VOL 27 ISSUE 11, March 16, 2026
The Boston Bruins, the National Hockey League team owned by Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, hosted the 2026 Black & Gold Gala benefitting the Boston Bruins Foundation on March 1 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in downtown Boston. The Black & Gold Gala serves as one of the Boston Bruins Foundation’s largest annual fundraisers.
Established in 2003 by Charlie Jacobs, Delaware North CEO and Boston Bruins CEO, the Boston Bruins Foundation has leveraged the Bruins brand to create positive, lasting change in New England. With a focus on advocating for and supporting children, families, first responders and military members through health and wellness, education and athletics, the Boston Bruins Foundation has raised more than $78 million since its inception.
Each season, the gala brings together community partners, along with Bruins leadership, staff, coaches and players, for a night of celebration, complete with a cocktail hour, a silent auction filled with Bruins memorabilia, a seated dinner and a full program with awards, guest appearances and special prizes – all with the goal of raising funds for the Boston Bruins Foundation to continue its mission.
A celebration of the BFit Program
The 2026 Black & Gold Gala, which raised more than $1.2-million, was centered around the Foundation’s deep ties to the first responder and military community through the BFit Program.
Through the BFit program, the Boston Bruins Foundation encourages movement and promotes healthier living throughout New England, leaning on the Bruins’ expertise.
Two of the BFit program’s annual events – the BFit Challenge and the BFit Heroes Cup – bring together local military members and first responders to raise funds for charitable organizations that support their communities.
Bob Sweeney, president of the Boston Bruins Foundation, and John Whitesides, director of health, fitness and wellness for the Boston Bruins Foundation, presented four Community Service Awards to BFit partner organizations:
- The 100 Club of Massachusetts, which is dedicated to caring for the families of fallen police officers and fire fighters.
- The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, which provides support to firefighters across the Commonwealth.
- The State Police Association of Massachusetts, which is devoted to the welfare of state troopers and sergeants of the Massachusetts State Police.
- Healing Heroes Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the well-being of high-risk service professionals and their families.
A conversation with Bruins Olympians
This year’s Black & Gold Gala took place on the heels of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, where nine Bruins had been selected to represent their home countries.
As part of the Gala’s program, Kathryn Tappen, commentator for NBC Sports, moderated a conversation with two of the Bruins Olympians – defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goalie Jeremy Swayman – who returned from the 2026 Olympics as gold medal winners on Team U.S.A.
McAvoy and Swayman discussed the NHL’s return to the Olympics, the experience of being in the Olympic Village and bringing home the first gold medal for the men’s hockey team in 46 years. Following the conversation, McAvoy and Swayman signed Team U.S.A. jerseys, which were auctioned off live in the room to benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation.
Watch a video recap of the 2026 Black & Gold Gala: