-Donation benefits the Nashville Predators Pediatric Cancer Research Fund-

Nashville, Tenn. (August 10, 2012) – Nashville Predators defenseman Kevin Klein, President/Chief Operating Officer Sean Henry and Executive Vice President Chris Parker will present a check for $151,471 to officials of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt this Monday, August 13, at 1 p.m.

This is the Nashville Predators fourth donation to Children’s Hospital, now totaling more than $575,000 for the hospital and its programs over the past four years. This year’s donation will benefit the Nashville Predators Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, which is an endowed fund created by the Predators in 2010 to fund critical research for pediatric cancer. Past donations have also benefitted programs such as Beads of Courage, Books From Birth of Middle Tennessee, Flashes of Hope and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

This year’s donation is a result of grants, fundraising efforts and in-kind donations by the Nashville Predators, including the Nashville Predators’ We Care for Kids game nights held this past season. On these nights, a portion of every single-game ticket sold and 100 percent of the silent-auction proceeds were donated back to Children’s Hospital. Donations were also collected at all Bridgestone Arena entrances before the games and throughout the building during those games.

Throughout the season the Nashville Predators also donate tickets for families, provide autographed memorabilia for fundraising events, facilitate dancer performances at the hospital and host the We Care for Kids initiative. Additionally, Predators players and team mascot GNASH make numerous visits to patients at Children’s Hospital throughout the season.

“One of our biggest off-ice goals is to make a difference in the community,” Henry said. “Presenting a check to help fund pediatric cancer research at this first-class facility is but one way we accomplish that goal. This donation will enable Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to continue and expand its work, all to the benefit of the children and families who go there for care and treatment.”

“We are extremely grateful to receive another generous donation from the Nashville Predators organization,” Luke Gregory, CEO for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt said. “The funds enable our doctors and researchers to bring the same fight to childhood cancer that the Predators bring to the ice, supporting innovative research to identify cures and new treatments. From special fundraisers to regular player visits to Children’s Hospital, the Predators continue to go above and beyond for our patients and families, and we are fortunate to have them in our corner.”

Accepting the donation on behalf of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is: Dr. John W. Brock III (Surgeon-in-Chief, Director of the Division of Pediatric Urology), Dr. Deb Friedman (Director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology), Dr. Meg Rush (Chief of Staff, Acting Chair of the Department of Pediatrics), Luke Gregory (CEO) and Dr. Emanuel Volanakis (Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology).

Members of the media interested in attending may go to the second floor information desk at Children’s Hospital for and escort to the Board Room where the ceremony will take place. Parking is available in the South Garage adjacent to Children’s Hospital on Children’s Way.