Washington Caps Jose Theodore, Mike Green Give Back to Children's National

Washington Capitals goalie Jose Theodore and defenseman Mike Green presented checks totaling nearliy $100,000 earlier this month to support patients and families at Children’s National Medical Center.

Theodore started his "Saves for Kids" program to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  He pledged to donate $2 for every save, $100 for every win, and $500 for every shutout during the regular season, and his contribution came to $35,000.  F.H. Furr Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning Inc., a Lennox Premier Dealer, matched Theodore’s donation dollar for dollar. Washington Capitals Charities also made a contribution to the cause along with hundreds of generous Capitals fans who donated online and at home games.

As reported recently in the Washington Post, Theodore and his wife, Stephanie Cloutier, lost their 2-month-old son, Chace, in August from respiratory complications related to a premature birth. It was at Children's National where Theodore and Cloutier spent most of their time during their son’s 54-day life.   

“This is something very special to Stephanie and me,” Theodore said. “It’s a great feeling being able to give back to the NICU and to all the doctors and nurses that work in the NICU. I was overwhelmed by all of the fan support and to give $35,000 really shows how much our fans care.”

Theodore is one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey at the 2010 NHL Awards. The 2010 NHL Awards will be broadcast live from the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on VERSUS in the United States and on CBC in Canada on June 23.

Mike Green and Elliot Segal of DC101’s Elliot in the Morning presented a check for $63,879 on May 10.

Green and Segal are the founders of "So Kids Can," a fundraising initiative that benefits a different youth-focused nonprofit organization each year. Green donates $100 for every goal he scores and $50 for each assist during the regular season. The figures are doubled during the Stanley Cup playoffs, with Segal matching dollar for dollar. The Washington community has embraced the charity as well. During the summer of 2009, a Papa John's promotional campaign raised $45,000 before the season started for this year's campaign.

The duo presented the check in the main atrium of the hospital in front of patients, doctors, and staff. Green and Segal met with patients and posed for pictures and signed autographs before touring the hospital. Green and Segal visited with patients and asked the children what entertainment items they would like to have in their widely used playrooms. The kids offered many ideas and the funds from this year's So Kids Can initiative will be used to refurbish playrooms at the hospital with computers, video games and consoles, toys, games, and books.