Dawg Nation Hockey has been helping hockey players and their families in a movement of kindness and decency that is filling a huge void. It brings together the spirit of sportsmanship with help. Many times I’ve seen them provide big checks to people in the worst of times, surrounded by people there to show that hockey players are really one big, tight group.
Kudos to Marty Richardson for his selfless leadership and devotion to a mission that has made a critical difference in so many lives. Their overhead is low and their aspirations to do good things, sky high.
DAWG Nation is what non-profits are supposed to be. An organization that cares about the people they serve, the people that support them, their volunteers, the organizations that sponsor them, all before any thought or efforts are devoted to making a profit.
I am a terminal cancer patient and a proud member of DAWG nation. They invited me to participate in a fund-raising activity to support cancer victims and their families. I was/am in awe of the friendship, passion, and inspiration that transcends all levels of the organization.
I participated in a hockey tournament fund raiser and am thrilled to report in was a resounding success. "People helping people". Funds generated and shared with those in need, smiles and handshakes for all in attendance, and a helping hand for an old man that can no longer skate, helping him enjoy one more trip down the ice (that old man is me). It is with tear filled eyes that I write, I can't wait to go to next year's tournament to help out.
DAWG nation, truly one of the "Great Nonprofits" of our time.
We want to thank Dawg Nation and all of the members of our hockey community for your incredible generosity during this challenging time. Your kindness and support have been a source of strength for our family as we navigate Brendan’s injury and recovery.
This unexpected journey has been difficult, but knowing we have such a compassionate community behind us has lifted a tremendous burden. Your generosity is helping us cover medical expenses and focus on what matters most—Brendan’s s healing and well-being.
We are deeply touched by your thoughtfulness and cannot express how much your support means to us.
Dawg Nation and their continued support for hockey players and families, reinforce the spirit of teamwork and compassion that makes this sport so special. Thank you for standing with us and showing what it means to truly care for one another.
We are forever grateful for your generosity and will never forget this act of kindness. Thank you for standing by us and for being a part of our story.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Huff Family
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is an incredible organization that provides immediate assistance to members of the hockey community in times of medical crisis. As beneficiaries, we can speak to the fact that all fundraising that was conducted for us, went directly to us. The members of Dawg Nation truly are incredible people who work tirelessly to help people in crisis mode. Their outreach encompasses financial assistance, peer visits and continued support from the Dawg Family long after the check is presented. They are a shining example of how a nonprofit can truly make a difference for those in need of help during a time of medical devastation.
I am a wife of a Ice hockey player (goalie) and I support all the guys. When I was hospitalized and in a coma, intubated and prone for 14 days in November of 2020, my world collapsed. Dawg Nation Hockey, the major hockey charity in Colorado, collected donations to help my family survive and to receive support and prayers and funds. If we needed anything the charity would try to help. Marty Richardson, the “Dawgfather” was put on this planet to help others in the hockey community! The entire organization
has many fundraisers and continues to help hundreds of folks. As a recipient, I always try to “pay it forward” to donate funds to others that have reached out to Dawgnation for help. Just today, we lost a great hockey player to cancer and Dawgnation is collecting funds to support his wife and 3 young daughters! The organization works with other teams, other states, professional hockey teams, the USA sled hockey team and players, Veterans, ex-pro hockey players, and even the college hockey community. I cannot even imagine my life without their support and help during my health challenges.
In September 2020 my son had a devastating accident and he was paralyzed from the chest down and had to go to the famous Craig hospital and rehab in Colorado. While we were there I spoke to my friend that lived there, Rhett Brantley. Rhett told me about Dawg Nation. He explained that Dawg Nation was all about helping hockey families that had a financial crisis due to their medical problems. He hooked me up with them and we met and they agreed to do a match for my son if we did a fundraiser. This was just the first step in their relationship with our family. The fundraiser went so well that we did another one at home in St Louis once my son was discharged and we were so impressed that I told Dawg Nation that I wanted to be a part of this great family and we started the process of getting some local friends together and started a new chapter in StLouis. Together we have been able to help a lot of families and we look forward to helping many more.
Each day I am in utter amazement at how generous Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is to those in need. How they help those within our hockey community through tough times with such compassion and kindness is far beyond any words I can find to describe the work they do.
While the monetary gift from their organization is a huge part of lifting the overbearing weight we feel in our darkest times, the true gift, and largest part of what they do is lift us up spiritually and emotionally when we feel our foundation crack.
They have helped so many of my friends and myself get through tough times, and have brought so many phenomenal people into my life. This truly is such an amazing organization based on the greatest belief of all — that we rise by lifting others.
I cannot thank you all enough for relieving my burden on multiple occasions and allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief in some of the most stressful moments in my life, or for helping countless others during their times of uncertainty. To bask in the light of such love and altruism is truly the greatest gift of all.
No words will ever be able to fully express my gratitude.
To you all, you hold the most sacred place in my heart. Thank you each and everyone from Dawg Nation for your tireless efforts to make this world a better place.
Dawg Nation is the most professionally run and effective nonprofits I’ve ever worked with. I got involved with Dawg Nation in 2022 when I moved to Colorado and was introduced to Marty by a sled hockey teammate of mine, Jerry DeVaul. Dawg Nation has been a longtime supporter and partner of Colorado Sled Hockey — as a Paralympic sled player, there were naturally many opportunities to work with Dawg Nation in a volunteer capacity. The attached photo is from an event in Steamboat last summer, where the family of the pictured sled player was awarded a check from Dawg Nation, and as part of the event, I got to skate with Wilder. It’s been incredibly rewarding working with Dawg Nation and feeling its support in the sled community.
Ten years ago, my husband was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer. At best, we were expecting 2.5 years with him but didn’t even know if he’d make it through the year. Our lives were turned completely upside down with two young children, him unable to work as normal, and the medical bills flooding in. We didn’t know what we were going to do. Enter Martin Richardson and DAWG Nation! This incredible charity has been an absolute God-send! Thanks to them, we were able to pay our bills and keep our home - the loss of which would have been impossible to bear on top of everything else.
Ten years later - more than quadruple his life expectancy - my husband is still with us and is still fighting! It hasn’t been easy; in fact it’s been a nonstop battle of almost weekly chemo and countless hospital admissions and other appointments, but DAWG has been there for us throughout, helping us two more times along our journey and now helping me complete my schooling so we can finally get by financially and pay it forward to others in need.
I truly can’t express the incredible blessing they have been through this impossibly difficult time. Financially, absolutely…but also for the sense of community and support - which has meant every bit as much! We are so incredibly grateful for them!
They do a lot for the hockey community in the Denver Metro area. They are always there for the survivors and the staff members they have. They are very welcoming and understanding of everyone's situation and help provide their best for those who need it most.
I'm happy to be a part of this organization. It all started with my friend, neighbor,and a D-Rep player, DAVE BAD ASS REPSHER. In 2015, when there was a helicopter crash in Frisco CO July 3rd . Dave's family was struggling with him in the hospital for over a year. We had 2 amazing hockey tournaments and raised a ton of money. Also want to thank the entire summit county community for stepping up and helping with the tournaments. It meant the world to all of us. It doesn't stop there. We raised money for Emma a sweet beautiful little girl for her medications. Doesn't stop there. Also another tournament in Silverthorne for Tim who fell down the stairs and had a serious head injury . They also helped me out when I had shoulder surgery. Hundreds of people have slept better at night because of this organization. Would love to thank everyone for all their help over the years.There are too many people to thank here so I want to thank everyone involved you all know who you are. LOVE you guys and girls.
Thank you
George Altz
Karen Mahany
I always say our hockey family is one of the most supportive and proactive groups. And Dawg Nation Hockey just helped to solidify my opinion. I have been part of the hockey community for the past 25 years in some capacity. I played adult league for many years and have had 2 children who have been part of club hockey since they were 3 and 5. I coached at the club level as well. Needless to say we have a very large hockey family. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last October and our LHA team stepped up and also reached out to Marty from Dawg Nation Hockey. Marty reached out to me to talk and get some background into my hockey life as well as personal life. Dawg Nation set up a fund raiser and had a retired NHL Avs player at the fund raiser. They filled 2 ice rinks at the Edge Ice Arena with people and family. After the fund raiser Marty and Dawg Nation Hockey gave me a donation check. It was more than I could have imagined. Marty and Dawg Nation Hockey not only did that but they kept and eye on me through out my treatment, reaching out and checking in to see if I had any other needs. Dawg Nation Hockey stepped in and helped my family at one of the worst points I'm our lives. They made the entire process of my treatment much less stressful by providing the funds that we needed to help provide for our family. I don't know what we would have done if it wasn't for Dawg Nation Hockey. I was able to pay bills and co-pays that we would not have been able to pay. And it made the entire treatment process much less stressful, and for that I am forever greatful. Love Dawg Nation Hockey!!!
In March 2023, I had emergency brain surgery to remove a brain tumor in my front temporal lobe. My loved ones and I were faced with loads of adversity that was beyond overwhelming. Dawg Nation rallied behind us and showed the upmost support and love giving us the extra push we needed. Everyone involved in the Dawg Nation family is an incredible person. I am so blessed to be a part of this family and I owe so much to all the beautiful souls involved.
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and Dawg Nation not only supported my financial but showed up at my surgeries and are a huge part of my recovery and mental well being. They have supported me and my family though my darkest times and now I am happy to support them in everything they do, and feel such happiness to be able to be there for people like they have been for me.
This is the pinnacle of nonprofit organizations. They are dedicated to their cause, involved like family, and there when you need them. For these reasons, they have a massive following that helps them to do what they do best, take care of people in need. They take away a lot of financial stress from people that would slow their healing and recovery.
Dawg Nation facilitated an amazing event for me in support of cancer treatment I was receiving. Behind the scenes the raised money for my medical bills and presented a check to me publicly in front of family and friends. They remain actively involved in my life and I consider Marty a friend I will forever be in debt to.
I can’t speak highly enough of their effort and execution. The events they put on are well rehearsed, well delivered and done so in the warmest of ways during dark times in people’s lives.
Marty has been ”throwing life rafts to tired swimmers” for years and his non-profit should be recognized!!
This is a true grassroots organization which has thrived because the people involved have always put the organization and recipients first. While it has distributed millions to people in need it also provides important opportunities beyond financial support. Even the fundraisers serve as community building that benefits supporters and recipients alike.
80 years old and facing some financial challenges due to a battle with COVID and two knee replacements, Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation stepped up and helped me weather the storm. Equally important is how they donate more than money. They put together a Hockey Heals ice session each week to let players like me have an opportunity to keep playing the game I love.
Dawg Nation is one of the most inspiring organization I have ever encountered. The sole goal of the organization is to support anyone in the community who is experiencing tough times and might need a helping hand—from cancer patients, to organ recipients, to victims of serious accidents. The organization is even more remarkable because it is entirely community, word of mouth driven, and focused as much on the families of the person going through the challenging time. They put on amazing events throughout the year, are able to get huge sport celebrities on board, and simply strive to make the lives of people who are facing massive challenges a little easier.
I got to know Dawg Nation through their Survivor Game—a charity hockey game featuring players who have survived and are surviving a critical disease or injury. When I was 15 years old in 1998, doctors randomly discovered I have a frontal brain tumor that gave most people a 3-year survival period. After five rounds of chemo, radiation, and experimental treatments I found the Survivor game years later in 2014, and it is the most meaningful day of the year for me. To be surrounded by so many other brothers and sisters who have stared down the most gruesome diseases, powered through, and are given a chance to get out on the ice through Dawg Nation all while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to make it easier for others.
I cannot think of anything in my life that has felt more meaningful than seeing the amazing work Dawg Nation does for anyone in need.
Dawg Nation is a heart-warming non-profit that makes a massive difference in the hockey community by raising money, hosting fundraisers, and donating over $5M over the last 14 years to those in need. They have helped individuals and families in need after accidents, medical issues, and deaths when they need it most. Dawg Nation has created partnerships with hockey leagues, including youth, recreational leagues, colleges, and the NHL, to create awareness and unique experiences for recipients.
This is a remarkable foundation that partners with those in the community who are going through medical hardships. They not only provide financial help to individuals and families, but they walk the often long road to recovery and healing with them, showing support with hospital visits, taking them to special events, helping them adjust to life at home, and often giving them once in a lifetime moments with their sports heroes. Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation has had a profound impact on many lives, both for those who have been recipients as well as for its volunteers.
I have witnessed 100+ moments of hockey families lives being changed. Dawg Nation has become a big family that surrounds new recipients to support them in their time of need. As a volunteer, I am privileged to meet the new families and hear their stories while giving back to help support the cause.
Dawg Nation came to my son's hospital room, the day of his first surgery. He was 21 years old and had cancer. They brought a signed hockey stick, signed by the team and a banner signed by everyone they could find at the rink. Then they handed him a $1,000 in cash said we are here for you, buddy. Fast forward 15 years and seven surgeries and Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation has been there ever since. Never forgotten and never not supported.
DAWG Nation has been a pillar in the Colorado non-profit community for years. They have helped tons of hockey players, and families through hard times with financial support, and community support. They host numerous events each year to benefit families, and give them a place and a support system to help through their struggles. I’ve personally contributed to, and been witness to multiple emotional ceremonies where families are surprised with checks to help towards medical bills, recovery, etc.
The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is an extraordinary charity that provides critical assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardships. Their mission goes far beyond financial aid; the dedicated members of Dawg Nation devote their time and compassion to those they support, often visiting families in hospitals and offering much-needed emotional uplift during incredibly challenging times.
This foundation fills an essential gap in the community, bringing hope and relief to countless adults and children who might otherwise face their hardships alone. Over the past 13 years, Dawg Nation has built a strong legacy of impactful support, helping families across a wide range of circumstances. Their unwavering commitment to bringing comfort and aid to those in need is truly inspiring.
For these reasons, I am honored to contribute both my time and donations to Dawg Nation, knowing that my involvement helps sustain an organization that embodies the true spirit of community and compassion.