Community Impact: WBS Penguins’ Charity and Outreach

In the United States, ice hockey saw a humble beginning on the first artificial ice rink in Baltimore, Maryland in 1984. Since then, this sport has come a long way. With the formation of the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL), the popularity of ice hockey has soared. As one of the best teams in the AHL, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, or the WBS Penguins, continue to garner praise.

While our on-field achievements often make it to the front page, our charity and social work remains relatively less known. Community engagement plays a pivotal role in the success of sports teams like the WBS Penguins. As a team, they have the power to unite and uplift communities, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Who Are the WBS Penguins?

You will need to learn more about the team to understand the WBS Penguins community, charity, and foundation. Established in 1999, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, commonly known as the WBS Penguins, are a professional ice hockey team based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. We are the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a prominent name in the National Hockey League (NHL).

The WBS Penguins have made it to the finals for the Calder Cup three times, and have a rich history of developing talent for the NHL. It would be an understatement to say that we have played a crucial role in the development of future Pittsburgh Penguins players. And while doing that, we have become a formidable force in the AHL.

Understanding the Importance of Community Engagement

Believe it or not, community engagement is crucial for sports organizations. For starters, community engagement fosters a strong sense of connection and loyalty among fans. When a sports team actively participates in its community, it becomes a symbol of pride for everyone involved in the sport. Ever since its inception, the WBS Penguins community has grown thanks to our engagement.

Community engagement provides an opportunity for sports organizations to give back. Through its charitable initiatives, the WBS Penguins Foundation continues to give back to the local communities. This helps build a strong fan base. With a strong fan base, your games will see increasing attendance at games, more merchandise sales, and more branding.

WBS Penguins’ Charitable Initiatives

The WBS Penguins’ charity work has continued to help local communities for years. This tradition is as old as the team itself. Here are a few charitable programs our team runs for the betterment of our local community.

#1. Robo’s Readers Program

The “Robo’s Readers” program by the WBS Penguins is a wonderful initiative that aims to promote literacy and a love for reading among young students. The program was formerly known as the All-Star Reading Program. It was renamed in honor of former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins player Darcy Robinson, who passed away in October 2007. Being dyslexic, he always appreciated the wonders of reading books.

A part of the WBS Penguins charity, the program incentivizes reading by offering rewards such as game tickets, merchandise, or special experiences at WBS Penguins games. Each student who reads 10 books can win a free ticket coupon for an upcoming WBS Penguins home game. Their parents can also buy tickets at discounted rates.

#2. Charitable Giving through the Penguins GOALS Foundation

The GOALS foundation is the WBS Penguins charity arm. The foundation continues to help non-profits in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area through donations. The foundation places a strong emphasis on education. It often donates to local non-profits that promote education and empower students to succeed academically.

But the WBS Penguins charity arm doesn’t donate to for-profit organizations. You need to adhere to their guidelines to receive donations. Currently, the GOALS foundation accepts donation requests from Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Columbia, and Wyoming counties.

#3. Charitable Work through TUX

The WBS Penguins Foundation also does charitable work through TUX – the Penguin mascot. Apart from showing his dance moves in the arena, TUX continues to make appearances at community events. Since he became part of the WBS Penguins community 23 years ago, he has participated in thousands of community events across counties in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area.

He’s visited nearly every grade school in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. TUX can be the main attraction at your event and offer it the much-needed publicity boost. You can book him in advance. This is a unique program undertaken by the WBS Penguins Foundation.

#4. Salute to Service Suite

The WBS Penguins community work also honors local military personnel and first responders. The WBS Penguins Foundation maintains the “Salute to Service” Suite at Mohegan Sun Arena. The suite is decorated in Penguins military and first responder jerseys and photos. This program recognizes a recipient during the game.

The WBS Penguins Foundation chooses the recipient through random selection. Each recipient will receive 12 tickets to the “Salute to Service” Suite for a Penguins game. As a recipient, you will also get three VIP Parking passes and a complimentary snack package.

But the benefits of this WBS Penguins charity work extend beyond these one-time rewards. All active and retired military and first responders, including police, firefighters, and EMTs, will continue to receive 25% off select concessions items at permanent ASM Global/SAVOR-managed concessions stands at all WBS Penguins games. All you have to do is show your ID. This is how the WBS Penguins Foundation honors the brave hearts who serve their community and country.

Get Your Tickets and Go to Thrilling Games as the Penguins Help the Local Community

The WBS Penguins, through their GOALS Foundation, continue to help the local community. This charity work involves everything, from promoting reading and education among young WBS fans to honoring local military personnel and first responders for their service. Since our launch in 1999, the WBS Penguins have been involved in local charity, exemplifying the profound impact sports organizations can have on their communities. You can also be a part of this proud tradition.

Be a part of each WBS Penguins game and support the team and our charity work. Get your tickets to see the WBS Penguins play today.