Preds' 365 Fund Presented by Twice Daily Continues Rich History

The 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily was created during the 2012-13 season by Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber in partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub.

The fund raises money and awareness for the vital cancer research that takes place at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. At the time of its inception, Rinne and Weber, two of the most recognizable faces in Nashville Predators' history, understood their unique position as professional athletes and wanted to use their notability and resources to brighten the lives of the local hospital's young patients and their families.

Since the establishment of the fund, donations totaling almost $3 million (cash and in-kind) have been made to the hospital and its programs.

The 365 Fund collaborates with the Predators to offer children the chance to meet members of the Predators team and experience the thrill of hockey games in Smashville. The 365 Fund has a suite at Bridgestone Arena, fully funded by Rinne, which accommodates 16 special guests and family members from Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt for Predators home games throughout the season. On select nights, the suite is auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the 365 Fund.

These family-friendly nights out are a rare treat for most of the young visitors, many of whom cannot manage the hustle, bustle and sensory experience of the crowded arena. Inside the suite, the guests of honor can comfortably enjoy food and beverages, knee hockey with a real goal light and 365 Fund T-shirts. Opportunities for each guest to interact with Preds players at locker room meet and greets further enhance this exciting experience. More than 3,750 children and family members have caught a Preds game from the 365 Fund suite.

Outside of Bridgestone Arena, Rinne and his teammates attend seasonal hospital visits. He also drops in on his friends at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital during the annual 365 Fund presented by Twice Daily check presentation. During visits at Seacrest Studios - a fully functional broadcast media center inside the hospital - the Preds play games with and answer questions from the children. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visits to the hospital are currently on hold, but Rinne and some of his teammates still found a creative and virtual way to lift the spirits of the patients who are fighting to recover from a variety of ailments. In the face of a global pandemic and through the magic of video chats, they've been able to interact with patients just as they would in person.

Each year, in addition to participating in the NHL-wide Hockey Fights Cancer Month, the Predators and 365 Fund presented by Twice Daily also host a second Hockey Fights Game in the spring, which greatly increases the contributions made to the important research and care for pediatric cancer patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Rinne always takes time to visit with the guests of honor at each Hockey Fights Cancer game, and also dons a lavender Hockey Fights Cancer themed helmet.

Additionally, Rinne's attendance at various fundraisers conducted by the Nashville Predators Foundation, such as the annual Preds & Pins Celebrity Bowling Tournament, serves to bolster the spirit and resources of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily. After eight years of commitment to the 365 Fund, Pekka Rinne has truly become a part of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital family.

Yearly Donations Since Inception:

2012 - $151,471.14

2013 - $131,405.00

2014 - $319,242.90

2015 - $395,424.74

2016 - $427,144.45

2017 - $442,365.17

2018 - $523,365.18

2019 - $550,365.19

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On Sept. 14-20, the Predators will host their inaugural 2020 Virtual Fangtastic 5K presented by IntelliCentrics. A portion of the registration fee will benefit the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily. Video: Pekka Rinne presents check for pediatric cancer fight.