On Saturday June 12th, the Preds hosted a block party at St Luke’s Community House in West Nashville. The event was open to the community, with free food, live music, raffles, and games for children and adults alike.

Despite the summer heat, children of all ages lined up to battle Preds mascot GNASH in games of street hockey. Cheers filled the air as the puck sailed into the goal, marking the start of the Nashville Predators Street Team’s first event of the summer. Children also tried their luck at the inflatable Predators slapshot cage and families enjoyed spinning the prize wheel and getting Predators giveaways.

All-in-all, nearly 200 people showed up to join in the fun and show their support for a community that was hit hard by the recent Nashville floods. Angela Bryan, Family Resource Center Director at St. Lukes, commented, “So often this community has little to celebrate—especially lately with the devastating flood. This event was so important to give neighbors a reason to be proud of their neighborhood. Having the Predators as an event sponsor gave the event even more to celebrate.”

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

• Nashville Predators Draft Party (6 pm, June 25, Embassy Suites Cool Springs) • Franklin on the Fourth (Noon, July 4, downtown Franklin, TN)

The Nashville Predators and Predators Foundation have been strong supporters of Youth Encouragement Services/St. Luke’s. Through our Give & Go program their youth and families have attended many Predators games. The Predators Foundation has also given books, school supplies, hosted holiday parties and given grants. After the May 2010 floods JP Dumont and several staff members went to the West Nashville neighborhood to assist families in need with cleanup. Throughout the summer, Predators staff members participate in their Reading Buddies program by going once a week to read books with the kids to keep them on track for the start of school in the Fall. Dave and Suzie Estes at YES are passionate about helping the kids and families in their community and we are grateful for what they do! Their enthusiasm is contagious and we are more than happy to support their efforts.