Devils Make Six-Figure Donation to RWJ Barnabas, Newark Community

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils have pledged their support to the community behind a large six-figure donation made by managing partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer to RWJBarnabas Health’s Emergency Response Fund, the team announced on Tuesday. The contribution will help combat the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has swept the nation and hit New Jersey particularly hard with nearly 20,000 diagnosed positive cases of the novel coronavirus in the state alone.

The donation will help RWJBarnabas secure essential medical equipment for the 35,000 system employees that are working tirelessly each day to aid the thousands of patients entering their facilities for treatment.

A variety of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators and surgical masks, gloves, gowns, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, eye protection, and other necessary medical equipment, such as ventilators continue to be critically needed. The donation by Harris, Blitzer and the Devils will provide funds to help purchase such materials for RWJBarnabas Health. In addition, the team donated 7,000 pairs of gloves, 10,000 hand sanitizer units and sanitizing wipes and sprays to RWJ Barnabas.

“We are incredibly thankful and appreciative for the generous donation from Josh Harris, David Blitzer and the New Jersey Devils,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “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.”

“These are unprecedented times, and this donation reinforces the importance of aligning with a like-minded partner that shares our vision and recognizes the true meaning of community goodwill.”

Individuals or organizations interested in donating funds and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) to the RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Response Fund please visit https://www.rwjbh.org/giving/rwjbarnabas-health-foundation/give-now/.

DEVILS DONATION FOR FOOD RELIEF TO NEWARK FAMILIES

In addition, Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment and the New Jersey Devils have also provided a six-figure donation for food relief to Newark families in need who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“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 (HBSE) and the New Jersey Devils,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka explained of the donation. “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,” Mayor Baraka added.

The City’s program provides gift cards for residents, as well as shopping assistance for those who need the groceries delivered. Gift cards are available on a first-come first-served basis at this time. Residents can call (973) 733-5728 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.