Predators Foundation Launched Stomp Out Cancer Program
Local businesses and teams are leveraging donor auctions to drive charitable giving in the pediatric health sector.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Nashville Predators Foundation has initiated the Stomp Out Cancer program, featuring 42 pairs of patient-designed shoes to be auctioned for the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund. The initiative officially launched on October 12, 2026, with proceeds supporting pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.
Why it matters
This partnership highlights how local professional sports organizations utilize fan-engagement platforms to sustain long-term philanthropic goals for regional healthcare providers. By pairing corporate sponsorships with digital auction mechanics, organizations create repeatable donation models for specialized research.
The 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund has raised over $4 million since 2013, while the Nashville Predators Foundation awarded nearly $30 million in total grants since 1998. The current initiative features 42 pairs of shoes to be auctioned throughout the season.
The players
Nashville Predators Foundation
The charitable arm of the professional NHL team in Nashville that coordinates regional grant-making and local outreach.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital
A prominent pediatric medical facility in Nashville serving as the primary beneficiary of regional cancer research funding.
Roman Josi
The Nashville Predators captain and professional athlete who serves as a public lead for the team's charitable initiatives.
Vans
A global footwear and apparel corporation that provides the physical product for the foundation's charitable auction.
The details
The program utilizes blank shoes donated by Vans, which are then decorated by patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital. Predators players wear these custom shoes during home game days, at which time they are made available for fan bidding via text message. This operational model converts match-day exposure into targeted financial contributions for clinical research.
Timeline
1998: Nashville Predators Foundation established.
2013-14: 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund created.
October 3, 2026: Roman Josi wore the first pair of shoes.
October 12, 2026: Initiative officially launched.
October 13, 2026: Game held versus the Vegas Golden Knights.
Market Landscape
The initiative serves as a tactical expansion of the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund, which has operated in Nashville since 2013. This approach follows the industry trend of sports foundations integrating donor-centric auction mechanics into existing long-term medical research pipelines.
Business operators can track the efficiency of this digital-auction model for future cause-related marketing campaigns. The use of text-to-bid technology offers a low-friction method to engage customer bases during live events.
The takeaway
The success of this initiative underscores the value of linking high-visibility assets to specific medical outcomes. Managers should monitor how the Predators leverage this project to sustain donor engagement throughout the remainder of the season.
Further reading
For more on how local organizations structure giving, visit Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
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