"What Josh, David, and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment is doing for Newark, and the communities in the Philadelphia area, is not only a testament to their level of support for healthcare workers and the families in those regions, it's another example of how NHL teams and players are stepping up to help those most in need at this time," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday.
That includes a six-figure donation to RWJBarnabas' Health Emergency Response Fund, which will help get medical equipment to more than 35,000 employees working for the health system, which is based in Newark, New Jersey. HBSE, which also owns Prudential Center, donated 7,000 pairs of gloves, 10,000 units of hand sanitizer, and all the soaps, sprays, wipes and cleaning supplies used at the building.
"We are incredibly thankful and appreciative for the generous donation from Josh Harris, David Blitzer and the New Jersey Devils," RWJBarnabas Health president and CEO Barry H. Ostrowsky said. "Our team members are extremely dedicated and selfless. It is our obligation to ensure the best protection as they perform their truly heroic work, and this donation will help to provide them with the resources necessary to stay safe and care for our patients."
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HBSE also is working with governmental officials as to how Prudential Center could be utilized to support any medical needs, and has partnered with the office of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka on a six-figure donation of ShopRite gift cards for city residents.
"This food relief program, which will benefit thousands of families in Newark, would not have been possible without a critical donation from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and the New Jersey Devils," Baraka said. "Their organization's philanthropic vision and action will inspire business leaders in the Newark and New Jersey communities to make similar substantial pledges in support of our efforts to keep families safe and healthy during this crisis. We are grateful for our partnership with HBSE and their commitment to those in need in our community."
