Capitals Care
Empowering the District through hockey, community service, and lasting change.
Capitals Care is the official charitable foundation of the Washington Capitals, serving as the primary vehicle for the team's community engagement and social responsibility initiatives since its inception in 2013. It acts as a bridge between the franchise and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, focusing on youth development, health, and education through targeted grants and volunteer programs.
- Role
- Official Charitable Foundation
- Affiliation
- Washington Capitals & Capitals Entertainment
- Established
- 2013
- Focus Areas
- Youth Development, Health, Education
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
The core mission revolves around three pillars: youth development, health, and education. By partnering with local non-profits and schools, Capitals Care has facilitated countless hours of volunteerism from current and former players, including the iconic 'Ovechkin's Birthday Bash' events that have raised significant funds for children in need. The foundation ensures that the passion generated during playoff runs is channeled into sustainable programs that support at-risk youth and promote healthy lifestyles throughout the National Capital Region.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights dimmed, not for a game, but for a gathering of hope. In the quiet hum of the locker room, a veteran captain tied his skates, looking not at the ice but at the faces of young students waiting in the hallway. They weren't there to watch a slap shot; they were there to learn that one day, their dreams could be as big as the arena itself. As the team stepped out, the roar of the crowd was replaced by the genuine laughter of children, proving that the true legacy of the Capitals extends far beyond the final buzzer.
Reader's Guide
Game nights in Washington are defined by an electric atmosphere where community pride and hockey passion collide. Fans arrive early not just for the puck drop, but to participate in pre-game ceremonies often organized by Capitals Care, such as honoring local heroes or celebrating military service members. The physical evolution of the home arena has mirrored this growth. From the cavernous, sometimes cold atmosphere of the old Capitol Centre and the MCI Center (now Capital One Arena) in its early years, the venue has transformed into a modern hub where community engagement is central to the experience. Today, the concourse features interactive displays highlighting local charities supported by the team. Unique traditions include the 'Red Sea' during national anthems and specific fan chants that rally behind player-led causes. Whether it is a regular-season grind or a playoff push, the sense of unity in the stands reflects the foundation's goal: bringing the District together through the shared love of hockey.
Did You Know?
- Capitals Care was formally launched in 2013 to consolidate and expand the team's community outreach efforts.
- The foundation frequently partners with local schools to provide educational resources and mentorship programs for at-risk youth.
- Alex Ovechkin has been a prominent figure in many Capitals Care initiatives, using his platform to raise awareness for children's health causes.
- Volunteer opportunities through the foundation allow fans to work alongside players on community service projects throughout the year.