I believe I mentioned this was coming during training camp, but the Wild has brought back the Minnesota Wild Foundation....
MINNESOTA WILD LAUNCHES MINNESOTA WILD FOUNDATION
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild is pleased to announce the establishment of the new Minnesota Wild Foundation as a separate but very important aspect of the organization. Under the new Minnesota Wild Foundation, the Wild will dedicate our unique resources to support educational initiatives, children's medical causes and to advance youth hockey throughout the State of Hockey.
The Minnesota Wild Foundation will be officially launched at tonight's game, when the Wild take on the Nashville Predators. Game-night activities include a pregame video presentation, a special check presentation to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and the Foundation Board doing Let's Play Hockey to start the game. In addition, over 400 tickets were donated to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota patients and families who will be in attendance at the game wearing purple Children's t-shirts.
One of Craig Leipold's priorities as owner of the Wild is to continue the Wild's steadfast commitment to the community. Under Leipold's leadership, the Wild is reinstating a Charitable Foundation for the organization. The Wild has assembled a talented and dedicated Board of Directors, led by Board Chair, Pam Wheelock. This group includes: Brad Bombardir, Dave Fine, Rhonda Fletcher, Darby Hendrickson, Jim Humphrey, Craig Leipold, Brea Marsh, Paul Morrissey, Ann Mulholland, Maryann Richards and Dan Scott. The Board will guide and direct the Foundation's activities by pledging to continue raising funds and giving back to the Minnesota community, while being inspired by our passion for hockey and our compassion for those in need.
"Bringing a Foundation back to the Wild organization allows us a means to formally raise money and grant money back into the community," said Amy Woog Patnode, Executive Director, Minnesota Wild Foundation. "It's really just a continuum of what our organization felt was important from day one…to make certain that we give back in every way possible."
The Minnesota Wild Foundation will continue to make significant contributions to children's charities throughout the state. It will continue to administer the Wild About Reading program in Minnesota grade schools and support supplementary education based initiatives. In addition, the Minnesota Wild Foundation will continue its support of Minnesota Hockey and will provide fundraising opportunities for youth hockey associations across the state.
Since its inception in 2000, the Minnesota Wild has invested more than $3.5 million dollars back into the community. The Wild has provided autographed and non-autographed merchandise for local fundraisers and benefits, made contributions to non-profit organizations, implemented successful events and provided awareness and brand connectivity for smaller non-profit organizations.
