IceHogs Community Fund and Chicago Blackhawks Foundation Award $135,000 in Grants to Nine Rockford-Area Organizations

July 21, 2024 – American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs Press Release

The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation will award $135,000 in grants to support nine organizations and 10 unique programs in the Rockford region for the 2024-2025 grant period.

Nearly $100,000 of the total comes from the IceHogs charity, with the remaining dollars coming from the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation in the form of matching dollars for five of the grants.

The first grant for the 2024-2025 period has been awarded to the Rockford Hockey Club for $20,000, of which $10,000 comes from the IceHogs Community Fund and $10,000 is matched by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.

From left to right: IceHogs assistant coach Rob Klinkhammer, IceHogs general manager Mark Bernard, Rockford Hockey Club alumnus Molly Henderson, Jordan Tuminaro, IceHogs marketing and community relations manager Dave Costello, IceHogs president of business operations Ryan Snider

Last year, Rockford Hockey Club received $10,000 from the IceHogs Community Fund to help reduce the cost of playing at the 8U level. The grant allowed the club to add 20 new 8U players while reducing costs at all levels. This year’s $20,000 grant will again help reduce costs at the 8U level with the goal of adding 20 new 8U players again this year. The additional $10,000 will fund the creation of a new Rockford Hockey Club girls program for 8U, 10U, and 12U players.

“Building the sport at the grassroots level is so important,” said Ryan Snider, President of Business Operations for IceHogs. “Right now, we have girls playing in the Rockford Hockey Club, but they either play on a boys team in Rockford or they have to go to Chicago to play on a girls team. We want to give them the opportunity to play on a girls team here in the area.”

“We’re so grateful that the IceHogs and the Blackhawks have these initiatives to help us grow our programs,” Rockford Hockey Club President Jordan Tuminaro said. “Last year, we were able to help 20 new 8U players get into hockey. This year, we’re going to expand that initiative and start a girls-only program. We’re so grateful that those funds are coming to us because without that support, we wouldn’t be able to continue these initiatives.”

“The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is proud to support the Rockford community and grow the sport we love,” said Sara Guderyahn, Executive Director of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. “We are excited to support the Rockford Hockey Club as they expand their current programming and develop a new girls program that will introduce the sport to youth across the city.”

In addition to the Rockford Hockey Club grant, the IceHogs Community Fund, supported by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, will award grants to these nine organizations and programs as part of this cycle’s $135,000 awards:

Chicago Storm Special Hockey

Life decisions

Rockford Arts Council

Rockford Park District – Junior StreetHogs

Rockford Park District – Buddy Hockey

Rockford Raptors Football

Rock House Kids

Rosary

Think big!

More details about these additional subsidies will be announced during the summer.

About the IceHogs Community Fund

The IceHogs Community Fund (ICF), supported by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, invests in making a positive social impact by supporting initiatives that make the Rockford region a better place to work, live and play. Through partnerships with local organizations, the ICF works to grow the sport of hockey by working to increase awareness and reduce barriers to the sport.

The ICF raises money throughout the year in a variety of ways, including through special uniform auctions and through the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets and Chuck-A-Pucks on game days.

About the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation

As the official charity of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation works to create a healthier, smarter, and safer world for children and families in Chicagoland. By providing access to programming and resources that make a positive impact, the organization strives to invest in Chicagoland’s youth, support local families in need, and honor the sacrifices of others, all while growing the great game of hockey.

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