NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Predators players Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber have partnered to form the the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund.
The program was formally known as the Nashville Predators Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Predators Officials said the new branding of the fund, spearheaded by captain Weber and goaltender Rinne, will continue to raise money for the Preds annual donation to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
"Pekka and I have been talking about this for awhile, and knowing that we are going to be in Nashville for a long time, we wanted to give back to the community on a bigger level," Weber said. "We are in a unique situation where we can help, and are thankful to brighten up the lives of kids going through some of their toughest days. It really puts things in perspective for us."
As part of the new fund, officials said Weber and Rinne have purchased two suites at Bridgestone Arena that will undergo renovations during the summer to form one large suite that can accommodate up to 30 children and families.
"Not only is this something we care a great deal about, but partnering with Vanderbilt and the Predators Foundation for a cause that brings joy to the faces of kids and parents, really makes us happy," Rinne said. "If we can do anything that makes a positive impact on their day, then we have accomplished what we set out to do."
The Nashville Predators raise money annually for the fund, which was established in 2010.
