Preds Foundation to Rename Grants Program After Former SVP Gerry Helper

Nashville, Tenn. (January 27, 2022) - The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub announced today that the Preds Foundation Grants Program will now be named the Preds Foundation "Helper Grants" after former Nashville Predators Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor, Gerry Helper.
Helper retired in December 2021 after 40-plus years
in the National Hockey League,
including 24 spent with Nashville
, where he most recently held the position of Chairman of the Board of the Nashville Predators Foundation.

"We are beyond honored to rename our grants program after Gerry Helper," said Rebecca King, Vice President of Community Relations for the Nashville Predators. "Gerry has played an instrumental role in the Preds Foundation since inception and has helped in awarding more than $20 million to the Middle Tennessee community through Predators Foundation grants and other programs. He is very deserving of this recognition and legacy."
In addition to renaming the grant program, the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub announced today that it will be donating $24,000 in Helper's name to two different charities, $1,000 for each year of his 24 years of service to the Nashville Predators and the Middle Tennessee community. A donation of $12,000 is being donated to the Athletics Fund at St. Bonaventure University, Helper's collegiate alma mater, and another $12,000 is being donated to Williamson County CASA, one of Helper's favorite local charities.
The Preds Foundation 2022 Helper Grant application cycle is currently open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28. The Preds Foundation board review committee will review the grants in February, vote to approve in March and announce the 2022 recipients in April. Funding will be allocated in May. In 2021, the Preds Foundation distributed a record amount of $735,000 to 187 middle Tennessee non-profit organizations.