Our Mission
The WMB Foundation is a 501(c)3 exists to create opportunities for individuals that inspire positive change in the community.
Our Vision
The bridge to opportunity, starting today.
Making a Difference
Youth Hockey Athletic Scholarships
In 2024, our Foundation awarded over $20,100 in athletic scholarships and provided 40 pieces of equipment to hockey players across the Middle-Tennessee area.
This is all in an effort of building off the success of 2023 that saw the WMB Foundation awarding $8,200 in athletic scholarships to hockey players in Nashville, Tennessee.
The WMB Foundation is committed to increasing this support in 2025.
Hockey Equipment Recycling Drive
The WMB Foundation collects and cleans used hockey gear from players across the Middle-Tennessee area. Then redistributes the used hockey gear for players in need of equipment for the upcoming ice hockey season to help alleviate the financial burden that may come with increased equipment costs.
Since 2020, the WMB Foundation has distributed over 200 pieces of equipment.
Free Hockey Sessions
Beginning in 2023, the WMB Foundation has been hosting Free Hockey Skills sessions for girls across Middle Tennessee. Over the next two years, there has been a steady number of average participants per Free Girls sessions including a 34-participant average in our 2024 sessions.
In 2025, the Foundation will be continuing to host Free Girls Sessions across the Southeast along with beginning to host Free Military-First Responder hockey sessions for all active duty and retired members of the military and first responder hockey community.
About the WMB Foundation
Tracing its origins back to 2017, the Walters, Melin, and Burau (WMB) Foundation began with a group of parents providing financial relief to families in need of financial assistance with hockey registration fees and equipment. Cost is the single largest obstacle to playing hockey today. Several generous families recognized that offering young men and women the opportunity to play would have a positive impact on those athletes.
Since its inception, the WMB Foundation has awarded over $120,000 in athletic scholarships to Middle Tennessee hockey players. Parents and former players who return from college have frequently expressed their appreciation how the Foundation has enriched their lives, oftentimes beyond the rink.
As we look ahead in 2025, the WMB Foundation plans to expand its on-ice contributions along with boosting its support of the military and first-responder hockey communities. In addition, the WMB Foundation will aim to provide additional accessibility for the assisted and special-needs ice skating communities.
We have ambitious goals and we invite you and your company to participate. Your gifts can make a difference.
Donate today to help one of these causes.
Donate TodayOur Board
Leading Us in the Right Direction
Meet our Board of Directors
The WMB Foundation has a dedicated and compassionate group of individuals who help lead our foundation to help change the lives of athletes and those within our community, for the better.
Chairman of the Board
Rich Melin
Board of Directors
Jay Callis
Susan Richardson
Jon Walters
In the News
News 2 Nashville
NHL Alumni team up with Military-First Responders for WMB Service Cup
News Channel 5
