw, Executive Director of Community Development and the Blue Jackets Foundation

Please contact Jason Zumpano - 614-246-4152 or e-mail JZumpano@BlueJackets.com for further information.

Stinger Appearances

Add a little BUZZ to your upcoming event with a visit from the Blue Jackets mascot Stinger. Each season, Stinger makes over 350 public appearances at various corporate, private and non profit events. Fans can also book the city's busiest bug to drop by their seat during a Blue Jackets home game to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion. A variety of packages are available and all the proceeds benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

To book a Stinger appearance, please call Jason Zumpano - 614-246-4152 or CLICK HERE to download a request form and return to jzumpano@BlueJackets.com.

EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

BLUEJACKETS@SCHOOL in partnership with

The Columbus Blue Jackets and OhioHealth invite you to capture the excitement of hockey in your classroom with the BlueJackets@School Program.

Visit www.BlueJacketsAtSchool.com today to enroll your classroom and access this FREE, state-wide, teaching resource based on the Ohio Academic Content Standards !

The BlueJackets@School Program, presented by the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets in partnership with OhioHealth is available to educators across Ohio and features classroom-ready lesson plans, adaptable overtime activities, the popular Book Jackets reading incentive program presented by Univar, and clear curriculum connection in the areas of language, science, social studies, and health/nutrition/physical education.

For more details and to access this FREE, state-wide, cross-curriculum based resource and to find out how you can WIN cool prizes for your school, visit www.BlueJacketsAtSchool.com, call the Blue Jackets at 614-246-4168, or e-mail kfurman@BlueJackets.com.

BOOK JACKETS presented by UNIVAR

The Columbus Blue Jackets Book Jackets program is a literary initiative supported by UNIVAR and established by the team in 2000 to encourage students in grades K-8 to spend more of their free time reading.

 

Congratulations to all of the 2007-2008 Book Jackets Participants

CLICK HERE to view this year's list of All Star Readers!

CLICK HERE to view Book Jackets Photos!

How does the program work?
It's simple - if your students read a total of 400 (CENTER ICE), 800 (THE GOAL LINE) or 1000 (OVERTIME) minutes in a 4-week period, they get a prize!

The program is easy to implement - you only have to complete the following steps and your students will be on their way to becoming All-Star readers!

  1. Help your students track their reading minutes over a four-week period on the Book Jackets student scorecards and mini classroom poster.
  2. Complete and submit the Book Jackets All-Star Roster form. The form will require you identify the names of the students who successfully complete the program by crossing the GOAL LINE (800 minutes)/reach OVERTIME (1000 minutes) over a four-week period.

What's in it for my students?

Your students will receive the following prizes when they reach CENTER ICE (400 minutes), THE GOAL LINE (800 minutes) and OVERTIME (1000 minutes) in the designated 4-week period:

  • CENTER ICE - 400 minutes: a FREE voucher for skating and skate rental at a local rink.
  • THE GOAL LINE - 800 minutes: an official Book Jackets certificate of completion, an autographed Blue Jackets pennant and an official Book Jackets FREE Ticket offer, FREE t-shirt, and in-game recognition.
  • OVERTIME - 1000 minutes: NEW THIS SEASON - ALL-STAR READERS: an invitation to a special Book Jackets All-Star Kids Rally at Nationwide Arena, which will include skating, autographs, games, prizes and more with Blue Jackets players and mascot, Stinger! *

*The Blue Jackets will attempt to invite ALL Overtime Readers, but will be based on availability.


How Do I Enroll?


Visit www.BlueJacketsAtSchool.com in August!

Library-Based Involvement:
Each season, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Metropolitan Library System host celebrity reading appearances throughout the Book Jackets school year. 

Check back in October 2008 for an updated list of reading locations!


Summer Reading Club

The Columbus Blue Jackets know that it is important to read throughout the summer months and therefore have teamed up with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southwest Public Libraries and Worthington Libraries to present the 2008 GAME ON! Summer Reading Club. 

The 2008 GAME ON! Summer Reading Club incentivizes students through a series of fun goals, events and prizes related to Columbus area sports and attractions including .  The program kicks off on June 7 and runs through August 8. 

For more info on how to get your Game On and Read! this summer CLICK HERE!

#61 Club Good Health Challenge

Hi Kids, this is #61, Rick Nash, inviting you to be part of my #61 Club Good Health Challenge!

Join the Challenge – How it Works (kids in grades K - 8 eligible)
1. Download the #61 Club Good Health Challenge chart
2. Make 61 healthy choices and record them on the chart (can make up to 2 per day)
3. Submit your completed chart to the Blue Jackets (address below) by January 31, 2008 to be entered into a drawing to win tickets to the #61 Club at an upcoming Blue Jackets game!  Giant Eagle and I will also visit one lucky winner’s classroom this season to share our favorite healthy habits and hints.
4. Winners of the #61 Club tickets (2 per winner) and classroom visit will be notified by February 2008

– it is that easy!

My teammates and I know that it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle both on and off the ice. Sometimes it is hard to make healthy choices, but I want to help you set and reach that goal!
You can start down the road to great physical shape and a better diet by making small changes in your lifestyle.  In fact, if you make just one or two small healthy choices a day in the next two months, I guarantee you will feel better, have a great sense of accomplishment, and make healthy habits for the rest of your life!

Here are a few helpful hints to get you started:
• For your first exercise, challenge a friend at school to a race during recess. Then do it again on Day 61 and see how you’ve improved.
• Judy Dodd, a nutritionist for Giant Eagle, offers a great tip: Eat breakfast! Start the day with the energy your brain needs to think and your body needs to be active. If you can’t eat at home, carry a whole-grain snack bar or fruit with you to eat on the way to school.
Have fun and be creative! The best exercises are the ones you don’t even realize you're doing.
 
ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES

The Columbus Blue Jackets players, coaches, and staff understand that being involved in the community off the ice is integral to the team's success on the ice. Throughout the season and off-season, the Blue Jackets remain entwined in the local community by being involved in the following programs and events:
 

bd's Community Teammate presented by bd's mongolian barbeque

The Blue Jackets and bd’s mongolian barbeque have partnered this season to present a monthly commuity teammate award to recognize every day citizens who go above and beyond the normal call of duty to make a difference in the community.

The Community Teammate receives 4 tickets to a Blue Jackets game, a personalized Blue Jackets jersey and dinner for 4 at bd’s mongolian barbeque before the game.

To nominate someone for bd’s Community Teammate contact:
Josh Hafer
(614) 246-4255
jhafer@BlueJackets.com

 

Hockey: It's In Your Blood!

Each year, the Columbus Blue Jackets and OhioHealth partner with the American Red Cross to promote the organization of blood drives in the Columbus community.

All donors received a pair of tickets to one of the Blue Jackets pre-season games, a goodie bag from OhioHealth, and a special ticket offer to come to Hockey Is In Our Blood night at the arena!
 

The Hockey: It's in Your Blood campaign helped raise over 17,000 pints of blood for the Central Ohio Community!  Check back for 2008 Blood Drive information!
For more information about next year's blood drive and/or to get information about organizing your own drive, please contact Kate Furman (614) 246-4168 at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Faith Mission

Each month, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Destroyers staff and players visit Columbus' Faith Mission to assist in the preparation and serving of hot meals to the organization's nightly guests.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Faith Mission please contact Kate Furman (614) 246-4168 with the Columbus Blue Jackets.


Adopt A Family

Each December, the Columbus Blue Jackets players and staff  team up with the Homeless Families Foundation to "adopt" families and individual children for the holidays. After fulfilling each child's wish list, the Blue Jackets are then able to deliver all of the items to the Homeless Families Foundation and make the holidays special for children and families throughout Columbus.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Homeless Families Foundation please contact Kate Furman (614) 246-4168 with the Columbus Blue Jackets.


SWACO

The Columbus Blue Jackets team up each season with SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) who provides financial support, recycling containers, instructional information for consumers as well as waste management resources to the venue.

An estimated 44,000 bottles are collected per event at Nationwide Arena. In addition to Nationwide Arena, SWACO works with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, COSI, The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, King Arts Complex, Cooper Stadium and Crew Stadium.

SWACO was created in 1989 when the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 592 to address the issue of waste management, as at the time Ohio was projected to run out of landfill space by 1996. When signed, the counties of Ohio formed associations called solid waste districts. Most of the solid waste districts encompass multiple counties.

SWACO, one of 52 such agencies in Ohio, runs a number of operations in Central Ohio, from the Franklin County Landfill to composting facilities, waste transit stations, and educational programs.

An important part of their mission established is to work with the residents of Franklin County to help educate and motivate them with regard to wise waste management, including the practices of reducing, reusing and recycling in order to reduce reliance on limited landfill space.

For more information on SWACO, log onto www.swaco.org.

Jackets for Jackets

Last holiday season, fans were invited to join the Columbus Blue Jackets #61 Rick Nash and the Dispatch Media Group to help keep Columbus families warm by donating to the “Jackets For Jackets” coat drive.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Blue Jackets fans, Dispatch Media Group, the Chiller Ice Rinks, the Dispatch Ice Haus, Nationwide Arena, and the FSN Ohio Blue Line locations, 800 coats were collected for the Salvation Army's Coats for Columbus program.

For more information or questions call Kate Furman 614-246-4168 or kfurman@BlueJackets.com

Tickets for Charity

The Tickets for Charity program enables season ticket holders to donate upcoming game tickets to the Foundation which in turn, provides the opportunity for local non-profit organizations within the Central Ohio Community to experience Blue Jackets Hockey!

TO DONATE:
By Phone - call any ticket service representative (614) 246-GOAL
By Internet - log on to your account manager via http://bluejackets.nhl.com/tickets/myaccount.htm
                    - click "Get Started" under the Manage your Tickets tab
                    - follow instructions to forward tickets to charity/Foundation

TO RECEIVE:
If you are an organization interested in being a recipient of the Tickets for Charity program, please fax/mail the following information on organization letterhead to:
Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
200 W. Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
fax: (614) 246-3738

Name or Organization
501 c 3 number
Description of organization's mission
Description of organization's beneficiaries
Contact person and information (address, phone, email)

Tickets typically become available to organizations via a call from the Blue Jackets with very short-term notice and in small quantities.


 
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