Blue Jackets and Worthington Foundations Contribute to the Flood Relief Effort in Nashville

Central Division rival Columbus has fought many fierce battles with the Nashville Predators on the ice. The level of competitiveness between these two teams has led to many spirited contests, and it would be an understatement to say that Columbus does not like Nashville.

Yet, in a time of need in Nashville, the Columbus franchise and their fans have proven that hockey fans aren't like other fans. The Blue Jacket Foundation has announced a $5,000 gift to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to support the flood relief effort in our area. Additionally, this gift has been matched by the Worthington Foundation, a foundation created by the owners of the Blue Jackets.

Here is the press release:

In response to the ongoing need for flood restoration funds in the aftermath of massive storms that devastated the greater Nashville area earlier this month, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announced today the donation of a $5,000 emergency grant to the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.  Columbus-based metals manufacturer Worthington Industries joined with the Foundation and pledged a matching $5,000 grant from their corporate Foundation. Money from this fund will be granted to non-profit organizations that provide relief, restoration and clean-up efforts in the affected region.

The Nashville Predators organization was among those greatly impacted by this natural disaster.  In addition to damage sustained at the team’s Bridgestone Arena, many staff members are dealing with severe personal losses at home.       

“Although we are rivals on the ice, we are fellow members of the NHL family and the Blue Jackets Foundation is proud to support one of its own,” said Wendy Bradshaw, executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. “With this emergency grant, we are hoping to remind others that although the restoration efforts no longer top the daily news headlines, the need for monetary support of the extensive rebuilding and clean-up projects is urgent and ongoing.”

Blue Jackets fans interested in making a contribution may visit www.cfmt.org/floodrelief or send donations to The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 440225, Nashville, TN, 37244.

Since its inception 10 years ago, the Foundation has awarded nearly $3 million in community grants to non-profit organizations that serve the Foundation’s main pillars of giving: pediatric cancer; education; children’s health and safety; and the development of youth and amateur hockey.  For information on the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, visit www.BlueJacketsFoundation.org. 

The response from the hockey community to the disaster in Nashville and surrounding areas has been phenomenal. The hockey family around the country has rallied support for relief and restoration efforts that has been exceptional.

Thank you to the Blue Jackets Foundation and the Worthington Foundation for your support in this difficult time.

Once again, you have proven that hockey fans aren't like other fans.