Preds Foundation Celebrates Record-Breaking Grant Donation at Annual Ceremony: ‘That’s What Makes This a Really Special Franchise’

$825,995 Distributed to 183 Local Nonprofit Organizations at Helper Grant Check Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday

In its 26th year, the Nashville Predators Foundation held its annual Helper Grant Check Presentation Ceremony at Ford Ice Center Bellevue, achieving its largest impact yet. A remarkable $825,995 was distributed, benefiting 183 deserving local charities and nonprofit organizations. Participants left the event with radiant smiles and the funding necessary to continue their valuable work within the Nashville community. While this day is eagerly anticipated by all attendees, few can match the enthusiasm shown by former Predators Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor Gerry Helper, for whom the program is named.

Helper shared, “Today marks one of the most rewarding days of the year for the Predators and the Predators Foundation as we bring together over 180 organizations in a single space, each leaving with a smile, empowered by the financial support to carry out significant initiatives throughout the year. It is truly special for us to play a role in their success.”

The impact of the Helper Grant is deeply felt by the recipient organizations. Nashville Book Connection’s Executive Director, Clare Clarke, expressed gratitude, stating, “The Helper Grant is instrumental in our ability to provide thousands of books to children annually. Without this support, our mission would not be possible. Receiving this grant twice has left us immensely thankful and excited to be part of this event.”

Interim CEO & Chief Development Officer of St. Luke’s Community House, Amy Shurden, emphasized the significance of the grant for their organization, saying, “The assistance provided by this grant is substantial. This year, our funding will enable us to supply backpacks and essential school items for our preschool graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared for kindergarten. Additionally, it will cover the costs of providing two meals and a snack daily for the children under our care, meeting their nutritional needs effectively.”

Best day ever! Today we distributed a total of $825,995 to 183 Middle Tennessee non-profits as part of our 2024 Helper Grants program! This is our largest one-time donation in Foundation history! 🤩

Congrats to all our amazing recipients and thank you for all you do! pic.twitter.com/SFobnEu2rQ

— Nashville Predators Foundation (@PredsFoundation) May 21, 2024

Tuesday held a significance that extended beyond the groundbreaking grant amount awarded.

Returning to Nashville as the second general manager in the franchise’s history, former Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz seized the chance to revisit one of the foundational elements of the organization he helped establish over twenty-five years ago.

Reflecting on his involvement with the community since 1997, Trotz expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It’s truly gratifying for me to witness the growth and positive impact the Foundation has had on the community. The evolution from when I first got involved with charities to now is remarkable. It highlights the unique bond between this franchise and the community – a relationship that is truly exceptional.”

Undoubtedly, Trotz played a significant role in shaping the organization’s community-focused ethos from the outset.

Helper acknowledged Trotz’s contributions, stating, “Establishing a culture that transcended beyond just being a hockey team was integral from the beginning. Barry set the tone for everyone else, emphasizing our role as a vital contributor to the community. Early players like Tom Fitzgeralds and Tomas Vokouns paved the way by engaging in community work beyond the rink, setting a precedent for all subsequent players. It became a part of the Nashville Predator ethos.”

Demonstrating this commitment on Tuesday was Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, who personally expressed gratitude to each organization present during the event.

Saros praised the Predators’ longstanding impact on Nashville and Tennessee, noting, “The Predators have made significant contributions over the years, fostering a sense of community and family. It’s truly significant.”

Truly, Tuesday’s presentation ceremony resembled a family reunion, bringing together hundreds of familiar faces who had not gathered under one roof for a year. “There are many recognizable faces here, and it’s a reminder of the crucial work they do daily,” Helper observed. “We may only interact with them a few times a year, so it’s important to acknowledge the challenges they face in the realm of community relations and charitable endeavors.

It’s truly fulfilling to contribute to their efforts through this process.” Since its establishment in 1998, the grant program has awarded over $10 million in funding, and the goal for the upcoming year is to surpass the $11 million milestone. Reflecting on the day, Trotz shared, “These occasions are especially heartening.

Almost $850,000 was given back to the community today, and the aim for next year is to exceed a million, with even greater targets beyond that. The continual growth and support provided by this organization make it truly exceptional to be part of the community.” The substantial grant distribution on Tuesday propelled the Predators Foundation closer to the conclusion of ‘Million Dollar May,’ a month-long celebration during which a record-breaking $1 million will be distributed to deserving nonprofits in Middle Tennessee before June 1. To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative. For additional details about the Helper Grant program and to view the full list of organizations receiving grants in 2024.