Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, Predators executive leaders, executives from Tri Star Energy (Twice Daily) and team mascot Gnash recently presented the proceeds of the team’s 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Rinne and Gnash, joined by Children’s Hospital leadership, participated in a ceremony on Sept. 27 to celebrate the $205,000 in cash donations raised through the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily. CEO of Tri Star Energy Steve Hostetter, who serves on the Children’s Hospital Board, also attended the event. Of the funds, $100,000 will be designated for the Growing to New Heights Campaign, which supports the hospital’s four-floor expansion.
A portion of the funds also will support pediatric cancer research. Over the past seven years combined, the team has donated more than $1 million to the hospital and its programs.
“We are extremely grateful to the Nashville Predators and Tri Star Energy/Twice Daily for their continued support of our hospital and pediatric cancer research. With the help of generous community partners like the Predators and Tri Star Energy, we are able to commit to discovering better treatments and potential cures for patients battling childhood cancers,” said Steven Webber, MBChB, MRCP, Pediatrician-in-Chief, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and James C. Overall Professor.
“Their commitment also helps our latest expansion, with construction well underway, which has been supported by the Growing to New Heights Campaign. The expansion enables us to serve even more children and families. In addition, we cannot forget the significant amount of time the Nashville Predators players spend visiting with Children’s Hospital patients and families and bringing smiles to their faces.”
As part of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, Rinne purchased a suite at Bridgestone Arena that accommodates 32 children and families from Children’s Hospital for all Predators home games. A night at the suite includes food and beverages, Xbox games, knee hockey with a real goal light, 365 Fund T-shirts and a postgame meet and greets. On select nights, the suite will be auctioned off, and 100 percent of the money raised will go to the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.
“Tri Star Energy has supported Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for more than 15 years,” Hostetter said. “Many of our guests and our team members have a personal story of the positive impact the hospital has had in their lives. We are proud to extend our relationship to work with the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily to make an even greater impact for families in our community.”
Throughout the 2017-18 season, Rinne will continue to join forces with the Nashville Predators Foundation to raise money for the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund through Hockey Fights Cancer nights (Nov. 14 vs. Washington and March 10, 2018, vs. New Jersey), special auctions and more.
On Hockey Fights Cancer nights, pediatric patients from Children’s Hospital will be invited to the game and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop, Zamboni rides and much more.
All money raised during the games will benefit the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.
