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About the Companions in Courage Foundation

The Companions in Courage Foundation was originally founded by NHL Hall of Famer, Pat LaFontaine in 1997. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and eligible to receive donations. In just the last five years our efforts have gone to raising funds to build interactive playrooms in hospitals throughout North America. Through innovative communications tools, these playrooms replace the isolation of a hospital with a connection to family, friends and celebrities during each hospital stay.

By virtue of their location (primarily in major metropolitan areas), children’s hospitals tend to be safety nets to the most vulnerable in our society. On average, these facilities devote almost half of their care to children of low-income families.

Our “Lion’s Den” rooms were designed by Edwin Schlossberg and his renowned ESI Design team in New York City. We are supported by generous individuals and corporations that include Microsoft Corporation, Google and Cisco Systems.

Our mission is quite simple. No child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go through it alone. At Companions in Courage Foundation, we are here to give courage, friendship, compassion and support to those children and families who are overcoming illness and life-threatening obstacles.

Pat LaFontaine

As part of the NHL’s Centennial celebration in 2017, LaFontaine was recognized as one of the Top-100 players in the history of the game. He currently is in 15th place All-Time in Points-per-Game (1.171) and 17th All-Time in Goals-Per-Game (0.541). A perennial All-Star in the National Hockey League, Pat LaFontaine was not only a great player, but also a great humanitarian in whatever city he represented. That combination was recognized in 2003 when it was announced that LaFontaine would be the first player inducted into both the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota in the same year.

The evolution of this Foundation began during Pat’s years with the Buffalo Sabres. Dedicating much of his off-ice time at Buffalo Children’s Hospital, Pat began to appreciate the power of another person’s strengths. “Being with these kids – knowing their smiles, their pain and their courage – changed my life. They taught me about life and death. These children left me with a simple reality: We don’t always have much control over what happens to us, but we do have a choice in how we respond.” And that he did.

In 1998, after 15 years in the NHL, Pat retired prematurely as a result of a series of head traumas and concussions suffered through his career. With support and inspiration from family, friends and most of all, the kids in those hospitals, competing not for goals, but for life, Pat drew upon their courage and got through the most difficult time of his life. From that point on, Pat’s fight for children took on new meaning and clearly defined where all his time and energy were going to be focused: helping kids through this Foundation.

Hockey Hall Of Fame

Pat LaFontaine was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 3rd, 2003 in Toronto. LaFontaine, a center and one of the highest-scoring American-born players of all-time, played with the New York Islanders, the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers before ending his career in part because of concussion problems.

LaFontaine had 468 goals and 545 assists in 865 career games with the Islanders, Rangers and Sabres. He had his best season in 1992-93, totaling 53 goals and 95 assists. He was the third American with 1,000 career points in the NHL. He currently is in 15th place All-Time in Points-per-Game (1.171) and 17th All-Time in Goals-Per-Game (0.541).

How You Can Help

How can I make a gift to the Companions in Courage (CiC) Foundation and how do I address my check?

If you want to make a direct monetary contribution, all checks should be made payable to the Companions in Courage Foundation and sent to our address at:

Companions in Courage Foundation attn: Pat LaFontaine, P.O. Box 768 Huntington, NY 11743      (914) 325-4870

Other ways to donate, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found on our website; just click on the “Donate Now” button.

Is my gift to the CiC Foundation tax-deductible?

The CiC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and as such, your gift is likely tax deductible. (Federal ID #16-1493691). All gifts that qualify as tax-deductible, however, are based upon recent decisions and rulings upon federal tax laws and regulations now in effect. Please consult your attorney or CPA as to the applicability of any items to your personal situation.

How can I make a gift to the Companions in Courage (CiC) Foundation and how do I address my check?

If you want to make a direct monetary contribution, all checks should be made payable to the Companions in Courage Foundation and sent to our address at:

Companions in Courage Foundation attn: Pat LaFontaine P.O. Box 768 Huntington, NY 11743 (914) 325-4870

Other ways to donate, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found on our website; just click on the Donate Now button.

Is my gift to the CiC Foundation tax-deductible?

The CiC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and as such, your gift is likely tax deductible. (Federal ID #16-1493691). All gifts that qualify as tax-deductible, however, are based upon recent decisions and rulings upon federal tax laws and regulations now in effect. Please consult your attorney or CPA as to the applicability of any items to your personal situation.

How is the money used?

The CiC Foundation works with hospitals throughout North America to deliver the “Lion’s Den” rooms which use technology in the healing process. Money raised by CiC is used to offset the design fee for the creation of the rooms and to fabricate the walls, ceiling and furniture that give the Lion’s Dens their unique look and feel. The CiC Foundation maintains the lowest possible expenses by soliciting donations, including administrative and operational support, from some of our generous benefactors. Partners such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Google provide technical support and resources to connect these rooms.

Where will the money be spent? Location?

The CiC Foundation has experienced unprecedented success through the installation of Lion’s Den rooms at children’s hospitals throughout North America. It is our intention to move into communities throughout North America as soon as possible. The executive board of the foundation carefully considers the applications of hospitals throughout North America. Based on several factors, including space availability within the hospital, and the resources available to the hospital’s development fund, the board makes the final decision on where new rooms will be installed.

Can I make a pledge and set up a payment plan?

Pledge payments may be set up annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or on a schedule that fits your situation. Payments may be made by cash, check, credit card authorization or money order. The Companions in Courage Foundation is also able to accept gifts of securities via electronically transferred shares. Please contact jjohnson@CiC16.org to receive detailed instructions on how to execute a transfer.   More information can be found by clicking on the “Donate Now” button.

Where can I see what the CiC Foundation does?

Please click on the “News” tab on our website to see the foundation in action and some of the young people who have benefited from the generosity of “companions” like you. For more information on the CiC Foundation, please write to the following address or call.

Companions in Courage Foundation, Attn: Pat LaFontaine, P.O. Box 768 Huntington, NY 11743    (914) 325-4870

Will I have an opportunity to meet with Pat LaFontaine?

Opportunities to meet Pat in person, or to see what the CiC Foundation is doing for kids in hospitals, are listed in the Events section of our website. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at each of our events. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for any of our events, or becoming a major donor, please contact us by email at jjohnson@CiC16.org

Can I get an autographed photo (puck, jersey, etc.) of Pat LaFontaine from the Foundation?

Because of the volume of requests for autographs, and the Foundation’s small staff and focus on Pat LaFontaine as an advocate for children’s hospitals, (and not as a celebrity), the Foundation cannot respond to such requests. The foundation will entertain autographs on personal hockey cards or photos in exchange for a nominal donation to the foundation. Any request must include a self-addressed and stamped return envelope.

Can Pat LaFontaine speak at my event?

Pat has a very busy schedule and is not able to attend many events. The Foundation will pass along written requests that it finds appropriate, but it cannot guarantee that he will be available or that you will receive a response from the Foundation.

Are there ways I can make a gift through a will or some other opportunities such as a trust, where I can help?

These gifts are also referred to as “planned”, “life income”, or “deferred,” gifts and can provide an immediate income tax deduction, as well as other benefits such as life income and avoidance of capital gains tax. They are also useful tools for estate planning.

Some deferred gifts, like bequests, provide gift and estate tax savings. Charitable remainder unitrusts, gift annuities, life insurance, and benefits from IRAs and pensions are just a few vehicles which our donors can use to benefit themselves as well as the Companions in Courage Foundation.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact us by email.

How much is expended for operational needs annually?

The CiC Foundation has been the recipient of some very generous gifts and donations in kind. We have therefore been able to avoid most of the administrative and operational expenses that other groups face. We pledge to our donors that we will continue to strive to keep our costs down in order to maximize the benefits of every dollar received. For more details, please see our listing at www.guidestar.com.

How do I sign up to be a CiC Foundation donor?

Online Giving allows donors to make charitable donations through our secure web site from the convenience of their homes or offices. Donations can also be made by check and sent to the foundation headquarters. For additional info please call: 914-325-4870.  Companions in Courage Foundation, Attn: Pat LaFontaine, P.O. Box 768, Huntington, NY 11743

Can I raise money for the Foundation?

The CiC Foundation welcomes “grass root” campaigns by “companions” looking to make a difference in their community. We are grateful for the support of people throughout the country who raise money for us through benefits, auctions, triathlons, etc. Due to the fact that we have a small staff and there are many generous people who want to support our efforts, we are not always able to provide direct logistical or personnel support outside of the fundraising events organized in-house. For additional info please email: jjohnson@CiC16.org

Can I volunteer?

Because we are a small office, it is difficult to accommodate all the wonderful, enthusiastic people who want to give their time and energy to our cause. However, we do recommend that those who want to volunteer consider children’s hospital advocacy and awareness work at the local and national level.

Our Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy

The Executive Board of the Companions in Courage Foundation is committed to maintaining the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of your personally identifiable information (“Personal Information”). As part of this commitment, our privacy policy governs our actions as they relate to the collection, use and disclosure of Personal Information. Our privacy policy is based upon the values set by the Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information.

We are responsible for maintaining and protecting the Personal Information under our control. We have designated an individual or individuals who is/are responsible for compliance with our privacy policy.

We collect, use and disclose Personal Information to provide you with the product or service you have requested and to offer you additional products and services we believe you might be interested in. The purposes for which we collect Personal Information will be identified before or at the time we collect the information. In certain circumstances, the purposes for which information is collected may be clear, and consent may be implied, such as where your name, address and payment information is provided as part of the order process.

Knowledge and consent are required for the collection, use or disclosure of Personal Information except where required or permitted by law. Providing us with your Personal Information is always your choice. However, your decision not to provide certain information may limit our ability to provide you with our products or services. We will not require you to consent to the collection, use, or disclosure of information as a condition to the supply of a product or service, except as required to be able to supply the product or service.

The Personal Information collected will be limited to those details necessary for the purposes identified by us. With your consent, we may collect Personal Information from you in person, over the telephone or by corresponding with you via mail, facsimile, or the Internet.

Personal Information may only be used or disclosed for the purpose for which it was collected unless you have otherwise consented, or when it is required or permitted by law.

Personal Information will only be retained for the period of time required to fulfill the purpose for which we collected it or as may be required by law

 

Personal Information will be maintained in as accurate, complete and up-to-date form as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it is to be used.

Personal Information will be protected by security safeguards that are appropriate to the sensitivity level of the information. We take all reasonable precautions to protect your Personal Information from any loss or unauthorized use, access or disclosure.

We will make information available to you about our policies and practices with respect to the management of your Personal Information.

Upon request, you will be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of your Personal Information, and will be given access to it. You may verify the accuracy and completeness of your Personal Information, and may request that it be amended, if appropriate. However, in certain circumstances permitted by law, we will not disclose certain information to you. For example, we may not disclose information relating to you if other individuals are referenced or if there are legal, security or commercial proprietary restrictions.

You may direct any questions or enquiries with respect to our privacy policy or our practices by contacting:

Companions in Courage Foundation,  General Counsel, P.O. Box 768, Huntington, NY 11743

Other Websites  Our website may sometimes contain links to other third-party sites that are not governed by this privacy policy. Although we try to only link to sites with high privacy standards, our privacy policy will no longer apply once you leave our website. Additionally, we are not responsible for the privacy practices employed by third party websites. Therefore, we suggest that you examine the privacy statements of those sites to learn how your information may be collected, used, shared and disclosed.

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