It’s that time of year for a bit cooler temperature in South Florida, but nothing is cooler than hitting the ice at the BB&T Center where the Florida Panthers have started their 25th season. The significant milestone promises to bring more excitement and more charitable effort as the Florida Panthers continue to score goals on and off the ice.
To celebrate the anniversary season, the Florida Panthers will honor past and present individuals who have shaped the franchise over the first 25 years and made Florida their home. These individuals will be a part of the growing and engaged Panthers alumni who will serve the organization for the future.
A little over two decades ago, the Florida Panthers Foundation was established to make a positive philanthropic impact on the local community and beyond. Through various partnerships, grants, and community programs, the Foundation focuses on four priorities, including building the game of youth hockey, supporting health and education initiatives for children, advocating for and supporting veterans’ issues, and raising awareness for the endangered Florida Panther.
Besides raising money through various fundraisers and in-game initiatives such as the 50/50 Raffle, jersey and memorabilia auctions, and “Players Favorite Things Baskets”, outside events and other opportunities also engage fans to support the Foundation.
The relaunch of the Community Champions Grant Program for the 2018-2019 season will allow South Florida charitable organizations to request financial support for programs and initiatives that benefit the community. During each home game throughout the season, the Foundation will award one grant for up to $25,000 to a local organization.
The Florida Panthers will also be hosting eight community drives, presented by JetBlue, the Official Airline of the Florida Panthers. Fans can participate in the five remaining drives throughout the rest of the season to benefit the South Florida Community. Collections for each drive will begin two hours prior to puck drop on the JetBlue Tarmac.
Once again, the Panthers will be bringing outdoor ice rinks to South Florida for the holiday season. “The Hockey Holidays Ice Rink” at Bubier Park located near Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk will run through January 7th.
“We hope these outdoor rinks bring the holiday spirit to our community as we continue to grow the game of hockey in South Florida,” said Panthers Chief Operating Officer Sean McCaffrey.
The Florida Panthers play their home games at BB&T Center in Sunrise visit www.NHL.com/Panthers for tickets.