Since the start of the 2003-2004 National Hockey League Tampa Bay Lightning season, Brad has been providing pediatric oncology patients and their families with a true “suite” escape. Brad, a Prince Edward Island, Canada native purchased a luxury suite at the St. Pete Times Forum and has donated use of the suite to children and their families affiliated with the Children’s Cancer Center, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) organization located in Tampa, FL and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) organization located in Tampa, FL. This “Richy’s Rascals Suite Escape” has touched the lives of hundreds of children and families affected by childhood cancer.

The suite takes adolescent luxury to the next level by Brad providing young guests with everything from arts and crafts materials, to a Sony PlayStation, television, DVD player, books and games. During the 2005-2006 season, a complete renovation of the suite was made possible by Dr. Doodle and a very generous group of donors. The suite now features; ceiling tiles designed by Richy’s Rascals, among them is a large red light that can be illuminated by the children when a goal is scored, the Seven Wonders of the World- intertwined with stops along Brad’s hockey career, the bathroom has been transformed into the Lightning Locker Room, a 3D goal and moments from the Stanley Cup season decorate an entire wall and life size photos of Brad cover the doors. Adorned on the walls of the suite, are great memories of the families who have been Brad’s guests, along with sentiments they leave by signing the Richy’s Rascals Wall of Fame.

At nearly every Tampa Bay Lightning home game, the Richy’s Rascals suite is filled to the brim with fun and laughter. The suite is completely catered and loaded with goodies, and Brad always ends the experience with the opportunity to visit with him post game for photos and autographs in the locker room area. Additionally, the children are given bandannas, t-shirts and other trinkets to commemorate their suite experience.

As the Richy’s Rascals Suite Escape program has grown, members of the general public and business community have expressed a desire to participate and contribute to the experience. In response to this interest, The Brad Richards Foundation, Inc. was created to expand the charitable scope of the Richy’s Rascals vision and to extend a helping hand to many outstanding Tampa Bay area organizations. The original process founding the organization began in late Summer of 2006 and in the Fall of 2007, The Brad Richards Foundation, Inc. was deemed a 501 (c) (3) organization and publicly launched.

Brad, the Board of Directors and Staff, are very excited to grow this Organization, to take an active role in our community and to touch the lives of many in the Tampa Bay region!