WASHINGTON, D.C. - For Lisa Bridgeman, a recent visit to Kettler Capitals Iceplex enabled the mother of three to celebrate the upcoming holidays along with the Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards.
Joined by her young nephew, Seth Reid, Bridgeman was at the Arlington, Va., rink for Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Family-to-Family holiday party.
Created by the Wizards 16 years ago, the Family-to-Family initiative spreads cheer by allowing the Capitals, Mystics and Wizards to “adopt” local families in need for the holidays.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation spent more than $25,000 in gifts to benefit the nearly 100 adults and children involved in this year’s program. 2012 marks the second year the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics have collaborated on the initiative and a holiday party.
During the Dec. 16 celebration, Bridgeman and her nephew were among several attendees who were able to skate on the Capitals ice, play basketball and interact with Santa, Wizards mascot G-Wiz, Wizard Girls, Capitals mascot Slapshot and Red Rockers.
Presents for families to unwrap in celebration of the holidays later this month also were distributed. Each child will receive clothing, educational items and toys, while parents and guardians will receive clothing, household items and gift cards.
Bridgeman said the support provided through Family-to-Family means she’ll be able to provide her family with a memorable holiday this year.
“The assistance means a lot," said Bridgeman. "Christmas is coming up, and when you’re not fortunate enough to give your kids everything you wish you could, we're thankful that the Capitals, Wizards and Mystics can help us families enjoy the holidays.”
Twenty-one families were selected for participation in this year’s program after being nominated by local schools and nonprofit organizations including The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command, The Women’s Wing Organization, Catholic Charities, Browne Education Campus, Bright Beginnings, Shaw Community and Building Hope.
The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation supports the charitable efforts of the professional teams under its umbrella: the Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards. MSE is committed to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and focuses on the following five pillars to maximize its impact on the community: education and scholarship, hunger and homelessness, military and veterans’ affairs, pediatric health and fitness and youth basketball and hockey.