The Boston Bruins Foundation, in Partnership with the Red River Charitable Foundation, Make Donation to Operation Hat Trick
BOSTON, CLAREMONT, N.H. and HAMPTON, N.H. – (July 13, 2022) The Boston Bruins Foundation and the Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF) announced today their continued support of Operation Hat Trick, a nonprofit dedicated to wounded and recovering service members. The organizations partner to give proceeds from custom designed’47 OHT hoodies and knit hats sold in the Boston Garden Pro Shop and online. The unique partnership has provided OHT with more than $160,000 over the past five years to help wounded service members and veterans fill gaps in care that are not covered by other programs or agencies.
“Operation Hat Trick would like to thank partners Red River Foundation, the Boston Bruins Foundation, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Garden Pro Shop and ‘47 for this unique, impactful promotion that fills critical gaps in care for New England’s wounded and recovering service members and veterans,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of OHT. “All proceeds are donated to OHT for distribution to those in need in New England, and we are able to fill some critical gaps in care. We’re proud to be able to make a difference where it’s needed most.”
This year’s funds were donated equally to the New England Center and Homes for Veterans, Ironstone Farm and Fisher House Boston. The Boston Bruin’s Foundation and RRCF have a long-standing partnership that spans multiple community initiatives from supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life to programs designed to foster STEM education and opportunities in New England.
“The Boston Bruins Foundation is honored to continue our partnership with Operation Hat Trick and Red River to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans,” said Bob Sweeney, President of the Boston Bruins Foundation. “We are proud to offer this financial assistance to those who have gone above and beyond for us.”
“RRCF was founded on the idea of building connections with the community that can make a lasting impact,” said Kim Vacca, Director, Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF). “Our partnership with OHT and the Boston Bruins Foundation highlights the power of making a connection. The impact we have made together over the past few years far outweighs what we could have accomplished on our own. It’s an honor to support our recovering service members and veterans.”
About Operation Hat Trick
Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum). The rating puts OHT in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency. Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.
OHT is differentiated from veteran-focused nonprofit organizations by its innovative operating model. Rather than relying on donations to raise money, OHT sells co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA, MLB and MiLB teams. More than 90% of all money raised is derived from selling co-branded products online and via retail. OHT receives a royalty from the sale of this merchandise which fuels its funding to veterans.
OHT branded merchandise is available via online retailers such as the Boston Pro Shop, Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Barnes & Noble, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels and more. Its 25+ licensed partners include companies in the headwear, apparel, tailgate games, drinkware, jewelry, gifts, blankets, and pillows categories.
OHT is also distinguished by a unique “pass through” operational model where funding is distributed to carefully curated veterans-focused organizations compatible with OHT’s mission. To date, OHT has distributed funding to nearly 100 veterans organizations across 38 states that are well run, smaller and typically under-funded. For more information, visit operationhattrick.org.
About Red River Charitable Foundation
Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF) is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization with a dual mandate and mission. RRCF promotes and encourages students to continue their studies in the fields of science and technology as well as supporting US military veterans transitioning to civilian life. RRCF provides opportunities for students in middle school through college interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with scholarships, internships, mentoring, and donations of IT equipment. RRCF supports veterans and their families by providing technology career counseling and mentorships as well as emergency monetary assistance as they integrate back into their community. For more information, visit redriver.com/philanthropy/rrcf .
About The Boston Bruins Charitable Foundation
The Boston Bruins Foundation is a non-profit that collaborates with charitable organizations that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness, education and athletics. The Foundation strongly believes that advocating for children and families across these areas will create a strong support system that will ultimately lead to the betterment of our community.
Since inception, the Boston Bruins Foundation has generated over $30 million through various events and initiatives. Charlie Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North Boston Holdings, recently commented, “The fans of New England demonstrate incredible support for the Boston Bruins every season, which is why it will always be a priority of ours to give back. It is a great privilege to support so many organizations that share our commitment to enhancing the lives of children and their families throughout our communities. To learn more, visit nhl.com/bruins/community/foundation-about.
Media Contact:
Ed Levens
Ed.Levens@redriver.com
