A new collaboration between local Jimmy John’s franchisees and Minnesota Hockey will support multiple initiatives aimed at growing the sport. Among the initiatives supported is Gear Up Minnesota, an equipment grant program that works to make hockey more affordable for players and their families. Another is the Family Mentor Program, which matches seasoned hockey families with first-year families to help them acclimate to the world of hockey.

“At Jimmy John’s we take immense pride in being a part of the community,” said local Jimmy John’s franchisee, Dan Vansteenburg. “Our partnership with Minnesota Hockey and the Gear Up Minnesota grant program is a great way to show that.”

Community involvement comes from the top at Jimmy John’s. In 2016, Jimmy John Liautaud and his wife, Leslie, established the Liautaud Family Foundation to help others help themselves. From supporting Camp Southern Ground, a non-profit project founded by Zac Brown, to paying off Christmas layaway items, Jimmy shares his good fortune with others. Jimmy supports several national organizations including the Mayo Clinic, the American Heart Association and the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Liautaud also gives back to his hometown through various initiatives, including Crisis Nursery, a nonprofit that provides 24-hour emergency services for children to prevent abuse and neglect, and his alma mater, Elgin Academy School. Liautaud donated $1 million to Elgin for a new building that would house 12 classrooms, a theater, and a library. Jim Lyons, a teacher at Elgin, helped Jimmy through school and Liautaud wanted to show his appreciation by having the new building named after him. The school wanted to inspire students with Jimmy’s story, so the school was named the Liautaud-Lyons Upper School.

Learn more about Jimmy’s philanthropy efforts here.