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The basics:
Devils Youth Foundation awards record $1.3M to 35 groups
Grants focus on wellness, nutrition, arts and physical activity
10 NJ high school students receive $5K scholarships
The Devils Youth Foundation announced June 4 a record number of grant awards, as well as the recipients of its scholarship program.
NJBIZ has reported extensively on the nonprofit, which has raised over $4.6 million since its inception. The funds have been distributed to more than 100 organizations and have helped over 260,000 children along with their families in Newark and throughout the Garden State.
For the upcoming 2025-26 season, the Devils Youth Foundation has issued a record $1.3 million in grants. The awards support 35 local organizations.
“At the Devils Youth Foundation, our mission is rooted in strengthening the communities we serve,” said Allison Blitzer, chair of the Devils Youth Foundation. “This growth reflects our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful, lasting value – ensuring that youth across the state have real access to physical and mental wellness, food and nutrition security, the arts, and education.”
The group raises those funds at a series of marquee events including the Sweep the Deck Gala, Champions Gala, Martin Brodeur’s “MB30” Charity Golf Invitational; as well as ongoing individual fundraising, player programs in addition to seasonal online auctions and merchandise sales.
The Devils Youth Foundation’s Devils Sweep the Deck Gala took place Jan. 30, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark. The fundraiser transforms the Devils’ home ice into a professional curling rink and the arena floor into a casino lounge. – PROVIDED BY HBSE/DEVILS YOUTH FOUNDATION
Raising the bar
The organization said the 2025-26 grant class is a diverse mix of returning and new partners. Each grant category aims to reflect a pillar of the Foundation:
Physically and mentally healthy kids
Food and nutrition security
Access to the arts
Getting kids active and moving
The grantees include:
Al Munir Farms, Arts Ed Newark, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, Boys & Girls Club of Newark, Centers for Healing and Justice through Sport, Challenged Athletes Foundation, the City of Newark’s Centers of Hope, Coalition for Food and Health Equity, Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Educational Arts Team, FOCUS 411, Greater Newark Conservancy, GreenLight Newark, Hockey in New Jersey, Ironbound Community Corp., Jump Kids, La Casa de Don Pedro, MEND, New City Kids, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark Community Street Team, Newark Day Center, Newark Emergency Services, Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Positive Coaching Alliance, Record High, Save the Music Foundation, Special Olympics of New Jersey, St. James Social Services Corp., Team Wilderness, Trust for Public Land, United Community Corporation, Urban Agriculture Cooperative and YMCA of Newark and Vicinity.
“By continuing to raise the bar, we are expanding our reach and helping to build healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come,” said Blitzer.
Education boosters
The organization also announced the recipients of the second annual Devils Youth Foundation Scholarship Program, in collaboration with the New Jersey Devils Alumni.
During a ceremony last week, 10 New Jersey high school students each received a $5,000 scholarship. The New Jersey Devils Alumni committee of advisors helped review the applications and select the winners. Featuring Brodeur, Bruce Driver, Ken Daneyko, Travis Zajac, Andy Greene and Bryce Salvador, the group was on hand to congratulate the students.
The recipients are:
Ashley Chevestick Manalapan
Barry Muller Parlan
Ian Fu Secaucus
Julia Escobar Alvarez Trenton
Julie Jasaitis Warren
Katharine Goldberg East Brunswick
Miles Angley Hoboken
Reilly Hoagland Toms River
Sebastian Andaluz Kearny
Spencer Jiang Basking Ridge
Funding goals
The Devils Youth Foundation notes that the funds raised from the golf outing hosted by Devils legendary goaltender Brodeur have directly benefited this scholarship program.
Annis
Kate Whitman Annis is executive director of the Devils Youth Foundation. She said it is inspiring to see the dedication of these students. She highlighted how they not only balance academic and sports, but also actively give back to their communities.
“We are proud to collaborate with the New Jersey Devils Alumni to recognize and support young individuals whose commitment extends well beyond the ice,” said Whitman Annis. “Through these scholarships, we hope to empower New Jersey’s students to pursue their dreams and continue strengthening the communities they so passionately serve.”