Scoring Goals for a Cause: The Sharks Foundation's Impactful Goals for Kids Program

The San Jose Sharks' hockey games are not just about the thrill of the game; they're also about making a lasting difference in the lives of Bay Area youth and families. The Sharks Foundation's Goals for Kids program has been a cornerstone of the organization's community outreach efforts, leveraging the excitement of every goal scored to support local non-profit organizations and their vital work.

Transforming Goals into Tangible Impact

Celebrating Goals, Empowering Communities

When the San Jose Sharks score a goal, it's not just a win for the team; it's a win for the community. The Goals for Kids program, now in its 11th season, has been a game-changer for local non-profit organizations. For every goal scored by a Sharks player, the Sharks Foundation, in partnership with Taube Philanthropies, Tech CU, and the Swenson Foundation, donates $1,000 to support organizations that champion opportunities for youth and families in need.

Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact

Last season, the Sharks scored an impressive 180 goals, resulting in a $180,000 contribution to the Goals for Kids program. This year, the program's beneficiary organizations represent a diverse array of communities served, each with a mission aligned to the Sharks Foundation's impact priorities of education, health, safety, and character development. The 2024-25 season's beneficiaries include Access Books Bay Area, George Mark Children's House, Hack the Hood, Okizu, Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, Save The Bay, and Scientific Adventures for Girls.

Transforming Lives, One Goal at a Time

The impact of the Goals for Kids program extends far beyond the hockey rink. The contributions made to these non-profit organizations have a profound and lasting effect on the individuals and communities they serve. Porsche Gordon, the Vice President of Advancement at Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, expressed the organization's profound gratitude for the Sharks Foundation's support, stating, "The support of the Sharks Foundation has an immense impact on the families we serve, providing essential resources and support during challenging times."

A Cornerstone of the Sharks Foundation's Mission

For the Sharks Foundation, the Goals for Kids program is more than just a philanthropic initiative; it's a cornerstone of the organization's mission to make a positive impact on the community. Heather Hooper, the Sharks Foundation Director of Social Impact, emphasized the importance of the program, saying, "The Goals for Kids program ensures that each goal scored by a San Jose Sharks player helps our non-profit partners achieve their goals in the community."

A Legacy of Giving: $2.4 Million and Counting

Since its inception in 2014, the Goals for Kids program has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of individuals. For every goal scored by the San Jose Sharks, the program has donated $1,000 to a running sum of funds, which are then evenly distributed amongst the beneficiary organizations at the end of each season. To date, the Goals for Kids program has donated more than $2.4 million and positively impacted nearly 150,000 lives.

Celebrating 30 Years of the Sharks Foundation

As the Sharks Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, the organization is committed to continuing its impactful work in the community. Through initiatives like Goals for Kids, the Sharks Foundation is leveraging the excitement and importance of scoring goals to win big for youth and families throughout the Bay Area. Kevin Brown, the Executive Director of the Sharks Foundation and Head of Community Impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, expressed the organization's vision, stating, "Through initiatives like Goals for Kids, we're leveraging the excitement and importance of scoring goals to also win big for youth and families throughout our Bay Area community."As Sharks fans cheer on their team's iconic goals this season, they can take pride in knowing that each score is not just a win for the team, but a win for the community. The Sharks Foundation's Goals for Kids program is a shining example of how sports can be a powerful force for positive change, transforming the thrill of the game into tangible support for those in need.