Capitals support DC Schools Beautification Day

Washington Capitals Charities brought fans and DC Public Schools together today at Powell Elementary for the annual DC Public Schools Beautification Day. The theme “Roll Up Your Sleeves and Transform Our Schools” was in full effect as volunteers painted, cleaned, stenciled, alphabetized, delivered, and constructed their way through an entire day benefiting the children and staff who begin their school year on Monday, August 23rd.


The clear and sunny day began with a rousing welcome from Capitals Announcer Wes Johnson and Director of Community Relations Elizabeth Wodatch, and was highlighted by opportunity to work alongside Capitals Defenseman Mike Green, who flew in from his summer break especially for this event.

Having participated in various volunteer opportunities over the years, we’d have to say that this was by far the hardest and yet most rewarding event we’ve completed to date. Not being ones to be stuck indoors, we selected gardening, but never expected to dig and transform two complete flower beds with a team of hardy guys and gals. Unbelievable amounts of broken glass, rocks, and weeds were removed from the sites ensuring safe locations for students to enjoy with their classmates for the next year. Flowers were planted including native species and the butterflies were already seeking out the Black-Eyed Susans and Dianthus as the final layers of mulch were being laid. Green dug right in, so to speak, and genuinely seemed disappointed when he had to move indoors to paint, hang signs, and tackle toilet duty. Can’t say we’d wish that on anyone, so good for you Greener, for being a good sport.