Powered by the millions of fans who enter Prudential Center and supported by the hundreds of sports and entertainment stars who perform on its ice, court and stage each year, the Devils Youth Foundation fosters transformative results.
The Challenge
New Jersey’s youth face dozens of challenges that stifle their growth potential and negatively impact their quality of life. The Devils Youth Foundation is taking on these challenges by creating and expanding youth programs through strategic partnerships with community organizations. Together, we will tackle a number of the issues our youth encounter to provide healthy alternatives that improve their chances of success.
The Solution
The Devils Youth Foundation is squarely focused on areas where we see great challenges – and where we see an opening to make a difference. The youth of New Jersey deserve great programs and activities that will get them moving and provide opportunities to satisfy their curiosity for new experiences. Through the platform amplified by the athletes and entertainers who perform at Prudential Center, we will use the power of sports and entertainment for good. What do we see as success? Improved physical well-being and life skills. Increased student participation in music. Higher educational opportunities and a better quality of life for those in need.
Leadership
Allison Blitzer
Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation
Allison is deeply committed to numerous organizations that support youth development. She serves as Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation and is on the Board of Directors of the Sixers Youth Foundation. She is also on the boards the of Uncommon Schools as well as Project Morry, which provides a youth development program including summer camp and year-round academic mentoring for young people from under-resourced communities.
Kate Whitman Annis
Executive Director of The Devils Youth Foundation
Kate joins the Foundation following a decorated career spanning non-profit operations, public service, event management, fundraising, education, communications, and professional sports. Most recently, Whitman Annis was the Development Director at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, N.J., where she led their major gifts and fundraising programs, engagement, stewardship projects, and special events for nearly a decade…
Jake Reynolds
President of the Devils Youth Foundation
As the President of the New Jersey Devils, Jake Reynolds oversees the business operations and strategy for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s (HBSE) three-time Stanley Cup-winning franchise. In the first six months of his tenure as President, Reynolds’ efforts…
Devils Philanthropic History
November 2014
Devils Care Foundation (DCF) begins holding 5050 raffles during Devils Games. Proceeds from the $14,245 jackpot went to the American Cancer Society.
April 2015
DCF concludes the first season of fundraising through the 5050-raffle program. Proceeds from the $508,273 raised went to 35 charitable nonprofit organizations.
June 2015
DCF partners with Barry Manilow to provide musical instruments to the Newark Public Schools.
September 2015
DCF donates more than 150 backpacks stuffed with notebooks, crayons and other essentials to interdisciplinary special education schools in Newark.
October 2015
DCF rejuvenates the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative and raises over $60,000 for the Valerie Fund Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
May 2016
DCF and the City of Newark collaborate on Summer Fun in the City, providing youth the opportunity to play street hockey during the summer.
July 2016
DCF, DAE and Pepsi donate over one thousand cases of water to the Newark Public Schools to help the elevated lead level issue.
September 2017
DCF launches an exercise and learning program with Activity Works for elementary students.
November 2017
Forward Miles Wood scored his first NHL hat trick in a 7–5 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. The next day, DCF filled his locker with 44 Devils hats that were then donated to the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel in his name.
January 2018
DCF collaborates with Jazz House Kids to provide music education in the Newark Public School district.
February 2018
“Jersey” merchandise goes on sale in the GRAMMY Museum Experience™ Prudential Center with proceeds to benefit DCF.
March 2019
DCF hosts the Fifth Annual Mikey Strong Charitable Hockey game. Since its inaugural event, over $400,000 has been raised to benefit the Nichols Family Trust and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to improve the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis.
April 2019
DCF and the American Red Cross team up to install 553 smoke alarms in 172 homes reaching 709 people in Newark.
December 2019
DCF enters into a partnership with the Save the Music Foundation to support teachers with professional development and classroom content.
February 2020
DCF holds its inaugural Sweep the Deck Gala, raising over $700,000 for charitable initiatives.
March and April 2020
DCF provides over 125,000 meals to Newark residents in need due to the coronavirus outbreak.
July 2020
DCF partners with Newark Working Kitchens, a program that activates local restaurants impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic to cook nutritious meals for low-income seniors and families and people without homes.
December 2020
Gift of Giving virtual charity drive launched, raising over $20,000 to benefit Newark Working Kitchens, Jersey Cares, and Believe in Newark Foundation, providing meals, coats, and toys to our local community.
January 2021
