St. Louis Blues 14 Fund Dedicates Fan Zone for Ranken Jordan Patients
Posted: 11/25/2008
Hockey-themed area is part of multi-year, $200,000 donation to hospital
ST. LOUIS (Nov. 25, 2008) - St. Louis Blues hockey players were on hand Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital to dedicate the Fan Zone, a hockey-themed area inside the hospital's Pediatric Health Related Services Gym. After the dedication, the Blues players teamed up with Ranken Jordan patients in a game of "box hockey."
As part of a multi-year, $200,000 donation from the St. Louis Blues 14 Fund, the Fan Zone includes lockers just like those used by the Blues players, pennants, a Blues hockey carpet and Blue Note lights. In the future, it will include Blues Bedside and Beyond, interactive developmental therapy toys that will be used for therapy sessions at the patients' bedsides and during community programming events.
"The St. Louis Blues organization is committed to giving back to the St. Louis community," said Bruce Affleck, executive director of broadcasting for the St. Louis Blues and longtime Blues 14 Fund trustee. "Ranken Jordan is a great organization, and we are proud to support their mission of helping seriously ill children."
Players who attended the dedication included David Backes, Patrik Berglund, D.J. King, T.J. Oshie, David Perron, Roman Polak, Yan Stastny and Steve Wagner. They were joined by Brad Shaw, assistant coach, and Louie, the team mascot.
In addition to the Fan Zone, the St. Louis Blues' partnership with Ranken Jordan will include monthly visits from Blues players and several game viewing parties for patients hosted by Blues staff and volunteers.
"We are grateful for the St. Louis Blues' generosity and their support of Ranken Jordan," said Lauri Tanner, president and chief executive officer at Ranken Jordan. "The Fan Zone is a fun and lively addition to the gym, and contributes the wicked-cool atmosphere Ranken Jordan provides for parents and patients while onsite for outpatient therapy and community services."
About St. Louis Blues 14 Fund
The St. Louis
Blues 14 Fund, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, has a mission to
positively impact programs and services that improve the health and wellness of
youth, including cancer awareness and prevention; education; diversity; and
positive development through sports.
The trust was created in 1998 to honor former Blues player Doug Wickenheiser, #14, who passed away from a long battle with cancer in early 1999. Originally named The Fourteen Fund, the St. Louis Blues name and Blue Note were recently incorporated into the name and logo of the trust. The St. Louis Blues continue to be committed to the community through the St. Louis Blues 14 Fund and other outreach efforts.
About Ranken Jordan
Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty
Hospital is one of a
handful of hospitals in the country that provides rehabilitation and sub-acute
medical treatment for children regardless of their family's ability to pay. For
children with complex medical issues, such as brain injuries or complications
due to premature birth, Ranken Jordan
helps bridge the gap between traditional hospital treatment and going home. Ranken
Jordan
offers care through a 34-bed inpatient program and several outpatient programs,
including outpatient therapy, intensive day treatment and a comprehensive
orthopedic/rehabilitation clinic. Ranken Jordan is a proud member of the United Way of
Greater St. Louis. For more information, visit www.rankenjordan.org.
For more information, contact:
Justin Lopinot
314-469-3500
Next entry: Maritz and Welcome Real-Time Partner
