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The recent Devils Sweep the Deck Gala was a record-breaking one for the Devils Youth Foundation (DYF).
NJBIZ was on hand for DYF’s signature fundraising event Jan. 30 at the Prudential Center in Newark. The gala transforms the Devils’ home ice into a professional curling rink and the arena floor into a casino lounge. And this year’s event was successful (and record-breaking) by every measure — raising a record-breaking $2 million to support its mission.
As NJBIZ has profiled, the nonprofit donates funding it raises to support youth in the Garden State through a number of different avenues. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to curl and mingle alongside Devils players and alumni, team officials and ownership – making for a fun and festive atmosphere.
The casino fundraiser section included poker, roulette, craps and more. There was also a robust auction section – with the opportunity to bid on a slew of notable sports memorabilia items and more. The night included a performance by the Newark Arts High School Latin Band, as well.
This year’s gala also drew record attendance – with more than 800 guests and the support of over 70 corporate partners.
The organization says it raised $1.6 million leading up to the night; by the conclusion of the event that total moved past $2 million. Over the course of four Devils Sweep the Deck Gala events, more than $5 million has been raised for the Foundation.
‘Not your normal gala’
“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,” said Kate Whitman Annis, executive director of the Devils Youth Foundation, in a Feb. 7 press release announcing the record-breaking fundraising haul. “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.”
Whitman Annis
NJBIZ spoke to Whitman Annis at the event.
She noted that while each year the gala evolves, the format of curling and cards maintains because the attendees love it so much. Plus, it gives attendees the rare opportunity to curl and play cards with their favorite players.
“It’s not your normal gala,” she told NJBIZ. “You don’t come in and sit down – not that there’s anything wrong with that. But it’s just really fun because people have the opportunity to interact with our players and our team leadership and our ownership in a really fun, laid-back environment that is just conducive to really thinking and talking about what the Devils Youth Foundation does.”
A caring culture
She stressed that the synergy between the Foundation and the Devils team comes from the ownership – Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment (HBSE).
“You don’t come in and sit down … people have the opportunity to interact with our players and our team leadership and our ownership in a really fun, laid-back environment that is just conducive to really thinking and talking about what the Devils Youth Foundation does,” Kate Whitman Annis, executive director of the Devils Youth Foundation, said about the Devils Sweep the Deck Gala. – MATTHEW FAZELPOOR/NJBIZ
“All of their sports properties have a foundation – and they really lean into the communities that they’re in, where they live, work, and play,” said Whitman Annis. “So, it comes from the top-down.”
“I just feel so lucky to be a part of Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment – and that culture, caring about the community,” she continued. “It means something.”
DYF works with nonprofit partners to address issues such as:
Food insecurity, by working to provide access to nutritious meals and education
Growing the game, through inclusive sports and fitness programming
Creating safe spaces for improved physical and mental well-being and life skills
Enhancing art education by increasing student participation and access; and more
Whitman Annis highlighted how important the gala is to the DYF’s mission.
“This is our major fundraising event. We do have some smaller events – but this will raise the funds that we are able to give out in the community,” she said. “The more funds we raise here, the more we can give out.”
Foundation goals
Allison Blitzer, the wife of HBSE co-founder and Managing Partner David Blitzer – chairs the Devils Youth Foundation. In her remarks at the gala, Blitzer described the DYF as more than just an organization.
“It’s a testament to the power of teamwork and community,” said Blitzer from the stage with the Devils players and officials gathered behind her. “We partner with over 100 local organizations – and the Foundation is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people well beyond the ice. Tonight, we are highlighting two critical initiatives – food insecurity and keeping kids active.”
The Devils Youth Foundation’s Devils Sweep the Deck Gala took place Jan. 30, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark. During, attendees could curl and mingle alongside current players and alumni, team officials and ownership. – PROVIDED BY HBSE/DEVILS YOUTH FOUNDATION
She said that no child should ever worry about where their next meal is coming from.
“With your support, we are providing over 1 million nutritious meals to families in need in our community,” said Blitzer. “In addition, we are providing opportunities enabling children to stay active and healthy through teamwork and movement.
“I’d like to thank our amazing players, our board members, and the phenomenal team here in New Jersey – who’s passion and hard work make all this possible. But most importantly, I’m really grateful to all of you for being here tonight and believing in this mission.”
Creating change
Devils Captain Nico Hischier spoke as well. He thanked attendees for joining him and his teammates for such a great cause.
“We are really happy to be here and support the Devils Youth Foundation,” said Hischier. “Also, a big thanks goes to Allison and David Blitzer for hosting such a great event every year.”
“Simply by being here tonight, you made a powerful difference for positive change in thousands of children’s lives,” said Blitzer to the attendees as she thanked them for their support and participation. “And personally, I can’t think of anything better to do on a Thursday night.”