Blackhawks' true colors shine through in latest photo leak
Photo credit: The Athletic Sports News
Chicago Blackhawks to boost pocal Rockford community with $135K in grants for 2024-2025.
The Chicago Blackhawks have committed to enriching the Rockford area by distributing $135K in grants through their 2024-2025 grant cycle.
This initiative will support nine local organizations across 10 different programs, amplifying community efforts and engagement through substantial financial backing.
Among the recipients, the Rockford Ice Hockey Club stands out as the first to benefit from this cycle, receiving a grant of $20K.
This allocation notably doubles last year's grant of $10K, aiming to lower participation costs for the 8U Hockey club.
The enhanced funding is set to significantly increase the number of young players on the ice, promoting broader access to the sport.
A groundbreaking addition to this year's grant allocation is the establishment of a Rockford Hockey Club Girls program, catering to 8U, 10U, and 12U participants.
This initiative addresses a vital gap in the local sports landscape by providing a platform for young girls who previously had to choose between playing in mixed-gender teams locally or traveling to Chicago for an all-girls team experience.
"Building the sport at a grassroots level is so important," remarked IceHogs President of Business Operations Ryan Snider. "Currently, there are girls playing in the Rockford Hockey Club, but they are either playing on a boys team in Rockford or having to go into Chicago to play on an all-girls team. We're looking to provide them the opportunity to play on a girls team here in locally."
Jordan Tuminaro, President of the Rockford Hockey Club, expressed gratitude for the support.
"We are extremely grateful that the IceHogs and the Blackhawks have these initiatives to help us grow our programs," he said. "Last year, we were able to help 20 new 8U players enter into hockey. This year, we're going to expand that initiative and start a girls-only program. We're very thankful that those funds are coming to us because without that support we wouldn't be able to go through with these initiatives."
The Rockford Icehogs Community Fund will also disperse grants to several other programs throughout the area, including Chicago Storm Special Hockey, Life Decisions, Rockford Area Arts Council, and various initiatives within the Rockford Park District, such as Junior StreetHogs and Buddy Hockey.
Additional beneficiaries include Rockford Raptors Soccer, Rock House Kids, Rosecrance, and Think Big!, with more details on these grants to be announced over the summer.
The Blackhawks Foundation's support of the Icehogs Community Fund underscores a commitment to fostering positive social change and enhancing quality of life in Rockford.
By reducing barriers to hockey and expanding exposure to the sport, the fund aims to make Rockford a more inclusive and vibrant place to live, work, and play.
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24 JUILLET | 16 ANSWERS Blackhawks' true colors shine through in latest photo leak Do you think the IceHogs Community Fund is a force for good in Rockford? | ||
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