Anyone who seen curling at the Olympics knows it looks cool.
As it turns out, it’s a pretty cool fund-raiser, too.
The Devils Youth Foundation recently held its annual Sweep the Deck Gala at the Prudential Center, a marquee celebration that transformed the Devils’ home ice into a professional curling rink, and the arena floor into a casino lounge.
Gala attendees, including executive directors from the Foundation’s nonprofit partners, had the opportunity to curl alongside Devils current players and alumni, as well as partake in poker, roulette, craps and more at the event’s casino section. The night also included a musical performance by the Newark Arts High School Latin Band.
By the end of the night, the group’s signature fundraising event had the largest attendance to date (more than 800 guests and 70 corporate partners) and raised a record total (more than $2 million).
All funds raised through the event will support the Foundation’s contribution in philanthropic and programmatic support to dozens of non-profit organizations across New Jersey.
Kate Whitman Annis, the executive director of the Devils Youth Foundation, obviously was excited.
“We are thrilled that we surpassed our goal, and this $2 million enables us to go even further with our mission — providing life-changing funding to local organizations supporting New Jersey’s youth,” she said.
“These funds will expand our community impact, strengthen nonprofit partnerships, and foster long-term, meaningful change. We thank our corporate sponsors, managing partners, New Jersey Devils players, and the community for making this our most successful Sweep the Deck Gala yet.”
The record-breaking total pushes the amount raised for the Foundation over the course of four Devils Sweep the Gala events to more than $5 million.
