By Joe Coopersmith
(courtesy Blue Jackets Communications)
OCTOBER 22, 2025
Serving as a beacon of hope for children and families navigating medical challenges
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has announced the launch of Boone’s Buddies, a charitable initiative through the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation dedicated to supporting children and families in central Ohio who are navigating medical challenges. This season, Jenner has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to bring the Boone’s Buddies mission to life for children receiving medical care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
As part of the initiative, Jenner will host families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at 20 Columbus Blue Jackets home games, offering them a night of joy, connection, and respite. After each game, Boone or one of his teammates will personally meet with the family to reflect on the experience, share stories, and add a meaningful moment to an already special evening. Each family will also receive exclusive Boone’s Buddies hats to commemorate their night at the game.
“These kids and their families are going through so much. They’re fighting battles most of us can’t imagine,” said Jenner. “I wanted to give them a night where they could just be together, enjoy the game, and feel like a family without the weight of everything else.”
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are a long-standing partner of the Ronald McDonald House, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support,” said Dee Anders, Executive Director and CEO of RMHC of Central Ohio. “Players like Boone have huge hearts and truly make a difference by offering our families a moment of fun and relaxation during a difficult time in their lives.”
Boone’s Buddies aims to foster an environment of resilience, empathy, and support through community outreach, financial assistance, and advocacy. By offering comfort and a sense of normalcy during difficult times, the program strives to improve the lives of young patients and their families.
For more information about the Blue Jackets Foundation, visit www.BlueJackets.com/Foundation. To learn more about the Boone’s Buddies program or to make a donation in support, visit BlueJackets.com/BooneGivesBack.
Columbus returns to action on Friday against the Washington Capitals. Game time from Nationwide Arena is 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio and the FanDuel Sports Network app begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game will also be heard on the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, and online at BlueJackets.com.
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Information on all Blue Jackets ticketing options, including 2025-26 season tickets, can be obtained by calling (614) 246-3350 or visiting BlueJackets.com/tickets. Single-game tickets for all regular season home games at Nationwide Arena are also on sale. Fans may purchase single-game tickets on the CBJ App or by visiting BlueJackets.com or Ticketmaster.com.
COURTESY BLUE JACKETS COMMUNICATIONS
