Capitals Cherry Blossom Warmup Jersey Fundraiser Raises $117,435

ARLINGTON, VA - The Washington Capitals cherry blossom warmup jersey raised $117,435 for Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. The jersey, designed by Washington, D.C., based artist Taylor Kampa Olson of TKOPaintings, was worn during warmups on Sunday, April 2, when the Capitals hosted the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena. The fundraiser marks the Capitals and MSE Foundation's highest grossing auction to date, with 31 items selling for $2,000 or more.

The jersey was inspired by Washington, D.C.'s, cherry blossom season and features hand-drawn blossoms incorporated into the Capitals logo, with white outlines symbolizing the blossoms beginning to bloom. The design continues into the numbering, which features the cherry branches, buds and blossoms.
In addition to the autographed jerseys, the MSE Foundation fundraiser also included a Cherry Blossom themed painting of Alex Ovechkin by TKOPaintings and signed pucks featuring the TKOPaintings cherry blossom design. Top-selling items in the fundraiser included the painting and jerseys signed by Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and John Carlson.
Olson is a local artist who specializes in painting everything from abstracts and portraits to large murals and custom jackets through TKOPaintings. The Capitals have also partnered with TKOPaintings on other initiatives, including the Capitals Little Free Library, the 2022 custom playoff shield and various jackets and apparel, among other design projects.
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment's teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we're raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at
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